PORTABLE COLLAPSIBLE BARRIER

A portable, extensible, and standalone security delimiter, comprising a multiplicity of portable towers with a multiplicity of links pivotally interconnected, forming a lattice structure that couple the multiplicity of portable towers with one another to enable the security delimiter expand out from a compact collapsed state to a selectably expanded operational state along a reciprocating span axis. The security delimiter further includes a latch mechanism that locks the security delimiter in the selectably expanded operational state at a desired longitudinal span, along the reciprocating span axis.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of the co-pending U.S. Utility Provisional Patent Application No. 61/226,662, filed Jul. 17, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to security delimiters, and more particularly, to portable extensible and collapsible barriers or security gates that can be used both outdoors and indoors to barricade or delineate a secure area.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventional barricades are well known and have been in use for a number of years. Regrettably, most conventional barricades suffer from obvious disadvantages in that they are not standalone, portable, and extensible, cannot be deployed with ease, and cannot be concatenated to increase a span or coverage of a delineated secure area. In addition, conventional barricades are not adjustably expansible to a desired span to adjustably delineate a specific desired secure area.

Accordingly, in light of the current state of the art and the drawbacks to current conventional barricades mentioned above, a need exists for a standalone security delimiter that would be portable and extensible, would expand or collapse to a desired span, would be interconnected, and easily deployed to quickly secure a desired area.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a security delimiter, comprising:

    • a standalone, portable, and extensible lattice structure that includes a plurality of towers that are adjustably linked, and able to adjustably expand to a desired linear span to secure an area.

Another exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a security delimiter, wherein:

    • the standalone, portable, extensible lattice structure is comprised of a plurality of standalone, portable, extensible lattice structures that are concatenated to further increase the span of delineation of a secure area;
    • the standalone, portable, extensible lattice structures are concatenated by coupling the standalone, portable, extensible lattice structures in series, with a preceding interlock mechanism of one or more standalone, portable, extensible lattice structures coupled to a subsequent interlock mechanism of another of one or more standalone, portable, extensible lattice structures in a sequence.

Another exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a security delimiter, comprising:

    • a standalone lattice structure that includes:
    • a multiplicity of towers;
    • a multiplicity of adjustable links that are pivotally interconnected, forming a linking structure that couple the multiplicity of towers with one another to enable the security delimiter to adjustably expand out from a compact collapsed state to a selectable expanded operational state along a reciprocating span axis; and
    • a latch mechanism that detachably locks the security delimiter in the selected expanded operational state at a desired longitudinal span, along a reciprocating span axis.

A further exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a security delimiter, wherein:

    • the standalone lattice structure is portable.

Another exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a security delimiter, comprising:

    • a multiplicity of portable towers;
    • a multiplicity of links pivotally interconnected, forming a linking structure that couple the multiplicity of portable towers with one another to enable the security delimiter to expand out from a compact collapsed state to a selectable expanded operational state along a reciprocating span axis;
    • a latch mechanism that locks the security delimiter in the selected expanded operational state at a desired longitudinal span, along the reciprocating span axis.

A further exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a security delimiter, wherein:

    • the multiplicity of portable towers are comprised of:
    • a series of towers, with a tower of the series of towers movably coupled with a next, subsequent adjacent tower of the series of towers.

Still a further exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a security delimiter, wherein:

    • the series of towers are comprised of:
    • a first set of towers and second set of towers;
    • a tower of the first set of towers is juxtaposed and movably coupled with a next, subsequent adjacent tower of the second set of towers.

Another exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a security delimiter, wherein:

    • one of the first set of towers and the second set of towers includes wheels, and at least one tower from one of the first set of towers and the second set of towers that includes wheels also includes a wheel lock.

Yet another exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a security delimiter, wherein:

    • the wheel lock is comprised of:
    • a frame coupled with a wheel axel, and positioned over the wheel;
    • a brake pad that has a first distal end coupled with a biasing mechanism that biases the brake pad in a first position, and a second distal end that is pivotally coupled with the frame; and
    • a brake pedal pivotally coupled with the frame, and having lateral flanges that press upon the brake pad to move the brake pad from the first to a second position, thereby locking the wheel.

A further exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a security delimiter, wherein:

    • the multiplicity of portable towers are comprised of:
    • a top piece;
    • a first lateral section coupled with a first distal end of the top piece;
    • a second lateral section coupled with a second distal end of the top piece;
    • a first leg coupled with the first lateral section, and a second leg coupled with the second lateral section.

Still a further exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a security delimiter, wherein:

    • the top piece includes a solar panel for generation of electricity.

Another exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a security delimiter, wherein:

    • a solar panel of a one top piece of one tower is independent of another solar panel on another top piece of another tower.

Yet another exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a security delimiter, wherein:

    • the first lateral section and the second lateral section are comprised of an elongated, vertically oriented elements that are positioned transverse the reciprocating span axis, with a top distal end coupled with the top piece and a bottom distal end coupled with one of the first leg and the second leg.

A further exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a security delimiter, wherein:

    • one of the first lateral section and the second lateral section are comprised of one of a polygonal and circular cross-sections.

Still a further Another exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a security delimiter, wherein:

    • the first lateral section and the second lateral section is comprised of a slit oriented transverse the reciprocating span axis of the portable barrier, at an inner bottom distal ends.

Another exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a security delimiter, wherein:

    • the linking structure is comprised of a series of crossing, pivoted levers joined together;
    • a first set of levers having a first connection point pivotally coupled with a wheel axel, and
    • a second set of levers having second connection point pivotally coupled with a bottom axel;
    • the first set of levers and the second set of levers pivotally interconnected.

Yet another exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a security delimiter, wherein:

    • the linking structure is a lazy tong that is coupled in between the first and second lateral sections.

Still another exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a security delimiter, wherein:

    • a first lever from a first set of levers has substantially mid-connection point pivotally coupled with an oppositely oriented, laterally adjacent second lever from the first set of lever, and with a tower of the multiplicity of towers via a mid-axel;
    • opposite distal ends of the mid-axel are inserted within a set of slits, which are positioned at an inner bottom distal ends of the first lateral section and the second lateral section, oriented transverse the reciprocating span axis of the portable barrier enabling a vertical movement, transverse the reciprocating span axis, of the lattice structure.

A further exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a security delimiter, wherein:

    • the latch mechanism is coupled with the lattice structure, and includes:
    • a first lock piece and a second lock piece;
    • the first lock piece includes a lock having a blade lever that interlocks underneath a set of a lips of the second lock piece that protrude from the inner side of the second lock piece;
    • the second lock piece has a set of grooves at different intervals interlocked with pivotal hinges coupling a first set of bars with a second set of bars of the lattice structure, enabling locking of the portable barrier in the selectably expanded operational condition at a desired longitudinal span, along the reciprocating span axis.

Still a further exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a security delimiter, wherein:

    • the security delimiter is comprised of a plurality of security delimiter that are coupled in series to further expand a longitudinal span of the security delimiter, with:
    • a preceding security delimiter of a plurality of security delimiters is coupled to a subsequent security delimiter of the plurality of security delimiters in a sequence via an interlock mechanism, with the connection of the plurality of security delimiters in series providing an increased longitudinal span.

Another exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a security delimiter, wherein:

    • a tower of multiplicity of towers is comprised of a single piece integral unit frame having a top portion and a first and second lateral portions.

Yet another exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a security delimiter, wherein:

    • adjustable links are comprised of a plurality of folds that are pivotally coupled with one another.

Such stated advantages of the invention are only examples and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments, taken together with the drawings and the claims that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It is to be understood that the drawings are to be used for the purposes of exemplary illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. Throughout the disclosure, the word “exemplary” is used exclusively to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

Referring to the drawings in which like reference character(s) present corresponding part(s) throughout:

FIGS. 1A to 1H are exemplary illustrations of the various views of a security delimiter in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 2A to 2D are exemplary illustrations of a latch mechanism of a security delimiter illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1H in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 3A to 3E are exemplary illustrations of a security delimiter illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1H, in a fully collapsed condition in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are exemplary detailed illustrations of an optional solar panel used with a security delimiter illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 3E in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 5A to 5G are exemplary detailed illustrations of the security delimiter illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 4B concatenated with a second security delimiter in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 6A to 6C are exemplary illustrations of a wheel lock mechanism of the security delimiter 100 in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary illustration of a second embodiment of a security delimiter that includes a horizontal bar across a first tower and with similar lateral pieces in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 8A to 8C are exemplary illustrations of a third embodiment of a security delimiter with identical lateral sections, a horizontal cross-bar, and a pillar in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 9A to 9F are exemplary illustrations of a fourth embodiment of a security delimiter with multiplicity of towers, each of which is comprised of a single piece integral frame in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 10A to 10C are exemplary illustrations of a fifth embodiment of a security delimiter with screen folds in accordance with the present invention.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and or utilized.

The present invention provides a security delimiter that is comprised of a standalone, portable, and extensible lattice structure that includes a plurality of towers that are adjustably linked, and able to adjustably expand to a desired linear span to secure an area.

FIGS. 1A to 1H are exemplary illustrations of the various views of a security delimiter in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated, the present invention provides a security delimiter 100 that is a standalone, portable, and extensible lattice structure that includes a multiplicity of portable towers 102, 104, 130 and 132 that are interconnected to form a standalone lattice structure, with a first and last towers respectively referenced as 130 and 132. A multiplicity of adjustable links that are pivotally interconnected form a linking structure 205 that couple the multiplicity of portable towers 102, 104, 130 and 132 with one another to enable the standalone, portable security delimiter 100 to adjustably expand out from a compact collapsed state to a selectable expanded operational state along a reciprocating span axis 190. Further included is a latch mechanism 140 that detachably locks the security delimiter 100 in the selected expanded operational state at a desired longitudinal span, along a reciprocating span axis 101.

As further illustrated, the multiplicity of portable towers 102, 104, 130 and 132 are comprised of a series of towers, with a tower of the series of towers movably coupled with a next, subsequent adjacent tower of the series of towers. The series of towers are comprised of a first set of towers 102 and second set of towers 104, with a tower of the first set of towers 102 juxtaposed and movably coupled with a next, subsequent adjacent tower of the second set of towers 104. One of the first set of towers 102 and the second set of towers 104 includes wheels 120, and at least one tower 130 and 132 also includes a wheel lock 101.

The multiplicity of portable towers 102, 104, 130 and 132 are comprised of a top piece, a first lateral piece coupled with a first distal end of the top piece, a second lateral piece coupled with a second distal end of the top piece, a first leg coupled with the first lateral piece, and a second leg coupled with the second lateral piece. More specifically, the multiplicity of towers 102, 104, 130, and 132 of the security delimiter 100 are comprised of a top semi-circular piece 106 that may optionally include a solar panel 150 for generation of electricity, which may be used to light a sign such as a “STOP” or “NO ENTRY” light signals. The towers 102, 104, 130, and 132 further include a first lateral piece 110 coupled with one of a first distal end and a second distal end of the top piece 106, and a second lateral piece 118 coupled with another of the second distal end and the first distal end of the top piece 106. Towers 102, 104, 130, and 132 further include a first leg 112 coupled with one of the first lateral piece 110 and the second lateral piece 118 and a second leg 112 coupled with another of the second lateral piece 118 and the first lateral piece 110.

The first lateral piece 110 and the second lateral piece 118 are comprised of an elongated, vertically oriented elements that are positioned transverse the reciprocating span axis 190, with a top distal ends thereof coupled with the top piece 106 and a bottom distal ends thereof coupled with one of the first leg and the second leg 112. As further illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1H, the first lateral piece 110 has a substantially rectangular cross-section and the second lateral piece 118 is comprised of a polygonal cross-section, with a side 191 thereof capable of reflecting or projection of light. The first lateral piece 110 and the second lateral piece 118 include a slit 138 that is oriented transverse the reciprocating span axis 190 of security delimiter 100, at an inner bottom distal ends thereof. As further illustrated, the respective first and second lateral pieces 110 and 118 are coupled with one another via a top piece 106, one of a wheel axel 122 and bottom axel 124, and a top-axel 160. It should be noted that the illustrated elements 116 are spacers that prevent the multiplicity of towers 102, 104, 130, and 132 from contacting each other when in a fully collapsed position. As best illustrated in FIGS. 1C, 1D, and 1E, the respective first and second lateral pieces 110 and 118 of the end towers 130, and 132 also include optional connection apertures 201 that enable the optional connection of the security delimiter 100 to a structure such as a wall using fasteners.

As further illustrated, the linking structure 205 is comprised of a series of crossing, pivoted levers joined together. A first set of levers 136 having a first connection point pivotally coupled with a wheel axel 122, and a second set of levers 137 having second connection point pivotally coupled with a bottom axel 124. The first set of levers 136 and the second set of levers 137 are pivotally interconnected at pivot connection points 202, including pivotal connections with the top axel 160. As illustrated, the first set of levers 136 and the second set of levers 137 are pivotally interconnected via horizontally oriented pivot interconnections 202, forming the linking structure, configured somewhat similar to a typical lazy tong structure. Both of the “return” levers 134 for the first tower 130 and the “return” lever 137A for the second tower 132 are shorter in length than the remaining levers, otherwise, they are similar with similar connections.

As further illustrated, the first set of levers 136 have a substantially mid-connection point 202 pivotally coupled with an oppositely oriented, laterally adjacent second set of levers 137, and with a tower of the multiplicity of towers via the top-axel 160, forming a lazy tong linking structure. The opposite distal ends of the top-axel 160 are inserted within the set of slits 138, which are positioned at the inner bottom distal ends of the first lateral section 110 and the second lateral section 118, oriented transverse the reciprocating span axis 190 of the security delimiter 100, enabling a vertical movement, transverse the reciprocating span axis 190 of the lattice structure.

FIGS. 2A to 2D are exemplary illustrations of a latch mechanism of a security delimiter illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1H in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated, the latch mechanism 140 includes a first lock piece 404 and a second lock piece 406 pivotally coupled to one another at a first end 401 thereof, forming an “alligator” lock. The first lock piece 404 includes a lock 402 having a blade lever 403 that interlocks underneath a set of flanges or lips 410 of the second lock piece 406 that protrude from the inner side of the second lock piece 406. The second lock piece 406 further has a set of grooves 408 at different intervals that can interlocked with pivotal hinges 202 that couple the first set of levers 136 with a second set of levers 137 of the link structure 205, enabling locking of the portable security delimiter 100 in the selectably, fixed expanded operational condition at a desired longitudinal span, along the reciprocating span axis 190.

FIGS. 3A to 3E are exemplary illustrations of a security delimiter illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1H, in a fully collapsed condition in accordance with the present invention. FIGS. 3A and 3E exemplarily illustrate the security delimiter 100 in a fully collapsed, compact condition, and FIGS. 3B to 3D exemplary illustrate the progressive closing of the security delimiter from an expanded operational condition (FIGS. 1A to 2D) to a collapsed state (shown in FIGS. 3A and 3E). As illustrated, the security delimiter 100 can progressively be expanded or collapsed to any desired span, dictated by the longitudinal axis of the slit 138. The levers 136 and 137 (including 134 and 137A) are cross-coupled via the top-axel 160, with the opposite distal ends of the top-axel 160 inserted within the set of slits 138. As the towers are collapsed (moved along the reciprocating span axis 190), the top axel 160 is moved progressively (FIG. 3C) within the longitudinal axis of the slits 138 along the reciprocating path 139 from a bottom distal end (FIG. 3B) to the top distal end (FIG. 3D) of the slit 138.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are exemplary detailed illustrations of a solar panel used with a security delimiter illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 3E in accordance with the present invention. As stated above, the use of solar panels are optional. The illustrated solar panels are independent and are not interconnected. The illustrated solar panels 150 are well-known off-the-shelf products that include well-known circuitry (FIG. 4B) for generating, using, and storing electricity, most of which include a well-known control panel (FIG. 4B), a backup battery, and various switching-sensors. The solar control panel includes the various switching-sensors for detection of sunlight impinged on the photovoltaic cells 152 during daytime, and functionality that enables automatic shut-off of power to various loads during daytime. Non-limiting examples of loads may include the exemplarily illustrated light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are used to light a sign during nighttime. In addition, solar control panel also includes functionality that enables automatic charging of a backup battery during daytime (when detecting sun light). During night, the solar control panel stops charging the backup battery, and enables supply of power to various loads via the backup battery to activate the loads (such as powering the LED lights), while continuously detecting sunlight.

FIGS. 5A to 5G are exemplary detailed illustrations of the security delimiter illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 4B concatenated with a second security delimiter in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 5A is an exemplary illustration of the first security delimiter 100, which is to be connected with a second security delimiter 500. The second security delimiter 500 is similar to the first security delimiter 100, with the exception of the solar panels 150. That is, the second security delimiter 500 is an example of a security delimiter that does not include solar panels. FIG. 5F is an exemplary illustration of the first security delimiter 100 connected with the second security delimiter 500, and FIGS. 5B to 5E are exemplary detailed illustrations of the connection mechanism. As illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5F, a plurality of security delimiters may be concatenated to further increase the span of delineation of a secure area. The security delimiters are concatenated by coupling the security delimiters in series, with a preceding interlock mechanism 105 of one or more security delimiters coupled to a subsequent interlock mechanism 105 of another of one or more security delimiters in a sequence. A non-limiting example of an interlock mechanism 105 is illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5F, and includes a first lock section 502 with a lateral aperture 504 and a key lock blade 506. The interlock mechanism 105 further includes a second lock section 508 with a lateral flange 510 that is inserted within the lateral aperture 504 (FIG. 5E), and interlocked with the key lock blade 506 to interlock a plurality of security delimiters to each other, thereby increasing the span of delineation of a secure area as illustrated in FIG. 5F.

FIG. 5G is detailed illustration of the security delimiter illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 5F that disclose lateral concatenation in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 5G, elements 704 represent compression locking mechanism that secures the base wheel or spindle. Element 706 represent interconnect locking mechanism for joining multiple units in a perpendicular fashion. That is, element 706 represents an angle connection mechanism for an angular connection of one security delimiter to another, with element 708 pivotally connecting element 706 to the frame.

As stated above, one of the first set of towers and the second set of towers includes wheels 120, and at least one tower from one of the first set of towers and the second set of towers that includes wheels 120 also includes a wheel lock 101. FIGS. 6A to 6C are exemplary illustrations of a wheel lock mechanism 101 of the security delimiter 100 in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated, every other tower (in particular towers 130, 132, and 102) have a set of wheels 120, which enable the entire security delimiter 100 to be moved and easily deployed. The present invention provides a non-limiting, exemplary wheel lock 101 to enable the portable security delimiter 100 to be stationery when in use. The exemplary wheel lock 101 is comprised of a frame 107 coupled with the wheel axel 122, and positioned over the top of the wheel 120. This arrangement orients the wheel lock 101 within the “interior” side of the leg 112 so that it is not in-the-way, enhancing safety and further, does not extend the width of the security delimiter 100. The wheel lock 101 includes a brake pad 105 that has a first distal end coupled with a biasing mechanism 115 that biases the brake pad 105 in a first position, and a second distal end that is pivotally coupled at pivot axel 111 with the frame 107. The brake pedal 103 is pivotally coupled with the frame 107 at pivot axel 109, and has lateral flanges 117 that press upon the brake pad 105 to move the brake pad 105 from the first to a second position along the reciprocating path 119, thereby frictionally locking the wheel 120.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary illustration of a second embodiment of a security delimiter 800 that includes a horizontal bar 802 across the first tower in accordance with the present invention. The security delimiter 800 includes similar corresponding or equivalent components, interconnections, and or cooperative relationships of elements as the security delimiters that are shown in FIGS. 1A to 6C, and described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, clarity, convenience, and to avoid duplication, the general description of FIG. 7 will not repeat every corresponding or equivalent component and or interconnections that has already been described above in relation to the security delimiter 100 that is shown in FIGS. 1A to 6C. As illustrated, this second embodiment includes a horizontal bar 802 across the first tower for providing a greater stability and structure integrity. Additionally, the first and the second lateral sections 804 of the towers in this exemplary instance are identical in terms of structure.

FIGS. 8A to 8C are exemplary illustrations of a third embodiment of a security delimiter 1000 with identical lateral sections 1002, a horizontal cross-bar 1004, and a pillar 1006 in accordance with the present invention. The security delimiter 1000 includes similar corresponding or equivalent components, interconnections, and or cooperative relationships of elements as the security delimiters that are shown in FIGS. 1A to 7, and described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, clarity, convenience, and to avoid duplication, the general description of FIGS. 8A to 8C will not repeat every corresponding or equivalent component and or interconnections that has already been described above in relation to the security delimiters that are shown in FIGS. 1A to 7. As illustrated, this fourth embodiment includes identical lateral sections 1002, a horizontal cross-bar 1004 for structural integrity, and a pillar 1006 with lifts that is coupled with the first tower that may be used maintain the security delimiter stationary.

FIGS. 9A to 9F are exemplary illustrations of a fourth embodiment of a security delimiter 2000 with multiplicity of towers, each of which is comprised of a single piece integral frame. The security delimiter 2000 includes similar corresponding or equivalent components, interconnections, and or cooperative relationships of elements as the security delimiters that are shown FIGS. 1A to 8C, and described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, clarity, convenience, and to avoid duplication, the general description of FIGS. 9A and 9F will not repeat every corresponding or equivalent component and or interconnections that has already been described above in relation to security delimiters that are shown in FIGS. 1A to 8C.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9F, the present invention provides a security delimiter 2000 that includes multiplicity of towers 2030 and 2032 that are comprised of a single piece frame. It should be noted that the frame of each tower may be tubular with circular cross-section (as illustrated) or any other type, including any polygonal cross-section. The link structure of the security delimiter 2000 is comprised of levers 2034 that are also comprised of a single piece frame (and in this non-limiting exemplary instance, have circular cross-section, making them tubular levers).

In general, the height 2006 of the security delimiter 2000 is made longer than the height of the security delimiters mentioned above. This means that both the frame and the link structures are longer to reach the desired height. Given the greater height 2006, the security delimiter 2000 is provided with greater width span 2008, greater number of levers 2034 connected for each tower, a tower base 2020, and wheels 120 positioned at the very distal ends 2020 (at the exterior side) of the towers for increased stability (prevents security delimiter 2000 from being toppled). The security delimiter 2000 further provides lifts 2024, which when used, enable the wheels 120 of the entire unit to be raised off the ground, making the security delimiter 2000 stationary, when needed.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 9D to 9F, the security delimiter 2000 can progressively be expanded or collapsed to any desired span, dictated by the longitudinal axis of the track 2004. The levers 2034 are cross-coupled via a top-axel 2040, with the opposite distal ends of the top-axel 2040 having a substantially U-shaped grip that ride along reciprocating path 2012 of the track 2004. As the towers are collapsed (moved along the reciprocating span axis 190), the top axel 2040 is moved progressively (FIGS. 9D and 9F) on the longitudinal axis of the track 2004 along the reciprocating path 2012 from a bottom distal end (FIG. 9B) to the top distal end (FIG. 9D) of the track 2004. The track 2004 is coupled with the inner side of the tower by a fastener 2018.

FIG. 10A to 10C are exemplary illustration of a fifth embodiment of a security delimiter 3000 with screen folds. The security delimiter 3000 includes similar corresponding or equivalent components, interconnections, and or cooperative relationships of elements as the security delimiters that are shown FIGS. 1A to 9F, and described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, clarity, convenience, and to avoid duplication, the general description of FIGS. 10A to 10C will not repeat every corresponding or equivalent component and or interconnections that has already been described above in relation to security delimiters that are shown in FIGS. 1A to 9F.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10A to 10C, the security delimiter 3000 includes screen a plurality of folds 3002 with a first fold section 3004 pivotally coupled with a second fold section 3006 through a proximal pivot hinge 3008 that enablers the first and second fold sections 3004 and 3006 to fold or expand (similar to an accordion). As best illustrated in FIGS. 10B and 10C, the very distal ends of the folds 3002 are coupled to distal pivot hinges 3010 and 3012 that pivotally couple the folds 3004 and 3006 with the lateral sections of the towers 3014. Accordingly, each fold section 3004 and 3006 is pivotally coupled longitudinally along their lateral sides. It should be noted that the security delimitate 3000 also includes a link structure (e.g., a lazy tong) such as those illustrated in the above embodiments however, in this exemplary instance, it is possible to due away with the lazy tong link structure. In other words, with this embodiment, the folds 3002 themselves may function as link structures.

Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features and or method acts, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction or orientation. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object.

In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) is not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead is used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.

In addition, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of,” “act of,” “operation of,” or “operational act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.

Claims

1. A security delimiter, comprising:

a standalone, portable, and extensible lattice structure that includes a plurality of towers that are adjustably linked, and able to adjustably expand to a desired linear span to secure an area.

2. The security delimiter as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

the standalone, portable, extensible lattice structure is comprised of a plurality of standalone, portable, extensible lattice structures that are concatenated to further increase the span of delineation of a secure area;
the standalone, portable, extensible lattice structures are concatenated by coupling the standalone, portable, extensible lattice structures in series, with a preceding interlock mechanism of one or more standalone, portable, extensible lattice structures coupled to a subsequent interlock mechanism of another of one or more standalone, portable, extensible lattice structures in a sequence.

3. A security delimiter, comprising:

a standalone lattice structure that includes:
a multiplicity of towers;
a multiplicity of adjustable links that are pivotally interconnected, forming a linking structure that couple the multiplicity of towers with one another to enable the security delimiter to adjustably expand out from a compact collapsed state to a selectable expanded operational state along a reciprocating span axis; and
a latch mechanism that detachably locks the security delimiter in the selected expanded operational state at a desired longitudinal span, along a reciprocating span axis.

4. The security delimiter as set forth in claim 3, wherein:

the standalone lattice structure is portable.

5. A security delimiter, comprising:

a multiplicity of portable towers;
a multiplicity of links pivotally interconnected, forming a linking structure that couple the multiplicity of portable towers with one another to enable the security delimiter to expand out from a compact collapsed state to a selectable expanded operational state along a reciprocating span axis;
a latch mechanism that locks the security delimiter in the selected expanded operational state at a desired longitudinal span, along the reciprocating span axis.

6. The security delimiter as set forth in claim 5, wherein:

the multiplicity of portable towers are comprised of:
a series of towers, with a tower of the series of towers movably coupled with a next, subsequent adjacent tower of the series of towers.

7. The security delimiter as set forth in claim 6, wherein:

the series of towers are comprised of:
a first set of towers and second set of towers;
a tower of the first set of towers is juxtaposed and movably coupled with a next, subsequent adjacent tower of the second set of towers.

8. The security delimiter as set forth in claim 7, wherein:

one of the first set of towers and the second set of towers includes wheels, and at least one tower from one of the first set of towers and the second set of towers that includes wheels also includes a wheel lock.

9. The security delimiter as set forth in claim 8, wherein:

the wheel lock is comprised of:
a frame coupled with a wheel axel, and positioned over the wheel;
a brake pad that has a first distal end coupled with a biasing mechanism that biases the brake pad in a first position, and a second distal end that is pivotally coupled with the frame; and
a brake pedal pivotally coupled with the frame, and having lateral flanges that press upon the brake pad to move the brake pad from the first to a second position, thereby locking the wheel.

10. The security delimiter as set forth in claim 5, wherein:

the multiplicity of portable towers are comprised of:
a top piece;
a first lateral section coupled with a first distal end of the top piece;
a second lateral section coupled with a second distal end of the top piece;
a first leg coupled with the first lateral section, and a second leg coupled with the second lateral section.

11. The security delimiter as set forth in claim 10, wherein:

the top piece includes a solar panel for generation of electricity.

12. The security delimiter as set forth in claim 10, wherein:

a solar panel of a one top piece of one tower is independent of another solar panel on another top piece of another tower.

13. The security delimiter as set forth in claim 10, wherein:

the first lateral section and the second lateral section are comprised of an elongated, vertically oriented elements that are positioned transverse the reciprocating span axis, with a top distal end coupled with the top piece and a bottom distal end coupled with one of the first leg and the second leg.

14. The security delimiter as set forth in claim 10, wherein:

one of the first lateral section and the second lateral section are comprised of one of a polygonal and circular cross-sections.

15. The security delimiter as set forth in claim 10, wherein:

the first lateral section and the second lateral section is comprised of a slit oriented transverse the reciprocating span axis of the portable barrier, at an inner bottom distal ends.

16. The security delimiter as set forth in claim 5, wherein:

the linking structure is comprised of a series of crossing, pivoted levers joined together;
a first set of levers having a first connection point pivotally coupled with a wheel axel, and
a second set of levers having second connection point pivotally coupled with a bottom axel;
the first set of levers and the second set of levers pivotally interconnected.

17. The security delimiter as set forth in claim 11, wherein:

the linking structure is a lazy tong that is coupled in between the first and second lateral sections.

18. The security delimiter as set forth in claim 11, wherein:

a first lever from a first set of levers has substantially mid-connection point pivotally coupled with an oppositely oriented, laterally adjacent second lever from the first set of lever, and with a tower of the multiplicity of towers via a mid-axel;
opposite distal ends of the mid-axel are inserted within a set of slits, which are positioned at an inner bottom distal ends of the first lateral section and the second lateral section, oriented transverse the reciprocating span axis of the portable barrier
enabling a vertical movement, transverse the reciprocating span axis, of the lattice structure.

19. The security delimiter as set forth in claim 11, wherein:

the latch mechanism is coupled with the lattice structure, and includes:
a first lock piece and a second lock piece;
the first lock piece includes a lock having a blade lever that interlocks underneath a set of a lips of the second lock piece that protrude from the inner side of the second lock piece;
the second lock piece has a set of grooves at different intervals interlocked with pivotal hinges coupling a first set of bars with a second set of bars of the lattice structure, enabling locking of the portable barrier in the selectably expanded operational condition at a desired longitudinal span, along the reciprocating span axis.

20. The security delimiter as set forth in claim 5, wherein:

the security delimiter is comprised of a plurality of security delimiter that are coupled in series to further expand a longitudinal span of the security delimiter, with:
a preceding security delimiter of a plurality of security delimiters is coupled to a subsequent security delimiter of the plurality of security delimiters in a sequence via an interlock mechanism, with the connection of the plurality of security delimiters in series providing an increased longitudinal span.

21. The security delimiter as set forth in claim 5, wherein:

a tower of multiplicity of towers is comprised of a single piece integral unit frame having a top portion and a first and second lateral portions.

22. The security delimiter as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

adjustable links are comprised of a plurality of folds that are pivotally coupled with one another.
Patent History
Publication number: 20110162280
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 16, 2010
Publication Date: Jul 7, 2011
Inventor: Jia Hong Yu (Shenzhen)
Application Number: 12/838,398
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Distortable; E.g., Flexible Strand-type Barricade (49/34)
International Classification: E04H 17/16 (20060101);