FOLDING BARRIER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

A grate hatch and folding barrier assembly has a pair of doors that open in a cabinet-style manner and lie flat or generally flat atop a support structure within which the grate hatch and folding barrier assembly is installed. A folding barrier gate assembly may be deployed from a collapsed position to complete a four-sided barrier around the hatch or opening. The folded barrier gate assembly has two opposing barrier gates, and a pair of secondary barrier gates that connect with and extend between the two opposing barrier gates to form the four-sided barrier around the hatch opening when fully deployed. When the barrier is no longer needed, the barrier assembly may be folded or collapsed and stored in the opening beneath or below the doors and the doors may then be closed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is directed to folding barrier guard for a grate hatch. More particularly, the present disclosure provides a grate hatch and folding barrier assembly.

BACKGROUND

A hatch door is one that enables ingress and egress into a space. Some hatch doors are installed in floors that allow access to a space below the floor. When the hatch door is open and personnel are in the space below the floor, there is a benefit of creating a barrier around the opening to prevent another person from accidentally falling through the hatch or opening.

Previous structures utilized various types of combination hatch and folding barrier assemblies. These structures included two doors that opened about a common axis, typically along one end of the assembly. Thereafter, a folded barrier would be deployed by moving the barrier from a folded or collapsed position to a deployed or raised position about an axis that was parallel to the axis about which the two doors were raised/pivoted. Then, additional barriers would swing out from the primary barrier and coupled directly to the vertically raised doors. Thus, the barrier would be formed by a three-sided structure coupled to the raised doors, wherein the vertically raised doors would complete the fourth side to form a complete barrier around the hatch or opening.

While this previous type of combination hatch and folding barrier assembly was sufficient for some types of applications, it is not without room for improvement. For example, for grated hatch doors, there is a tendency for the doors to be quiet heavy. Thus, it is dangerous for the doors to remain vertically upward and used as part of the barrier due to their weight because if the connector/latches fail, the heavy doors may fail causing injury.

SUMMARY

A need continues to exist for an improved grate hatch and folding barrier assembly due to the weight of the doors such that the doors should not be used to form one side of a barrier around a hatch or opening. The present disclosure addresses these and other issues by providing a grate hatch and folding barrier assembly that has a pair of doors that open in a cabinet-style manner and lie flat or generally flat atop the support structure within which the grate hatch and folding barrier assembly is installed. Thereafter, a folding barrier gate assembly may be deployed from a collapsed position to complete a four-sided barrier around the hatch or opening. The doors are not used to form the barrier; rather, the folded barrier gate assembly has two opposing barrier gates, and a pair of secondary barrier gates that connect with and extend between the two opposing barrier gates to form the four-sided barrier around the hatch opening when fully deployed. When the barrier is no longer needed, the barrier assembly may be folded or collapsed and stored in the opening beneath or below the doors and the doors may then be closed.

In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a grate hatch and folding barrier assembly comprising: a frame including a first end and a second end defining a first direction therebetween, and the frame including a first side and a second side defining a second direction therebetween, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; wherein the frame defines an opening that is adapted to provide access a volume of space below the frame; a door assembly coupled directly or indirectly to the frame, wherein the door assembly includes at least one grated hatch door that opens and closes to provide ingress and egress to the opening; a folding barrier guard assembly coupled directly or indirectly to the frame that deploys from a collapsed position to a deployed position to create a barrier around the opening and the volume of space below the frame, wherein the folding barrier guard assembly comprises: a first barrier gate that deploys to form a barrier aligned in the first direction along the first side of the frame; and a second barrier gate that deploys to form a barrier aligned in the first direction along the second side of the frame. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a first secondary barrier gate that deploys to form another barrier that is aligned in the second direction along one of the first end and the second end, wherein the first secondary barrier gate is carried by the second barrier gate. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide wherein the first secondary barrier gate is moveable between a first position and a deployed second position, wherein the first secondary barrier gate is perpendicular to the second barrier gate in the deployed second position when viewed from above. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a first connector that couples the first secondary barrier gate to the first barrier gate when the first secondary barrier gate is in the deployed second position, and wherein the first secondary barrier gate is perpendicular to the first barrier gate in the deployed second position when viewed from above. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a second secondary barrier gate that deploys to form another barrier that is aligned in the second direction along the other of the first end and the second end opposite the first secondary barrier gate, wherein the second secondary barrier gate is carried by the second barrier gate. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a second connector that couples the second secondary barrier gate to the first barrier gate when the second secondary barrier gate is in the deployed second position, and wherein the second secondary barrier gate is perpendicular to the first barrier gate in the deployed second position when viewed from above.

This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a first door and a second door, wherein the at least one door is one of the first door and the second door; a first hinge defining a first axis aligned parallel to the first direction proximate the first side of the frame, wherein the first door pivot about the first axis to move from a closed position to an open position; a second hinge defining a second axis aligned parallel to the first direction proximate the second side of the frame, wherein the second door pivot about the first axis to move from a closed position to an open position; wherein the folding barrier guard assembly can only move from the collapsed position to the deployed position when both the first door and the second door are each in the open position. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a first dimension of the frame measured from the first end to the second end; a second dimension of the fame measured from the first side to the second side; a width of the first door that is approximately half the second dimension; and a width of the second door that is approximately half the second dimension. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide wherein the first hinge is a dual-action hinge that enables the first door to be positioned in an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a top surface and a bottom surface of the first door, wherein the top surface and the bottom surface are aligned in the vertical direction when the first door is in the intermediate position between the closed position and the open position. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a first end and a second end of the dual-action first hinge, wherein the second end of the first hinge is positioned vertically above the first end of the first hinge when the first door is in the open position.

This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a bracket that couples the first barrier gate to the frame below the door assembly. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a hinge defining a first axis parallel to the first direction, wherein the barrier gate pivots about the first axis. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide wherein the secondary barrier gate is carried by the barrier gate; and another hinge that defines a second axis that is parallel to a normal line from the first axis.

In another aspect, another additional exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a grate hatch and folding barrier assembly comprising: a frame including a first end and a second end defining a first direction therebetween and defining a first dimension measured from the first end to the second end, and the frame including a first side and a second side defining a second direction therebetween and defining a second dimension measured from the first side to the second side, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; wherein the frame defines an opening that is adapted to provide access a volume of space below the frame; a door assembly coupled directly or indirectly to the frame, the door assembly comprising: a first door and a second door, wherein the first door and second door move independently between a closed position and an open position, wherein at least one of the first door and the second door includes grating slats aligned in one of the first direction and the second direction; a first hinge defining a first axis aligned parallel to the first direction, wherein the first door pivots about the first axis to move between the closed position and the open position, wherein the first axis lies along a first plane that is near the first side of the frame, wherein the first plane is a first distance from the first side, wherein the first distance is equal to about 1%-20% of the second dimension; a second hinge defining a second axis offset parallel to the first axis, wherein the second door pivots about the second axis to move between the closed position and the open position, wherein the second axis lies along a second plane that is near the second side of the frame, wherein the second plane is a second distance from the second side, wherein the second distance is equal to about 1%-20% of the second dimension; a folding barrier guard assembly coupled directly or indirectly to the frame that is adapted to create a barrier to the opening and the volume of space below the frame, the folding barrier guard assembly comprising: a first barrier gate that is moveable between a lowered position and a raised position when the first and second doors are in the open position, and the first barrier gate remains in the lowered position when the first and second doors are in the closed position; a third hinge defining a third axis aligned parallel to the first direction, wherein the first barrier gate door pivots about the third axis to move between the lowered position and the raised position, wherein the third axis is disposed between the first side and the second side of the frame but closer to the first side of the frame than the second side of the frame; a second barrier gate that is moveable between a lowered position and a raised position when the first and second doors are in the open position and the first barrier gate is the raised position, and the second barrier gate remains in the lowered position when the first and second doors are in the closed position; a fourth hinge defining a fourth axis aligned parallel to the first direction, wherein the second barrier gate door pivots about the fourth axis to move between the lowered position and the raised position, wherein the fourth axis is disposed between the first side and the second side of the frame but closer to the second side of the frame than the first side of the frame; a first secondary barrier gate carried by the second barrier gate, wherein the first secondary barrier gate is moveable between a first position and a deployed second position when the second barrier gate is in the raised position, and the first secondary barrier gate remains in the first position when the second barrier gate is in the lowered position; a fifth hinge carried by the second barrier gate, the fifth hinge defining a fifth axis that is aligned parallel to the second direction when the second barrier gate is in the lowered position and is aligned vertically when the second barrier gate is in the raised position, and the first secondary barrier pivots about the fifth axis when the second barrier gate is in the raised position; a first connector that couples the first secondary barrier gate to the first barrier gate when the first secondary barrier gate is in the deployed second position; a second secondary barrier gate carried by the second barrier gate, wherein the second secondary barrier gate is moveable between a first position and a deployed second position when the second barrier gate is in the raised position, and the second secondary barrier gate remains in the first position when the second barrier gate is in the lowered position; a sixth hinge carried by the second barrier gate, the sixth hinge defining a sixth axis that is aligned parallel to the second direction when the second barrier gate is in the lowered position and is aligned vertically when the second barrier gate is in the raised position, and the second secondary barrier pivots about the sixth axis when the second barrier gate is in the raised position; and a second connector that couples the second secondary barrier gate to the first barrier gate when the second secondary barrier gate is in the deployed second position.

In yet another aspect, another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a method of operation for a grate hatch and folding barrier assembly, the method comprising: moving a first door from a closed position to an open position about a first axis defined by a first hinge, wherein the first axis is aligned in a first direction and the first direction defined between a first end and a second end of a frame to which the first door is coupled, and wherein the first axis is located proximate a first side of the frame, wherein the frame is installed in a support structure above a volume of space defined by the support structure; moving a second door from a closed position to an open position about a second axis defined by a second hinge, wherein the second axis is aligned in the first direction, and wherein the second axis is located proximate a second side of the frame; moving a first barrier gate from a lowered position to a raised position about a third axis defined by a third hinge, wherein the first barrier gate defines a barrier aligned in the first direction along the first side of the frame when the first barrier gate is in the raised position; moving a second barrier gate from a lowered position to a raised position about a fourth axis defined by a fourth hinge, wherein the second barrier gate defines a barrier aligned in the first direction along the second side of the frame when the second barrier gate is in the raised position; and inhibiting ingress into and egress from the volume of space when the first barrier gate and the second barrier gate are in the raised position. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide moving the first door from the closed position to an intermediate position via the first hinge that is a dual-action hinge, wherein the first door is vertically aligned in the intermediate position, and thereafter moving the first door from the intermediate position to the open position in which the first door lies generally flat atop the support structure. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide moving a first secondary barrier gate from a first position to a deployed second position about a fifth axis defined by a fifth hinge, wherein the first secondary barrier gate defines a barrier aligned in a second direction along a first end of the frame when the first secondary barrier gate is in the deployed second position, wherein the first secondary barrier gate is carried by the second barrier gate; and coupling the first secondary barrier gate to the first barrier gate via a first connector. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide moving a second secondary barrier gate from a first position to a deployed second position about a sixth axis defined by a sixth hinge, wherein the second secondary barrier gate defines a barrier aligned in the second direction along a second end of the frame when the second secondary barrier gate is in the deployed second position, wherein the second secondary barrier gate is carried by the second barrier gate; and coupling the second secondary barrier gate to the first barrier gate via a second connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Sample embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the following description, are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 (FIG. 1) is a top plan view of a grate hatch and folding barrier assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 (FIG. 2) is a cross section view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1 of the grate hatch and folding barrier assembly.

FIG. 3 (FIG. 3) is an operational cross section view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1 of the grate hatch and folding barrier assembly depicting the grate doors in an open position and the folding barrier assembly in a collapsed position.

FIG. 4 (FIG. 4) is a top plan view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3 depicting the folding barrier assembly and the grate doors not shown.

FIG. 5 (FIG. 5) is a cross section elevational view depicting the folding barrier assembly having been deployed from its folded position to a raised position.

FIG. 6 (FIG. 6) is a top plan view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5 of the folding barrier assembly.

FIG. 6A (FIG. 6A) is an enlarged top plan view of the region labeled “SEE FIG. 6A” in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 (FIG. 7) is a top plan view depicting the folding barrier gate assembly with the secondary barriers being deployed from their collapsed position to a deployed position.

FIG. 8 (FIG. 8) is a cross section view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7 depicting a connector that connects a secondary barrier gate with a barrier gate.

FIG. 9 (FIG. 9) is a cross sectional elevation view of the folding barrier gate in its fully deployed position.

FIG. 10 (FIG. 10) is a top perspective view of the grate hatch and folding barrier assembly in its deployed position with the grate doors not shown.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One exemplary grate hatch and folding barrier assembly 10 is shown throughout the Figures. Assembly 10 includes a frame 12 including a first end 14 and a second end 16 defining a first direction therebetween and defining a first dimension 18 measured from the first end 14 to the second end 16. The frame 12 has a first side 20 and a second side 22 defining a second direction therebetween and defining a second dimension 24 measured from the first side 20 to the second side 22, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Frame 12 defines an opening 26 that in open communication with a volume of space bound by a support structure 28 below the frame 12.

Assembly 10 includes a door assembly 30 coupled directly or indirectly to the frame 12. The door assembly 30 includes a first door 32 and a second door 34, wherein the first door and second door move independently between a closed position (FIG. 1) and an open position (FIG. 3), wherein at least one of the first door 32 and the second door 34 include grating slats 36 or grating bars defining vertical-through slots aligned in one of the first direction and the second direction. The first and second doors 32, 34 may be considered double-door-style doors in which they open and close relative to an imaginary centerline aligned in the first direction. Door assembly 30 includes a first hinge 38 defining a first axis 40 aligned parallel to the first direction. The first door pivots 32 about the first axis 40 to move between the closed position and the open position, wherein the first axis lies along a first plane P1 that is near the first side 20 of the frame, wherein the first plane P1 is a first distance from the first side 20, wherein the first distance is equal to about 1% or 2% to about 20% of the second dimension 24. A second hinge 42 defines a second axis 44 offset parallel to the first axis 40. The second door 34 pivots about the second axis 44 to move between the closed position (FIG. 1) and the open position (FIG. 3). The second axis 44 lies along a second plane P2 that is near the second side 22 of the frame 12, wherein the second plane P2 is a second distance from the second side 22, wherein the second distance is equal to about 1% or 2% to about 20% of the second dimension 24. When the first door 32 and the second door 34 are in the open position, they each lie flat or generally flat atop the support structure 28 on opposing sides of the opening 26.

Assembly 10 includes a folding barrier guard assembly 50 coupled directly or indirectly to the frame 12 that is adapted to create a barrier or barricade to the opening 26 and the volume of space bound by support 28 below the frame 12. The folding barrier guard assembly 50 includes a first barrier gate 52 that is moveable between a lowered position (FIG. 3) and a raised position (FIG. 5, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10) when the first door 32 and second door 34 are in the open position. The first barrier gate 52 remains in its lowered position when the first and second doors 32, 34 are in the closed position. The folding barrier guard assembly 50 includes a second barrier gate 54 that is moveable between a lowered position (FIG. 3) and a raised position (FIG. 5, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10) when the first and second doors 32, 34 are in the open position and the first barrier gate 52 is the raised position. The second barrier gate 54 remains in its lowered position when the first and second doors are in the closed position. There is a third hinge 56 defining a third axis 58 aligned parallel to the first direction, wherein the first barrier gate 52 pivots about the third axis 58 to move between the lowered position and the raised position, wherein the third axis 58 is disposed between the first side 20 and the second side 22 of the frame 12 but is positioned closer to the first side 20 of the frame 12 than the second side 22 of the frame 12. There is a fourth hinge 60 defining a fourth axis 62 aligned parallel to the first direction, wherein the second barrier gate 54 pivots about the fourth axis 62 to move between the lowered position and the raised position, wherein the fourth axis 62 is disposed between the first side 20 and the second side 22 of the frame 12 but is positioned closer to the second side 22 of the frame 12 than the first side 20 of the frame 12.

The folding barrier guard assembly 50 includes a first secondary barrier gate 64 carried by the second barrier gate 54, wherein the first secondary barrier gate 64 is moveable between a first position (FIG. 6) and a deployed second position (FIG. 7) when the second barrier gate 54 is in the raised position. The first secondary barrier gate 64 remains in the first position (i.e., a collapsed/folded/stored position) when the second barrier gate 64 is in the lowered position. The folding barrier guard assembly 50 includes a second secondary barrier gate 66 carried by the second barrier gate 54, wherein the second secondary barrier gate 66 is moveable between a first position (FIG. 6) and a deployed second position (FIG. 7) when the second barrier gate 54 is in the raised position. The second secondary barrier gate 66 remains in the first position when the second barrier gate 54 is in the lowered position.

There is a fifth hinge 68 carried by the second barrier gate 54, the fifth hinge 68 defining a fifth axis 70 that is aligned parallel to the second direction when the second barrier gate 54 is in the lowered position and is aligned vertically when the second barrier gate 54 is in the raised position, and the first secondary barrier 64 pivots about the fifth axis 70 when the second barrier gate 54 is in the raised position. There is a sixth hinge 72 carried by the second barrier gate 54, the sixth hinge 72 defining a sixth axis 74 that is aligned parallel to the second direction when the second barrier gate 54 is in the lowered position and is aligned vertically when the second barrier gate 54 is in the raised position, and the second secondary barrier 66 pivots about the sixth axis 74 when the second barrier gate 54 is in the raised position.

A first connector 76 couples the first secondary barrier gate 64 to the first barrier gate 52 when the first secondary barrier gate 64 is in the deployed second position (FIG. 10). A second connector 78 couples the second secondary barrier gate 66 to the first barrier gate 52 when the second secondary barrier gate 66 is in the deployed second position (FIG. 10). When assembly 10 is deployed, as shown in FIG. 10, the folding barrier guard assembly 50 forms a four-sided barrier or barricade around the opening 26 while the doors 32, 34 lay flat or generally flat atop the support structure 28 on either side thereof.

FIG. 1 depicts a top plan view of assembly 10 installed in the support structure 28. Support structure 28 may be any rigid structure formed of any known material that is adapted to support objects or persons thereon. For example, support structure 28 may be a grated structure, such as a grated elevated walkway. Alternatively, support structure 28 may be a solid concrete structure such as a sidewalk. Assembly 10 within support structure 28 enables objects or persons to traverse over the top of assembly 10. As will be described in greater detail herein, when assembly 10 is deployed from its closed position as shown in FIG. 1 to an open position as shown in FIG. 10, a barrier gate is deployed to inhibit ingress and egress through the opening 26 defined in frame 12 but may allow an authorized person into the volume of space below or on an opposing side of the assembly 10.

FIG. 1 depicts that each of the doors 32, 34 are formed with grate slats or bars 36 defining spaces therebetween that will allow fluid or other objects smaller in dimension than the opening between the slats 36 to pass through the doors 32, 34. The first door 32 and the second door 34 are each generally rectangular in configuration formed from a rigid doorframe. First door 32 includes a doorframe 80 having a first side 82 and a second side 84. The length of first side 82 of first doorframe 80 is parallel to the second direction of assembly 10. The length of second side 84 of doorframe 80 is also parallel to the second direction. The dimension of the doorframe 80 measured from the first side 82 to the second side 84 (i.e., the width of the doorframe 80) is approximately half that of second dimension 24. Similarly, the second door 34 includes a doorframe 86 having a first side 88 and a second side 90. The width dimension of the second doorframe 86 measured from its first side 88 to its second side 90 is also approximately half that of second dimension 24 of the assembly 10. Inasmuch as the doors are approximately half the overall dimension of the frame, the imaginary center line of the assembly 10 is defined by a slight gap between the second side 84 of doorframe 80 and the first side 88 of doorframe 86 extends in the first direction approximately halfway between the second dimension 24. Although the first door 32 and the second door 34 are approximately equal in width, it is envisioned that they may have different widths such that the opening between the two doors is not approximately halfway along the second dimension 24.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the second dimension 24 may be any dimension that is applicable depending on the application-specific needs of installing the assembly 10 within the support structure 28. Some envisioned dimensions of the second dimension 24 of assembly 10 may be in a range from 36 inches to 96 inches. Accordingly, when the second dimension 24 of the assembly 10 is 36 inches, then the first axis that lies along the first plane P1 may be in a range from about 0.36 inches (1 percent) to about 7.2 inches (20 percent) from the first side 20 of the frame 12. Similarly, when the second dimension 24 is 96 inches, then the first axis 40 that lies along the first plane P1 may be in a range from about 0.96 inches (1 percent) to about 19.2 inches (20 percent) from the first side 20 of the frame 12. Similar dimensions and percentage ratios the location of the second axis 44 that lies along the second plane P2 are similarly applicable for the second door 34.

While not shown in FIG. 1, one or more handles may be attached to one or both of the first door 32 and the second door 34 to assist in pivoting and opening the doors 32, 34 about their respective axes 40, 44 to move the doors from their closed position (as shown in FIG. 1) to their open position as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 2 depicts the assembly 10 installed in the support structure 28 above the volume of space or volume 92. The frame 12 fits within an opening 94 in structure 28 that is in open communication with the volume 92. The first door 32 and the second door 34 are coupled with frame 12. In one particular embodiment, first door 32 is coupled to frame 12 via a hinge bracket 96 that forms a portion of first hinge 38. Hinge bracket 96 includes a first end 98 and a second end 100. Hinge bracket 96 is aligned in the second direction and enables the first door 32 to pivot about first axis 40. Hinge bracket 96 is disposed within a hinge space 102 and the top of the hinge space 102 is commensurate or horizontally coplanar with the top of the first door 32 in the closed position and the top of the support surface 28. Hinge space 102 is bound and defined by a hinge frame 104. The first side 20 of frame 12 extends vertically downward from the hinge frame 104 to a lower end 106. The first side 20 of frame 12 is vertically aligned in a rigid structure capable of supporting the first and second doors 32, 34 and supporting the folding barrier assembly 50. The second door 34 is coupled with the frame in a similar manner as the first door 32. Namely, a bracket 96A has a first end 98A and a second end 100A. Bracket 96A defines hinge 42 that allows the door 34 to pivot between its closed position as shown in FIG. 2 and its open position as shown in FIG. 3.

The first door 32 has an upper surface 108 and a lower surface 110. When both doors 32, 34 are in the closed position, the folding barrier assembly 50 is located vertically below the lower surface 110 of first door 32.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the first barrier gate 52 of the folding barrier assembly 50 is positioned above the second barrier gate 54 when both are in the folded first or lowered. First barrier gate 52 includes a first end 112 and a second end 114. Second end 114 is coupled with frame 12 near the first side 20 via a bracket 116. Bracket 116 defines hinge 56 that allows the first barrier gate 52 to pivot about the axis 58 (FIG. 4). When the first barrier gate 52 is in the lowered position, the first end 112 of barrier gate 52 terminates short of the second side 22 of frame 12 but is located closer to the second side 22 of frame 12 than the first side 20 of frame 12. Stated otherwise, the length of the first barrier gate 52 measured from first end 112 to second end 114 is greater than half that of dimension 24. Additionally, while the connector 76 is shown located closer to the first end 112 of first barrier gate 52, it is possible that the connector 76 is located at other locations along the length of the first barrier gate 52.

The second barrier gate 54 is located below the first barrier gate 52. Second barrier gate 54 includes a first end 120 and a second end 122. The second end 122 of second barrier gate 54 is coupled to the second side 22 of frame 12 via a bracket 124 that defines a portion of fourth hinge 60 and hinge axis 62. When the second barrier gate 54 is in the lowered position, the first end 120 of second barrier gate 54 terminates short of the first side 20 of frame 12 but is located closer to the first side 20 of frame 12 than the second side 22 of frame 12. Stated otherwise, the length of the second barrier gate 54 measured from first end 120 to second end 122 is greater than half that of dimension 24.

FIG. 3 is an operational cross section view depicting the first door 32 and the second door 34 moving from their closed position to their open position by way of a vertical intermediate position. Notably, the bracket 96 and the bracket 96A are functionally operative as dual-action or double hinges that allow the door to pivot and lay atop the support structure 28 in the open position. However, given the thickness of each respective door between its upper surface 108 and its lower surface 110, the bracket 96 that effectuates the respective hinges 38, 42 may be a dual-action hinge to accommodate the vertical thickness of each respective door. Namely, the first bracket 96 includes a first secondary hinge 126 and the bracket 96A includes a second secondary hinge 128. The first door 32 pivots about the first secondary hinge 126 as indicated by arrow A to move from its horizontal and closed position to a generally upright and vertical position (i.e., the intermediate position) as shown in dot-dash line. Similarly, the second door 34 pivots about the second secondary hinge 128 as indicated by arrow B from its closed position to its generally vertical position (i.e., the intermediate position) as shown in dot-dash line. Thereafter, the first door 32 may continue to pivot about hinge 38 to move from the generally vertical intermediate position to the open position that places the first door 32 atop the support surface 28 as indicated by arrow C. Similarly, the second door 34 may be moved from its generally vertical intermediate position to a position that lies along the support surface by pivoting the second door 34 about the hinge 42 as indicated by arrow D. When the first door 32 and the second door 34 are in their open position and lie along or generally flat atop the support structure 28, each of the respective brackets 96, 96A are aligned generally vertical and lie along plane P1 and plane P2, respectively. Stated otherwise, when the doors 32, 34 are open, the length of the each respective bracket 96, 96A measured between the respective first and second ends is aligned generally vertical.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the folding barrier guard assembly 50 with the first door 32 and the second door 34 not shown. First barrier gate 52 is a generally square or rectangular rigid structure composed of a first side member 130 and a second side member 132. First barrier gate 52 may also include a first cross member 134 and a second cross member 136. First cross member 134 and second cross member 136 extend between the first side member 130 and the second side member 132. When the folding barrier assembly 50 is in its lowered position, as shown in FIG. 4, the first cross member 134 and the second cross member 136 are aligned in the first direction and the first side member 130 and the second side member 132 are aligned in the second direction relative to assembly 10. When raised and deployed, the first cross member 134 and the second cross member 136 act as a barrier that will be vertically above the support surface to prevent ingress into and egress out of the volume 92 of space below the support surface 28.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, the second barrier gate 54 includes a first side member 138 and a second side member 140. The second barrier gate 54 additionally includes a first cross member 142 and a second cross member 144. The first cross member 142 and the second cross member 144 of the second gate 54 are aligned parallel to the first cross member 134 and the second cross member 136 of the first barrier gate 52. Thus, when the second barrier gate is deployed, the first and second cross members 142, 144 establish a barrier to prevent ingress and egress to the volume 92 of space below the support surface 28.

FIG. 5 depicts the deployment of the folding barrier assembly 50 from its collapsed first position to its deployed second position. Particularly, the first barrier gate 52 is lifted from its generally horizontal position to a raised vertical position as indicated by arrow E. Raising the barrier gate from the lowered or collapsed first position to the raised or second position in the direction of arrow E causes the length of the side members 130, 132 to be aligned generally vertical. To move the barrier gate 52 in the direction of arrow E, a user may grasp the cross member 112 or another portion of the first barrier gate 52 and lift it to pivot the first barrier gate 52 about the axis 58 defined by hinge 56. The first barrier gate 52 may rest in a vertical position and may be optionally locked into place.

After the first barrier gate 52 has been raised to the vertical position, an operator may then lift the second barrier gate 54 from its lowered or collapsed first position to its deployed and raised second position as indicated by arrow F. A user may grasp the first cross bar 142 of the second barrier gate or may grasp another portion of the second barrier gate 54 and lift it as indicated by arrow F to pivot the second barrier gate 54 about the axis 62 defined by hinge 60. The second barrier gate may be maintained in the vertical position or optionally locked into its vertical position.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 6A depict a top plan view of the first barrier gate 52 and the second barrier gate 54 in the raised and deployed second position. When the second barrier gate 54 is lifted to its raised position as shown in FIG. 5, the first secondary barrier gate 64 and the second secondary barrier gate 66 are raised in unison with second barrier gate 54 inasmuch as they are carried by the second barrier gate 54. The first secondary barrier gate 64 includes a first end 146 and a second end 148. The second end 148 is coupled via hinge 68 to the second barrier gate 54. More particularly, a bracket 150 is connected to the first side member 138 of the second barrier gate 54. Bracket 150 extends in a cantilevered manner to the hinge 68 defining axis 70 about which the first secondary barrier gate 64 is configured to pivot. The first end 146 of the first secondary barrier gate 64 is releasably coupled to the second barrier gate 54 at bracket 152 via a pin 154. First end 146 of first secondary barrier 64 includes and defines an aperture 156 that aligns with an aperture 158 defined in bracket 152. When apertures 156, 158 are aligned, the pin 154 may be inserted through the apertures 156, 158 to releasably secure the first end 146 of first secondary barrier 64 to bracket 152. Bracket 152 extends in a cantilevered manner from the second side member 140 of the second barrier gate 54. The second secondary barrier 66 includes a first end 160 defining an aperture 162 and a second end 164. Second end 164 is coupled to bracket 152 via hinge 72 that allows the second secondary barrier 66 to pivot about axis 74.

FIG. 6A depicts the removal of pin 154 through the aligned apertures 156, 158 as indicated by arrow G. Removal of pin 154 in the direction of arrow G enables the movement of the first secondary barrier gate 64 for it to be deployed from its collapsed or first folded position to a deployed position as depicted in FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 depicts the deployment of the first and second secondary barrier gates 64, 66. After pin 154 has been removed, the first secondary barrier gate 64 may be pivoted about hinge axis 70 via hinge 68 as indicated by arrow H. The deployment and movement of the first secondary barrier gate 64 about axis 70 in the direction of arrow H positions the first end 146 closely adjacent the first side member 130 of first barrier gate 52. Thereafter, the second secondary barrier gate 66 may be pivoted via hinge 72 about axis 74 as indicated by arrow |. When the second secondary barrier gate 66 is in the deployed position, the first end 160 of the second secondary barrier 66 is positioned closely adjacent the second side member 132 of first barrier gate 52.

FIG. 8 depicts the releasable connection of the connector 76. Particularly, the connector 76 may be a spring biased pin comprising a spring 166 and a pin 168 that moves in the vertical direction as indicated by arrow J. Connector 76 further includes a handle 170 that enables a user to bias or compress spring 66 to vertically move the pin 168 as indicated by arrow J. The pin 168 may be inserted into the aperture 156 at the first end 146 of the first secondary barrier gate 64. Although not shown in FIG. 8, a similar mechanism is provided for second connector 78 to releasably connect with the aperture 162 formed in the first end 160 of the second secondary barrier gate 66.

FIG. 9 depicts that the second secondary barrier 66 may be composed of a first elongated member 172 and a second elongated member 174. There may also be one or more cross members 176 extending between the elongated members 172, 174. The first secondary barrier gate 64 may be similarly constructed having a first elongated member 178 and a second elongated member 180 and one or more cross members 182.

FIG. 10 depicts the fully deployed folding barrier gate assembly 50 with the doors 32, 34 of assembly 10 not shown. When the folding barrier assembly 50 is deployed, it provides a rapidly deployable structure that establishes a barrier around the opening 26 in frame 12 that is in open communication with the volume 92 of space below the support structure 28. Assembly 50 establishes a barrier to prevent persons or equipment that are moving near the assembly 10 along support structure 28 from accidentally falling into the opening 26 or into the volume 92 of space below the support surface 28.

To return the assembly 10 back to its original position, the steps detailed above are reversed. In short, the second connector may be disconnected from the second secondary barrier gate 66. Then, the second secondary barrier gate 66 may be pivoted about sixth axis 74 to return to its first position. The first connector 76 may be disconnected from the first secondary barrier gate 64 and it pivoted about fifth axis 70 so it may return to its first position. Pin 154 may be inserted through aligned apertures 156, 158 to secure the first secondary barrier gate 64.

Then, the second barrier gate 54 may be pivoted about the fourth axis so it can be lowered from its raised position back to its lowered position. Then, the first barrier gate may be pivoted about the third axis to lower it back to its lowered position. Then, the doors 32, 34 may be lifted to move them from their open position through the vertical intermediate position to the closed position.

As described herein, aspects of the present disclosure may include one or more electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or other similar secondary components and/or systems therein. The present disclosure is therefore contemplated and will be understood to include any necessary operational components thereof. For example, electrical components will be understood to include any suitable and necessary wiring, fuses, or the like for normal operation thereof. Similarly, any pneumatic systems provided may include any secondary or peripheral components such as air hoses, compressors, valves, meters, or the like. It will be further understood that any connections between various components not explicitly described herein may be made through any suitable means including mechanical fasteners, or more permanent attachment means, such as welding or the like. Alternatively, where feasible and/or desirable, various components of the present disclosure may be integrally formed as a single unit.

Various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

The articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims (if at all), should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the term “effecting” or a phrase or claim element beginning with the term “effecting” should be understood to mean to cause something to happen or to bring something about. For example, effecting an event to occur may be caused by actions of a first party even though a second party actually performed the event or had the event occur to the second party. Stated otherwise, effecting refers to one party giving another party the tools, objects, or resources to cause an event to occur. Thus, in this example a claim element of “effecting an event to occur” would mean that a first party is giving a second party the tools or resources needed for the second party to perform the event, however the affirmative single action is the responsibility of the first party to provide the tools or resources to cause said event to occur.

When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, “above”, “behind”, “in front of”, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “lateral”, “transverse”, “longitudinal”, and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.

Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various features/elements, these features/elements should not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature/element from another feature/element. Thus, a first feature/element discussed herein could be termed a second feature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussed herein could be termed a first feature/element without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

An embodiment is an implementation or example of the present disclosure. Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or “other embodiments,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the invention. The various appearances “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or “other embodiments,” or the like, are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments.

If this specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if the term does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value that is +/-0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/-1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/-2% of the stated value (or range of values), +/-5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/-10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.

Additionally, the method of performing the present disclosure may occur in a sequence different than those described herein. Accordingly, no sequence of the method should be read as a limitation unless explicitly stated. It is recognizable that performing some of the steps of the method in a different order could achieve a similar result.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of various embodiments of the disclosure are examples and the disclosure is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Claims

1. A grate hatch and folding barrier assembly comprising:

a frame including a first end and a second end defining a first direction therebetween, and the frame including a first side and a second side defining a second direction therebetween, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction;

wherein the frame defines an opening that is adapted to provide access to a volume of space below the frame;

a door assembly coupled directly or indirectly to the frame, wherein the door assembly includes at least one grated hatch door that opens and closes adapted to provide ingress and egress to the opening;

a folding barrier assembly coupled directly or indirectly to the frame that deploys from a collapsed position to a deployed position to create a barrier around the opening and the volume of space below the frame, wherein the folding barrier assembly comprises: a first barrier gate that deploys to form a barrier aligned in the first direction along the first side of the frame; and a second barrier gate that deploys to form a barrier aligned in the first direction along the second side of the frame.

2. The grate hatch and folding barrier assembly of claim 1, wherein the folding barrier guard assembly further comprises:

a first secondary barrier gate that deploys to form another barrier that is aligned in the second direction along one of the first end and the second end, wherein the first secondary barrier gate is carried by the second barrier gate.

3. The grate hatch and folding barrier assembly of claim 2, wherein the first secondary barrier gate is moveable between a first position and a deployed second position, wherein the first secondary barrier gate is perpendicular to the second barrier gate in the deployed second position when viewed from above.

4. The grate hatch and folding barrier assembly of claim 3, further comprising:

a first connector that couples the first secondary barrier gate to the first barrier gate when the first secondary barrier gate is in the deployed second position, and wherein the first secondary barrier gate is perpendicular to the first barrier gate in the deployed second position when viewed from above.

5. The grate hatch and folding barrier assembly of claim 3, wherein the folding barrier assembly further comprises:

a second secondary barrier gate that deploys to form another barrier that is aligned in the second direction along the other of the first end and the second end opposite the first secondary barrier gate, wherein the second secondary barrier gate is carried by the second barrier gate.

6. The grate hatch and folding barrier assembly of claim 5, further comprising:

a second connector that couples the second secondary barrier gate to the first barrier gate when the second secondary barrier gate is in the deployed second position, and wherein the second secondary barrier gate is perpendicular to the first barrier gate in the deployed second position when viewed from above.

7. The grate hatch and folding barrier assembly of claim 1, wherein the door assembly further comprises:

a first door and a second door, wherein the at least one door is one of the first door and the second door;

a first hinge defining a first axis aligned parallel to the first direction proximate the first side of the frame, wherein the first door pivot about the first axis to move from a closed position to an open position;

a second hinge defining a second axis aligned parallel to the first direction proximate the second side of the frame, wherein the second door pivot about the first axis to move from a closed position to an open position;

wherein the folding barrier assembly can only move from the collapsed position to the deployed position when both the first door and the second door are each in the open position.

8. The grate hatch and folding barrier assembly of claim 7, further comprising:

a first dimension of the frame measured from the first end to the second end;

a second dimension of the fame measured from the first side to the second side;

a width of the first door that is approximately half the second dimension; and

a width of the second door that is approximately half the second dimension.

9. The grate hatch and folding barrier assembly of claim 7, further comprising:

wherein the first hinge is a dual-action hinge that enables the first door to be positioned in an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position.

10. The grate hatch and folding barrier assembly of claim 9, further comprising:

a top surface and a bottom surface of the first door, wherein the top surface and the bottom surface are aligned in the vertical direction when the first door is in the intermediate position between the closed position and the open position.

11. The grate hatch and folding barrier assembly of claim 9, further comprising:

a first end and a second end of the dual-action first hinge, wherein the second end of the first hinge is positioned vertically above the first end of the first hinge when the first door is in the open position.

12. The grate hatch and folding barrier assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a bracket that couples the first barrier gate to the frame below the door assembly.

13. The grate hatch and folding barrier assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a hinge defining a first axis parallel to the first direction, wherein the first barrier gate pivots about the first axis.

14. The grate hatch and folding barrier assembly of claim 13, further comprising:

a secondary barrier gate is carried by the second barrier gate; and

another hinge that defines another axis that is parallel to a normal line from the first axis.

15. A grate hatch and folding barrier assembly comprising:

a frame including a first end and a second end defining a first direction therebetween and defining a first dimension measured from the first end to the second end, and the frame including a first side and a second side defining a second direction therebetween and defining a second dimension measured from the first side to the second side, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction;

wherein the frame defines an opening that is adapted to provide access a volume of space below the frame;

a door assembly coupled directly or indirectly to the frame, the door assembly comprising: a first door and a second door, wherein the first door and second door move independently between a closed position and an open position, wherein at least one of the first door and the second door includes grating slats aligned in one of the first direction and the second direction; a first hinge defining a first axis aligned parallel to the first direction, wherein the first door pivots about the first axis to move between the closed position and the open position, wherein the first axis lies along a first plane that is near the first side of the frame, wherein the first plane is a first distance from the first side, wherein the first distance is equal to 2%-20% of the second dimension; a second hinge defining a second axis offset parallel to the first axis, wherein the second door pivots about the second axis to move between the closed position and the open position, wherein the second axis lies along a second plane that is near the second side of the frame, wherein the second plane is a second distance from the second side, wherein the second distance is equal to 2%-20% of the second dimension;

a folding barrier assembly coupled directly or indirectly to the frame that is adapted to create a barrier to the opening and the volume of space below the frame, the folding barrier assembly comprising: a first barrier gate that is moveable between a lowered position and a raised position when the first and second doors are in the open position, and the first barrier gate remains in the lowered position when the first and second doors are in the closed position; a third hinge defining a third axis aligned parallel to the first direction, wherein the first barrier gate door pivots about the third axis to move between the lowered position and the raised position, wherein the third axis is disposed between the first side and the second side of the frame but closer to the first side of the frame than the second side of the frame; a second barrier gate that is moveable between a lowered position and a raised position when the first and second doors are in the open position and the first barrier gate is the raised position, and the second barrier gate remains in the lowered position when the first and second doors are in the closed position; a fourth hinge defining a fourth axis aligned parallel to the first direction, wherein the second barrier gate door pivots about the fourth axis to move between the lowered position and the raised position, wherein the fourth axis is disposed between the first side and the second side of the frame but closer to the second side of the frame than the first side of the frame; a first secondary barrier gate carried by the second barrier gate, wherein the first secondary barrier gate is moveable between a first position and a deployed second position when the second barrier gate is in the raised position, and the first secondary barrier gate remains in the first position when the second barrier gate is in the lowered position; a fifth hinge carried by the second barrier gate, the fifth hinge defining a fifth axis that is aligned parallel to the second direction when the second barrier gate is in the lowered position and is aligned vertically when the second barrier gate is in the raised position, and the first secondary barrier pivots about the fifth axis when the second barrier gate is in the raised position; a first connector that couples the first secondary barrier gate to the first barrier gate when the first secondary barrier gate is in the deployed second position; a second secondary barrier gate carried by the second barrier gate, wherein the second secondary barrier gate is moveable between a first position and a deployed second position when the second barrier gate is in the raised position, and the second secondary barrier gate remains in the first position when the second barrier gate is in the lowered position; a sixth hinge carried by the second barrier gate, the sixth hinge defining a sixth axis that is aligned parallel to the second direction when the second barrier gate is in the lowered position and is aligned vertically when the second barrier gate is in the raised position, and the second secondary barrier pivots about the sixth axis when the second barrier gate is in the raised position; and a second connector that couples the second secondary barrier gate to the first barrier gate when the second secondary barrier gate is in the deployed second position.

16. A method of operation for a grate hatch and folding barrier assembly, the method comprising:

moving a first door from a closed position to an open position about a first axis defined by a first hinge, wherein the first axis is aligned in a first direction and the first direction defined between a first end and a second end of a frame to which the first door is coupled, and wherein the first axis is located proximate a first side of the frame, wherein the frame is installed in a support structure above a volume of space defined by the support structure;

moving a second door from a closed position to an open position about a second axis defined by a second hinge, wherein the second axis is aligned in the first direction, and wherein the second axis is located proximate a second side of the frame;

moving a first barrier gate from a lowered position to a raised position about a third axis defined by a third hinge, wherein the first barrier gate defines a barrier aligned in the first direction along the first side of the frame when the first barrier gate is in the raised position;

moving a second barrier gate from a lowered position to a raised position about a fourth axis defined by a fourth hinge, wherein the second barrier gate defines a barrier aligned in the first direction along the second side of the frame when the second barrier gate is in the raised position; and

inhibiting ingress into and egress from the volume of space when the first barrier gate and the second barrier gate are in the raised position.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

moving the first door from the closed position to an intermediate position via the first hinge that is a dual-action hinge, wherein the first door is vertically aligned in the intermediate position, and thereafter moving the first door from the intermediate position to the open position in which the first door lies generally flat atop the support structure.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

moving a first secondary barrier gate from a first position to a deployed second position about a fifth axis defined by a fifth hinge, wherein the first secondary barrier gate defines a barrier aligned in a second direction along a first end of the frame when the first secondary barrier gate is in the deployed second position, wherein the first secondary barrier gate is carried by the second barrier gate; and

coupling the first secondary barrier gate to the first barrier gate via a first connector.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

moving a second secondary barrier gate from a first position to a deployed second position about a sixth axis defined by a sixth hinge, wherein the second secondary barrier gate defines a barrier aligned in the second direction along a second end of the frame when the second secondary barrier gate is in the deployed second position, wherein the second secondary barrier gate is carried by the second barrier gate; and

coupling the second secondary barrier gate to the first barrier gate via a second connector.