GB2511787A

GB2511787A - A crowd control vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2511787A
Application number: GB1304489.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Wilson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-03-13
Filing date: 2013-03-13
Publication date: 2014-09-17
Anticipated expiration: 2033-03-13
Also published as: GB201304489D0; GB2511787B; HK1197292A1

Abstract

A crowd control vehicle comprises extendable barriers mounted internally in the vehicle. The barriers are arranged to extend externally through at least two doors located on opposing sides of the vehicle. The barriers may comprise a scissor mechanism.

Description

A CROWD CONTROL VEHICLE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a crowd control vehicle, more particularly but not exclusively a crowd control vehicle fçr restricting passage of people.

Background

There are a number of situations when an area may need to be closed off to prevent access or to control the situation, for example where a road must be closed and/or in cases of Street disturbance where protestors or rioters are out of bontrol.

Often the authorities such as police forces will set up barricades using barriers, vehicles or people. Obstacles such as street furniture and pavements may prevent effective barriers and may be subject to attack if barriers are ineffective.

Larger barriers can be erected in some situations, however will take time and manpower to erect.

Prior Art

Adcordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the prOblem or similar including the following: Chinese utility model CN 201 463 719 (ZIQI et al) discloses a police anti-riot barrier deploying net which comprises a frame and a protective net arranged in the frame; and in addition, the bottom end of the frame is provided with a stretchable support wheel group. Consequently, when the barrier deploying net needs to be moved, the support wheel group is stretched out, and the barrier deploying net can be quickly and easily pushed to a destination by only one policeman. When the barrier deploying net is moved to the destination to be installed, the support wheel group is retracted, and the barrier deploying net can be in firm contact with the ground through the bottom and the supporting legs of the frame. The police anti-riot barrier deploying net can reduce the moving and installation time, is convenient for the

I

policeman to take action quickly, so as to effectively improve the rapidness, the safety and the effectiveness of the disposal action.

Granted United States patent US 7 354 218 (DYKE et al) discloses in combination: an elongated traffic barrier having spaced first and second ends, said elongated traffic barrier engaging and supported by a roadway or other support surface; a tow vehicle connected to said elongated traffic barrier at or closely adjacent to said first end operable to exert a pulling force on said elongated traffic barrier to pull said elongated traffic barrier while said elongated traffic barrier is in engagement with the support surface to repositiQn said elongated traffic barrier on said support surface; and a drag connected to said elongated traffic barrier at or closely adjacent to said second end operable to exert a drag force on said elongated traffic barrier opposed to the pulling force exerted on said elongated traffic barrier by said tow vehicle to resist wandering of said elongated traffic barrier during repositioning thereof.

International patent application wo 2007 067 026 (IBARRA) relates to a retractable vehicle barrier consisting of a vertical base to which a scissors block is fixed. The aforementioned block contracts and/or expands under the action of a 1/2 HP motor which is coupled to an endless screw (ball screw), such that the vehicle can or cannot pass. The scissors block is formed by hollow aluminium profiles and supports having nylon winches and bushes inserted into the central and end parts thereof. The profiles, bearings and supports are coupled by means of screws serving as axes forming X shapes.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a crowd control vehicle comprising extendable barriers mounted internally in said vehicle and arranged in use to extend externally through at least two doors located on opposing sides of the vehicle.

The barriers are arranged in use to extend when the doors are in an open position.

In preferred embodiments the vehicle comprises sildeable doors located on the vehicle's sides.

In this way the barriers are contained within the vehicle and no further transportation means are required for providing the barriers.

Cameras are included in a system whereby two sides of the vehicle form a barrier and the other two sides form a monitored security zone.

Advantageously said barriers typically comprise scissor mechanism extension, to provide a largely self-supporting robust and secure extension mechanism and effective barricading of large space with minimal weight. In further embodiments telescopic arms and support bars may form the mechanism.

In preferred embodiments said mechanism is further covered or supplemented by netting or screening material to minimise chances of accidental harm to bystanders from said mechanism and minimise weight of the barrier. Said material may comprise a screen or ropes, wherein the material comprises tear or cut resistant fabric such as Kevlar (Trade Mark) reinforced fabric, or high elasticity fabric such as Lycra (Trade Mark) and the material in addition or the alternative ensures it is made difficult for people to pass through and restricts looted items from being passed through, whilst in preferred embodiments permitting passage under large force or effort.

In this way more determined persons may $ss through, whereupon ideally they will be apprehended by security forces, and in addition or the alternative crushing situations may be avoided. Ideally the material is intermediate the mechanism.

Said barrier ideally extends vertically as high as or higher than the vehicle, and as * low as or lower than the vehicle door sills. For example wherein extension of the barrier permits vertical expansion of parts during horizontal expansion. In such embodiments the vehicle may have a roof comprising razor wire or other surface discouraging climbing.

Typically therefore the invention is embodied in a portable barrier and system associated with a vehicle comprising: an extendable and/Or expandable barrier that can be deployed from either or both sides of the vehicle through doors so as to form a barrier to prevent passage wherein the barrier is stowed and transported in the vehicle, with the barrier including a horizontal scissor arm mechanism and a screen * 3 to cover the scissor mechanism. Deployment is operated by a control system, typically within said vehicle but in some further embodiments remotely.

In preferred embodiments the barriers are mounted in the vehicle by means of an anchor that fixes the barriers to the vehicle bed. Typically the vehicle is a van or lorry and may be armoured. Furthermore the vehicle may be unmarked, for example giving the impression of a standard van so as not to raise suspicion, for example of police presence and thereby being subject to attaàk such as during a riot.

In this way the vehicle may be driven to the desired location and the barrier readily deployed.

Preferably the barrier or barriers are mounted on a centrally situated anchor within the vehicle for optimal balance and so that the barrier(s) can be extended from either or both sides of the vehicle. Ideally the barriers are independently mounted on the anchor. Preferably the barriers comprise horizontal scissor arms that concertina into the vehicle when stowed and are extended during deployment. Preferably the scissor arms may be formed from a number of hollow sections pinned together so as to be lightweight but strong, such as metal tubing. Ideally the tubing maybe formed from metal or alloy such as steel or aluminium. Typically the sections are connected by pins, preferably metal or alloy pins about which the sections are hingedly moveable so as to enable the scissor arms to be extended and retracted.

Ideally the scissor arm includes at least one hydraulic limb which serves to assist with deploying and stowing the barrier wherein the hydraulic limb(s) is mounted to the anchor or mounted intermediate the arm.

Typically movement of the hydraulic limb is enabled by a motor controlled by the control system. Preferably the motor is mounted on the anchor to which the limb is also attached. It may be envisaged that the barriers deploy slowly so that people have time to clear away without being struck by the barrier, and wherein a leading edge may comprise a resiliently deformable material for avoidance of damage or injury.

In preferred embodiments the barriers or vehicle include at least one sensor so as to detect obstacles when deploying the barriers, to avoid damage to a person walking past or in the way, and allow cassation of extension when a wall is reached. Ideally the sensor is capable of detecting presence of any obstacles and if obstacles are detected extension of the barrier is ceased until the obstacle is no longer detected.

Typically the sensor may use radar or infrared signals.

In preferred embodiments the barrier includes a deployment alert, for example an audible alarm of high pitched acoustic signals issuing from speakers arranged on or proximate the barriers' leading edge to warn persons in the vicinity primarily, for example without alerting others to the deployment, or flashing lights arranged on or proximate the barriers' leading edge.

Ideally the control system is powered by the vehicle wherein for example the control system is connected to the vehicle alternator so as to draw power when the vehicle engine is running. Alternatively or additionally the control system may be connected to the vehicle battery or comprise a rechargeable battery or both to provide power.

In preferred embodiments the control system includes a controller for operating the system locally such as at the vehicle's dashboard or proximate the anchor, and in some embodiments the controller may be separable and/or remotely operable wherein local controllers may include levers to control the barrier movement and remote controllers may include electronic controls and wireless connectivity, in order that in dangerous circumstances an operator is enabled to leave the vehicle and still utilise the barriers. In addition or the alternative said controller may be operable to control further attributes or functions & the vehicle, for example to lock the doors.

In other embodiments the controller may be operable by buttons or may comprise a touch screen.

In some embodiments the control system may also control opening of the vehicle dOors from where the barriers extend so that a user may remain in the vehicle whilst deploying or retracting the barriers for enhanced safety, for example if the barriers are being used in riot situations.

In addition or the alternative the user is advantageously enabled to open one part of the barrier in preferred embodiments, for example one barrier on one side of the vehicle, or in further embodiments a section of the barrier proximate the vehicle for example may be opened independently to allow passage of innocent parties through the barrier. Said section may comprise a hinged door section and may be accompanied by at least one ground engaging foot.

Ideally the vehicle may include cameras so as to enable the user to be able to view activity around the vehicle on a viewing screen inside the vehicle therefore not having to leave the safety of the vehicle to assess the area before deployment of the barrier.

In some embodiments the barrier may be deployed manually, for example the barriers may be pulled from or pushed into the vehicle or a manual crank shaft may be used extend and retract the barriers.

Typically as the barriers deploy from inside the vehicle the barrier base is not in contact with the ground in use but is positioned a small distance above ground level.

It may be envisaged that in some embodiments the distance of the barrier from the ground can be altered, for example by lowering the vehicle or the barrier in use so as to reduce the distance. Advantageously this may prevent passage under the barrier.

In further embodiments members may be deployable manually or automatically below the mechanism, for example wherein the members may be hingedly attached to drop as the mechanism extends the barrier, and fold back in as the mechanism returns.

In preferred embodiments the screen extends, is dimensioned or deploys to prevent passage of persons or objects around the mechanism for example wherein in particular proximate the anchor the screen is arranged to prevent passage through the door.

For example the screen may have an end proximate the anchor that is fixed to the door in use or otherwise, in order that the screen is pulled taut as the door opens and the barrier extends.

In preferred embodiments the barrier ends distal to the anchor include a panel that can be butted up to* a surface such as a building. Advantageously the interface between the panel and the surface serves to stabilise the barrier against the surface for improved structural strength wherein for example a resiliently defarmable face incorporating such as rubber may create a frictional grip onto the surface.

In some embodiments the panel itself is substantially planar and typically rectangular, and is formed from a strong, durable, rigid material such as metal or alloy or formed from or overlaid with a synthetic plastic. Preferably the panel is lightweight so as not to unbalance the vehicle.

Said panel ideally provides a flexible and adaptable interface wherein in further embodiments the panel may be arranged adaptably on the barrier so as to enable interface with a plurality of surfaces arranged at a plurality of angles with respect to the vehicle.

In use the panel is liable to be arranged to be positioned parallel to the building so as to be flush to the surface. Ideally the panel is therefore mounted to the barrier's distal end so as to enable the panel to be positioned parallel to the building. In some embodiments the panel may be tiltable or hinged so as to be arranged in use parallel to the surface even if where the vehicle is not parallel to the surface or building.

Preferably in all embodiments the panel includes stoppers on a panel face which abuts the surface so as to protect the surface to which it is abutted. Ideally the stoppers may be formed from a resiliently deformable material such as rubber. Eor example stoppers may be located peripherally and/or at each of the panel's corners.

In some embodiments the panels may be adapted to interface with one another so that if two or more crowd control vehicles are used to provide barriers the panels from different vehicles may be joined or interlinked for additional strength and in particular to prevent passage where the panels join. For example the panel face may include mating parts, clips, clamps, straps or magnetic means so as to be removably joined to one and other. In some embodiments one panel may be lockable to anotherfor enhanced safety.

Furthermore the panel, screen and/or barrier may be brightly coloured so as to be clearly visible to surrounding persons, in particularly the panel(s) drawing attention whilst the barriers are being deployed. For example the panel may be red and white striped. Additionally the panel may include reflective or retro-reflective portions for enhanced visibility in low light conditions. In other embodiments the panel may include lights such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) so as to be clearly visible in use and particularly in darkness.

Additionally the control system may include an emergency stop button to cease operation at anytime if required.

In some other embodiments the panel may also include a speaker so as to relay audio communications to surrounding persons such as an audible alarm or spoken commands to signal and accompany deployment of the barriers.

In preferred embodiments the scissor arms are covered by the screen so as block visibility and so as to prevent access to the scissor arms, in particular whilst they are moving, therefore reducing the likelihood of any associated injury. Typically the screen is at least equal height to the scissor arm when deployed so as to ensure the scissor arm is covered.

Preferably the screen is mounted on a vertical roller aligned with the scissor arm so as to readily unroll as the scissor arm extends horizontally. For example the roller may be mounted on the anchor. Ideally the screen may be formed from a strong, durable, waterproof material such as Nylon (Trade Mark) and may be fireproof and slash proof, such as comprising Kevlar (Trade Mark): In some embodiments the panel base or barrier base may be accepted onto or may be integrated with at least one wheeled platform so that the barrier is in contact with the ground when deployed, stabilising the barrier and vehicle and hingedly deployed as the barrier extends from the vehicle.

It may be envisaged that in use the barrier may extend up to 1Dm each side of the vehicle therefore covering a width greater than 2Dm when taking into account the vehicle width. In this way the barriers can be readily stowed in the vehicle and the vehicle is not unbalanced due to excessive length of the barriers. Furthermore one barrier may be appended or attached to a second barrier so as to provide barriers over a greater distance, with utilisation of more than one vehicle. For example two or more vehicles may be used in a row to close off one road or access wherein the panels abut one and other to provide a continuous barrier.

Optionally two vehicles may be positioned adjacent to one another with only one of the barriers deployed from each vehicle so that the users are situated closely to each other for enhanced safety.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the barrier; Figure 2 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 4 show end views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 5 show top and bottom views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in use; Figure 7 shows a second isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in use; Figure 8 shows a third isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in use; And Figure 9 shows a sketch of an embodiment of the barrier.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown: Rubber stoppers 6 Speakers Radar sensor 7 that senses any obstacles in the way of the barrier Support pins to join the arms of the scissor mechanism 8 Hydraulic piston 2 Main casing to house the electronic and motor 4 and which anchors securely to the base of the van Metal struts 9 Warning graphic 3 Nylon fabric roller blind 10 that pulls out as the barrier is extended to stop people from climbing through the scissor mechanism Each barrier projects approximately 10 metres each side of the vehicle at a rate of 2m per second, closing off a standard sized road of 22m including 2m approximate width of the vehicle.

The invention has been described by way df examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed bythe present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A a crowd control vehicle comprising extendable barriers mounted internally in said vehicle and arranged in use to extend externally through at least two doors located on opposing sides of the vehicle.
2. A crowd control vehicle according to claim 1 wherein the barriers comprise a scissor mechanism.
3. A crowd control vehicle according to claim 2 wherein the barriers comprise a flexible material between the scissor mechanism.
4. A crowd control vehicle with reference to the figures and substantially as described herein.
5. A barrier for a crowd control vehicle according to any of the preceding claims.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: Claims 1. A crowd control vehicle comprising extendable barriers mounted internally within the vehicle and arranged in use to extend externally through at least two doors located on opposing sides of the vehicle wherein the barriers comprise a scissor mechanism.2. A crowd control vehicle according to claim 1 wherein the barriers comprise a flexible material arranged over at least part of the barrier to prevent people passing through the barriers.3. A crowd control vehicle according to claim I or 2 wherein the barriers are fined to the vehicle by means of an anchor.4. A crowd control vehicle according to any preceding claim having a distally mounted panel for abutting a surface.5. A crowd control vehicle according to any preceding claim wherein the scissor mechanism includes at least one hydraulic limb to assist with deploying and stowing * the barrier. * 4*:.:
6. A crowd control vehicle according to any preceding claim including a control system.
7. A barrier for a crowd control vehicle according to any preceding claim substantially as herein described with reference to the figures.
8. A crowd control vehicle as substantially herein described with reference to the figures.