WO1996008628A1

WO1996008628A1 - A barrier

Info

Publication number: WO1996008628A1
Application number: PCT/NZ1995/000087
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dennis Douglas Clough; Barry Keith Snoxell
Original assignee: C-Gate Limited
Priority date: 1994-09-15
Filing date: 1995-09-15
Publication date: 1996-03-21
Also published as: AU3487695A

Abstract

A barrier which can be retracted or extended along a linear path, as required, for use as a gate, fence, security screen and/or enclosure. In its broadest aspect this invention provides a barrier having a barrier body mount (22) and a barrier body (21), which barrier body (21) is retractably extendable along a linear path and comprises a plurality of elongate members (28) pivotally connected in a lazy tong arrangement, the barrier being characterized in that the barrier body (21) has a free end and a mounting end, the barrier body mount (22) being attached to the barrier body adjacent the mounting end. In use the barrier body mount (22) supports the weight of the barrier body at any degreee of extension. This arrangement provides a significant advantage, as in the fully retracted position there are no guides, rails or cables to be avoided or to interfere with. Further, the barrier body can be extended or retracted to any degree by simply pushing or pulling the barrier body (21) along the direction of the linear path.

Description

A BARRIER TECHNICAL FIELD

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

BACKGROUND ART

Barriers of the above described type incorporating a plurality of elongate members interconnected in a lazy tong arrangement are known in the art. However, such prior art barriers are not self supporting, in so much as both ends of the barrier are attached to a mounting post or like support in order to carry the weight of the barrier in the extended position.

French patent specification 2688244 discloses a diamond shaped folding barrier which, when the barrier is stretched out, is suspended from one or more cables extending between two fixed posts anchored in the ground. The barrier comprises a pair of sets of elongate members connected in lazy tong arrangement, the pairs being separated by a plurality of vertically extending bars. The barrier is stated to have particular application in controlling pedestrian and vehicular movement in urban areas. A major disadvantage of the invention disclosed is that even when the barrier is retracted overhead cables remain in the path of overheight vehicles. Furthermore, and apparent from the need for overhead cables, the barrier is not self supporting in the extended position.

New Zealand patent specification 134642 describes a collapsible portable barrier. The barrier disclosed comprises a number of elongate bars connected in lazy tong fashion extending between to upstanding support posts. To utilise the barrier requires that the support posts be separated, thereby drawing out the length of the barrier in total. A disadvantage with the design taught is that both of the support posts are at all times connected to the network of elongate bars. Thus the network of elongate bars is not self supporting, and extending and retracting the barrier is more difficult as a result, one of the posts having to be uprooted and moved to achieve any change. Other more conventional barriers used as gates and the like are generally of the fixed size type which are pivotally mounted to a post and open and close by swinging the gate in an arc about the pivot joint. A major disadvantage of these gates is that they require an area free from obstacles within the swinging arc when opening and closing the gate.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a barrier of the above described type which goes at least some way to overcome the above noted problems, or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first broad aspect this invention provides a barrier having a barrier body mount and a barrier body, which barrier body is retractably extendable along a linear path and comprises a plurality of elongate members pivotally connected in a lazy tong arrangement, the barrier being characterised in that the barrier body has a free end and a mounting end, the barrier body mount being attached to the barrier body adjacent the mounting end.

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

Preferably the elongate members are pivotally connected by way of pivotable connecting means, the pivotable connecting means being aligned into spaced apart groups, the groups extending parallel with respect to each other and the linear path, wherein at least two of the pivotable connecting means are attached to the barrier body mount.

Conveniently at least one of the pivotable connecting means is attached slidably to the barrier body mount. Desirably one of the pivotable connecting means is fixed in position with respect to the barrier body mount.

Preferably only two pivotable connecting means are attached to the barrier body mount.

Advantageously the two pivotable connecting means attached to the barrier body mount can be adjacent one another, the two pivotable connecting means optionally being from the same group, or alternatively from adjacent groups.

Preferably the barrier further includes an actuating means to facilitate extension or retraction of the barrier body.

Conveniently the actuating means can be adapted to, in use, supply a force to extend or retract the barrier body. Expediently the actuating means can comprise an electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically operated ram means or gear means.

Optionally the two pivotable connecting means attached to the barrier body mount are fixedly so attached, and the barrier body mount comprises the actuating means, being adapted to vary in length. Expediently the barrier body mount can comprise an electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically operated ram.

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

Preferably the barrier further includes housing means to house the barrier body mount and the barrier body when fully retracted.

Preferably the barrier body mount includes mounting means to facilitate mounting of the barrier to a support, such as a fixed post, wall or the like.

Alternatively the barrier body mount can include a mounting post or pillar to maintain the barrier oriented in a desired in use orientation. In a second broad aspect the invention provides a barrier arrangement comprising two barriers according to the preceding aspect arranged to be extendable towards, each other.

Preferably each barrier further includes an engaging means at its free end, the engaging means of one barrier being complimentary to the engaging means of the other barrier such that the free ends of the barriers can engage with each other.

In a third broad aspect the invention provides a barrier system comprising a barrier according to the first broad aspect above together with a second barrier body, the second barrier body having its mounting end hingedly connected to the free end of the first barrier body.

Preferably the barrier system includes a third and further barrier bodies, all hingedly interconnected end to end in series, the mounting end of the third barrier body being hingedly connected to the free end of the second barrier body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Figure 1 illustrates a partial side elevation of a barrier arm according to the present invention, the barrier arm being shown in the extended position, the retracted position being indicated in dotted outline;

Figure 2 illustrates a partial side elevation of a gate according to the present invention in an extended position;

Figure 3 illustrates a further partial side view of the gate of figure 2, but in the retracted position; Figure 4 illustrates a partial side elevation of an alternative gate according to the present invention in a retracted position;

Figure 5 illustrates a further partial side elevation of the gate of figure 4, but in a fully extended position;

Figure 6 illustrates a front elevation of an entrance or security barrier according to the invention;

Figure 7 illustrates a front elevation of a collapsible window security screen according to the invention mounted in a window frame;

Figure 8 illustrates a side elevation of a portable barrier according to the invention; and,

Figure 9 illustrates a plan view of the portable barrier of figure 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In a first preferred form this invention provides a barrier arm, as generally indicated at 1 in Figure 1, suitable for use as a means of controlling access to or from a particular area by people, vehicles and/or animals. One particular application of note for the barrier arm 1 is as a farm gate for use with dairy cows and the like when positioned at the appropriate height. A further application is as a vehicle toll barrier or the like.

The barrier arm 1 comprises two essential components, namely, a retractably extendable arm portion 2 and a support 3 to mount and position the arm portion 2 at the appropriate height. The arm portion 2 comprises a plurality of elongate barrier elements 4 connected in a lazy tong arrangement by way of pivots 5. The pivots 5 allow the elongate barrier elements 4 to pivot in substantially the same plane, and are identifiable as being grouped into three parallel spaced apart rows. The rows are parallel to the axis along which the barrier arm 1 retracts or extends.

The support 3 includes a mounting arm 6 mounted on a post 7. Optionally the mounting arm 6 may be pivotally so mounted to enable pivoting of the mounting arm 6 about the post 7 from the horizontal plain through the vertical plane and back to the horizontal plane. Further, and as shown, the post 7 may optionally comprise two component parts, namely, an intermediate post 8 rotatably mounted on a base post 9.

The mounting arm 6 of the support 3 includes a longitudinally extending slot 10 into which the end most pivot 5 and the next adjacent pivot 5 from the same row of the arm portion 2 are located. The said next adjacent pivot 5 is fixed mounted in the slot 10, whereas the said end most pivot 5 is slidably mounted therein. Mounting of the arm portion 2 in this manner enables it to be fully supported in the extended position without a need for a support at its further most end.

In use, the barrier arm 1 is extended by pulling a handle (not shown), or, if provided, actuating an extending device, such as, for example, a hydraulic, pneumatic or electrically driven ram (not shown) thereby extending the arm portion 2 across an opening. If access is to be allowed through the opening the arm portion 2 can be retracted, as shown in dotted outline in figure 1. If additional access space is required the mounting arm 6 can be rotated to the vertical. Further, and if necessary the intermediate post 8 can be rotated on the base post 9.

In a second preferred form this invention provides a gate, as generally indicated at 20 in figures 2 and 3. The gate 20 comprises a retractably extendable gate body 21, and a gate body mount 22 to mount and position the gate body 21 at an appropriate in use orientation. The basic constructional features are as for the first described preferred embodiment above, and thus only differences will be described. The gate body mount 22 includes a base post 23 which can optionally be mounted on a pedestal (not shown). Perpendicularly outstanding from the base post 23 is a mounting lug 24 to which the end of the lower end most barrier element 25 of the gate body 21 is connected. A sliding post 26, which is mounted in telescoping fashion in relation to the base post 23, includes at its distal end a mounting lug 27 to which the end of the upper end most barrier element 28 of the gate body 21 is connected.

Optionally telescoping of the post 26 into or out of the base post 23 can be achieved by a mechanism such as a water ram, with the piston forming the post 26, or an electric screw device, hydraulic ram or similar actuating mechanism. Alternatively the gate can be manually operable.

On opening or closing of the gate 20 the gate body mount 22 increases or decreases in height with the post 26 telescoping into or out of the base post 23.

In a third embodiment the invention provides an alternative gate design, as generally indicated at 30 in Figures 4 and 5. The gate 30 includes a retractably extendable barrier body 31 formed from a plurality of elongate barrier elements 32 interconnected in a lazy tong arrangement by way of pivoting connectors 33. The pivoting connectors 33 are disposed in rows parallel to each other and to the direction of extension/retraction of the barrier body 31.

The barrier body 31 is mounted on and supported by a barrier body mounting post 34. In this regard the lower most end of the lower most barrier element 32 is connected to a lug 35 extending outwardly of the side of the barrier body mounting post 34. The upper most end of the upper most barrier element 32 is connected to a lug 36 extending outwardly of a collar 37 which is slidably located on the barrier body mounting post 34.

The collar 37 is able to slide up and down the barrier body mounting post 34 as required. The gate 30 is driven open or closed by way of an actuating mechanism 38 mounted at the base of the barrier body mounting post 34, and actuating on and cooperating with a lug 39 mounted on the base of the barrier body 31 at the pivoting connector 36. Alternatively, the actuator can drive against the collar 37 causing the collar 37 to rise or lower on the barrier body mounting post 34 and thus opening or closing the barrier body 31.

Alternatively still, the gate 30 can be extended or retracted manually by way of a handle (not shown) located at the free end of the barrier body 31.

A fourth preferred embodiment of the invention takes the form of a security gate, as generally indicated at 40 in figure 6. The security gate 40 comprises two substantially mirror opposite gate halves, each of which includes a retractably extendable barrier 41 formed from a plurality of elongate barrier elements 42 interconnected in a lazy tong arrangement by way of pivoting connectors 43. The pivoting connectors 43 are disposed in rows parallel to each other, and to the direction of extension/retraction of the barriers 41. It will be appreciated that the height and extendable distance of the security gate 40 are dependent on the length and number of elongate barrier elements 42 in the arrangement.

Each barrier 41 is mounted at one end to a mounting structure 44. The structure 44 comprises two spaced apart upright posts 45 between which perpendicularly extends a guide/mounting rod 46. The end most pivoting connector 43 of one of the rows (preferably the mid height row) of connectors 43 is fixed mounted to the guide/mounting rod 46. The third end most pivoting connector 43 of the same row is then connected to a sleeve 47 which can slide on the guide/mounting rod 46 such that movement of the sleeve 47 along the guide/mounting rod 46 will result in either extension or retraction of the barrier 41.

Each of the barriers 41 is desirably, although not essentially, housed within a pillar 48. The pillars 48 are each constructed of a size and shape to fully envelop their respective mounting structure 44 and barrier 41 (when in fully retracted). The pillars 48 can be prefabricated from fibreglass or aluminium, or like material, and can be removably located, thereby facilitating any maintenance work required on the components housed within the pillars 48. It will be appreciated that the pillars 48 provide a convenient storage facility when the barriers 41 are not in use. Also, it is aesthetically pleasing to have the barriers 41 concealed when not in use.

An engaging member 49 is connected to at least two of the pivoting connectors 43 at the free end of each barrier 41 and is shaped to facilitate engagement with the corresponding engaging member 49 at the free end of the other barrier 41. The engaging members 49 can, for example, comprise a protruding "V" on the outer most end of one member 49, and a correspondingly shaped recess on the other member 49. Locking mechanisms can also be provided.

Optionally support rollers or wheels (not shown) can be provided on the lower edge of the free end of the barriers 41.

Optionally the barriers 41 may be electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically retracted or extended utilising components previously indicated herein or otherwise known in the art for such purposes. Desirably the associated operating mechanism is also housed within the pillars 48. If the security gate 40 is manually operable a hand grip 50 can be provided.

In use, if the security gate 40 is manually operable, the barriers 41 can each simply be manually pushed or pulled in or out, as desired, using the hand grips 50. In the fully retracted position the barriers 41 are housed within the pillars 48. In the fully extended position the barriers 41 come together preventing access through the gap between the pillars 48, and are engaged in co-planar alignment by way of the engagement members 49. If necessary locks or other means can be used to retain the barriers 41 in the extended position. Further, or alternatively, the barriers 41 may be spring biased to the extended position.

It will be appreciated that in some applications only one half of the described security gate 40 need be installed to function. While a single security gate 40 has been described, this embodiment, in particular utilising pillars 48 to house the barriers 41 and mounting support 44, has application to creation of a security compound. In this regard, a plurality of security gates 40 can be positioned in series to surround an area, such as a domestic or commercial property. The gates 40 could be left open during the day to provide a sense of space and openness, but closed at night or during occupier absence for security.

Referring now to figure 7, a still further preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. In this regard, a security screen , as generally indicated at 60, is provided. The security screen 60 comprises two essential components, namely, a retractably extendable screen 61 and a screen mounting unit 62 to mount and maintain the screen 61 in the correct orientation.

The screen 61 comprises a lattice work of elongate elements 63 connected in a lazy tong arrangement by way of pivotable connectors 64. The pivotable connectors 64 allow the elongate elements 63 to pivot in substantially the same plane, and are identifiable as being grouped into parallel spaced apart rows. The rows are parallel to the axis along which the screen 61 retracts or extends.

The screen mounting unit 62 comprises a housing 65 having mounting apertures 66 to allow the security screen 60 to be fixed adjacent a window frame, doorway or the like. Interior the housing 65 is provided a screen mounting post 67. The screen mounting post 67 is in fact two parallel spaced apart tubes joined at either end. The end most pivotable connector 64 of the middle row of connectors 64 is fixed mounted half way down the length of the screen mounting post 67, and joins the two tubes together at this point also.

If the security screen 60 is intended to be operated in the substantially horizontal plane the end most pivotable connector 64 of the lower most row of connectors 64 has a roller 68 mounted on either side. The rollers 68 are adapted to bear against the screen side the tubes of the screen mounting post 67. The end most pivotable connector 64 of the upper most row of connectors 64 also has a roller 69 mounted on either side. These rollers 69 are adapted to bear against the side the tubes of the screen mounting post 67 away from the screen 61. In use, as the screen 61 is extended outwardly the rollers 68,69 roll respectively up and down on their respective sides of the tubes of the screen mounting post 67.

Where the security screen 60 is intended to be vertically operable, with the screen mounting post 67 uppermost, the rollers 68,69 both bear against the side of the tubes of the mounting post 67 away from the screen 61.

The free end of the screen 61 includes a locking mechanism 70 which, in use, with the screen 61 fully extended locates and engages a latch mechanism on the other side of the area to be screened. The locking mechanism 70 ensures that the screen 61 cannot be retracted unless by an authorised person.

The security screen 60 can be installed into existing buildings, for example dwelling houses, internally. In this regard, where it is desired to secure a window the security screen 60 can be mounted behind the curtain so that it is only when the screen 61 is extended that the security screen 60 is visible.

In new buildings the security screen 60 can be incorporated into a window frame unit 71 during manufacture, and installed therewith. Preferably the window frame unit 71 is aluminium, although other materials may be used. An end section 72 of the window frame unit 71 is constructed with a security screen 60 concealed therein.

A security screen 60 according to this embodiment may be operated manually or by pneumatic or hydraulic means. By way of particular example, in domestic situations the security screens 60 can be linked into and operated by way of an extension from a standard in built vacuum cleaner outlet in the wall.

Desirably the security screens 60 of this embodiment form part an overall security system, activatible by way of key pad or the like in a similar fashion to known security systems. In this regard all windows and doors in a domestic or commercial building may be provided with security screens 60. The security screens 60 remain concealed during the day, or while the building is occupied. However, on activation of the security system they all extend out preventing unauthorised access. Optionally the screen 61 may be a single unit, in the sense of being a lattice fully covering the window etc, or may comprise separated unit sets on extending lattices interconnected at either end.

A yet further embodiment of the invention is shown in figures 8 and 9. In that regard, a portable barrier system, as generally indicated at 80, is illustrated. The portable barrier system 80 comprises a trolley unit 81 on which is mounted a mounting structure 82. A first retractably extendable barrier 83 is attached to the structure 82. Further retractably extendable barriers 84 are hingedly connected in series to the free end of the first retractably extendable barrier 83 by way of hinge units 85.

Each of the retractably extendable barriers 83,84 is formed from a plurality of elongate barrier elements 86 interconnected in a lazy tong arrangement by way of pivoting connectors 87. The pivoting connectors 87 are disposed in rows parallel to each other, and to the direction of extension/retraction of the barriers 83,84.

The mounting structure 82 comprises two spaced apart upright posts 88 between which peφendicularly extends a guide/mounting rod 89. The end most pivoting connector 87 of one of the rows of connectors 87 is fixed mounted to the guide/mounting rod 89. The third end most pivoting connector 87 of the same row is then connected to a sleeve 90 which can slide on the guide/mounting rod 89 such that movement of the sleeve 90 along the guide/mounting rod 89 will result in either extension or retraction of the barrier 83.

Each barriers 84 may extended independently of the barrier 83.

Preferably the trolley unit 81 includes side bars (not shown) to give lateral support to the barrier 83 when extended. Further, desirably an anchor pin 91 or the like is provided to assist in stabilising the trolley unit 81 when the barriers 83,84 are extended. In that connection, while only one barrier mounting structure 82 and set of barriers 83,84 have been described, a more preferable arrangement would involve a single mounting structure 82, but a mirror image set of barriers 83,84 extendable outwardly in an opposite direction to the first described set. The mirror barrier 83 would merely be an extension of the first barrier 83 beyond the mounting structure 82. In operation, the trolley unit 81 is wheeled to the desired site, the anchor pin 91 is either rammed into the ground or, where a pre-existing hole is located, for example, as might be found at wharfs or the like, the anchor pin 91 is inserted, thereby stabilising the trolley unit 81 while the barriers 83,84 and their mirror image barriers are extended. The end most barriers 84 are extended first. If a larger barrier is required a further barrier 84 can be folded out and then extended. The process can be repeated until all of the barriers 83,84 are at full extension. Ideally as one barrier 84 from the first is extended the corresponding barrier 84 from the mirror set will be extended at the same time.

It will be appreciated this portable barrier arrangement 80 has application for use on farm land to control livestock, may be adapted for use as a crowd control measure, or used to cordon off dangerous areas of road or parts of a site.

The elongate barrier elements of this invention may be constructed of any suitable resilient and durable material, in particular, wood, steel, alloy, fibreglass, or plastics material, or any combination thereof.

To enhance portability, and/or to provided a more effective barrier the elongate barrier elements may be adapted to carry an electric current. In some instances this may enable the elongate barrier elements to be of lighter weight construction.

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

Furthermore, the lazy tong arrangement of the elongate barrier elements need not be two dimensional only, three dimensional embodiments are envisaged.

Where in the foregoing reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents then such equivalents are herein incoφorated as if individually set forth. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that changes may be made to the above described embodiments of the invention without departing from the principles taught herein.

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

Claims

1. A barrier having a barrier body mount and a barrier body, which barrier body is retractably extendable along a linear path and comprises a plurality of elongate members pivotally connected in a lazy tong arrangement, the barrier being characterised in that the barrier body has a free end and a mounting end, the barrier body mount being attached to the barrier body adjacent the mounting end.

2. A barrier according to claim 1 wherein the elongate members are pivotally connected by way of pivotable connecting means, the pivotable connecting means being aligned into spaced apart groups, the groups extending parallel with respect to each other and the linear path, and wherein at least two of the pivotable connecting means are attached to the barrier body mount.

3. A barrier according to claim 2 wherein at least one of the pivotable connecting means is attached slidably to the barrier body mount.

4. A barrier according to claim 2 or 3 wherein one of the pivotable connecting means is fixed in position with respect to the barrier body mount.

5. A barrier according to claim 2,3 or 4 wherein only two pivotable connecting means are attached to the barrier body mount.

6. A barrier according to claim 5 wherein the two pivotable connecting means attached to the barrier body mount can be from the same group.

7. A barrier according to claim 5 wherein the two pivotable connecting means attached to the barrier body mount can be from adjacent groups.

8. A barrier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the barrier further includes an actuating means to facilitate extension or retraction of the barrier body.

9. A barrier according to claim 8 wherein the two pivotable connecting means attached to the barrier body mount are fixedly so attached, and the barrier body mount comprises the actuating means, being adapted to vary in length.

10. A barrier according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the actuating means can comprise an electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically operated ram means or gear means.

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

12. A barrier according to any one of the preceding claims further including housing means to house the barrier body mount and the barrier body when fully retracted.

13. A barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the barrier body mount includes mounting means to facilitate mounting of the barrier to a support, such as a fixed post, wall or the like.

14. A barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the barrier body mount includes a mounting post or pillar to maintain the barrier oriented in a desired in use orientation.

15. A barrier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the barrier body is spring biased to either the fully retracted position or the fully extended position.

16. A barrier arrangement comprising two barriers arranged to be extendable towards each other, each said barrier having a barrier body mount and a barrier body, which barrier body is retractably extendable along a linear path and comprises a plurality of elongate members pivotally connected in a lazy tong arrangement, each said barrier being characterised in that the barrier body has a free end and a mounting end, the barrier body mount being attached to the barrier body adjacent the mounting end.

17. A barrier arrangement according to claim 16 wherein each barrier further includes an engaging means at its free end, the engaging means of one barrier being complimentary to the engaging means of the other barrier such that the free ends of the barriers can engage with each other.

18. A portable barrier system comprising a barrier mounted on a transport means, said barrier having a barrier body mount and a barrier body, which barrier body is retractably extendable along a linear path and comprises a plurality of elongate members pivotally connected in a lazy tong arrangement, the barrier being characterised in that the barrier body has a free end and a mounting end, the barrier body mount being attached to the barrier body adjacent the mounting end.

19. A portable barrier system according to claim 18 wherein the transport means comprises a wheeled trolley.

20. A portable barrier system according to claim 18 or 19 further including a second barrier body, the second barrier body having its mounting end hingedly connected to the free end of the first barrier body.

21. A barrier system according to claim 20 including a third and further barrier bodies, all hingedly interconnected end to end in series, the mounting end of the third barrier body being hingedly connected to the free end of the second barrier body.

22. A security barrier having a barrier body mount and a barrier body, which barrier body is retractably extendable along a linear path and comprises a plurality of elongate members pivotally connected in a lazy tong arrangement, the security barrier being characterised in that the barrier body has a free end and a mounting end, the barrier body mount being attached to the barrier body adjacent the mounting end, the security barrier further including a lock means to, in use, lock the barrier body in the extended position and prevent unauthorised retraction.

23. A security barrier according to claim 22 wherein the lock means is located - t the free end of the barrier body, and is adapted to engage, in use, a latch means mountable as a fixture across the area to be screened from the barrier body mount.

24. A security barrier according to claim 21 or 22 further comprising actuation means to extend or retract the barrier body.

25. A security barrier according to any one of claims 21 to 24 wherein the actuation means is activatible remote from the security barrier.

26. A barrier, being retractably extendable along a linear path, the barrier comprising a barrier body, a barrier extending/retracting means, and a barrier mounting means, the barrier body having a plurality of elongate members connected in a lazy tong arrangement by way of pivotable connecting members, the pivotable connecting members being aligned into three spaced apart groupings, the groupings extending parallel with respect to each other and the linear path of extension/ retraction of the barrier, the barrier mounting means having a barrier body mounting arm extending parallel to the groupings of pivotable connecting members wherein at least two of the pivotable connecting members are attached to the barrier body mounting arm and wherein all of the pivotable connecting members attached to the barrier body mounting arm are from the same grouping, such that at least one of the pivotable connecting members attached to the barrier body mounting arm is slidably thereto attached.

27. A barrier according to claim 26 wherein the barrier mounting means includes a post member to which the barrier body mounting arm is pivotably connected, such that the barrier body mounting arm can pivot from a horizontal position to a substantially vertical position.

28. A barrier according to claim 26 or 27 wherein the barrier mounting arm can also rotate about a horizontal plane.

29. A barrier according to any one of claims 26 to 28 further comprising chain means suspended along the length of the barrier body from the lower most grouping of pivotable connecting members.

30. A barrier according to any one of claims 26 to 29 wherein the elongate members are adapted to be electrified.