WO2016067030A1

WO2016067030A1 - Barrier system

Info

Publication number: WO2016067030A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/053240
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ivan RUDD
Original assignee: Rudd Ivan
Priority date: 2014-10-31
Filing date: 2015-10-29
Publication date: 2016-05-06
Also published as: GB201513292D0; GB201419392D0

Abstract

A barrier system comprising a base unit (10) and a barrier arm, said barrier arm comprising a first elongate section (16) having first and second ends, and being connected at said first end to said base unit (10) and rotatable relative thereto in a single plane, said barrier arm further comprising a second elongate section (18) pivotally connected at one end to the second end of the first elongate section (16) via a hinged connector and configured to rotate relative to the first elongate section (16) in said single plane, the barrier arm further comprising a mechanical link housed therein and extending between said first (16) and second elongate sections (18), the barrier arm being moveable between a closed configuration, in which said first elongate section (16) extends substantially horizontally from said base unit (10) and said second elongate section (18) extends substantially horizontally from said second end of said first elongate section (16), and in-line therewith so as to substantially span an entrance, and a second configuration in which said entrance is substantially unobstructed, the barrier system further comprising an actuator for selectively moving said barrier arm from said closed configuration to said open configuration by causing said first elongate section (16) to rotate in said single plane relative to said base unit (10) from said horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation and causing said second elongate section 18 to rotate in said single plane relative to, and toward, said first elongate section (16) from said horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation in which a longitudinal edge thereof is adjacent a longitudinal edge of said first elongate section (16).

Description

BARRIER SYSTEM

This invention relates generally to a barrier system and, more particularly but not necessarily exclusively, to a barrier system for vehicular access control in respect of a car park or similar controlled area, in which it is necessary to accommodate low ceiling height, such as a multi-storey or basement car park.

It is well known to provide automatic barrier systems for vehicular access control in respect of car parks and the like. A typical barrier system comprises a mechanical base and control unit, located to one side of the car park entrance, to which is rotatably mounted an elongate barrier arm which, in a closed configuration, extends horizontally across the entrance, and which can be automatically pivoted to a vertical, open configuration in response to some user input such as, for example, the extraction of a payment ticket, the insertion of payment, the presentation of an authorised electronic tag, etc. Such automatic opening of the barrier is usually effected by means of a motor, coupled to the pivotal connection between the barrier arm and the base unit, and operable in response to electronic control signals from a control unit.

A significant problem arises in respect of barrier systems of the type described above in that the height of the barrier arm in its open configuration makes it unsuitable for environments in which low ceiling height restricts the height of the barrier arm, such as in a multi-storey or basement car park. This problem is addressed, in prior art systems, by the provision of a jointed barrier arm wherein the barrier arm comprises two elongate sections 100, 104, pivotally connected, end-to-end, with a mechanical linkage 108 and "elbow" joint 109 therebetween, such that in the closed configuration, as shown in Figure 1 of the drawings, the two sections are aligned and extend horizontally across the car park entrance Z, as in the conventional system described above. However, in the open configuration, as shown in Figure 2 of the drawings, whilst the first section 100, pivotally mounted to the base unit 102 at one end, pivots or articulates upwardly to a vertical configuration, the second section 104, pivotally coupled to the opposite end thereof, is caused to pivot by the linkage in the form of a tension bar 106, relative to the first section 100, such that, in the open configuration, it extends substantially horizontally (i.e. at a right angle) relative to the vertical first section 100, and at a height dictated by the length of the first section 100.

It can be seen from Figure 2 that, as a result of the operation described above, there is a further loss of headroom X between the second barrier section 104 and the ceiling or soffit 108 of the car park. Thus, there is a further restriction on the height Y of vehicles that can be permitted entry into the car park. Furthermore, the second section of the barrier arm has a tendency to "sag" over time, further decreasing the headroom available to allow vehicular access, and can result in vehicles knocking the second barrier section, thus potentially damaging the vehicle and/or the barrier arm.

Another disadvantage of the conventional jointed barrier arm is that both sections have to be cut or otherwise made to measure for each specific application, such that the extended arm spans the required width of the entrance in the closed configuration, and such that the barrier provides the maximum available headroom, without contacting the soffit, in the open configuration.

A further significant disadvantage of the conventional barrier depicted in Figures 1 and 2, is that the tension bar linkage extending between the base unit and the hinged connector joining the two sections of the arm must, by necessity, be offset from the centreline of the arm. As will be observed from Figures 1 and 2, the pivoting of the sections of the barrier arm in conventional jointed barriers, is caused by the relative change in length of the first section of the barrier am and the tension bar, as the barrier arm is rotated. The relative change in length results from the eccentric mounting of the tension bar to the base unit with respect to the barrier arm pivot. As a result, the tension bar cannot be housed within the barrier arm itself and is left exposed. This presents a major problem where a barrier is operated by a user unattended, and particularly where children may be present, as injury will result if limbs are inadvertently placed between the linkage and the arm as the arm rotates.

It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to address at least some of these issues and provide an improved barrier system which is suitable for use in environments where available height is restricted, whilst at least ameliorating some of the above-mentioned drawbacks associated with prior art systems.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a barrier system comprising a base unit and a barrier arm, said barrier arm comprising a first elongate section having first and second ends, and being connected at said first end to said base unit and rotatable relative thereto in a single plane, said barrier arm further comprising a second elongate section pivotally connected at one end to the second end of the first elongate section via a hinged connector and configured to rotate relative to said first elongate sectionin said single plane, the barrier arm further comprising a mechanical link housed therein and extending between said first and second elongate sections, the barrier arm being moveable between a closed configuration, in which said first elongate section extends substantially horizontally from said base unit and said second elongate section extends substantially horizontally from said second end of said first elongate section, and in-line therewith so as to substantially span an entrance, and a second configuration in which said entrance is unobstructed, the barrier system further comprising an actuator for selectively moving said barrier arm from said closed configuration to said open configuration by causing said first elongate section to rotate in said single plane relative to said base unit from said horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation and causing said second elongate section to rotate in said single plane relative to, and toward, said first elongate section from said horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation in which a longitudinal edge thereof is adjacent a longitudinal edge of said first elongate section.

The base unit may comprise an elongate slot in a side thereof and, in said open configuration, said first and second elongate sections may be at least partially housed within said slot. The slot may be open at the upper end of the base and, in said open configuration, at least a portion of the distal end of said first elongate section may protrude above the upper face of said base unit through said open slot. Whilst the slot is not necessarily essential to all embodiments of the invention, it does have the advantages of (i) improving the appearance of the unit when in the open configuration; and (ii) making the system safer by covering up a large proportion of the mechanism.

In one exemplary embodiment, said first elongate section may be pivotally connected to said base unit, about a pivot point, via an elongate rack, and the system may further comprise a pinion gear which engages, in use, with said elongate rack. A roller gear may be mounted on the same shaft as said pinion gear which may engage with a curved rack which extends from a first, upper point on said base unit, to a lower point thereon.

The system may further comprise a drive configured to rotate said pinion gear and roller gear, via said common shaft, so as to cause said rotation of said first elongate section.

The mechanical link between said first and second elongate sections may comprise a rigid, elongate mechanical link. The system may further comprise a rotator element for rotatably coupling said second elongate section to said mechanical link, wherein rotation of said rotator element causes rotational articulation of said second elongate section. In one exemplary embodiment, the system may include an energy chain, comprised of a plurality of articulated chain links and coupled to said mechanical link, wherein rotation of said first elongate section causes linear movement of said mechanical link and said energy chain, said energy chain being communicably coupled to said rotator element such that linear movement thereof causes corresponding rotational movement of said rotator element.

In another exemplary embodiment, the system may include a flexible looped link, which extends around and engages with a rotational component associated with said first elongate section and extends around and engages with said rotator element such that, rotation of said rotational component causes corresponding rotation of said rotator element via said link.

In a specific embodiment, the barrier arm may further comprise a stator fixed to the base unit and and a rotor attached to a first end of the first elongate section. The mechanical linkage may comprise of a pair of cables anchored at a first end to the stator, and extending through the barrier arm, and anchored at a second distal end to the hinged connector.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the system may include a pulley system located between a rotational system associated with said first elongate section and said rotator element, and configured such that rotation of said first elongate section causes rotation of said rotator element, via said pulley system, and therefore rotation of said second elongate section.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a barrier arm for a barrier system, the barrier arm comprising a first elongate section having first and second ends, and being configured for connection at said first end to a corresponding barrier system base unit for rotation relative thereto in a single plane, said barrier arm further comprising a second elongate section pivotally connected at one end to the second end of the first elongate section via a hinged connector and configured to rotate relative to the first elongate section in said single plane, the barrier arm further comprising a mechanical link housed therein and extending between said first and second elongate sections, the barrier arm configured to be moveable between a closed configuration, in which said first elongate section extends substantially horizontally from said base unit and said second elongate section extends substantially horizontally from said second end of said first elongate section, and in-line therewith so as to substantially span an entrance, and a second configuration in which said entrance is substantially unobstructed, the barrier arm being configured for actuation from said closed configuration to said open configuration by causing said first elongate section to rotate in said single plane relative to said base unit from said horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation and causing said second elongate section to rotate in said single plane relative to, and toward, said first elongate section from said horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation in which a longitudinal edge thereof is adjacent a longitudinal edge of said first elongate section. These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the following specific description, in which embodiments of the invention are described, by way of examples only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a conventional jointed barrier system, in the closed configuration, according to the prior art;

Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the barrier system of Figure 1 in the open configuration;

Figure 3 is a schematic side perspective view of a barrier system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the fully closed configuration;

Figures 4, 5, and 6 are schematic diagrams of a barrier system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at various stages of articulation from the closed configuration to the open configuration;

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the orientation and relative positions of the barrier arm sections of the system of Figures 4, 5 and 6, when in the fully open configuration;

Figure 8 is a side perspective view of the barrier system of Figure 3 in its fully open configuration;

Figure 9 is a partial schematic diagram illustrating the rotational elements associated with the first arm section of the barrier system of Figure 3;

Figure 9a is a more detailed schematic diagram illustrating the rotational elements of Figure 9;

Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the rotational elements associated with the second arm section of the barrier system of Figure 3;

Figure 10a is a schematic diagram of the rotator element referred to in relation to Figure 10; Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing an alternative exemplary embodiment of the rotational elements associated with the second arm section of a barrier system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 1 1a is a schematic plan view of a push rod for use in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 1 ;

Figure 12 is a schematic side view of a second alternative exemplary embodiment of the invention in which the barrier arm is in an open configuration;

Figure 13 shows the embodiment of the invention depicted in Figure 12 in which the barrier arm is in a closed configuration;

Figure 14a is a schematic diagram showing in cross section components of the barrier arm;

Figure 14b is a partial schematic diagram showing the barrier arm in top view; Figure 14c is a schematic diagram showing the barrier arm in a side sectional view;

Figures 15a, 15b, and 15c, are schematic diagrams of a stator according to the invention in top and perspective views;

Figure 16 shows the barrier arm rotor in perspective view;

Figure 17 shows the outer hinge component of a hinged connector in perspective view; and

Figures 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d show the inner hinge component of a hinged connector in perspective, end plan, side section, and top plan views.

Referring to Figure 3 of the drawings, a barrier system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a base unit 10 having an elongate channel 12 which extends from the upper surface of the base unit 10 substantially along its entire length to the bottom. The channel 12 thus defines an elongate opening 12a along one longitudinal edge of the base unit 10 and an opening or slot 12b at the upper surface.

A barrier arm 14 extends from within the base unit 10 (via the side opening 12a) and, in a closed configuration, is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal edge of the base unit 10. The barrier arm 14 comprises two elongate arm sections: a first "short" arm section 16 having a first end which is connected to, and extends from, the base unit 10, and a second end which is connected to the second "long" arm section 18, which can be cut or otherwise configured to any desired length such that the barrier arm 14 extends substantially across any selected width of an entrance in the closed configuration. It will be appreciated that the assumption is made herein that the second arm section 18 is likely to be longer than the first arm section 16, as its length is dictated by the width of the entrance. However, for narrower entrances, this might not be the case, and the present invention is not intended to be in any way limited in this regard.

A warning or instruction sign 20 may be mounted on the barrier arm 14, for example, at or on the connection between the first and second arm sections 16, 18.

Referring to Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the drawings, articulation of the barrier arm 14 from the closed configuration to the open configuration, in which the entrance is substantially unobstructed, may be actuated by any desired action, whether user controlled or initiated or otherwise. Thus, the control unit of the barrier system (housed within the base unit and not shown in the drawings) may be configured to actuate the barrier arm in response to a user operation, such as taking a ticket or presenting an authorised electronic tag; or it may be configured to cause the barrier to open in response to a signal from, say, an ANR system or movement sensor; or it may even be configured to cause the barrier to open by means of a manual trigger, such as the pressing of a button or other manual input by an authorised user. The present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard.

As the barrier arm opens, the first arm section 16 rotates, about a pivot point 22, such that the end connected to the second arm section 18 moves downwardly relative to the base unit 10 (i.e. toward the base unit 10) and the opposite end moves upwardly relative thereto, until the first arm section 16 has moved from its original horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation within the elongate channel (12a - Figure 3) in the base unit 10. The upper end of the first arm section 16, in its vertical orientation, may protrude through the upper channel opening (12b - Figure 3) in the base unit 10, as illustrated in Figure 8 of the drawings.

Substantially simultaneously, as the first arm section 16 is articulated in the manner described above, the second arm section 18 rotates relative to the first arm section 16 in an opposite direction of rotation thereto, such that the longitudinal edge of the second arm section 18 moves toward the first arm section 16, until it, too, is oriented substantially vertically within the base unit channel (12a - Figure 3), alongside the first arm section 16. It can be seen, therefore, in moving from the closed to the open configuration, the barrier arm 14 effectively "folds" on itself and rotates into a substantially vertical stored position, as shown in Figure 7 of the drawings, until it is required to return the barrier arm 14 to its closed configuration, which may occur after a predetermined period of time has elapsed and/or in response to some external stimulus. The present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard.

Referring now to Figures 9 and 9a of the drawings, the rotational articulation of the first arm section 16 will now be described in more detail. As shown, the first arm section is pivotally connected within the base unit 10 (about pivot point 22) via a rack 28 having a plurality of teeth along its length. A rotary assembly 23 is provided, having a pinion gear 24, which also has a plurality of teeth around its outer circumference. The teeth of the pinion gear 24 mesh with the teeth of the rack 28 such that, as the pinion gear 24 is rotated in an anti-clockwise direction, it moves linearly along the rack 28 toward its end. A roller gear 26 is provided on the same shaft as the pinion gear 24 and, therefore, rotates concentrically therewith. A curved rack 30 is provided, with which the teeth of the roller gear 26 mesh, and which extends with a curved profile through about 90° from a first, upper position to a second, lower position. Thus, when the pinion gear 24 is rotated, the roller gear 26 is similarly rotated, causing it to move along the curved rack 30, and pull the first arm section 16 with it, thereby causing pivoting thereof about the pivot point 22. Rotation of the pinion gear 24 and/or the roller gear 26 may be effected by means of, for example, a motor located in a proximate control unit (not shown).

As an alternative, the first arm section may be rotated by means of mechanically coupling the arm to a driven output shaft protruding from the base unit along the pivot point 22. In this way, a torque applied to the output shaft, for example, by a rotary motor housed inside the base unit and attached to the shaft, will cause the arm to rotate through a desired angle. As the arm rotates about the pivot point 22, the roller gear 26 will be forced along the curved rack 30, thereby causing the pinion gear 24 to rotate and driving the rack 28 of the mechanical linkage accordingly.

Referring additionally to Figure 9b of the drawings, rotational articulation of the second arm section 18 may be effected by means of an energy chain 100 communicably coupled to the rack 28 by means of a rigid link arm 102. The energy chain 100 comprises a plurality of articulated chain links 104, and the chain 100 is communicably engaged with a rotator element 36 which is mechanically linked to the second arm section 18. In use, as the first arm section 16 is articulated as described above, the energy chain 100 is pushed toward the rotator element 36, and, because of its engagement with the rotator element 36, causes the rotator element 36 to rotate (anti-clockwise in the Figures) as the energy chain 100 wraps around it, and thereby causes articulation of the second arm section 18.

Referring additionally to Figure 10 of the drawings, alternative rotational articulation of the second arm section will now be described in more detail. As shown schematically in Figure 10, a flexible linkage, such as a chain or wire loop 32 is provided, which extends around the roller gear 26 at one end of the first arm section 16 and around a second roller 34 at the distal end of the first arm section 16, where it crosses over and is looped around a rotator member 36 and anchored at an anchor point 38. The linkage 32 may be retained in or on the lower part of the first arm section 16. The rotator member 36 comprises a generally semi-circular housing or cover 36b, housing a pulley wheel 36b or the like. Extending from one edge of the housing 36, there is provided an elongate connector member 39, which engages with a corresponding opening 40 in the end of the second arm section 18. In use, as the roller wheel 26 rotates, it engages with the linkage 32 and exerts a pulling force thereon. The linkage 32 is also engaged with the second roller 34 and the pulley wheel 26b and, as the pulling force is transmitted thereto, causes them to rotate accordingly. Rotation of the pulley wheel 36b in this manner causes rotation of rotator element 36 through 180°, thereby rotating the second arm section 18 connected thereto to rotate as required.

In a further alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 1 1 of the drawings, a push rod 42 may extend, along the lower part of the first arm section 16, to the rotator element 36 which includes a gear therein (not shown, but located in a similar configuration to the pulley wheel described in relation to the previous embodiment), having teeth around its circumference. The push rod 42 is rigid from the rack 28 to the opposite end, which opposite end 44 is flexible and is provided with teeth or other means suitable to mesh with the teeth on the rotator element gear. In this case, when the gear 24 rotates and causes movement of the first arm section 16, as described in relation to the previous embodiment, the push rod translates linear movement from that end to the opposite end, causing the rotator element gear, which is communicably coupled to the end of the push rod, to rotate through the required 180°, and causing the second arm section 18 to rotate accordingly.

Yet a further alternative embodiment of a barrier system according to the present invention is illustrated in Figures 11 through 17.

As will be described, a particular advantage of this embodiment, is that a conventional base unit known in the art may be easily adapted to support the barrier arm. Equally, the barrier arm may be installed retrospectively to existing base units, allowing conventional raised arm barriers, such as those described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, to be converted into a barrier in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

In the embodiment, barrier 50 comprises of base unit 52, and a barrier arm 54 comprised of first and second elongate arm sections, mounted thereto. Thus, in use the barrier arm is configured for rotation between the open state shown in Figure 12, in which the sections of the barrier arm are folded and arranged vertically relative to the bsse unit, and a closed configuration shown in Figure 13, in which the barrier arm extends horizontally from the base unit across an entrance.

The barrier arm 54 is shown schematically in Figures 12 through 14, in which it can be seen that the arm includes first and second elongate arm sections 56 and 58, each comprising a length of rectangular box section cut to the desired dimension such that the barrier arm spans an entrance. In a preferred embodiment, said first and second elongate sections comprise each of rectangular box section steel, defining cavities 60, 62 therein along their length between first and second ends, the sections being finished by application of a protective and aesthetically pleasing coating, for example, paint or a plastic coating. It will of course be appreciated that a number of alternative materials and section profiles are available, for example, cylindrical lengths of plastic tubing, and the invention is not intended to be limited in this regard.

The first and second elongate sections 56, 58 are joined at respective second and first ends thereof by means of a hinged connector 64, which includes inner and outer parts 66, 68 respectively, such that in use, the barrier arm is articulated about the hinged connector, with the first and second elongate sections permitted to pivot through an angle of approximately 180 degrees between the open and closed states. Barrier arm 54 further comprises a rotor component 70 fixed at the first end of the first elongate section 56, and a stator component 72 fixed to the base unit, the mutually complementary stator and rotor pair pivotally mounting the barrier arm to the base unit for rotation relative thereto about an axis of rotation 76.

Referring particularly to Figures 14 thorugh 18, it can be seen that the barrier arm 54 further includes a mechanical linkage 74 housed therein, extending between the first and second elongate arm sections and coupling the second elongate section 58 to the stator 72. The mechanical linkage may comprise of a flexible member, and in the specific embodiment, comprises of a cable pair including upper and lower cables 76, 78 respectively. As illustrated, each of said 76, 78 are anchored at respective first ends 80, 82 thereof, to the stator component 72 and run internally through the cavity 60 of the first elongate arm section 56 about rollers 84, 86 and through the hinged connector 64, before each being anchored at respective second ends 88 90. to the inner part 66 of the hinged connector..

In the specific embodiment shown, said upper and lower cables 76, 78 are provided comprising of a multiplicity of intertwined strands of steel wire. It will be appreciated however, that a number of alternative suitable constructions of the flexible member exist. Alternatively, cables 76, 78 may be substituted with a rope comprising of a natural or plastics material, for example, cotton or nylon. As a further alternative, the flexible member may define a belt comprising a flat strip or ribbon of a syntheric rubber material. It will be understood then that the purpose of the flexible member is primarily to transmit a drive between distributed components of the system.

Referring to the drawings, a complementary stator and rotor pair are illustrated schematically. The stator 72 comprises of a circular disc chaped hub 92, having a substantially flat outer end face 94, and an inner end face 96 defining a location recess 98 extending into the body, and stop portions 100, 102 protruding from the inner face. Adjacent first and second grooves 104, 106 are defined in the outer peripheral edge108 of the hub and extend substantially around the full circumference thereof. The stator further defines an L-shaped bracket 110 which protrudes radially from an outer peripheral edge of the hub part 92, and has a mating surface 112 configured for attachment to the base unit. The bracket 110 is fixedly connected to the base unit 52 by conventional attachment means, such as using a bolt extending through a wall of the base unit and being received in the threaded slot in said mating surface 112.

The rotor 70 comprises generally of a body 114 defining a channel 116 at an end in which said first end of the first barrier arm section 60 is slidably received to attach the arm section to the rotor. Body 114 further defines a collar 118 protruding from a first side, the collar 118 defining a cylindrical tube for receiving an output shaft (not shown) from the base unit defining the axis of rotation Collar 118 further defines a tapped aperture 120 through ther flange wall through which a set screw or similar may be threadably inserted to engage the output shaft and couple the rotor thereto, such that rotation of the output shaft causes the rotor 70 to rotate therewith. On an opposing side of the body part, rotor 1 14 further defines locator lug 122, which comprises of a cylindrical protrusion from the body, configured to engage with said location recess 98 of the stator 72, and rotate therein. The rotor 70 further defines a pair of apertures 124, 126 disposed on opposing sides of the body and through which the roller 84 is located, by means of bearings 128, 130 which are retained in the apertures and engage internally opposing ends of the roller, to thereby allow the roller to rotate along its long axis w.r.t the rotor body as will be described in further detail below.

Thus, said upper cable 76 is anchored to the bracket 110 of the stator component 72 and is routed clockwise (as viewed) over the stator and through said first channel 104 in the peripheral outer edge. Likewise, the lower cable 78 is anchored to the bracket and routed anti-clockwise (as viewed) around the stator through said second channel 106. The upper and lower cables then cross paths, with the upper cable 76 routed around and below the roller 84, and the lower cable routed around and above the roller 84. Both cables then extend along and through the first elongate section 56 towards said second elongate section as will be described.

Referring in particular to Figures 17 through 18, the hinge components 66, 68 of hinged connector 64 are shown in detail. Outer hinge component 68 defines a channel 132 configured to slidably receive the second end of the first elongate arm section 56. Outer hinge 68 is thus fixed to the second end of the first elongate arm section such that the cavity through the first elongate section is is communication with the channel 132. Similarly to rotor 70, outer hinge component 68 defines apertures 134 and 136 on opposing sides of the body, through which roller 86 is located, and retained in place by bearings 139 and 141 positioned in the apertures, which receive internally opposing ends of the roller 86 such that the roller is permitted to rotate freely relative to the hinge. The outer hinge further comprises circular flanges 138 and 140 extending parallel therefrom and defining a gap therebetween for receiving a the inner hinge part 66.

Inner hinge component 66 is shown in various views through Figures 18 comprising a disc shaped hub 142 having an aperture 144 extending through its centre point, and adjacent grooves 146 and 148 defined in the peripheral edge of the disc and extending substantially about the entire circumference of the hub part. Protruding tangentially from the hub part is a bracket 150, defining a stub with dimensions corresponding to the internal dimensions of the second elongate arm section 58, such that a first end of the second elongate arm section is slidably located about said stub 150, and abutted against collar 152. Bracket 150, further defines slots 154, 156 extending along the length of the bracket, through which the upper and lower cables are passed. Thus, inner and outer hinge components 66, 68 are assembled by inserting the hub part 142 of inner component 66 between the parallel flanges 138, 140 of the outer component 68 and passing hinge pin 158 through aligned apertures in the two parts, such that the inner and outer components may pivot.

Thus cables 76, 78 are fed through the cavity along the length of the first elongate section towards the second end where they pass into the channel section of the outer hinge component 68. The upper wire 76 is passed under and around the second roller 86 in the outer hinge component and then routed clockwise (as viewed), approximately one and a half (1.5) turns around around the first groove 146 defined about the the hub of the inner hinge 66. The upper cable is then fed through the first slot 154 in the inner hinge 66, and along the bracket 150, to the exit of the stub part proximal the second elongate section 58, where the cable is then anchored to either the second elongate section, or for convenience, the end face of the stub part of the inner hinge component. Similarly, lower wire 78 is passed into the outer hinge and above and around the second roller 86, before being routed in the second groove 148 in the inner hinge component 66 approximately one full turn anti-clockwise (as viewed) around the circumference of the hub part, before exiting the inner hinge component 66 through the second slot 156 where it is anchored. In use then, the rotor 70 is coupled to an output shaft of the base unit, and stator 72 is mounted over the rotor 70, to cap and provide additional support to the rotor. Rotation of the output shaft of the base unit, for example, by an electric motor in the base unit applying a torque to the outout shaft, will cause the rotor 70 to rotate relative to the stator 72, through an angle bounded by the stop portions 100, 102 which prevent over rotation of the rotor.

Thus, it will be understood that cables 76, 78 are configured to couple the rotation of the hinged connector 64 with rotation of the rotor 70 relative to the stator 72 and in turn base unit 52. In this way, as the rotor 70 is rotated relative to the stator 72, thorugh rotation of an output shaft of the base unit 52, the hinged connector is caused to open or close simultaneously. As will be understood, as the barrier arm rotates with the rotor between the open and closed configurations, tension in the lower cable 78 increases due to the angular displacement of roller 84 w.r.t.the anchorage point of the cable to the stator, which in turn causes the inner hinge component to rotate clockwise as viewed, thereby extending the second elongate section horizontally across an entrance. In the same way, as the barrier arm is rotated between the closed and open configurations, tension in the upper wire 76 increases, as the movement of the roller 84 effectively lengthens the path taken by the upper wire about the stator 72. The upper cable is thus retracted along the length of the first elongate section, causing the inner hinge component 66 to be rotated anti-clockwise (as viewed), thereby effectively closing the hinged connector and rotating the second elongate section 58 parallel with the first elongate section 56.

It will be appreciated that, to enable correct articulation of the barrier arm 54, the relative rotation of the rotor 70 w.r.t. the stator 72, and the inner hinge component 66 wr.r.t to the outer hinged component 68, must be matched. This is because, as the barrier arm is moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the first elongate arm section 56 is rotated through ninety degrees to extend downwardly from the pivot point and parallel with the base unit, whilst the second elongate arm section 58 must rotate through approximately one hundred and eighty degrees, such that the hinged connector is closed, and the second section extends upwardly from the hinged connector and parallel to the first arm section.

To facilitate matched rotation between the pair of arm sections, the ratio of the circumference of the stator 72 relative to that of hub 142 of the inner hinge component 66, must be set to be approximately 1 :2. That is to say, the circumference of the 'pulley' defined by the grooves 104, 106 in the stator 72, should be approximately twice that of the circumference of the grooves 146, 148 about the hub of the inner hinge component 66. Because of the relative circumference sizes, when the first arm section 56 is rotated ninety degrees between the open and closed configurations, a length of the lower wire 78 equal to a quarter of the stators circumference is pulled. A quarter of the stators circumference is equal to a half of the circumference of the hub of the inner hinge 66, and so that inner hinge is caused to rotate by one hundred and eighty degrees. Similarly the same happens in reverse, when the upper wire closes the inner hinged connector.

It will be appreciated, that the barrier arm 54 attaches to the base unit 52 in a conventional manner, i.e. by coupling to the rotory output shaft, and the configuration of the upper and lower cables is such that the drive to the second arm section results solely from the rotation of the rotor 72 of the first arm section 56 relative to the stator 58. As a result, this final exemplary embodiment removes the need for the rotary assembly 23 described in relation to the embodiment of Figure 9. As such, barrier arm 54 may be easily coupled to an output shaft of a conventional base unit without the further requirement for the base unit to be equipped with the curved rack 30 of Figure 9. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art from the foregoing description, that modifications and variations can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims

A barrier system comprising a base unit and a barrier arm, said barrier arm comprising a first elongate section having first and second ends, and being connected at said first end to said base unit and rotatable relative thereto in a single plane, said barrier arm further comprising a second elongate section pivotally connected at one end to the second end of the first elongate section via a hinged connector and configured to rotate relative to the first elongate section in said single plane, the barrier arm further comprising a mechanical link housed therein and extending between said first and second elongate sections, , the barrier arm being moveable between a closed configuration, in which said first elongate section extends substantially horizontally from said base unit and said second elongate section extends substantially horizontally from said second end of said first elongate section, and in-line therewith so as to substantially span an entrance, and a second configuration in which said entrance is substantially unobstructed, the barrier system further comprising an actuator for selectively moving said barrier arm from said closed configuration to said open configuration by causing said first elongate section to rotate in said single plane relative to said base unit from said horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation and causing said second elongate section to rotate in said single plane relative to, and toward, said first elongate section from said horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation in which a longitudinal edge thereof is adjacent a longitudinal edge of said first elongate section.

A barrier system according to claim 1 , wherein said base unit comprises an elongate slot in a side thereof and, in said open configuration, said first and second elongate sections are at least partially housed within said slot.

A barrier system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said slot is open at the upper end of the base and, in said open configuration, at least a portion of the distal end of said first elongate section protrudes above the upper face of said base unit through said open slot.

4. A barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first elongate section is pivotally connected to said base unit, about a pivot point, via an elongate rack, the system further comprising a pinion gear which engages, in use, with said elongate rack.

5. A barrier system according to claim 4, wherein a roller gear is mounted on the same shaft as said pinion gear and engages with a curved rack which extends from a first, upper point on said base unit, to a lower point thereon.

6. A barrier system according to claim 5, further comprising a drive configured to rotate said pinion gear and roller gear, via said common shaft, so as to cause said rotation of said first elongate section.

7. A barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said mechanical link between said first and second elongate sections comprises a rigid, elongate mechanical link.

8. A barrier system according to claim 7, further comprising a rotator element for rotatably coupling said second elongate section to said mechanical link, wherein rotation of said rotator element causes rotational articulation of said second elongate section.

9. A barrier system according to claim 8, including an energy chain, comprised of a plurality of articulated chain links and coupled to said mechanical link, wherein rotation of said first elongate section causes linear movement of said mechanical link and said energy chain, said energy chain being communicably coupled to said rotator element such that linear movement thereof causes corresponding rotational movement of said rotator element.

10. A barrier system according to claim 8, including a flexible looped link, which extends around and engages with a rotational component associated with said first elongate section and extends around and engages with said rotator element such that, rotation of said rotational component causes corresponding rotation of said rotator element via said link.

1 1. A barrier system according to claim 8, including a pulley system located between a rotational system associated with said first elongate section and said rotator element, and configured such that rotation of said first elongate section causes rotation of said rotator element, via said pulley system, and therefore rotation of said second elongate section.

12. A barrier system according to claim 1 , wherein said barrier arm further comprises a stator and a rotor.

13. A barrier system according to claim 1 , wherein said mechanical link comprises of a pair of cables

14. A barrier system according to claim 12, wherein each of said pair of cables are anchored at a first end to the stator, and at a second end to said hinged connector.

15. A barrier arm for a barrier system, the barrier arm comprising a first elongate section having first and second ends, and being configured for connection at said first end to a corresponding barrier system base unit for rotation relative thereto in a single plane, said barrier arm further comprising a second elongate section pivotally connected at one end to the second end of the first elongate section via a hinged connector and configured to rotate relative to the first elongate section in said single plane, the barrier arm further comprising a mechanical link housed therein and extending between said first and second elongate sections, the barrier arm configured to be moveable between a closed configuration, in which said first elongate section extends substantially horizontally from said base unit and said second elongate section extends substantially horizontally from said second end of said first elongate section, and in-line therewith so as to substantially span an entrance, and a second configuration in which said entrance is substantially unobstructed, the barrier arm being configured for actuation from said closed configuration to said open configuration by causing said first elongate section to rotate in said single plane relative to said base unit from said horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation and causing said second elongate section to rotate in said single plane relative to, and toward, said first elongate section from said horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation in which a longitudinal edge thereof is adjacent a longitudinal edge of said first elongate section.

16. A barrier system substantially as herein described and/or with reference to

Figures 3 to 18 of the drawings.

17. A barrier arm for a barrier system substantially as herein described and/or with reference to Figures 3 to 18 of the drawings.