Security barrier apparatus

Abstract

Security barrier apparatus (10) comprising a support (12, 14) and a barrier member (18, 20) movable relative to the support between a stowed position and a deployed position, the support (12, 14) having an upper part (16) for positioning substantially at ground level. The barrier member (18, 20) has at least two telescopic posts one within the other, the inner post (20) being lowermost in the deployed position. A linkage is provided between an outer post (18) and the inner post (20). In use, motion of the outer post (18) between the stowed position and the deployed position causes corresponding motion of the inner post (20).

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A security barrier apparatus comprising:
 a support and a barrier member movable relative to the support between a stowed position below ground level and a deployed position above ground level, the support having an upper part for positioning substantially at ground level, the barrier member having at least two telescopic posts one within the other, wherein an inner post is lowermost in the deployed position, and a linkage is provided between an outer post and the inner post whereby, in use, motion of the outer post between the stowed position and the deployed position causes corresponding motion of the inner post. 
 
     
     
       2. A security barrier apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the outer post includes a base plate, the base plate extending transverse to the axis of elongation of the outer post, the base plate being at or near the lower end of the post, wherein the base plate is disposed at ground level when in the deployed position. 
     
     
       3. A security barrier apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the linkage comprises cooperating shoulders on each of the inner post and the outer post. 
     
     
       4. A security barrier apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the linkage comprises at least one connecting rod, belt or cord between the inner post and the outer post. 
     
     
       5. A security barrier apparatus according to  claim 1 , further including a protruding or retractable handle on the outer post, enabling pulling by a user into the deployed position. 
     
     
       6. A security barrier apparatus according to  claim 1 , further including a reinforcing bar extending along all or part of the length of the inner post. 
     
     
       7. A security barrier apparatus according to  claim 1 , further including a releasable latch, for retaining the security barrier apparatus in the deployed position. 
     
     
       8. A security barrier apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein in the deployed position an upper end of the inner post is disposed a predetermined distance above a lower end of the outer post such that the inner post is at least partially below the upper part of the support. 
     
     
       9. A security barrier apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the predetermined distance is in the range 40-60% of the length of the outer post. 
     
     
       10. A security barrier apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the predetermined distance is in the range of 45-55% of the length of the outer post. 
     
     
       11. A security barrier apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the predetermined distance is in the range of 48-52% of the length of the outer post. 
     
     
       12. A security barrier apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the predetermined distance is 50% of the length of the outer post. 
     
     
       13. A security barrier apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the support comprises a barrier housing, the barrier housing including a lower surface for supporting a lower end of the outer post and/or a lower end of the inner post when in the stowed position. 
     
     
       14. A security barrier apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the outer post and/or the inner post are substantially contained within the barrier housing when in the stowed position. 
     
     
       15. A security barrier apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the inner post includes an end plate at a lower end thereof, the end plate extending transverse to the axis of elongation of the inner post. 
     
     
       16. A security barrier apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the support comprises a drive housing, the interior of the drive housing being contiguous or separate with that of the barrier housing, and further including a drive device operable to provide movement of the barrier member relative to the support, wherein the drive device is attachable to the barrier member with a connection mechanism. 
     
     
       17. A security barrier apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein the connection mechanism includes a first connection device, for converting rotational movement within the drive housing into rotational movement within the barrier housing. 
     
     
       18. A security barrier apparatus according to  claim 17 , wherein the first connection device comprises respective wheels within the drive housing and the barrier housing linked by a flexible loop, belt or cord. 
     
     
       19. A security barrier apparatus according to  claim 17 , wherein the connection mechanism includes a second connection device, for converting rotational movement within the barrier housing into linear movement of the outer post. 
     
     
       20. A security barrier apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein the connection mechanism comprises at least one wheel within the drive housing and at least one flexible loop, belt or cord being attached between a lower part of the outer post and said wheel. 
     
     
       21. A security barrier apparatus according to  claim 20 , and further including at least one wheel within the barrier housing at an upper region thereof, the flexible loop, belt, or cord being arranged to pass around said wheel. 
     
     
       22. A method of operating a security barrier apparatus having a support and a barrier member movable relative to the support between a stowed position below ground level and a deployed position above ground level, the support having an upper part for positioning substantially at ground level, the barrier member having at least two telescopic posts one within the other, the method comprising:
 providing a linkage between an outer post and the inner post whereby, in use, motion of the outer post between the stowed position and the deployed position causes corresponding motion of the inner post; and 
 operating the apparatus between the stowed position where the outer post is disposed below ground, and the deployed position where the outer post is disposed above ground and the inner post being lowermost in the deployed position. 
 
     
     
       23. A method according to  claim 22 , and further including operating the apparatus so that the security barrier apparatus is releasably retained in the deployed position.