A framework structure

Abstract

A framework structure for providing a barricade or support structure comprising a frame comprising a single pair of pivotally connected supports, the pair of supports rotatable relative to one another about a first axis to adjust the framework structure between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, the footprint of the frame being larger in the expanded configuration than in the collapsed configuration and a connecting element pivotally connected to the frame and adapted to releaseably connect to an adjacent body or structure, the connecting element being rotatable about a second axis, the second axis being parallel to or the same as the first axis.

1 . A framework structure for providing a barricade or support structure comprising:
 a frame comprising a single pair of pivotally connected supports, the pair of supports rotatable relative to one another about a first axis to adjust the framework structure between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, the footprint of the frame being larger in the expanded configuration than in the collapsed configuration; and   a connecting element pivotally connected to the frame and adapted to releaseably connect to an adjacent body or structure, the connecting element being rotatable about a second axis, the second axis being parallel to or the same as the first axis.   
     
     
         2 . The framework structure of any preceding claim, wherein the footprint of the frame in the collapsed configuration is substantially the same as the footprint of either the first support or the second support. 
     
     
         3 . The framework structure of any preceding claim, wherein the connecting element is adapted to engage with another framework structure. 
     
     
         4 . The framework structure of  claim 3 , wherein the connecting element comprises engagement means adapted to releaseably connect the frame of another framework structure; and
 wherein the frame further comprises means for connecting to a connecting element of another framework structure.   
     
     
         5 . The framework structure of  claim 4 , wherein the frame comprises a locking arrangement adapted to lock a connecting element of another framework structure to the frame. 
     
     
         6 . The framework structure of any preceding claim, wherein the first support comprises at least two legs and the second support comprises at least two legs. 
     
     
         7 . The framework structure of  claim 6 , wherein the at least two legs of the first support are connected by a first connecting bar and the at least two legs of the second support are connected by a second connecting bar. 
     
     
         8 . The framework structure of  claim 7 , wherein the connecting element is pivotally connected to the first connecting bar of the first support. 
     
     
         9 . The framework structure of any of  claims 6  to  8 , wherein the first connecting bar is adapted to engage with a connecting element of an additional framework structure. 
     
     
         10 . The framework structure of any preceding claim, further comprising connecting means adapted to connect the barrier unit to another framework structure. 
     
     
         11 . The framework structure of  claim 10 , wherein the connecting means is located on the first support and is adapted to connect the barrier unit to a second support of another framework structure. 
     
     
         12 . The framework structure of any preceding claim, wherein in the expanded configuration, the connecting element extends beyond the footprint of the frame. 
     
     
         13 . The framework structure of any preceding claim, wherein in the collapsed configuration the connecting element does not extend beyond the footprint of the frame. 
     
     
         14 . The framework structure of any preceding claim, wherein the frame further comprises a removable panel adapted to prevent access to the barrier unit from a first direction. 
     
     
         15 . The framework structure of  claim 14 , wherein the panel is adapted to interlock with the panel of another framework structure according to any preceding claim. 
     
     
         16 . The framework structure of any preceding claim, wherein the framework structure further comprises a second connecting element. 
     
     
         17 . The framework structure of  claim 16 , wherein the distance between the first connecting element and the second connecting element defines a gap of at least one metre. 
     
     
         18 . The framework structure of any preceding claim, wherein the framework structure is a temporary framework structure. 
     
     
         19 . The framework structure of any preceding claim, wherein the framework structure is an expandable barrier unit. 
     
     
         20 . The frame framework structure of any preceding claim, wherein the connecting element is a barrier arm. 
     
     
         21 . A barricade comprising:
 a first framework structure according to any preceding claim and a second framework structure according to any preceding claim;   
     
     
         22 . The barricade of  claim 21 , wherein in use the first and second framework structures are in the expanded configuration; and
 wherein the connecting element of the first framework structure is connected to the second framework structure.   
     
     
         23 . Use of the framework structure of any of  claims 1  to  20  as a barrier.