GB2296730A

GB2296730A - Barrier arrangements

Info

Publication number: GB2296730A
Application number: GB9500061A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Melvin Albert Leslie Follows
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-01-04
Filing date: 1995-01-04
Publication date: 1996-07-10
Anticipated expiration: 2015-01-04
Also published as: GB2296730B; GB9500061D0

Abstract

A barrier arrangement comprising support means made up of a plurality of upright members (42) connected in series by cross-members (44) and mountable on a fixture (14) such as the ground, and a plurality of generally planar barrier members (16) locatable over the cross-members (44) to generally hook over and hang therefrom to provide a barrier. Each barrier member (16) may locate at its lower end into a retaining channel (48) which holds the member (16) in place. Successive barrier members (16) may also be interconnected through connecting lips. <IMAGE>

Description

Barrier Arrangements The present invention relates to barrier arrangements and particularly but not exclusively to demountable barrier arrangements.

Conventional collapsible barrier arrangements usable for example, for providing a temporary barrier or partition, comprise support members which are generally upstanding from the ground, and barrier members which are attached to the support members and to each other with nuts and bolts.

Such arrangements suffer from several drawbacks, including being relatively difficult to disassemble, this exercise often requiring any nut and bolt fastenings to be undone. Moreover, the nut and bolt fastenings are often located on the side of the barrier arrangement facing a hazardous area, thus requiring entry into this area for disassembly. This is often undesireable and dangerous.

Further, the configurations that such arrangements can adopt are often limited.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate one or more disadvantage of the prior art.

According to the present invention there is provided a barrier arrangement comprising support means mountable on a fixture, and one or more barrier members so shaped to be locatable over the support means to provide a barrier.

Preferably the or each barrier member in use hangs from the support means preferably towards the fixture.

The or each barrier member may comprise a locating formation which locates over the support means. The locating formation may comprise a hook formation, which desireably extends generally across the barrier member.

The hook formation may comprise a hooked lip extending from one edge of the barrier member. Preferably, the hook formation comprises a first part that extends generally perpendicularly from the barrier member and a second part extending from the free end of the first part over the barrier member such that the first and second parts in use locate against the support means.

Preferably the or each barrier member is substantially planar.

A door may be provided in a barrier member, to be openable when the barrier member is hung from support means. A window may be provided in a barrier member.

Preferably a barrier member is connectable with a further barrier member located adjacent thereto over the support means. The barrier member preferably comprises a connecting lip extending down one, in use side edge of the barrier member, which is locatable adjacent a similar lip on a said further barrier member when said members are located on support means. Preferably means is provided to connect adjacent barrier members together and is preferably operable on said lips. The means may comprise one or more screws and/or nut and bolt assemblies.

Preferably the connecting lip is spaced from the locating formation to facilitate location of the barrier member on the support means.

Preferably a covering lip is provided on the said connecting lip of the barrier member, the covering lip in use extending across the connection between the connecting lip of the barrier member and adjacent member, to thereby prevent visibility through the connection in the barrier arrangement.

Preferably a connecting lip, desirably with a cover lip extending therefrom, is provided along both, side edges of the or each barrier member.

Preferably, the support means comprises an upright member mountable on the fixture to extend generally upwardly therefrom, and a cross member connected thereto from which one or more barrier members may be hung.

Preferably a plurality of spaced upright members are provided between which one or preferably a plurality of cross members extend.

Preferably the or each cross member is connected between a respective pair of upright members.

Preferably cooperable connecting formations are provided on the upright member and the cross member to provide said connection therebetween. The connecting formations may comprise male and female formations on respective ones of said upright member and cross member.

The male formation may be provided on the cross member, to be locatable in a socket located on the upright member. Preferably a connecting formation is provided on opposite sides of the upright member to enable two cross members to be connected thereto. Preferably a connecting formation is provided generally at each end of the cross member.

Preferably the cooperable connecting formations permit pivotal movement of the cross member on the upright member about the connection therebetween.

Preferably a mounting member is provided on the upright member for mounting the upright member to the fixture. The mounting member may be a plate attached to one end of the upright member. One or more strengthening members may be provided extending between the mounting member and the upright member.

Preferably means is provided to attach the upright member to the fixture. The means may comprise one or more bolts or similar members locatable through the mounting member into the fixture.

Preferably the connecting lip on one edge of the barrier member is shaped to facilitate location and removal of the barrier member from the support means.

Preferably the lip on said one edge is spaced further from the hook formation than the connecting lip on the other edge of the barrier member, to facilitate prevention of the barrier member fouling the connecting formations on the upright member during removal of the barrier member from the support means.

Preferably retaining means is provided to locate and retain the in-use lower edge of a barrier member.

The retaining means may comprise a channel section member into which the lower edge is locatable. The retaining means preferably comprises means to mount the retaining means to the fixture.

Preferably the barrier members are interchangable in a barrier arrangement comprising a plurality thereof.

The present invention also provides a barrier member substantially as hereinbefore described.

The invention also provides support means substantially as hereinbefore described.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a front view of a barrier arrangement according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a plan view of the barrier arrangement of Fig. 1, with the doors in an open condition; Fig. 3 is a rear view of the barrier arrangement of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is an enlarged end view in the direction IV of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 shows a detail of support means according to the present invention; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a barrier member according to the present invention; and Fig. 7 shows the lower end barrier member located in retaining means according to the present invention.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, a barrier arrangement 10 comprises support means 12 mountable on a fixture 14, and a plurality of barrier members 16 so shaped to be locatable over the support means 12 to provide a barrier.

In more detail, each barrier member 16 is generally rectangular and planar. Referring to Figs. 4 and 6, one form of barrier member 16 comprises a generally planar rectangular panel 18 from opposite edges of which extend two generally parallel lips 20. A further, cover lip 22 extends from the free edge 24 of each of the lips 20 to be generally parallel to the plane of the panel 18. The cover lips 22 extend from the respective lip 20 in the same direction.

The respective lip pairs 20,22 extend from an, in use lower end 26 of the panel 18 along the respective side edge of the panel 18 to terminate a short distance from the in use upper end 28 of the panel 18. The top of one of the lip pairs 20,22 is spaced further from the upper end 28 than the other pair 20,22, to facilitate location and removal of the panel member 18 on the support means 12 as will be described.

A locating formation 30 is provided on the upper end 28 of the panel 18, for location of the barrier member 16 on the support means 12. The locating formation 30 comprises a first lip 32 extending generally perpendicularly from the end 28 out of the panel 18, generally in the same direction as the lips 20. A second lip 34 extends from the free edge 36 of the first lip 32 to extend partly over the panel 18.

The first lip 32 is longer than each of the lips 20, and the second lip 34 is shorter than the shortest distance between the lip 32 and the lips 20, such that a gap 35 is provided therebetween to enable location of the barrier member 16 on the support means 12.

Various modifications of the barrier member 16 may be provided. For example, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, a barrier member 16 may comprise a door 38 which is openable when the barrier member 16 is hung from the support means 12. Windows 40 may be provided in the door 38 and/or in barrier members 16 without doors 38.

Referring to Figs. 3 to 5, the support means 12 comprises a plurality of upright members 42 connected in series by cross-members 44. Each upright member 42 is elongate and comprises a footplate 46 attached to one end thereof. Strengthening members 48 extend between the footplate 46 and the upright 42. Apertures 50 are provided in the footplate 46 through which bolts 52 or any other suitable securing means may be driven into the fixture to secure the upright members 42 in position.

Connecting sockets 54 are provided on opposite sides of the upright member 42, generally at its other, upper end. Each cross member 44 is elongate with a generally square cross-section and connecting formations 56 projecting from one side, at each end thereof. These connecting formations 56 locate in respective connecting sockets 54 of adjacent upright members 42 to form support means 12. The connecting socket 54 and connecting formations 56 are so shaped to provide at least limited pivotal movement about the connection therebetween, to enable the barrier arrangement 10 to assume both linear and non-linear configurations. The connecting sockets 54 and connecting formations 56 may be circular in cross-section.

The barrier arrangement 10 also comprises one or more retaining members 58 which have a channel cross-section, which in use is upwardly open. The or each retaining member 58 is securely attached to the fixture 14 by any suitable means at a position generally adjacent to the footplate 46 of the support means 12, such that the retaining member 58 locates the lower end 26 of the barrier member 16 when the barrier member is hung from the cross member 44, when a barrier arrangement 10 is constructed, as follows.

To construct a barrier arrangement 10 according to the present invention, a plurality of upright members 42 are fixed in series to the ground 14 at predetermined intervals such that the distance between the successive upright members 42 is appropriate to enable connection of the cross-members 34 therebetween. Once the upright members 42 are fixed in position, they are interconnected by respective cross-members 44 by location of the connecting formations 54 in the connecting sockets 54, to form a frame. The retaining members 58 are then secured to the ground to extend between successive upright members 42, on the in use outer side thereof.

Barrier members 16 of the desired type ie.

with/without doors 38, windows 40 etc., are then located over the cross members 44 by locating the locating formation 30 over the cross member 44 as shown in Fig.

4. The members 16 may hang from the cross-members 44.

The lower edge 26 of the barrier member 16 is simultaneously located in the retaining member 58. Fig.

7 shows a barrier member 16 comprising a door 38, located in a retaining member 58.

Successive barrier members 16 are located to hang from connecting members 44 in this way, until the desired length of barrier 10 is produced. Securing means (not shown), such as nut and bolt assemblies can be passed through apertures (not shown) in the lips 20 of successive barrier members 16, for example if the barrier is to be relatively permanent. Once the arrangement 10 is assembled in this way, it provides a sturdy and efficient barrier. The cover lips 22 of successive barrier members 16 overlap and thereby prevent a person seeing through the connection between successive barrier members 16.

It is to be appreciated that the barrier members 16 are of one predetermined size, or multiples of that size, such that barrier members 16 can be readily interchanged. For example, the position of a member 16 with a door 38 can be exchanged with that of a barrier member 16 without a door 38, or with a window 40, as desired.

The demounting or disassembly of a barrier arrangement 10 according to the present invention is generally a reversal of the assembly process described above. The increased spacing of one of the lip pairs 20,22, from the first lip 32 of the locating formation 30 facilitates manipulation and removal of a barrier member 16 from location on the support means 12 by helping to prevent fouling of the barrier member 16 on the connecting sockets 54 on the upright members 42 during removal.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The panel members 18 may comprise other features, such as control panels for apparatus guarded by the barrier arrangement 10. The barrier arrangement may comprise any number of upright members, cross members 44, and barrier members 16 to produce a barrier arrangement 10 of a desired size.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A barrier arrangement comprising support means mountable on a fixture, and one or more barrier members so shaped to be locatable over the support means to provide a barrier.

2. A barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which the or each barrier member in use hangs from the support means preferably towards the fixture.

3. A barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the or each barrier member comprises a locating formation which locates over the support means.

4. A barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 3, in which the locating formation comprises a hook formation which desirably extends generally across the barrier member.

5. A barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 4, in which the hook formation comprises a hooked lip extending from one edge of the barrier member.

6. A barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, in which the hook formation comprises a first part that extends generally perpendicularly from the barrier member and a second part extending from the free end of the first part over the barrier member such that the first and second parts in use locate against the support means.

7. A barrier arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the or each barrier member is substantially planar.

8. A barrier arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a door is provided in a barrier member, to be openable when the barrier member is hung from support means.

9. A barrier arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a window is provided in a barrier member.

10. A barrier arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a barrier member is connectable with a further barrier member located adjacent thereto over the support means.

11. A barrier arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the barrier member comprises a connecting lip extending down one, in use side edge of the barrier member, which is locatable adjacent a similar lip on a said further barrier member when said members are located on support means.

12. A barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, in which means is provided to connect adjacent barrier members together.

13. A barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 12 when dependent on claim 11, in which the means is operable on said lips.

14. A barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, in which the means comprises one or more screws and/or nut and bolt assemblies.

15. A barrier arrangement as claimed in any of claims 11 to 14, in which the connecting lip is spaced from the locating formation to facilitate location of the barrier member on the support means.

16. A barrier arrangement as claimed in any of claims 11 to 15, in which a covering lip is provided on the said connecting lip of the barrier member, the covering lip in use extending across the connection between the connecting lip of the barrier member and adjacent member, to thereby prevent visibility through the connection in the barrier arrangement.

17. A barrier arrangement as claimed in any of claims 11 to 16, in which a connecting lip is provided along both, side edges of the or each barrier member.

18. A barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17, in which a cover lip is provided along both, side edges of the or each barrier member.

19. A barrier arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the support means comprises an upright member mountable on the fixture to extend generally upwardly therefrom, and a cross member connected thereto from which one or more barrier members may be hung.

20. A barrier arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a plurality of spaced upright members are provided between which one or preferably a plurality of cross members extend.

21. A barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, in which the or each cross member is connected between a respective pair of upright members.

22. A barrier arrangement as claimed in any of claims 19 to 21, in which cooperable connecting formations are provided on the upright member and the cross member to provide said connection therebetween.

23. A barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 22, in which the connecting formations comprise male and female formations on respective ones of said upright member and cross member.

24. A barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 23, in which the male formation is provided on the cross member, to be locatable in a socket located on the upright member.

25. A barrier arrangement as claimed in any of claims 22 to 24, in which a connecting formation is provided on opposite sides of the upright member to enable two cross members to be connected thereto.

26. A barrier arrangement as claimed in any of claims 22 to 25, in which a connecting formation is provided generally at each end of the cross member.

27. A barrier arrangement as claimed in any of claims 22 to 26, in which the cooperable connecting formations permit pivotal movement of the cross member on the upright member about the connection therebetween.

28. A barrier arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a mounting member is provided on the upright member for mounting the upright member to the fixture.

29. A barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 28, in which the mounting member is a plate attached to one end of the upright member.

30. A barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 28 or claim 29, in which one or more strengthening members is provided extending between the mounting member and the upright member.

31. A barrier arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which means is provided to attach the upright member to the fixture.

32. A barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 31 when dependent upon any of claims 28 to 30, in which the means comprises one or more bolts or similar members locatable through the mounting member into the fixture.

33. A barrier arrangement as claimed in any of claims 11 to 32, in which the connecting lip on one edge of the barrier member is shaped to facilitate location and removal of the barrier member from the support means.

34. A barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 33, in which the lip on said one edge is spaced further from the hook formation than the connecting lip on the other edge of the barrier member, to facilitate prevention of the barrier member fouling the connecting formations on the upright member during removal of the barrier member from the support means.

35. A barrier arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which retaining means is provided to locate and retain the in-use lower edge of a barrier member.

36. A barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 35, in which the retaining means comprises a channel section member into which the lower edge is locatable.

37. A barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 35 or claim 36, in which the retaining means comprises means to mount the retaining means to the fixture.

38. A barrier arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the barrier members are interchangable in a barrier arrangement comprising a plurality thereof.

39. A barrier member substantially as claimed in any preceding claim.

40. Support means substantially as claimed in any preceding claim.

41. A barrier arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

42. A barrier member substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

43. Support means substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

44. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.