GB2508636A

GB2508636A - Control barrier assembly with lower guard member

Info

Publication number: GB2508636A
Application number: GB1221979.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Dawson; Daniel James Wolstenholme
Original assignee: Melba Products Ltd
Current assignee: Melba Products Ltd
Priority date: 2012-12-06
Filing date: 2012-12-06
Publication date: 2014-06-11

Abstract

A control barrier 10 comprising a barrier wall 12 and at least one support element 14 connected to said barrier wall such that a bottom edge 12a of the barrier wall is elevated above the ground and a guard element 16 attached to the barrier wall and extending beyond the bottom edge of the barrier wall such that, in use, the guard element limits the passage of work site materials passing between the bottom edge of the barrier wall and the ground. The guard element is preferably releaseably attached to the panel and may be made of flexible plastics or fabric. A pair of barriers may be provided arranged parallel to each other but in different planes with one or more cross-beams 20 removeably attachable to each control barrier to brace the pair and form a rigid arrangement. Preferably the end of the cross beam has a hook which engages with the panel, the hook having unequal ends. Alternatively the ends of the beam may have a plug for engaging with a socket on the barrier. The cross beam may be telescopic.

Description

Improved Barrier [0001] This invention relates to a control barrier, and more specifically to a control barrier for use around a work site.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Control barriers are well known in the art and are typically used for directing the flow of traffic and pedestrians. Examples of their uses include directing traffic and/or pedestrians around road works, or simply to fence off and prevent access to hazardous working areas.

[0003] A typical barrier is described in US-A-2002014619 (Off the Wall Products, LLC) that comprises a barrier wall that is supported by one or two support assemblies.

[0004] Control barriers used around work sites are traditionally employed to ensure that pedestrians and road users circumvent the work site. Thus, the barriers prevent unauthorized people or vehicles from entering the work site where it may be dangerous. Additionally, however, debris and other materials are produced on work sites which may be hazardous to pedestrians and other road users if such materials are able to leave the work site and, for example, create obstacles or tripping hazards on a close-by pavement or road.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved barrier that is capable of limiting or mitigating the risk of materials exiting a work site whilst performing the usual roles of a control barrier.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control barrier comprising: a barrier wall; at least one ground engaging support element connected to said barrier wall such that a bottom edge of the barrier wall is elevated above the ground when the barrier wall is supported on the ground by the at least one ground engaging support element; and a guard element attached to the barrier wall and extending beyond the bottom edge of the barrier wall such that, in use, the guard element limits the passage of work site materials passing between the bottom edge of the barrier wall and the ground.

[0007] The guard element may extend such that the guard element contacts the ground when the barrier wall is supported on the ground by the at least one ground engaging support element.

[0008] The guard element may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the barrier wall by an amount greater than or equal to the width of the barrier wall.

[0009] In one preferable embodiment, the guard element is removeably attached to the barrier wall.

[0010] Preferably, the guard element is made of a flexible plastics material or a flexible fabric material.

[0011] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control barrier assembly comprising: at least one pair of control barriers according to the first aspect of the present invention; and one or more cross-beams removeably attachable to the control barriers; wherein a first one of the pair of control barriers is arranged parallel to and out of plane relative to a second one of the pair of control barriers, and the one or more cross-beams are attached to the first one ot the pair of control barriers at a first end and the second one of the pair of control barriers at a second end to brace the pair of control barriers and form a rigid arrangement.

[0012] The first and second ends of the one or more cross-beams may each comprise a hook for attaching to the pair of control barriers. Each hook may be U-shaped and comprise a first end element, a second end element and a central element between the first and second end elements, wherein the central element is orthogonal to the first and second end elements. One or both of the first and second end elements may have an inwardly projecting portion at the end thereof, the inwardly projecting portion extending towards the other of the first and second end element. The first and second end elements may be of different lengths relative to one another.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the first and second ends of the one or more cross-beams may each comprise a plug for attaching to a socket in each of the pair of control barriers. The plug and socket may comprise a releasable engagement mechanism for temporarily fixing the plug in the socket. The socket may comprise a first section and a second section, and said plug comprises a first flanged portion, wherein the first section is sized to permit axial insertion of the plug in the first section including the flanged portion, and the second section is sized so as to prevent axial movement of the first flanged portion therethrough so as to temporarily fix the plug in the socket. The plug may further comprise a second flanged portion axially spaced from said first flanged portion, and an intermediate section disposed between said first flanged portion and said second flanged portion, where the intermediate section has a first dimension orthogonal to the axial length of the cross-beam and a second dimension orthogonal to both the axial length of the cross-beam and the first dimension, the first dimension being smaller than the second dimension; wherein the second section of the socket is sized to accommodate the intermediate section of the plug, but prevent axial passage of the first flanged portion and the second flanged portion therethrough, the first and second sections being connected to one another by a neck portion.

[0014] In one embodiment, the neck portion has a width larger than the first dimension of the intermediate section but smaller than the second dimension of the intermediate section.

[0015] The plug may include a rib and said second section of the socket may include a groove configured to receive said rib so as to releasably engage the plug in the socket.

[0016] The one or more cross-beams may be telescopically extendable.

[0017] The at least one ground engaging support element may be substantially orientated within the plane of its respective barrier wall in at least one position.

[0018] The at least ground engaging support element may be rotatable so as be moveable between a position in which the at least one ground engaging support element is substantially orientated within the plane of its respective barrier wall and a position in which the at least one ground engaging support element extends perpendicularly from the plane of its respective barrier wall.

[0019] The control barrier assembly may comprise four cross-beams.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a control barrier according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a front view of the control barrier of Figure 1 viewed along direction A indicated in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of the control barrier of Figures 1 and 2 viewed along direction B indicated in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a top-down view of the control barrier of Figures 1, 2 and 3 viewed along direction C indicated in Figure 2; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a control barrier assembly that may be used with control barriers according to the present invention; Figure 6 shows a side view of the control barrier assembly of Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a detailed partial view of cross beams for use with the assembly of Figures Sand 6; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of an alternative control barrier assembly that may be used with control barriers according to the present invention; Figure 9 shows a side view of the control barrier assembly of Figure 8; and Figure 10 shows a detailed view of a socket of the barrier wall for receiving a cross-beam in accordance with the assembly of Figures 8 and 9; Figure 11 shows a partial perspective view of a cross beam for use with the assembly of Figures 8 and 9; Figure 12 shows a cross sectional view of the cross-beam of Figure 11 taken along line E-E; and Figure 13 shows a detailed view of the socket of Figure 10 with a cross-beam inserted therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] A control barrier 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 1 to 4. The control barrier 10 has a barrier wall 12, and two ground engaging support elements in the form of feet 14 connected to the barrier wall 12 for supporting the barrier wall 12 in an upright vertical position. The barrier wall 12 extends in a plane and has a bottom edge 12a and a top edge 12b each extending between two side edges 12c. The feet 14 extend from the barrier wall 12 beyond the bottom edge 12a so that when the feet 14 are disposed on the ground supporting the barrier wall 12 (as shown in the Figures), the bottom edge 1 2a of the barrier wall 12 is elevated above the ground. As shown in Figure 2, the bottom edge 12a is disposed at a height Hi above the ground in this configuration.

[0022] In conventional barriers, this gap between the bottom edge of the barrier wall and the ground can allow debris such as rubble and other work site materials to pass under the barrier wall and possibly into the path of pedestrians or road users. Such debris may present a hazard to the pedestrians and/or ioad users and is limited or prevented by use of a guard element 16 in accordance with the present invention.

[0023] The guard element 16 is connected to the barrier wall 12 and extends beyond the bottom edge 12a of the barrier wall 12 towards the ground. In the preferable embodiment shown in the Figures, the guard element 16 extends substantially all the way to the ground such that the entire gap of height Hi is closed off by the guard element 16. For the guard element 16 to completely close off the gap between the bottom edge 12a of the barrier wall 12 and the ground, the height H2 of the guard element 16 should be greater than or equal to Hi. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, H2 is greater than Hi, thus satisfying this condition.

[0024] In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the guard element 16 extends beyond the side edges 12c of the barrier wall 12 along a direction parallel to the plane of the barrier wall 12.

In this embodiment, the gap between the bottom edge 12a of the barrier wall 12 and the ground is entirely closed off along the entire width of the barrier wall 12. This is particularly advantageous since a continuous series of guard elements 16 can be created if multiple control barriers 10 are connected to one another at their respective side edges 12c (e.g. along the perimeter of a work site). In the particularly preferable but non-limiting embodiment shown in the Figures, the side edges 1 2c of the barrier wall 12 each include a tubular arm 13 where one of the tubular arms 13 is provided with a clamp 15. The clamp 15 may be used to releasably connect two control barriers 10 to one another by clamping to the tubular arm 13 of an adjacent barrier 10. In preferable embodiments where one barrier 10 is connected to an adjacent barrier, any suitable connection means may be used.

[0025] The barrier 10 may include weights 17 for providing the barrier 10 with a low center of gravity and improving its stability. Additionally or alternatively, the barrier 10 may be hollow and may include a ballast to improve stability. In some embodiments, no weights or ballast may be required.

[0026] The guard element 16 is preferably made of a flexible, but durable, material, for example flexible plastics (e.g. polyethylene (PE)) or flexible fabrics (e.g. cloth). Alternatively, although less preferably, a rigid material may be used. In the preferable embodiment where a flexible material is used, the guard element 16 may follow the contours of any features of the barrier 10. such as the weights 17, forexample. In some embodiments, the guard element 16 may be mainly made from a flexible material, but may additionally include rigid stiffening portions to provide shape and/or rigidity to some areas of the guard element 16.

[0027] The guard element 16 may be attached to the barrier wall 12 by any suitable means including, but not limited to, clips, catches, bolts, pegs or adhesive. Preferably, the guard element 16 is attached to the barrier wall 12 by means that permit the guard element 16 to be removed and re-attached conveniently and easily. An easily removeable guard element 16 is particularly advantageous since it may be attached after the barrier 10 has been positioned, making prior handling of the barrier 10 easier. Alternatively or additionally, the guard element 16 may be removed and replaced (e.g. in the event of damage or wear) if required.

[0025] In its most effective configuration, the control barrier 10 will not have any features that cause the guard element (i.e. if flexible) to distort or form undesired gaps that work debris may pass through. For example, it is preferable that the ground engaging support elements 14 reside solely on one side of the guard element 16. In the preferable embodiment shown in the Figures, the ground engaging support elements 14 are arranged substantially within the plane of the barrier wall 12 so that they do not protrude in a direction substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the barrier wall 12 and do not interfere with or distort the guard element 16. In other embodiments, the ground engaging support elements 14 may be arranged so that they do extend in a direction substantially perpendicularly from the plane of the barrier wall 12. In these embodiments, the guard element 16 will either drape over the protruding ground engaging support element 14 (i.e. if the guard element 16 is flexible), or the guard element 16 will be formed (either permanently or malleably)to accommodate the protruding ground engaging support element 14. The guard element 14 may additionally accommodate movement of the ground engaging support element 14 such that the ground engaging support element 14 may move (e.g. swivel) into a protruding configuration from a non-protruding configuration (e.g. a storage configuration).

[0029] In embodiments where the barrier 10 is to be arranged in an upright position on the ground with the ground engaging support elements 14 substantially within the plane of the barrier wall 12 and substantially not protruding therefrom, the barrier 10 may additionally comprise some stabilizing components for ensuring that the barrier 10 remains upright and does not topple over. In one preferable embodiment, two such barriers 10 may be arranged parallel to one another and out of plane relative to one another (i.e. such that the pair of barriers are not arranged side edge 12c to side edge 12c), with a cross-beam bracing the assembly of barriers 10. In this embodiment, each barrier 10 of the pair provides stability to the other barrier 10 of the pair via the cross beam.

[0030] Whilst Figures 5, 6, 8 and 9 do not show the guard element 14 present. Figures 5 to 10 relate to preferable embodiments of the control barrier assembly configuration that may be used for the barrier 10 of the present invention (which does include the guard element 14).

[0031] Figures 5 and 6 show a control barrier assembly 100 that may be used with a barrier of the present invention. The control barrier assembly 100 comprises a pair of substantially identical barriers 10,10'. Each barrier 10,10' has a planar barrier wall 12,12' that is supported by ground engaging support elements which are a pair of feet 14,14' in the embodiment shown in the Figures. In other embodiments, any other suitable one or more ground engaging element may be used to support the barrier wall 12,12' in an upright position on the ground.

The barriers 10,10' are arranged parallel to and out of plane relative to one another such that they are spaced from one another in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of each barrier wall 12,12'. In use, the barriers 10,10' may be arranged around a work site with a hole or otherwise hazardous area disposed between the pair of barriers 10,10'.

[0032] Cross-beams 20 extend between the barriers 10,10' and are removeably attachable thereto. In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, two cross-beams are connected to the barriers 10,10', however in alternative embodiments any number (i.e. one or more) of cross-beams 20 may be present. The cross-beams 20 connect the pail of barriers 10,10' to create a stable, self-supporting arrangement. So much so that the ground engaging support elements 14,14' may be such that they do not substantially extend outwardly from the plane of the respective barrier wall 12,12'. In this preferable embodiment, the mutual support of the barrier pair 10,10' via the cross-beams 20 permits an arrangement of two barriers 10,10' that have no features projecting outwardly from the plane of the respective barrier walls 12,12' thus presenting no trip-hazard to passing pedestrians. Whilst the ground engaging support elements 14 do not necessarily have to be orientated in this manner, it does provide a preferable benefit. In preferable embodiments, the ground engaging support elements 14 are rotatable so as to be capable of being orientated in any desired position.

[0033] Any suitable one or more cross-beams 20 that connect the pair of barriers 10,10' may be used within the scope of the present invention, and the embodiments described in relation to the Figures merely represent preferable non-limiting examples.

[0034] The cross-beams 20 shown in the assemblies of Figures 5 and 6 are shown in detail in Figure 7. Each cross-beam 20 comprises two telescopic tubular elements 20a,b that may telescopically move relative to the other so as to extend and contract the overall length of the cross-beam 20. This is particularly preferable since the pair of barriers 10,10' may be connected to one another by the cross-beam 20 when spaced apart by various distances.

Whilst it is preferable that the cross-beams 20 are telescopic or otherwise suitably extendable, in other embodiments, the cross-beams 20 are of a fixed length.

[0035] At each end of the cross-beam 20 there is a hook 22 for hooking onto a suitable part of the barrier wall 12,12. In the preferable embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 7, the hook 22 comprises a U-shaped portion formed of three sequential orthogonal elements 22a,b,c. The two end elements 22a,c of the U-shaped portion 22 are arranged substantially perpendicularly to the length of the cross-beam 20 such that the central element 22b is orientated substantially parallel to the length of the cross-beam 20. The cross-beam 20 shown in Figures 5 to 7 is used in an orientation where the two end elements 22a,c of the hook 22 extend downwardly from the central element 22b. In this orientation, the hook 22 may be placed on a suitable part of the barrier wall 12,12' such that the central portion 22b rests on the barrier wall 12,12' and supports the cross-beam 20 thereon. The two end elements 22a,c limit movement of the cross-beam 20 relative to the barrier 10,10' in a direction parallel the length of the cross-beam 20 as the part of the barrier wall 12,12' supporting the cross-beam 20 resides between the two end elements 22a,c. In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 7, the hook 22 additionally has inward projections 23a,b at the ends of the two end elements 22c,a respectively. The two end elements 22a,c are of different lengths to one another such that the inward projections 23a,b are not aligned with one another. This arrangement provides a sufficient gap between the inward projections 23a,b to allow the hook 22 to be latched onto a suitable part of the barrier wall 12,12'. The inward projection 23b is larger than the inward projection 23a in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, however other embodiments may not have any inward projections or the inward projections may be of different sizes to that shown in Figure 7.

Similarly, within the scope of the present invention, the end elements 22a,c may be the same length as one another or may be different relative lengths to those shown in Figure 7. The actual lengths of the end elements 22a,c will depend on the part of the barrier wall 12,12' that the hook 22 is intended to attach to. Returning to Figure 5, it can be seen that the barrier walls 12,12' each have ridges of thickness Dl that are disposed above first recesses 25 and further ridges of thickness 02 disposed above second recesses 26. The ridges of thickness Dl and D2 are separated from one another by the thickness of the barrier wall 12,12' which is equal to the length of the central element 22b between the end elements 22a,c. A first of the end elements 22a of the hook 22 extends from the central element 22b by a length equal to D2 and a second of the end elements 22c extends from the central element 22b by a length equal to Dl. Therefore, the hook 22 can be disposed on the barrier wall 12,12' with the inward projection 23a disposed in one of the first recesses 25 and the inward projection 23b disposed in one of the second recesses 26 so as to secure the hook 22 to the barrier wall 12,12' as shown in Figure 1. The hook 22 may be made from a resilient material (e.g. high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC)) so that the hook can flex sufficiently to allow easy attachment to the barrier wall 12,12'.

[0036] Figures 8 and 9 show an alternative embodiment of a control barrier assembly 100' in accordance with the present invention. The assembly 100' only differs from the assembly 100 of Figure 5 and 6 in the manner of connection between the barrier wall 12,12' and the cross-beams 20.

[0037] In particular, in the assembly 100' of Figures 8 and 9, the cross-beams 20 are connected to the barrier walls 12,12' by a plug and socket arrangement, where the barrier walls 12,12' include several sockets 30 for receiving a portion of the cross-beams 20. In the assembly shown in Figures 8 and 9, the ground engaging elements 14 are shown orientated so that they extend in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the barrier wall 12,12'. However, in alternative embodiments, the ground engaging elements 14 may be orientated in any other position, including substantially along and within the plane of the barrier wall 12,12'. In preferable embodiments, the ground engaging elements 14 are rotatable so as to be capable of being orientated in any desired position.

[0035] Figure 10 shows a detailed view of a socket 30 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The skilled reader will appreciate that any suitable plug and socket arrangement may be used in accordance with the present invention. The socket 30 shown in Figure 10 comprises a cavity or aperture having a first circular portion 32 and a second circular portion 34 connected to the first circular portion 32 by a neck portion 36. The first circular portion 32 has a larger diameter than the second circular portion 34. The neck portion 36 has a width Wi that is smaller than the diameters of both the first circular portion 32 and the second circular portion 34. The second circular portion 34 has a pair of grooves 34a disposed diametrically opposite one another.

[0039] Figure 11 shows a detailed partial view of the cross beam 20 of the assembly of Figures 8 and 9. The cross-beam 20 of Figure 11 includes a plug 40 at each of its ends (only one of which is shown in Figure 11). The plug 40 includes a first circular flanged portion 42 and a second circular flanged portion 44 axially spaced from the first circular flanged portion 42 which is disposed at the extreme end of the cross-beam 20. Between the first circular flanged portion 42 and the second circular flanged portion 44 is an intermediate section 46 which is elongate having a length less than the diameters of the first and second circular flanged portions 42,44 which are substantially identical to one another (although not necessarily so in alternative embodiments). The intermediate section 46 has a length L and a width W2 (as indicated in Figure 12) when the length L of the intermediate section 46 is greater than the width Wi of the neck portion 36 of the socket 30 and the width W2 of the intermediate section 46 is less than the width Wi of the neck portion 36 of the socket 30. Additionally, the intermediate section 46 has a rib 46a extending from one of its ends.

[0040] The diameter of the first circular flanged portion 42 is less than the diameter of the first circular portion 32 of the socket 30 such that the plug 40 can be inserted into the first circular portion 32 of the socket 30. Once the plug 40 is inserted in the socket 30. the cross-beam 20 can be orientated (by rotation) so that the intermediate section 46 can pass through the neck portion 36 (i.e. so that the width W2 of the intermediate section 46 passes through the neck portion 36 of width Wi) so as to reside in the second circular portion 34. Once the intermediate section 46 is disposed in the second circular portion 34, the cross-beam 20 (or just plug 40 if the plug is rotatable relative to the remainder of the cross-beam 20) may be rotated so as to engage the rib 46a of the intermediate section 46 in one of the grooves 34a of the second circular portion 34. Once engaged therein, the intermediate section 46 cannot pass through the neck portion 36 without being rotated. Additionally, when the intermediate section 46 is disposed in the second circular portion 34 (in any rotational position), the intermediate section 46 cannot exit the socket 30 by axial movement since the first circular flanged portion 42 and second circular flanged portion 44 each have a diameter greater than the diameter of the second circular portion 34 and thus trap the intermediate section 46 in a position disposed in the second circular portion 34. Therefore, with the rib 46a of the intermediate section 46 engaged in one of the grooves 34a of the second circular portion 34, the cross-beam 20 is securely connected (although, releasably so) to the barrier wall 12,12'. Figure 13 shows the plug 40 engaged in the socket 30. The secure connection facilitates a rigid assembly 100' and ensures that accidental or otherwise inadvertent disconnection is highly unlikely to occur.

[0041] In embodiments where the plugs 40 are not moveable relative to the remainder of the cross-beam 20, a single rotation of the cross-beam 20 may engage the ribs 46a of plugs 40 at both ends of the cross-beam 20 in one of the grooves 34a of the respective socket 30. Having two glooves 43a permits the plug 40 to be rotated either clockwise or anti-clockwise in order to engage the rib 46a with one of the grooves 43a. In alternative, less preferable, embodiments, only one groove 34a may be present. Returning to the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the two grooves are equidistant from the neck portion 36 and are diametrically disposed relative to one another. This has the advantage that regardless of the direction of rotation used to engage the rib 46a in one of the grooves 34a, the degree of rotation required is the same.

[0042] In the assembly shown in Figures 8 and 9, each barrier wall 12,12' has four sockets 30, with one pair being arranged higher than the other. Of course, any alternative suitable arrangement of sockets 30 may be used. However, the arrangement shown in Figures 8 and 9 is particularly advantageous since it permits two cross-beams to be connected to the barrier walls 12,12' near their top edge and two cross-beams to be connected to the barrier walls 12,12' near their bottom edge, with the cross-beams 20 of each pair being spaced from one another along the barrier wall 12,12', which results in a particularly stable arrangement.

[0043] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

(0044] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0045] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A control barrier comprising: a barrier wall; at least one ground engaging support element connected to said barrier wall such that a bottom edge of the barrier wall is elevated above the ground when the barrier wall is supported on the ground by the at least one ground engaging support element; and a guard element attached to the barrier wall and extending beyond the bottom edge of the barrier wall such that, in use, the guard element limits the passage of work site materials passing between the bottom edge of the barrier wall and the ground.
2. A control barrier according to claim 1, wherein the guard element extends such that the guard element contacts the ground when the barrier wall is supported on the ground by the at least one ground engaging support element.
3. A control barrier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guard element extends in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the barrier wall by an amount greater than or equal to the width of the barrier wall.
4. A control barrier according to any preceding claim, wherein said guard element is removeably attached to the barrier wall.
5. A control barrier according to any preceding claim, wherein said guard element is made of a flexible plastics material or a flexible fabric material.
6. A control barrier assembly comprising: at least one pair of control barriers as defined in any preceding claim; and one or more cross-beams removeably attachable to the control barriers; wherein a first one of the pair of control barriers is arranged parallel to and out of plane relative to a second one of the pair of control barriers, and the one or more cross-beams are attached to the first one of the pair of control barriers at a first end and the second one of the pair of control barriers at a second end to brace the pair of control barriers and form a rigid arrangement.
7. A control barrier assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first and second ends of the one or more cross-beams each comprise a hook for attaching to the pair of control barriers.
8. A control barrier assembly according to claim 7, wherein each hook is U-shaped and comprises a first end element, a second end element and a central element between the first and second end elements, wherein the central element is orthogonal to the first and second end elements.
9. A control barrier assembly according to claim 8, wherein one or both of the first and second end elements have an inwardly projecting portion at the end thereof, the inwardly projecting portion extending towards the other of the first and second end element.
10. A control barrier assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first and second end elements are of different lengths relative to one another.
11. A control barrier assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first and second ends of the one or more cross-beams each comprise a plug for attaching to a socket in each of the pair of control barriers.
12. A control barrier assembly according to claim 11, wherein the plug and socket comprise a releasable engagement mechanism for temporarily fixing the plug in the socket.
13. A control barrier assembly according to claim 12, wherein said socket comprises a first section and a second section, and said plug comprises a first flanged portion, wherein the first section is sized to permit axial insertion of the plug in the first section including the flanged portion, and the second section is sized so as to prevent axial movement of the first flanged portion therethrough so as to temporarily fix the plug in the socket.
14. A control barrier assembly according to claim 13, wherein said plug further comprises a second flanged portion axially spaced from said first flanged portion, and an intermediate section disposed between said first flanged portion and said second flanged portion, where the intermediate section has a first dimension orthogonal to the axial length of the cross-beam and a second dimension orthogonal to both the axial length of the cross-beam and the first dimension, the first dimension being smaller than the second dimension; wherein the second section of the socket is sized to accommodate the intermediate section of the plug, but prevent axial passage of the first flanged portion and the second flanged portion therethrough, the first and second sections being connected to one another by a neck portion.
15. A control barrier assembly according to claim 14, wherein said neck portion has a width larger than the first dimension of the intermediate section but smaller than the second dimension of the intermediate section.
16. A control barrier assembly according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein said plug includes a rib and said second section of the socket includes a groove configured to receive said rib so as to releasably engage the plug in the socket.
17. A control barrier assembly according to any of claims 6 to 16, wherein the one or more cross-beams are telescopically extendable.
18. A control barrier assembly according to any of claims 6 to 17, wherein said at least one ground engaging support element is substantially orientated within the plane of its respective barrier wall in at least one position.
19. A control barrier assembly according to any of claims 6 to 18, wherein said at least ground engaging support element is rotatable so as be moveable between a position in which the at least one ground engaging support element is substantially orientated within the plane of its respective barrier wall and a position in which the at least one ground engaging support element extends perpendicularly from the plane of its respective barrier wall.
20. A control barrier assembly according to any of claims 6 to 19, comprising tour cross-beams.
21. A control barrier assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
22. A control barrier substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.