GB2527857A - Barrier apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A support apparatus 401 for a barrier comprising a stabiliser portion 402, and a socket 404, 405 for receiving a barrier, the socket being inclined with respect to the stabiliser portion. There may be two substantially circular sockets, with a reinforcing member 403 between them and the stabiliser portion, each defining an open aperture therethrough. A barrier comprising a frame 803 with side rails 804 for engaging support apparatus 401, a panel section 805 with a lower cross member 809 extending between the side rails, the side rails being detached from the lower cross member. The panel section may be attached to the side rails via spacers 810, 811. The frame may have a top rail. The barrier may have channels for retaining a display board 702. A stillage (1101 fig. 11) for transporting a barrier comprising parallel base members, each with corresponding upstanding sockets and flat regions. The sockets may be tubular. There may be a tray and bridging members joining the base members.

Description

Barrier Apparatus

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from United Kingdom Patent Application No. 14 12 079.4, filed 05 July 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a support apparatus for a barrier, a barrier, and a stillage for transporting a barrier.

2. Description of the Related Art

Barriers are often used to construct temporary fences for crowd control et cetera and comprise generally an upright tubular frame positioned on a ballasted ground bearing foot. However, a number of problems are experienced when using a barrier of this type.

Firstly, an upright barrier will tend to be unstable and easily toppled by a crowd, To increase the stability, the barrier may be supported at an angle to the ground. In this orientation a lower edge of the barrier is positioned forward of the top of the barrier against which a crowd may lean, and any toppling force applied to the barrier is resisted by the downward moment of *:" 20 the barrier itself.

Conventional upright barriers are known that are specifically adapted * to be supported in an angled position using an angled leg fixed to a side of the barrier to prop the barrier in position. However, a barrier of this type with a fixed side prop is only suitable for angled use and cannot be redeployed for upright use where required.

A second problem is incurred in that a conventional barrier of this type has a fixed height and can extend only as low as the top of the ballasted feet. It is desirable in some circumstances for the barrier to extend to floor level, for example to prevent items from rolling underneath the barrier.

A third problem is encountered when transporting a barrier and support apparatus for a barrier between events. It is desirable to minimise the space occupied by a set of barriers when stowed and therefore they should be packed upright onto a stillage.

However, a problem is encountered with conventional transport stillages having aligned socket pairs for insertion of the side rails of a barrier, in that the barriers can be difficult to load. Such stillages will typically be manufactured with relatively low precision and if the barrier is bent in use thus altering the position of the side rails slightly, the side rails will not align with both sockets.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a support apparatus for a barrier, comprising: a stabiliser portion; and a socket for receiving a barrier to be supported; wherein the socket is inclined with respect to the stabiliser portion.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a barrier, comprising: a frame having side rails for engaging support apparatus; and a panel section having a lower edge member extending between said side rails; wherein the side rails are detached from the lower edge member and define a gap between a lower portion of said panel section and said side rails.

* According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stillage for transportation of a barrier, comprising: parallel base members for engaging opposite ends of a barrier to be transported; and a plurality of upstanding sockets arranged along a first of said base members; wherein * each said upstanding socket is aligned with a flat region on the second said base member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a barrier suitable for controlling crowds at events; Figure 2 shows a view of the rearside of the barrier of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a support apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the present invention in isolation; Figure 4 shows a preferred embodiment of a support apparatus in accordance with an alternative aspect of the present invention; Figure 5 shows a method of supporting a barrier in a non-vertical orientation; Figure 6 shows an operative positioning a weighted load onto the support apparatus; Figure 7 shows an operative attaching a display board to the supported barrier; Figure 8 shows a support apparatus supporting a barrier in a first configuration; Figure 9 shows a support apparatus supporting a barrier in an alternative configuration; Figure 10 shows an alternative barrier according to the present invention; Figure 11 shows a stillage for transportation of a barrier in perspective view; Figure 12 is a side view of the stillage of Figure ii; and Figure 13 is a top view of the stillage of Figure 12.

* **.**

* DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS * ** * * * * *.

Figure 1 A barrier 101 suitable for controlling crowds at an event et cetera is * shown in Figure 1. Barrier 101 is, in this embodiment, configured as a non-vertical angled barrier of the type used to improve stability and is positioned to prevent a crowd from entering an event site. Barrier 101 comprises a frame 102 and a display board 103 attached to the front surface of the barrier.

Barrier 101 is supported in a non-vertical orientation at a first end by support apparatus 104 which is positioned behind barrier 101 when in use, such that support apparatus 104 is obscured from view when viewing display board 104. Display board 104 may be used for displaying advertising or other messages to a viewer.

In the embodiment a second barrier 105, identical to first barrier 101, is positioned alongside to form a long fence structure.

Figure2 A view of the rearside of barrier 101 is shown in Figure 2. Barrier 101 comprises a frame 102 having side rail 201 for engaging a support apparatus 104 at a base end. In the illustrated embodiment frame 102 further comprises a top rail 203 extending between said first side rail 201 and a second side rail 202. Barrier 101 further comprises a panel section 204 attached to said first and second side rails. Panel section 204 is, in the illustrated embodiment comprised of upper cross member 205, lower cross member 206, and a plurality of elongate panel members 207 to 208 extending between the upper and lower cross members.

As is shown, barrier 101 is received at a first end by support apparatus 104, by sliding the base end 209 of side rail 201 into support apparatus 104. A further support apparatus 210 supports barrier 101 at a second end by receiving a second side rail 202. Second barrier 105, adjacent to said first barrier 101 is supported at a first end by support *:c:* 25 apparatus 210 and at a second end by support apparatus 211, thereby creating a fence having a length equal to two barriers. Thus, whilst support apparatus 104 and 211 each support a single barrier 101 and 105 respectively, support apparatus 210 supports both barrier 101 and barrier 105. Therefore, support apparatus 210 receives both a first barrier leg, which is in this embodiment side rail 202 of barrier 101, and a second barrier leg, in the form of side rail 212 of barrier 105.

In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of barriers are installed consecutively, such that several support apparatus support two barrier, each support apparatus connecting the barriers together to form a continuous chain of barriers to result in fence of a required length.

Figure 3 A first support apparatus for supporting a barrier in a non-vertical orientation is shown in isolation in Figure 3. Support apparatus 301 comprises a stabiliser portion 302 extending along a first plane substantially parallel to the ground surface it is placed upon, such that the stabiliser portion 302 provides an elongate support which stabilises a barrier when the barrier is supported by apparatus 301.

Support apparatus 301 further comprises a socket 303 for receiving a barrier to be supported. Socket 303 is inclined with respect to said stabiliser portion 302 by an angle corresponding to the desired orientation of a barrier to be supported. Stabiliser portion 302 is connected to said inclined socket 303 at point 304 positioned at the first end 305 of the stabiliser portion 302 and said stabiliser portion 302 extends therefrom in the direction of the inclination towards a socond distal end 306. Thus1 the socket 303 is sloping relative to the stabiliser portion 302, such that when stabiliser portion 303 is rested on a horizontal surface, socket 302 for supporting a barrier is at an angle to the surface.

In the specific embodiment illustrated, support apparatus 301 further *:*::* 25 comprises a reinforcing member 307 extending between said stabiliser portion 302 and said socket 303 so as to provide additional rigidity to stabiliser portion 302 and to prevent socket 303 from detaching from stabiliser portion 302 at connecting point 304 when supporting a barrier.

Socket 303 is comprised of a tubular member having an axis 308 extending between a first end 309 of the socket 303 and a second end 310 of the socket 303. Socket 303 is substantially cylindrical in form and has an outer surface 311 attached to reinforcing member 307 by means of weld 314. As illustrated, outer surface 311 is attached to planar surface 312 of reinforcing member 307 by welding along its length.

Socket 303 comprises an open aperture 313 which is configured for receiving a barrier to be supported. In this embodiment, socket 303 is mounted directly on top of stabiliser portion 302. Thus lower end 309 of socket 303 is blocked off such that stabiliser portion 302 provides axial support for a barrier when inserted through open aperture 313 preventing it from passing therethrough.

Although socket 303 is shown in the embodiment as being a substantially cylindrical tubular member, in a further embodiment socket 303 has a square cross section, for receiving a corresponding square barrier side rail. Tubular sockets having other suitable cross sections are used in alternative embodiment for the socket 303.

Support apparatus 303 is manufactured from steel. However, it is appreciated that in other embodiment, support apparatus 303 could be comprised of an alternative material such as aluminium or another suitable metal. In this embodiment socket 303 is connected to stabiliser portion 302, by means of weld 304, and is connected to reinforcing member 307 by means of weld 314. In further embodiments, socket 303 is attached to stabiliser portion 302 or reinforcing member 307 by other attachment means, such as rivets or an adhesive.

* * 25 In the illustrated embodiment, socket 303 is inclined with respect to said stabiliser portion 302 by an angle of 70 degrees. Therefore, a barrier when supported by the support apparatus, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 will be angled at seventy degrees relative to the ground surface. **.

Figure 4 An alternative support apparatus 401 in accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention is shown in Figure 4. Support apparatus 401 comprises a stabiliser portion 402, a reinforcing member 403 and a first socket 404 for receiving a barrier to be supported. In the embodiment support apparatus 401 further comprises a second socket 405 for receiving a side rail of a second barrier to be supported. First socket 404 and second socket 405 are connected to stabiliser portion 402 via reinforcing member 403. The generally tubular outer surface 406, 407 of sockets 404 and 405 is welded to reinforcing member 403. In this embodiment each tubular socket 404, 405 has an axis 408, 409 which extends between a first end 410, 411 of the tubular sockets 404, 405 and a second end 412, 413 of the tubular sockets 404, 405.

The open apertures 414 and 415, extend between the respective first ends 410, 411 of the tubular sockets 404, 405 and second ends 412, 413 of the tubular sockets 404, 405. Thus, when received the barrier side rail is able to extend therethrough when supported in the manner which will be described further in Figure 9.

In the specific embodiment, support apparatus 401 requires a ballast to increase the stability of a support apparatus supporting a barrier. Support apparatus 401 further comprises an upwardly extending element 416 in the form of a cylindrical tube protruding from reinforcing member 403. Upwardly extending element 416 is configured to receive a weighted load as will be described further in relation to Figure 6. * .*

Figure5 A method of supporting a barrier in a non-vertical orientation in accordance with the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 5 through 7. In Figure 5, support apparatus 401 has been placed on a ground surface such that stabiliser portion 402 lies parallel to the surface, and first and second sockets 404 and 405 are angled relative to the ground surface. Once placed on the surface socket 405 is able to receive a side rail 502 of barrier 501. In a similar manner, support apparatus 301 has been placed onto the same surface but horizontally displaced so as to be suitable for receiving a second side rail 503 at an opposite end of barrier 501 in socket 303.

Thus, in this way and in the manner shown, a pair of operatives 504 and 505 are able to lower barrier 501 into the respective sockets 405 and 303 so as to orientate the barrier 501 at an acute angle determined by the inclination angle of the tubular sockets. It is therefore appreciated that, as the acute angle determines the angle of the barrier in use, the dimensions and orientation of the support base can be tailored to present alternative angles as required by use. Thus, the tubular members are positioned at any angle between zero and ninety degrees relative to the stabiliser portion depending on a customer's requirements.

It can be seen in the illustration of Figure 5, that the second socket 404 of support apparatus 401 is unused and has not received a side rail of a barrier to be supported. However, while the tubular socket 404 can be left empty in use if necessary, a further barrier can easily be added to extend the length of the fence in the manner previously described in Figure 2. Thus, it is appreciated that on positioning barrier 501, operatives 504 and 505 may offer a further barrier to be received in tubular socket 404. Thus, support apparatus 401 is capable of providing support as an end support (in the manner of support apparatus 301) or as a support for two barrier, as shown in Figure 2 and configured to connect adjacent barriers.

Figure 6 Barrier 501 is shown further in Figure 6, having been positioned in support apparatus 401 in a non-vertical orientation so as to be disposed at an acute angle relative to the ground surface. Operative 504, having positioned side rail 502 into tubular socket 405 of support apparatus, positions a weighted load 601 onto upwardly extending element 416 of support apparatus 401. In this way, weighted load 601, when received by upwardly extending element 416, assists in maintaining support apparatus 401 in position such that it is more difficult for spectators or members of the public to topple the barrier or move it to intrude on the event. Thus, when received, weighted load 601 is suppbrted by the top surface of reinforcing member 403 from which upwardly extending element 416 is seated. In the embodiment, weighted load 601 is a concrete block, although any other load can be used in alternative embodiments.

Figure 7 When the fence is complete such that a plurality of barriers are positioned utilising as many support apparatus as required, a display board, is added to the front surface of each barrier 501.

Display board 701 is shown in position whereby a portion of panel section 702 of barrier 501 is obscured by display board 701. Display board 701 portrays advertisements, illustrations, instructions or similar as required.

Display board 701 is retained in position by a first channel 703 and a second channel 704. Each channel 703, 704 extends across the width of barrier 501 towards the ends of the side rails of frame 502 such that display board receives maximum coverage.

In Figure 7, operative 504 is seen attaching a further display board 705 so as to obscure the remainder of panel section 702. Display board 705 : is positioned between channel 703 and channel 704 and slid along barrier 501. Thus, each channel 703, 704 slidably receives display board 705 for use.

S

Figure 8 Once the fence has been assembled in the manner described in Figures 5 to 7, support apparatus 401 is configured to allow barrier 501 to be positioned in alternative configurations.

A first configuration is shown in Figure 8 whereby support apparatus 401 is positioned on a flat surface 801. Barrier 802 is similar to barrier 501 as described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. Barrier 801 comprises a frame 802 comprised of a first side rail 804, a second side rail 805 and a top rail 806 extending between. Frame 803 supports panel section 805 consisting of vertical panel members such as panel members 806 and 807, extending between upper cross member 808, and lower cross member 809. As shown panel section 805 is attached to side rail 804 by means of elongate attaching members 810 and 811, and upper cross member 808. However, lower cross member 809 is detached from the side rails and defines a gap between a lower portion of the panel section and the side rails at either end, such as gap 812. In this way support apparatus 401, comprising socket 405, can receive the side rail 804 forming a leg of barrier 802 at its base end, and lower cross member 809 of panel section 805 can be lowered past support apparatus 401 to rest on the ground surface 801.

In this embodiment, lower horizontal cross member 809 is placed in close contact with surface 801 such that barrier 802 extends from the surface 801.

Figure 9 An alternative configuration to that as shown in Figure 8 is shown in S...

Figure 9. Barrier 802 is now positioned in a second configuration which allows barrier 802 to be dropped over a kerb 901. Kerb 901 includes a top * S. surface 902 onto which support apparatus 401 has been placed. Top surface 902 forms a pavement or similar ground surface on which a crowd can stand * on behind the barrier 802. Tubular socket 405 has received barrier side rail S.....

804 so as to support barrier 802 at the angle of the axis of tubular socket 405 as previously described.

Barrier 802 has been lowered over kerb 901 by sliding side rail 804 into the receiving socket 405 of support apparatus 401. In this way side rail 804 has been passed therethrough, and socket 405 is now higher than lower cross member 809 of barrier 802, and panel section 805 now obscures kerb 901. Thus, side rail 804 now extends through open aperture 415 which extends from the end 411 to the end 413. In this way, the support apparatus 401 is positioned on surface 902 while the lower horizontal cross member 809 now rests on a surface 904, which is positioned below the kerb 901.

Thus, the open aperture 415 of tubular socket 405 not only maintains the barrier at the required angle but also allows the overall height of the barrier above surface 904 to be adjusted by sliding the side rail 804 therethrough. It is appreciated that, in this embodiment, the height above surface 904 is substantially similar to the height above surface 801 described in Figure 8.

Figure 10 An alternative barrier according to the present invention is shown in Figure 10. Barrier 1001 comprises a frame part indicated generally at 1002, having parallel side rails 1003 and 1004 and a panel section 1005 attached to said side rails. In the embodiment frame part 1002 having side rails 1003 and 1004 further comprises a top rail 1006 extending inbetween.

Panel section 1005 is comprised of edge members 1007 and 1008, upper cross member 1009 and lower cross member 1010 extending between first side rail 1003 and said second side rail 1004; anda screen part 1011 attached thereto. Screen part 1011 is comprised of a plurality of intersecting vertical and horizontal members 1101 defining a planar mesh screen 1012.

As described previously with reference to Figures 8 and 9, first and second side rails are detached from said panel section and a gap is defined between said lower cross member 1010 and said side rails 1003, 1004 to allow the height of barrier 1001 to be adiusting by inserting the side rails through a socket of a support apparatus by differing amounts. In the specific embodiment, and contrary to the barrier of Figure 9, the side rails of barrier 1001 extend relatively further than the lower cross member of said panel section. Therefore, in this embodiment barrier 1001 may be supported in the first illustrated position wherein said lower cross member 1010 is clear of the ground surface. This configuration is preferred where a display board, such as the display board illustrated with reference to Figures 5 through 8 is to be installed on barrier 1001. By raising the lower cross member 1010 of panel section 1005 above ground level a space is provided to allow wind to pass under the barrier, whilst still preventing crowds from intruding on the event area.

As illustrated barrier 1001 is supported in a non-vertical orientation by support apparatus 1013 and 1014 which are substantially similar to support apparatus 401 as previously described, each having a stabiliser portion laid along the ground surface and a socket for receiving a barrier member such as side rails 1003 and 1004 respectively. Barrier 1001 is therefore configured as an angled barrier suitable for crowd control as previously described. In alternative embodiments, barrier 1001 is deployed as a conventional upright barrier, and therefore known support apparatus for supporting a barrier in a vertical orientation are used in place of angled support apparatus 1013 and 1014. S...

* Figure 11 S...

* : . A stillage 1101 for transportation of a barrier is shown in Figure 11. A * * stillage such as stillage 1101 is used for transporting barriers between events and for storing barriers when not in use. Barriers 1102, 1103 and 1104 are similar to barrier 1001 as previously described, and are loaded onto stillage 1101 by an operative for transportation.

Stillage 1101 comprises parallel base members such as first base member 1105 and second base member 1106 for engaging opposing ends of the barriers to be transported. Base members 1105 and 1106 have a corner-piece at each end such as corner-pieces 1107, 1108, 1109 and 1110.

Corner-pieces 1107 to 1110 are used to support stillage 1101 when placed on the floor, and also allow further stillages holding more barriers to be stacked on top. Stillage 1101 further comprises a plurality of upstanding sockets arranged along said first base member, such as sockets 1111, 1112, 1113 and 1114. In the embodiment sockets 1111 through 1114 comprise generally tubular members arranged normally, such that their long axis is perpendicular to said base member. In between sockets 1111 to 1114 are flat regions 1115 to 1118, described further with reference to Figure 12.

Sockets 1111 through 1114 are configured for receiving a side rail of a barrier by slidably inserting the side rail into the socket. Each of the sockets 1111 through 1114 is aligned with a region on the second said base member that does not include a socket, but is a substantially flat region against which an opposite end of a barrier is abutted. Said second base member further comprises four sockets 1119 to 1122, also having four flat regions 1123 to 1127 inbetween, as shown further with reference to Figure 13.

In this way a barrier, such as barrier 1102, has a first side rail on a first end inserted into socket 1111, and a second side rail on the opposite end abutted against a flat surface. This configuration is preferred over conventional barrier stillages comprising a pair of aligned sockets each for receiving opposite side rails of a barrier because, if the stillage is not manufactured with sufficient precision, or the barrier is bent in use, the * * * barrier will no longer engage correctly into the first and second sockets.

* * 25 In the embodiment illustrated, stillage 1101 further comprises bridging members, such a first bridging member 1128, and second bridging member 1129, which join said first base member 1105 and said second base member *:** 1106, forming a generally rectangular pallet. Bridging members 1128 and 1129 further comprise tubular guides 1130 and 1131 into which the lifting prongs of a fork-lift truck can be inserted, thereby allowing the stillage to be lifted, such as for placing onto a truck et cetera. As shown, stillage 1101 further comprises a tray 1132, installed as a shelf between said first and second bridging members, so as to provide an area for stowage of barrier apparatus, such as support apparatus 1133, which is substantially similar to support apparatus 401, as described with reference to Figure 4.

Figure 12 The stillage 1101 as described in Figure 11 is shown in side view in Figure 12. In this embodiment stillage 1101 is loaded with eight barriers to be transported, such as barriers 1201 to 1208. A first base member 1105 is shown comprising four sockets, such as sockets 1111, 1112 and 1113, into which a side rail of a barrier, such as side rail 1202 of barrier 1203 is inserted. Inbetween sockets 1111 and 1112 is flat region 1115, and in between sockets 1112 and 1113 is flat region 1116. In the specific embodiment, as will be described further with reference to Figure 13, stillage 1101 further comprises a plurality of upstanding sockets arranged along the second said base member in a similar manner to that of the first said base member. Therefore, whilst the side rails of barriers 1201, 1203, 1205 and 1207 are partially inserted into sockets 1111, 1112, 1114 and 1114 on said first base member 1105, and have opposite ends supported by aligning flat regions on the second base member 1106, barriers 1202, 1204, 1206 and 1208 are inserted into sockets on the second base member and engage with aligned flat regions 1115, 1116, 1117 and 1118 on the first base member * ..

Figure 13 A top view of a stillage 1101, as described in Figures 11 and 12, is shown in Figure 13. Figure 13 shows parallel base members 1105 and 1106, joined by first and second bridging members 1119 and 1120 extending between corner legs 1107, 1108 and 1109, and 1110. First base member 1105 comprises four upstanding sockets, such as sockets 1111 to 1114 arranged along its length. Each of said upstanding sockets is aligned with a flat region on the second base member. Second base member 1106 also comprises four upstanding sockets 1119 to 1122, each of which are aligned with a flat region on the first base member.

Therefore, socket 1111 of first base member 1105 is aligned with flat region 1123 of second base member 1106. Socket 1119 of second base member 1106 is aligned with flat region 1115 of first base member 1105, and so on. That is to say the sockets on opposing base members are mutualty staggered to so to align with a corresponding flat region on the opposing base member.

In this way upstanding sockets such as socket 1111 on first base member 1105 slidably receives a side rail of a first barrier (indicated by broken line 1301) to be supported, providing radial support to the barrier and thereby preventing the barrier from toppling during transit. The opposite end of barrier 1301 is allowed to rest upon aligned flat region 1123.

* *.*** * . * ** * * * * ** *** S.. * ..

Claims (20)

1. Claims What we claim is: 1. A support apparatus for a barrier, comprising: a stabiliser portion; and a socket for receiving a barrier to be supported, which socket being inclined with respect to said stabiliser portion.
2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said socket comprises a first tubular member having an axis extending between a first end of said first tubular member and a second end of said first tubular member.
3. 3. The apparatus of claim I or claim 2, wherein said stabiliser portion is connected to said socket at a first end and extends therefrom in the direction of said inclination.
4. 4. The apparatus of claims I to 3, further comprising a reinforcing member extending between said stabiliser portion and said socket.
5. 5. The apparatus of claims I to 4, wherein said socket defines an open aperture therethrough.
6. 6. The apparatus of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second socket for receiving a second barrier to be supported. * *
7. 7. The apparatus of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an upwardly extending element for receiving a weighted load.
8. 8. The apparatus of claims 1 to 7, wherein said socket is substantially cylindrical in shape.
9. 9. The apparatus of claims 1 to 8, wherein said support apparatus is configured for joining adjacent barriers.
10. 10. The apparatus of claims I to 9, further comprising a barrier to be supported.
11. 11. A barrier, comprising: a frame having side rails for engaging support apparatus; and a panel section having a lower cross member extending between said side rails; wherein said side rails are detached from said lower cross member and define a gap between a lower portion of said panel section and said side rails.
12. 12. The barrier of claim 11, wherein said panel section comprises upright side members attached to said side rails by means of spacing members.
13. 13. The barrier of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein said frame part further comprises a top rail.
14. 14. The barrier of claims 11 to 13, further comprising channel sections for retaining a display board. ****
15. 15. The barrier of claims 11 to 14, further comprising support apparatus for engaging said side rails at a base end.
16. 16. A stillage for transportation of a barrier, comprising: parallel base members for engaging opposite ends of a barrier to be transported; and a plurality of upstanding sockets arranged along a first of said base members; wherein each said upstanding socket is aligned with a fiat region on the second said base member.
17. 17. The stillage of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of upstanding sockets arranged along the second said base member which sockets being aligned with corresponding flat regions on the first said base member.
18. 18. The stillage of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein each said socket comprises a generally tubular member arranged normally to said base member.
19. 19. The stillage of claims 16 to 18, further comprising bridging members joining said base members.
20. 20. The stillage of claim 19, further comprising a tray installed between said bridging members. *0... * * * ** * . * * *.*.*t** * * *AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN HLED AS FOLLOWSClaims What we claim is: 1. A support apparatus for a barrier, comprising: a stabiliser portion; and a socket defining an open aperture therethrough, wherein: said open aperture is configured to receive a barrier to be supported and permit adjustment of the height of said barrier, and said socket is inclined with respect to said stabiliser portion.2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said socket comprises a first tubular member having an axis extending between a first end of said first tubular member and a second end of said first tubular member. * ** * S *5S S3. The apparatus of claim I or claim 2, wherein said stabiliser portion is connected to said socket at a first end and extends therefrom in S...the direction of said inclination.S..'... * S4. The apparatus of claims I to 3, further comprising a reinforcing :, member extending between said stabiliser portion and said socket.5. The apparatus of claims I to 4, further comprising a second socket for receiving a second barrier to be supported.6. The apparatus of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an upwardly extending element for receiving a weighted load.7. The apparatus of claims 1 to 6, wherein said socket is substantially cylindrical in shape.8. The apparatus of claims 1 to 7, wherein said support apparatus is configured for joining adjacent barriers.9. The apparatus of claims I to 8, further comprising a barrier to be supported.10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said barrier, comprises: a frame having side rails for engaging said support apparatus; and a panel section having a lower cross member extending between said side rails; wherein said side rails are detached from said lower cross member and define a gap between a lower portion of said panel section and said side rails.* 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said panel section comprises upright side members attached to said side rails by means of * 15 spacing members. 0** o S S...12. The apparatus of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein said frame part further comprises a top rail. * * * *5 S13. The apparatus of claims 10 to 12, further comprising channel sections for retaining a display board.14. The apparatus of claims 10 to 13, further comprising support apparatus for engaging said side rails at a base end.15. A support apparatus for a barrier as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.