GB2596635A

GB2596635A - Improvement in or relating to barriers and barrier assemblies

Info

Publication number: GB2596635A
Application number: GB2106156.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Carney Mark
Original assignee: James Cowie Group Ltd
Current assignee: James Cowie Group Ltd
Priority date: 2020-04-30
Filing date: 2021-04-29
Publication date: 2022-01-05
Also published as: GB202106156D0; GB202006405D0

Abstract

The assembly comprises a barrier comprising a guardrail unit 100 and at least one foot member 110, the foot member being releasably connected to the guardrail unit by way of a connection 115. The foot may include a plate member which may be substantially the same length as the guardrail unit. The guardrail unit may comprise a pair of rails 3, 4, a number of bars 8 connecting the rails and a pair of end posts 140a, 140b connected to the rails. The guardrail unit may further comprise a first portion including a pair of rails and a second portion comprising a wall member (196, figure 17) which may be a non-breathable sheet. Further disclosed is a multiple barrier assembly comprise three guardrail units connected to one another with a roof panel being connected to the barrier units. Further disclosed are several methods of constructing barrier assemblies which may comprise roof panels.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO BARRIERS AND BARRIER ASSEMBLIES

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to an improved barrier, in particular though not exclusively, a crowd control barrier, pedestrian barrier or queuing barrier. The invention also relates to a barrier assembly providing a walkway, and to associated methods of construction.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

Crowd control or safety barriers are known, and find use inter alia in crowd queuing and/or crowd/pedestrian separation, for example, outside premises or venues. Such can be used to control groups of pedestrians or spectators. Such typically comprise first and second end posts, first and second rails between the first and second end posts, and a plurality of bars between the first and second rails. The barrier can be provided with feet, for example foot members provided on sides of the posts and/or the second (lower) rail. Typically in use, the first and second end posts are vertical, the first and second rails are horizontal, and the plurality of bars are vertical. The end posts, rails, bars and feet can each be formed from tubular members, which can be fixed, for example welded, together. Barriers can be fabricated from galvanised steel. Barriers can also be provided in a powder coated finish. Alternatively, barriers can be made from plastics materials. Typically, barriers are around 1.1 metres high, 2.3 metres long, and around 11.5kg in weight.

Queuing barriers are also known, for example, flexible and retractable queuing barriers available under the name TENSABARRIER®.

Pedestrian railings suitable for mounting along pavements to separate pedestrians and motor vehicle traffic are also known. Conventional railings are formed from pre-fabricated units joined together in end-to-end relationship. Such are designed to comply with BS 7818:1995.

The present Inventor has identified a need in a technical field and/or in a marketplace for an improved barrier and barrier assembly. The need arises particularly, though not exclusively, from the UK Government's present (as from April/May 2020) social distancing rules arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the UK Government's social distancing rules require individuals to remain at least 2m away from one another when out in public. This also applies to queuing outside of supermarkets and other retail outlets. Retailers have a duty of care to customers to seek to ensure social distancing rules are adhered to when queuing outside of retail premises.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to avoid or at least reduce one or more problems and/or disadvantages in the prior art.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to seek to address the aforementioned need(s).

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a barrier, railing, barrier assembly or multiple barrier assembly, which is: * capable of manual assembly and disassembly; * capable of ease of transportation, for example being packable flat ("flat-packed"); * modular in construction * freestanding and self-supporting (so that no groundwork is required) * able to withstand non-extreme winds (so that the barrier etc. does not need to be disassembled or tethered unless there are extreme winds (for example exceeding 50 mph).

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a technically more simple and/or more commercially cost-effective

apparatus and method than in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

FIRST INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a barrier, such as a crowd control barrier, pedestrian barrier or queuing barrier, the barrier comprising a guardrail unit, at least one foot member, and an arrangement for releasably or removably connecting the guardrail unit and the at least one foot member.

The foot member may comprise a plate member. The plate member may be substantially the same length as the guardrail unit and/or may extend along a length of the guardrail unit. The plate member may be substantially horizontal, in use. A first (lower) face of the plate member may, in use, abut and/or be supported by the ground. The foot member may be provided below, for example directly below, the guardrail unit, in use. The foot member may extend, for example symmetrically, on first and second sides of the guardrail unit, in use.

The foot member may be substantially rectangular in plan view.

Providing a separate guardrail unit and foot member facilitates transportation in that the guardrail units are substantially flat and can be closely packed for transportation. The invention is thereby distinguished from the prior art arrangement with integral feet in which the feet typically provide a substantial obstacle to close-packing. Also, the foot member supports the barrier during use and avoids the requirement to excavate the ground to support the barrier. This facilitates the temporary installation of the barrier for periods of use, and the removal of the barrier when it is no longer required.

The arrangement for releasably or removably connecting the guardrail unit and the foot member may comprise first and/or second upstands provided on the foot member, for example on a second (upper) face of the plate member. The/each upstand may be connectable to a respective first and/or second end post of the guardrail unit, for example by releasable fixing members, for example, a nut and bolt. The bolt may be capable of being passed through aligned apertures in the respective end post of the guardrail unit and respective upstand.

Preferably the guardrail unit may be connectable with or to a further guardrail unit in end-to-end relation, to form a railing. Also, an end of the foot member of the guardrail unit may abut the end of a further foot member of the further guardrail unit. Preferably when the guardrail unit and the foot member are assembled, an end post of the guardrail unit overlaps (or extends beyond) the end of the plate member. By such an arrangement an end post of the guardrail unit may also be used as an end post of the further guardrail unit, with the guardrail units being longitudinally adjacent (in end-to-end relation).

The guardrail unit may comprise a first (lower) portion. The guardrail unit may comprise a second (upper) portion. The first portion may comprise first and second rails, for example horizontal rails. Preferably the rails are releasably connectable with the first and second end posts, for example by first and second further releasable connection arrangements. The/each further releasable connection arrangement may comprise a mortice and tenon joint, for example a tongue on the end post and a hole on the end of the rail (or vice versa). The tongue may be part of a bracket, for example an angle bracket, secured to the end post. The tongue and hole may be connected by a nut and bolt fixing for example, facilitating on-site construction of the barrier, railing or barrier assembly. The bracket may be secured to the end post by a nut and bolt fastening, reducing the complexity of the manufacturing process.

The guardrail unit may comprise a plurality of bars, for example vertical bars, which may span between the first and second rails. The plurality of bars may be fixed to the first and second rails, for example welded thereto. Whilst it would be possible to releasably mount the bars to the rails in order to further facilitate transportation, it is preferred to provide an integral structure of rails and bars in order to reduce the on-site construction steps. In any event, in preferred embodiments the integral structure comprising the rails and bars are substantially flat and rectangular and can be closely packed for transportation with relatively little wasted space.

The second portion may comprise a further rail, for example horizontal rail, which may be releasably connectable with the first and second end posts, for example by a third further releasable connection arrangement. The third further releasable connection arrangement may comprise a mortice and tenon joint, for example a further tongue on the end post and a further hole on the end of the rail (or vice versa). Again, the further tongue may be part of a (further) bracket secured to the end post.

The second portion may comprise a sheet or wall member, for example a rigid and/or non-breathable sheet member, which may be releasably fixable between the further rail, the first portion/first rail and the first and second end posts. The sheet member may comprise a plastics material, for example polycarbonate or PVC fabric. The sheet member may be at least partially transparent or translucent.

The barrier may comprise an arrangement for releasably attaching/connecting a roof member to the guardrail unit. For example, a roof member attaching arrangement may be provided on or adjacent to the further rail. The roof member attaching arrangement may, for example, comprise a bracket secured to each end post.

A gutter member may be provided on or adjacent to the further rail.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a guardrail unit of the barrier of the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a foot member of the barrier of the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a barrier assembly comprising first and second barriers according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first and second barriers being provided in adjacent spaced parallel relation to one another and having a roof member, which roof member may be releasably connectable to each of the guardrail units by respective brackets.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling a barrier, the method comprising: providing (component parts of) a barrier according to the first aspect of the present invention; assembling the barrier.

Assembling the barrier comprises attaching the guardrail unit to the foot member. Assembling the barrier may also include assembling the end posts to the rails and bars to form the guardrail unit.

SECOND INVENTION

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a barrier assembly, such as a crowd control, pedestrian or queuing barrier assembly, or walkway unit, the barrier assembly or walkway unit comprising first and second barriers disposed in parallel relation to one another, and a roof member spanning between the first and second barriers.

Preferably the barrier is a free-standing or gravity-based structure (GBS), that is, a structure held in place by gravity. Preferably the barrier is self-supporting or self-standing, for example does not require to be fixed into the ground.

Preferably each barrier comprises at least one, and preferably one, foot member. The foot member may abut or rest on the ground or a ground surface, in use.

Preferably the barrier comprises a guardrail unit and there is an arrangement for releasably connecting the guardrail unit and the foot member.

Advantageously at least one of the first or second barrier, and preferably both the first and second barrier, comprise a barrier according to the first aspect of the present invention or the tenth aspect of the present invention.

The roof member may comprise a substantially curved or planar sheet member. The roof member is preferably rigid and/or self-supporting. The roof member is ideally the same length as the first and second barriers, and may be around 2 metres in length. The roof member may comprise a plastics material, for example a fire retardant material, suitably PVC on mesh fabric, or alternatively polycarbonate. The roof member may be at least partially transparent.

Preferably the barrier assembly may be around 2 metres in length.

Preferably the barrier assembly weighs around 250 to 300 kg, and preferably around 260kg.

The barrier assembly of the present invention may provide one or more advantageous features, for example: * stability against wind, for example wind uplift; * air/wind circulation, for example at below approximate waist height; * reduced/substantially no air/wind circulation, for example at above approximate waist height.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a crowd control, pedestrian or queuing multiple barrier assembly, the multiple barrier assembly comprising a plurality of barrier assemblies according to the sixth aspect of the present invention.

Preferably adjacent barrier assemblies of the plurality of barrier assemblies are arranged (and are releasably connected) in an end-to-end relation.

Alternatively or additionally, adjacent barrier assemblies are located side-by-side, and are ideally interconnected.

Preferably the adjacent barrier assemblies share end posts. This preferred feature can apply to the adjacent barrier assemblies in end-to-end relation and/or in side-by-side relation.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of constructing a barrier assembly, such as a crowd control, pedestrian or queuing barrier assembly, the method comprising: assembling a barrier assembly according to the sixth aspect of the present invention.

Assembling the barrier assembly may comprise releasably connecting the guardrail unit and the foot member.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of constructing a crowd control, pedestrian or queuing multiple barrier assembly, the method comprising: constructing a barrier assembly according to the sixth aspect of the present invention; constructing an adjacent barrier assembly according to the sixth aspect of the present invention.

The adjacent barrier assembly may be provided in end-to-end relation to/with the barrier assembly. In such case the barrier assembly and adjacent barrier assembly may share (common) end posts.

The adjacent barrier assembly may be provided in side-by-side relation to/with the barrier assembly. In such case the barrier assembly and adjacent barrier assembly may share (common) end posts and/or a (common) barrier unit and/or a (common) foot member.

THIRD INVENTION

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a barrier, such as a crowd control barrier, pedestrian barrier or queuing barrier, the barrier comprising a rigid and/or self-supporting sheet member.

The sheet member may comprise an upper portion of the barrier.

The barrier may comprise a first (lower) portion. The barrier may comprise a second portion, the second portion optionally comprising said upper portion. The barrier may comprise first and second end posts.

The first portion may comprise first and second rails, for example horizontal rails, which may be releasably connectable with the first and second end posts, for example by first and second further releasable connection arrangements. The/each further releasable connection arrangement may comprise a mortice and tenon joint, for example a tongue on the end post and a hole on the end of the rail (or vice versa).

The guardrail unit may comprise a plurality of bars, for example vertical bars, which may span between the first and second rails. The plurality of bars may be fixed to the first and second rails, for example welded thereto.

The second portion may comprise a further rail, for example horizontal rail, which may be releasably connectable with the first and second end posts, for example by a third further releasable connection arrangement. The third further releasable connection arrangement may comprise a mortice and tenon joint, for example a further tongue on the end post and a further hole on the end of the rail (or vice versa).

The second portion may comprise the sheet or wall member, for example a rigid sheet member, which may be releasably fixable between the further rail, the first portion/first rail and the first and second end posts. The sheet member may comprise a plastics material, for example polycarbonate. The sheet member may be at least partially transparent or translucent.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling a barrier, the method comprising: providing (components/parts of) a barrier according to the tenth aspect of the present invention; assembling the barrier.

The following optional features apply to one or more of the foregoing aspects of the present invention.

Preferably the barrier is a gravity-based structure (GBS), that is, a structure held in place by gravity. This is in contradistinction to any prior art pedestrian/traffic separation guardrails which are fixed into the ground. The barrier may, therefore, be readily assembled, utilised and/or disassembled on site, for example without the need for any ground-works such as digging up of surface areas such as car parks, pavements, sidewalks or roads.

The integral structure comprising the rails and bars may weigh around 30 to 35, for

example 34 kg.

The roof member may weigh around 29 kg.

The/each end post may weigh around 17kg.

The foot member may weigh around 47kg.

The gutter member may weigh around 20kg.

The/each barrier assembly may weigh around 240 to 280 kg, for example 260kg.

Preferably the barrier is around 2 metres in length.

Preferably the foot member is around 2 metres in length.

Preferably the/each barrier assembly is around 2 metres in length, and/or around 1.5 metres in width.

The guardrail unit, foot member, and/or gutter members may be made from a metallic material(s), for example steel/galvanised steel.

It should be understood that the features defined above in accordance with any aspect of the present invention or below relating to any specific embodiment of the invention may be utilised, either alone or in combination with any other defined feature, in any other aspect or embodiment with which they are compatible in order to form a further aspect or embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are: Figure 1 a side view of a guardrail unit made in accordance with the present invention; Figures 2a and 2b perspective and end elevation of an end post forming part of the guardrail unit shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 a perspective view of a section of railing comprising two of the guardrail units of Figure 1; Figures 4a and 4b cut-away plan views of alternative staggered bar patterns for use in the guardrail unit of Figure 1; Figure 5 an alternative guardrail unit made in accordance with the present invention; Figure 6 in end elevation an end post forming part of the guardrail unit of Figure 5; Figures 7a and 7b in elevation and cross-section an adaptor for use in connecting the guardrail units of Figures 1 to 6; Figures 8a and 8b in cross-section and elevation an alternative adaptor; Figure 9 a cross-section through two end posts joined using the adaptor of Figures 8(a) and 8(b); Figure 10 a cross-section through two end posts joined using two of the adaptors; Figure 11 a perspective view of a foot member of a barrier according to the invention; Figure 12 a perspective view of a barrier according to the invention; Figure 13 a perspective view of one embodiment of barrier assembly according to the present invention; Figure 14 a perspective view of a roof bracket of the barrier assembly of Figure 13; Figure 15 a side view of the rails of two guardrail units joined end-to-end at end post; Figure 16 an end view of the barrier assembly of Figure 13; Figure 17 a plan view of the barrier assembly of Figure 13; a side view of the barrier assembly of Figure 13; an end view of a multiple barrier assembly comprising two barrier assemblies in adjacent side-by-side relation; and a perspective view of a gutter member for use in a barrier assembly.

Figure 18 Figure 19 Figure 20

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the drawings, similer components in the different embodiments are given the same reference numeral for ease of reference.

Referring initially to Figures 1 to 10 of the drawings, there is shown a guardrail unit 1 according to the present invention. However, since the present invention has been designed to be visually compatible with common types of barrier used in the UK, the guardrail unit as shown in side view in Fig.1 is substantially identical to the prior art, in particular as described in GB 2 414 747 A (HUGH LOGAN PLANT & ENGINEERING) (and similarly for the guiderail unit shown in Fig.5).

The guardrail unit 1 comprises a rail or mid rail 4, a top rail 2, a lower rail or bottom rail 3, and two end posts 5 all formed from rectangular hollow section steel, and galvanised for protection against corrosion. In a known arrangement with prior art guardrails, a row of such guardrail units is fixed in the ground in end-to-end relation beside a carriageway to form a railing to separate pedestrians from the carriageway and perhaps to guide them to a safe crossing.

The hollow section from which rails 2, 3, 4, and posts 5 are made is in this example 30mm x 50mm in size. The posts 5 are of greater wall thickness (in this embodiment 2.5mm), and so increased strength, compared with the rails 2, 3 and 4 (in this embodiment having a 2mm wall thickness).

In the prior art arrangements the top rail 2 has one of the posts 5 welded at either end via mitre joints. The bottom rail 3 and the mid rail 4 are butt welded to each of the posts 5. The guardrail unit 1 thereby has a lower or railing section 6 defined between the bottom rail 3, mid rail 4 and the posts 5 and an upper section providing a sight gap 7 defined by the mid rail 4, top rail 2 and the posts 5.

Vertical bars 8 are provided in the railing section 6 which extend between bottom rail 3 and the mid rail 4. In the present invention the posts 5, rails 2, 3 and 4 and bars 8 can similarly be welded into a single unit as in the prior art. Preferably, however, and as described below, the rails 3 and 4 and the bars 8 are provided as a single integral unit (with the bars 8 preferably welded to the rails 3, 4) and the posts 5 are releasably connected to that integral structure.

Figure 2a and 2b show one embodiment of the posts 5 in more detail. The post 5 is provided with a slanted surface at its upper end for attachment to the top rail 2. The faces of the post 5 transverse to the length of the unit 1 have corresponding apertures 9 cut therethrough. A landed section 10 between upper and lower apertures 9 is provided for joining to the mid rail 4 as explained below.

The apertures 9 are cut through the centre of the respective post 5, for example, by a laser cutting system. A small lip of, say 4 -7mm will be present adjacent the aperture 9 at each side so that in cross-section the post 5 appears as two facing C-sections separated by the apertures 9 (as seen in Figure 9). In a post having a width of 50mm, the width of the aperture 9 may be 35-42mm, for example.

The vertical bars 8 are disposed in a predetermined pattern such as those shown in Figures 4a and 4b, to enhance visibility through the railing section 6, for example, for an approaching motorist. Specifically, the bars 8 are arranged to lie in a vertical plane or planes aligned at an acute angle (between 2 and 14 degrees for example) relative to the plane of the guardrail unit 1 as a whole. This provides a line or lines of sight between the planes, at the same angle and of course over a range of angles either side thereof. The pattern can be selected to suit the particular circumstances in terms of the expected path and speed of approach (and hence stopping distance) of traffic at the location of the barrier.

The provision of the apertures 9 in the sides of the posts 5 provides a further line of sight through the posts 5 when two or more of the guardrail units 1, 1' are assembled end-to-end into a railing as shown in Figure 3. The line of sight is most apparent at similar oblique approach angles at which the vertical bars 8 are set to enhance the visibility through the railing. In fact it can be difficult to determine the location of the posts 5 in the railing as they blend into the run of the vertical bars so naturally, see Figure 3 in particular. The unit 1, therefore, combines much of the aesthetic appeal of the known railing described in GB 2 291 902 (STEWART), while maintaining the strength of the conventional railing, and being both visually and mechanically interchangeable with the conventional railing.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, connection points 12 are provided which correspond in location to the connection points provided on standard railings. The connection points 12 comprise a further small land of material between apertures 9, with a hole 12a therein for the insertion of a bolt. In order to strengthen the unit 1 in the area of the connection point a hollow tubular insert (not shown) is disposed between the sides of the respective post 5. In accordance with the industry standard, the upper bolt hole 12 is centred at a height 152.5mm below the top surface of the top rail 2. The lower bolt hole is centred 610mm below the upper hole.

Alternative connection means may be used, such as that shown in Fig.15. Fig.15 shows an angle bracket 14 which is secured to the post 5 by a nut and bolt fixing, the angle bracket providing a tenon or tongue 16 to which the rail 4 is secured by another nut and bolt fixing. Such alternative connection means may be used at all posts, or only when a stepped arrangement (on a slope) means that the normal connection points would not line up.

Figures 5 and 6 show a second guardrail unit of similar construction to that described above. This embodiment does not have a sight gap and the vertical bars 8 extend over a greater height of the guardrail unit. In addition the land section 10 is no longer required. Alternative arrangements for connecting the units 1 together include the use of an adaptor 20 which utilises the aperture 9 to effect secure connection. Various designs of adaptor may be suitable, the important feature is that they extend through the aperture 9 and engage the sides of the posts adjacent the aperture 9. In cases where an adaptor is used the connecting points 12 may or may not be present and the aperture 9 is continuous, as illustrated in Figure 6.

Figures 7a and 7b show an adaptor for use in connecting units together in a railing. The adaptor 20 has a flat section 22 with a hole 24 extending therethrough, and a tubular section 26 extending from the back surface of the flat section 22. These parts may be welded or cast in one piece. In use the adaptor is fitted into the aperture 9 so that the back surface of the flat section engages the sides of the post adjacent the aperture 9 and the tubular section 26 is located within the hollow section of the post 5. A bolt is located in the hole 24 with the shaft of the bolt extending through the tubular section 26 and through the post 5 of an adjacent guardrail unit 1. The bolt is tightened using conventional tooling and the guardrail units 1 pulled together.

Figures 8a and 8b show an alternative adaptor, this adaptor is very similar to that described above and like numerals have been used to identify like components. This adaptor includes sections at the ends of the flat section 22 of reduced thickness in comparison to the major part of the flat section. These sections of reduced thickness locate in the aperture 9 and hold the adaptor against sideways movement. Figure 9 shows this adaptor 20 in use illustrating the connection of a post 5 of a conventional or novel guardrail unit. In other situations both posts could be connected through connecting points 12, or both through aperture 9 using two adaptors as shown in Figure 10.

In both of the above examples the adaptor has a tubular section 26 of circular configuration. The tubular section may have any shape cross-section, for example, square or hexagonal where the sides of the tubular section may engage the sides of the aperture 9 so as to correctly orientate the adaptor in the post 5.

The use of the adaptor enables the interconnection of guardrail units 1 to be made at any point along the length of the aperture 9, for example, at the correct position for alignment with the connection points of a conventional or guardrail unit, or tucked away so that there is minimum impairment to the view through the apertures 9 of the post 5. In addition in certain situations, particularly on a sloping site, the units 1 are stepped (vertically displaced from the adjacent unit) and the use of the adaptor facilitates this, even if fixed connection points 12 are provided and used to make some of the connections. Without the adaptor, additional holes would need to be drilled in the post on site. This requires power tools on site and breaks the galvanising protection on the metal. The adaptor therefore offers an improvement in installation procedures independently of the high-visibility benefits.

It will be readily apparent to the person skilled in the art that whilst the adaptor illustrated would utilise a bolt passed through the adaptor to effect the connection of the guardrail units, alternative types of adaptor may be employed, for example a stud having two components where one is screwed into the other, or hammered together so that a part deforms to secure the two parts together, or a spigot stud where a part rotation secures the two together. External clamps, adhesives and other alternative means of connection can also be envisaged, each of which may work with an aperture 9 or at a land between apertures.

Whilst Figs. 9 and 10 show two end posts 5 being connected together, one end post for each guardrail unit 1, a benefit of the present invention is that a railing can be constructed from adjacent guardrail units in end-to-end relation with a single post 5 for both of the adjacent guardrail units. A post which is suitable for such an arrangement is shown in Fig. 15, and has a bracket 14 to either side. A single post 5 (or 140, see below) can therefore be used between each pair of neighbouring barriers in a railing and in an end-to-end line of barrier assemblies.

Referring now to Figures 12 to 20, there is shown a barrier, such as a crowd control barrier, pedestrian barrier or queuing barrier, generally designated 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. There is also shown a barrier assembly and a multiple barrier assembly, suitable for use as a walkway or the like.

The barrier 100 comprises a guardrail unit 105, a foot member 110 (see Fig.11), and an arrangement 115 for releasably or removably connecting the guardrail unit 105 and the foot member 110.

The guardrail unit 105 differs from the guardrail 1 of Figs.1 and 5 primarily in being of increased height. Specifically, and as described below, the uppermost or further rail 102 of the guardrail unit 105 is around 2m above the foot member 110, i.e. above head height for a large proportion of the population.

As seen in Fig.11, the foot member 110 comprises a plate member. The plate member is substantially the same length as the guardrail unit 105, and is configured to extend along a length of the guardrail unit 105. The plate member is substantially horizontal, in use. A first (lower) face of the plate member, in use, abuts and/or is supported by the ground. The foot member 110 is provided below, for example directly below, the guardrail unit 105, in use.

Beneficially, and as clarified in the plan view of Fig.17, the foot member 110 is rectangular and symmetrically extends on first and second sides of the guardrail unit 105, in use.

The arrangement 115 for releasably or removably connecting the guardrail unit 105 and the foot member 110 comprises first and second upstands 130 provided on the foot member 110, adjacent to each end of the plate member and projecting upwardly from the plate member. In this embodiment each upstand 130 is provided by the upstanding part of a respective angle bracket 136 which is secured to the plate member. In this embodiment the angle brackets 136 are secured by a nut and bolt fixing for ease of construction, but in an alternative embodiment the upstand (or the angle bracket) could be welded to the plate member.

Each upstand 130 is connectable to a respective first and/or second end post 140a, 140b of the guardrail unit 105, for example by releasable nut and bolt fixings. The bolt is passed through aligned apertures in the respective end post 140a, 140b of the guardrail unit 105 and a corresponding hole in the respective upstanding part of the angle bracket 136.

It is arranged that the upstands 130 are closer to the respective end of the plate member than the thickness of the end posts 140a,b, and specifically are spaced from the respective end by half (or slightly less than half) the thickness of the end posts 140a,b. In this embdiment the width W (see Fig.17) of the end posts 140a,b is approx. 90mm, the thickness T of the end posts 140a,b is approximately 50mm, and the upstands 130 are approx. 22mm from the end of the plate member. Accordingly, when the guardrail unit 105 and the foot member 110 are assembled, an end post 140a, 140b of the guardrail unit 105 overlaps the end of the plate member. By such an arrangement a single end post 140a, 140b of the guardrail unit 105 can be used as an end post of a longitudinally adjacent guardrail unit 100 when constructed end-to-end, similarly to the arrangement of Fig.15.

The guardrail unit 105 is therefore connectable with or to a further (identical) guardrail unit 105 in end-to-end relation. For example, an end of the foot member 110 can abut with a further foot member 110 of the further guardrail unit 105. The foot member and the further foot member are secured together by way of their respective upstands and the (common) post 104a,b.

The guardrail unit 105 comprises a first (lower) portion 155. The guardrail unit 105 comprises a second (upper) portion 160. The first portion 155 comprises first and second rails 3, 4, for example horizontal rails, which are releasably connectable with the first and second end posts 140a, 140b, for example by nut and bolt fixings as in Fig.15.

The guardrail unit 105 comprises a plurality of bars 8, for example vertical bars, which span between the first and second rails 3,4. The plurality of bars 8 are fixed to the first and second rails 3,4, for example welded thereto.

The second portion 160 comprises the further (upper) rail 102, which is also releasably connectable with the first and second end members 140a, 140b, for example by a third further releasable connection arrangement. The third further releasable connection arrangement may be an angle bracket such as those shown in Fig15.

Though not shown in the drawings, in use the second portion 160 will typically include a sheet or wall member, for example a self-supporting rigid/non-breathable sheet member, which is releasably fixable between the further rail 2, the first portion 155/first rail 4 and the first and second end posts 140a, 140b. The sheet member may comprise a plastics material, for example polycarbonate. The sheet member is preferably at least partially transparent or translucent.

In this embodiment the further rail 102 also comprises a gutter member as better seen in Fig.20.

The guardrail unit 105 comprises a bracket 195 for releasably attaching/connecting a roof member 196 to the guardrail unit 105. The bracket 195 includes a box-section which fits over the top end of a post 104a,b, and is secured to the post by respective nut and bolt fixings.

The present invention also provides a barrier assembly 200 in the form of a pedestrian walkway comprising first and second barriers 100, the first and second barriers 100 being provided in adjacent spaced parallel relation to one another, as shown in Fig.13.

The barrier assembly 200 comprises two barriers 100 and a roof panel 196, which roof panel is releasably connectable to the brackets 195 of each of the barriers 100.

The present invention provides a method of assembling a barrier 100, the method comprising: providing component parts of a barrier 100; assembling the barrier 100.

The present invention also provides a method of constructing a multiple barrier assembly 200 comprising the following steps: aligning two rows of foot members 110 along the chosen course of a covered walkway, the foot members in each row being placed in end-to-end engagement; securing an end post 104a,b to the upstands of neighbouring foot members, the step of securing an end post also acting to interconnect the neighbouring foot members; securing an integral structure comprising rails and bars to neighbouring end posts 104a,b to form two adjacent lines of barriers 100; securing a roof panel to the end posts of a barrier 100 in each line.

Accordingly, a multiple barrier assembly can be provided, such as a crowd control, pedestrian or queuing barrier assembly, or walkway unit, the assembly or walkway comprising multiple pairs of first and second barriers 100 disposed in parallel relation to one another, and a roof member 196 spanning between the first and second barriers 100 in each pair.

Each barrier 100 is a gravity-based structure (GBS), that is, a structure held in place by gravity. Each barrier 100 is self-supporting or self-standing, for example does not require to be fixed into the ground.

The roof member 196 comprises a substantially curved or planar sheet member, which is rigid and/or self-supporting. The roof member 196 is around 2 metres in length. The roof member 196 comprises a plastics material, for example PVC on mesh fabric, or alternatively polycarbonate. The roof member 196 is preferably at least partially transparent.

A barrier assembly 200 such as that shown in Fig.13 is around 2 metres in length.

A barrier assembly 200 such as that shown in Fig.13 weighs around 250 to 300 kg, and typically around 260kg.

The barrier assembly 200 provides advantageous features, for example: * stability against wind, for example wind uplift; * air/wind circulation, for example at below waist height; * reduced/substantially no air/wind circulation, for example at above waist height.

An adjacent barrier assembly 200 (or preferably and adjacent line of barrier assemblies 200) can additionally be provided in side-by-side relation (see Figure 19). In such case a modified bracket 197 is fitted to the top of the intermediate or common post 104, and in particular a bracket 197 to which two roof panels 196 can be secured in side-by-side relation as shown in Fig.19. Accordingly, in the barrier assembly of Fig.19 the adjacent barrier assemblies 200 share common (central) end posts 140, 140b and also a common (central) guardrail unit 105 and a common (central) foot member 110.

Typically: * The guardrail unit 105 weighs around 30 to 35, for example 34 kg.

* The roof panel 196 weighs around 29 kg.

* The/each end post 140a,b weighs around 17kg.

* The foot member 110 weighs around 47kg.

* The gutter member 102 weighs around 20kg.

* The/each barrier assembly 200 weighs around 240 to 280 kg, for example 260kg.

* The barrier assembly 200 is around 2 metres in length.

* The foot member 100 is around 2 metres in length.

* The/each barrier assembly 200 is around 1.5 metres in width.

* The guardrail unit 105, foot member 110, end members 140a,b and/or gutter members 102 are made from a metallic material(s), for example steel/galvanised steel.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the present invention hereinbefore described are given by way of example only and are not meant to limit the scope of thereof in any way. It will be appreciated that one or more embodiments of the present invention may provide one or more benefits over the prior art. It will be understood that one or more embodiments of the present invention can utilise or comprise one or more features of the prior art, for example the guardrails shown in Figures 1 to 10.

Embodiments of the present invention provide one or more of: * deployment at or around entrances, exits and/or car parks; * quick assembly/disassembly; * a free-standing modular sheltered walkway system with a self-supporting steel structure.

* effective/practical social distancing; * all weather protection in an external space.

It will also be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be supplied in component parts to be configured as required. The system can protect customers from the elements, for example from wind, rain sleet, snow or the like and/or offer protection from the sun, whilst facilitating air movement in warmer weather. The present invention, therefore, provides a shelter solution to problems of social distancing in all weather conditions. Provision of the barrier lower portion can assist with reducing wind uplift effects.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention may provide a structure having: * An overall length of around 2000mm (for each barrier assembly 200). Such serves as an indication to users/customers on appropriate social distances.

* A height above ground of 2500mm. A solution that can be quickly deployed around entrances, exits and general areas with queues to help users/customers identify a safe distance to stand when queuing in all weathers.

* A width of 1500mm. A multiple barrier assembly or walkway is constructed with an effectively continuous foot member which means no builder work is required, whilst providing strong, effective solution, ideal for managing crowds of people.

* A frame, typically of rectangular or square section.

* A frame material of mild steel.

* A frame finish which is galvanised and/or powder coated.

* Roof cladding infills, which can be made from translucent anti-UV cellular polycarbonate.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A barrier comprising a guardrail unit, at least one foot member, and means for releasably connecting the guardrail unit and the at least one foot member.
2. A barrier according to claim 1 in which the foot member includes a plate member.
3. A barrier according to claim 2 in which the plate member is substantially the same length as the guardrail unit.
4. A barrier according to any one of claims 1-3 in which the foot member is located directly below the guardrail unit.
5. A barrier according to any one of claims 1-4 in which the foot member extends to the first and second sides of the guardrail unit.
6. A barrier according to claim 5 in which the foot member is symmetrical relative to the guardrail unit.
7. A barrier according to any one of claims 1-6 in which the foot member is substantially rectangular in plan view.
8. A barrier according to any one of claims 1-7 in which the guardrail unit comprises a pair of rails, a number of bars connected to the rails, and a pair of end posts connected to the rails.
9. A barrier according to claim 8 in which the end posts are releasably connected to the rails.
10. A barrier according to claim 8 or claim 9 in which the guardrail unit comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion including the pair of rails and the number of bars, the second portion including a wall member.
11. A barrier according to claim 10 in which the wall member is a non-breathable sheet member.
12. A barrier according to claim 9 in which the sheet member is polycarbonate. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21.
A barrier according to claim 11 or claim 12 in which the sheet member is at least partially transparent or translucent.
A barrier according to any one of claims 1-13 in which the means for releasably connecting the guardrail unit and the at least one foot member include first and second upstands provided on the foot member.
A barrier according to any one of claims 1-14 in which the end posts overlap the respective ends of the foot member.
A railing comprising a first barrier according to any one of claims 1-15 and a second barrier according to any one of claims 1-15, the first and second barriers being connected in end-to-end relation.
The railing according to claim 16 in which the first and second barriers share a common end post.
The railing according to claim 17 in which the foot member of the first barrier and the foot member of the second barrier are both releasably connected to the common end post.
A barrier assembly comprising a first barrier according to any one of claims 1-15, a second barrier according to any one of claims 1-15, the first and second barriers being in spaced side-by-side relation, and a roof panel releasably connected to the first barrier and to the second barrier.
A barrier assembly according to claim 19 having a gutter member.
A multiple barrier assembly comprising a first barrier according to any one of claims 115, a second barrier according to any one of claims 1-15, a third barrier according to any of claims 1-15, the first, second and third barriers being in spaced side-by-side relation, a first roof panel releasably connected to the first barrier and to the second barrier and a second roof panel releasably connected to the second barrier and to the third barrier.
22. A multiple barrier assembly comprising a first barrier according to any one of claims 115, a second barrier according to any one of claims 1-15, a third barrier according to any of claims 1-15, a fourth barrier according to any one of claims 1-15, a fifth barrier according to any one of claims 1-15, a sixth barrier according to any one of claims 1-15, the first, second and third barriers being in spaced side-by-side relation, the fourth, fifth and sixth barriers being in spaced side-by-side relation, the first and fourth barriers being interconnected end-to-end, the second and fifth barriers being interconnected end-to-end, the third and sixth barriers being interconnected end-to-end, a first roof panel releasably connected to the first barrier and to the second barrier, a second roof panel releasably connected to the second barrier and to the third barrier, a third roof panel releasably connected to the fourth barrier and to the fifth barrier, a fourth roof panel releasably connected to the fifth barrier and to the sixth barrier, the second and fifth barriers having a common end post, the common end post being connected to the first, second, third and fourth roof panels.
23. A method of constructing a barrier comprising: providing an integral structure comprising two rails and a number of bars, providing first and second end posts, releasably connecting the end posts to the integral structure to form a guiderail unit, providing at least one foot member, releasably connecting the guardrail unit and the at least one foot member.
24. A method of constructing a railing comprising the following steps: providing a plurality of foot members, each foot member having an upstand adjacent to each of its ends; providing a plurality of end posts; providing a plurality of integrated structures comprising rails and bars; aligning a row of foot members along a chosen course, the foot members being placed in end-to-end engagement; securing an end post to the upstands of neighbouring foot members; securing an integrated structure to neighbouring end posts.
25. A method of constructing a multiple barrier assembly comprising the following steps: providing a plurality of foot members, each foot member having an upstand adjacent to each of its ends; providing a plurality of end posts; providing a plurality of integrated structures comprising rails and bars; providing a plurality of roof panels; aligning two substantially parallel rows of foot members along a chosen course, the foot members in each row being placed in end-to-end engagement; securing an end post to the upstands of neighbouring foot members; securing an integrated structure to neighbouring end posts to form a first line of barriers and a second adjacent line of barriers; securing a roof panel to the end posts of a respective barrier in each line.