GB2606332A - Graphic barrier system - Google Patents

Abstract

The system 1 comprises two up standing members 3, a cross member 5 for extending between the upper portions 7 of the up standing members and a barrier member 13 for disposing over the cross member to provide a barrier between the two upstanding members and beneath the cross member. The barrier member has a main body 15 and an upper flap or flaps 17 for folding or looping over the cross member and which barrier member is releasably fastened by way of a pull or peel release fastening. The barrier may instantly release from the cross member when subjected to a blast wave or blast wind. The pull or peel release fastening may comprise or are hook and loop fastenings, magnetic fastenings or snap button fastenings. Also disclosed is a barrier member to be used with the barrier system and a method of manufacturing the barrier and a method of safely managing queues using the barrier system

Description

Graphic Barrier System

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to barrier systems for the control of crowds and queues or to demark areas such as retail spaces. In particular, the present invention relates to a barrier system for carrying graphics, a graphic barrier member for use in such as system, a method of making a graphic barrier member and a method of controlling queues using the same

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Crowd or queue management and demarkation barriers are known for use in various settings including shopping centres, takeaway restaurants, entertainments venues, railways and airports. The can be used to demark areas for retail or food and drink consumption. They find particular application in the control of queues in railway stations and airports. Various versions of such barrier systems are known and typically use a series of posts linked via extensible webbing or belts or are linked via rigid cross-bars.

Post and webbing barrier system often are configured with posts having a cartridge in an upper portion for housing a retractable webbing or belt which may be extended and releasably secured to a neighbouring post by slotting a securing member on one end of the webbing belt into a slot for receiving it on an upper portion of the neighbouring post.

In some circumstances, it is desired to better demarcate the queue or crowd management or may be desirable to utilise the space between the posts in the barrier system for public information (e.g. queuing instructions or information for what people are queuing for) or marketing purposes. This is commonplace and desirable in locations such as a entertainment venues, takeaway restaurants and airports. In such circumstances, barrier systems typically comprise a series of posts linked by rigid bars which are releasably mounted at either end to an upper portion of the posts and the rigid bars slotted through an elongate aperture or closed channel in the top of a graphics banner, which is usually a robust woven fabric material. Usually, the bottom of the graphics banner is secured in place either by a second, lower rigid bar affixed to fixings on a lower portion of the posts and extending through a second, lower elongate aperture or channel or secured to a lower portion of the post via a metal hook that is hooked onto eyes formed in the graphics banner. An alternative such solution is described in WO-A-2011/023998 in which two successive posts are releasably linked via a rigid cross-member housing a cartridge from which a barrier may be unrolled or unfurled downwards to reveal a graphics display bound at its lower edge by a second rigid bar having post-engaging members on either side.

Another example of a graphics barrier solution is described in US-A-2013/0269229 in which an advertising or display device is mechanically attached to a post and retractable belt system. According to US-A-2013/0269229, 'mini-billboards' can have an upper 'hook piece' for hooking over an extensible belt and a lower, magnetically formable rubber loop for engaging a lower member of the system. Alternative arrangements include, for example, a flexible/bendable member for folding over an upper webbing belt in which the extreme ends of the flexible member are secured via a coupling means and a system in which a graphics banner has a series of apertures and a fixing member is used to loop through the apartures and secure to the top of a post or to a webbing belt extending therebetween and top and bottom edges.

In locations where there is a need or regulations relating to safety associated with blast or explosions, such systems with metal bars or fixings or which are secured to a belt provide a risk of creating projectiles in the event of a proximal blast.

The present inventor has found a cost-effective solution for providing a graphics barrier system for use to provide informational or marketing displays in circumstances where there is a desire or regulatory requirement for safety connected to the creation of projectiles from the system as a result of a proximal blast.

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

There is a need for improvements in graphics barrier systems -2 -It is an object of the invention to provide an improved graphics barrier system which is cost effective, enables display of printed graphics and addresses blast safety concerns.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a graphics barrier member for use in graphics barrier frameworks or system, which is effective in displaying graphics and addresses blast safety concerns It is a still further object of the invention to provide a method of controlling crowds and queues while displaying information or marketing in a blast-safety conscious environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a barrier system for managing queues and/or controlling crowd movement, the barrier system comprising: two up-standing members, each comprising an upper portion; a cross-member configured to extend between the upper portions of the two up-standing members; and a barrier member for disposing over the cross-member to provide a barrier between the two up-standing members and beneath the cross-member, the barrier member comprising a main body, and an upper flap or flaps for folding or looping over the cross-member, wherein the barrier member is releasably fastenable by way of a pull-or peel-release fastening between a first fastening part disposed on the upper flap and a corresponding second fastening part disposed on a face of the main body.

In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a barrier member for use in a barrier system as defined in the first aspect, wherein the barrier member is configured for disposing over a cross-member to provide a barrier between two up-standing members and beneath the cross-member, the barrier member comprising a main body, and an upper flap or flaps for folding or looping over the cross-member, wherein the barrier member is releasably fastenable over the cross-member by way of a pull-or peel-release fastening between a first fastening part disposed on the upper flap and a corresponding second fastening part disposed on a face of the main body.

In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a barrier member for use in a barrier system as defined in the first aspect, wherein the barrier member is configured for disposing over a cross-member to provide a barrier between two up-standing members and beneath the cross-member, the barrier member mainly comprising polycarbonate substrate and, optionally, a printed ink layer(s) on the polycarbonate substrate, wherein: the polycarbonate substrate has a gauge of from 150 to 500 p.m; the polycarbonate substrate has a density of from 1200 to 1500 kg/m3; where applicable, the printed ink layer(s) has a total thickness of from 80 to 180 p.m; and/or the barrier member has a total weight of from 150 to 1000g.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing the barrier member of any of claims 1 to 23, the method comprising: providing a substrate (e.g. a polycarbonate substrate) for forming the barrier member; printing a graphic onto the substrate; optionally, subjecting the substrate to ttv light before, during, or after the printing step; cutting a barrier member element or elements from the printed substrate; optionally, assembling the barrier elements.

In a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of safely managing queues and/or controlling crowd movement, the method comprising: providing the barrier system of any one of claims Ito 19, or providing a bather system including the barrier member of any one of claims 20 to 23; placing the barrier system in a location where queue management or crowd control is desirable, and orientating the barrier system to effectively manage a (present or anticipated) queue or control a (present or anticipated) crowd; and releasably fixing the provided barrier member(s) over the provided cross-member(s); wherein, if the barrier member is subject to a blast wave and/or a blast wind, the barrier member instantly releases from the cross-member and/or fragments.

In a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a barrier system 30 for managing queues and/or controlling crowd movement, the barrier system comprising: two up-standing members, each comprising an upper portion; a cross-member configured to extend between the upper portions of the two up-standing -4 -members; and a barrier member for fixing to the cross-member to provide a barrier between the two up-standing members and beneath the cross-member, the barrier member comprising a main body, wherein the barrier member is releasably fastenable by way of a pull-or peel-release fastening between a first fastening part disposed on the cross-member and a corresponding second fastening part disposed on a face of the main body.

In a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a barrier member for use in a barrier system for managing queues and/or controlling crowd movement, which barrier system comprises: two up-standing members (or posts), each comprising an upper portion; a cross-member (e.g. extensible belt) configured to extend between the upper portions of the two up-standing members; and the barrier member, configurd for disposing in relation to the cross-member (e.g. disposed over, secured in relation to or affixed to) to provide a barrier between the two up-standing members and beneath the cross-member, the barrier member comprising a main body of a polymer substrate, which is preferably a polycarbonate substrate, optionally printed with a graphic image. The barrier member preferably comprises an upper flap or flaps for folding or looping over the cross-member, which flap is formed preferably of the same material as the main body. The main body and flap preferably being of a material as further defined below (and with fastenings and fixings as discussed). Preferably, the barrier member comprises a woven fabric hinge disposed between and bonded to a main body and a flap, preferably as defined further below.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The system and methods and other aspects of the invention provide an improved graphic barrier system, that is cost effective, easy to erect and store, and aesthetically pleasing, while addressing blast safety concerns.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a barrier system according to one embodiment of one aspect of the invention; Figure 2a is a front face view of a barrier member of a barrier system of Figure 1, Figure 2b is a rear face view of the barrier member of Figure 2a; Figure 3 is a front face exploded view of a barrier member of Figure 2a; Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of a barrier member of an embodiment of one aspect of the invention being deployed; Figures 5a to 3d are a series of images showing deployment of a barrier member in a barrier system according to one embodiment of the invention, in which Figures 5a and 5b are rear views of the barrier system and Figures Sc and 5d are close-up rear perspective views of laterally disposed fastening members being attached to a pole of a barrier system;and Figure 6 is a close-up rear-perspective view of the lateral fastening members of two adjacently disposed barrier members being attached to an intermediate pole of the barrier system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention concerns a barrier system, and barrier members for use in barrier systems, for safely managing queues and/or controlling crowd movement. The barrier system comprises at least two up-standing members, each comprising an upper portion, a cross-member configured to extend between the upper portions of the two up-standing members and a barrier member for disposing (e.g. for fixing) over the cross-member to provide a barrier between the two up-standing members and beneath the cross-member. The barrier member comprises a main body and an upper flap or flaps for folding or looping over the cross-member, wherein the barrier member is releasably fastenable (e.g. over the cross-member) by way of a pull-or peel-release fastening between a first fastening part disposed on the upper flap and a corresponding second fastening part disposed on a face of the main body.

Preferably, the fastened first and second fastening parts are disposed below the cross-member. -6 -

An assembled two or more up-standing members with cross-members extending between upper portions of adjacent up-standing members may be termed a barrier framework in relation to which one or more barrier member may be disposed. By assembling a barrier member on a barrier framework by disposing a barrier member over the or each cross-member extending between each adjacent pair of upstanding members by disposing a barrier member on each cross-member by folding upper flaps thereof over the cross-member and fastening the upper flap to the body member, a barrier system is provided in which the main body of the barrier members occupy at least a portion of the spaces between adjacent up-standing members and beneath the cross-member, preferably a substantial part of those spaces and more preferably the major part. The main body and optionally upper flap or flaps of the barrier member may optionally carry messages (typically printed) visible from one or both sides of the barrier, which may be public information (e.g. queue rules, waiting times, etc) or advertising/marketing messages.

A particular advantage of the barrier system is that, by virtue of the pull-or peel-release fastening and the main body/upper flap arrangement, if the barrier member is subject to a blast wave and/or a blast wind (e.g. subject to an explosion), the barrier member will instantly detach from the cross-member (and any other element of the barrier system it is releasably fastened to). Thus, the force of a blast wave/wind, caught by the barrier member, is not transferred to (for example) high-density up-standing members, which may otherwise be propelled and become life-threatening projectiles.

Thus, preferably, the barrier member may instantly release from the cross-member and/or fragment (or shatter) when subject to a blast wave or a blast wind (e.g. when subject to an explosion or a blast overpressure). Preferably, where the barrier member fragments, at least the main body and/or upper flap fragment.

The barrier system described herein may, in one option, comprises a plurality of up-standing members, cross-members and barrier members, preferably comprising at least n-1 up-standing members, n cross-members and n barrier members (for example, in the scenario where terminal links are provided -7 -by wall-mounted or links mounted onto other structures), more preferably comprising at least n+1 up-standing members n cross-members and n barrier members.

The barrier system (and barrier framework used in the system) may comprise any suitable number of upstanding members linked by respective cross-members Any suitable cross-member may be used. Optionally, the cross member is a belt or rope. The cross-member is preferably an elongate, preferably planar member and preferably has a depth (by which it is meant the distance edge to edge across the cross member) of from 2 to 20 cm and more preferably up to 15 cm and preferably from about 3 to 12 cm.

Preferably, the cross-member is a flexible tensioned cross-member, more preferably a fabric tensioned cross-member.

Preferably, a flexible tensioned cross-member has a depth (by which it is meant the distance from edge to edge across the tensioned cross-member) of up to 20 cm, preferably at least 1 cm, more preferably at least 2 cm, still more preferably at least 3 cm. Preferably, the flexible tensioned cross-member has a depth of up to 17 cm, more preferably up to 12 cm and most preferably up to 8 cm, e.g. around 5 cm (such as 4 to 6 cm). Such such tleixible, tensioned cross-members, or belts, are often available in 5 cm, 7.5 cm and 10 cm widths, which may be utilized in a system of the present invention.

More preferably, the flexible tensioned cross-member is a retractable belt housed (in a retracted state) inside, and tensioned by, an upper portion of a first of the up-standing members. This may be in the form of a cartridge within a housing at the upper portion of the up-standing members (or posts) in which the belt is biased toward a retracted state (thereby providing the tension). Preferably, the retractable belt comprises at a leading end an attachment means for attaching to a receiving means of an upper portion of a second of the up-standing members. These are typically slide-mounted (a member sliding into a slot) and are typically provided without lock mechanisms and can be readily released by simply sliding the member out of the slot. Preferably, such a retractable belt is provided in a housing at an upper portion of each up-standing -8 -member to provide a belt for extending between each upstanding member and its adjacent upstanding member. Preferably, the flexible tensioned cross-member extends (or the retractable belt is capable of extending) to a length of at least 50 cm and preferably up to 300 cm. Optoinally, it may extend (be capable of extending) up to 250 cmor up to 200 cm. Preferably, the flexible tensioned cross-member extends or is extenable to at least 100 cm, more preferably at least 120 cm (or any suitable length according to the desired separation between the up-standing members. A particular advantage of the barrier system, comprising a flexible tensioned cross-member, is that the barrier system does not comprise any rigid (e.g. plastic or metal) elongate cross-members for supporting a barrier member. Such rigid cross-members pose, to users in the vicinity of the barrier system, a threat of injury or threat to life when the barrier system is subjected to a blast wave or blast wind in the event that such cross-members become projectiles.

Preferably, the two up-standing members (e.g. posts) are freestanding, each comprising a base configured such that each up-standing member may self-support in an upright position. An example up-standing post is the OueuekVaytRetractable Belt Stanchion supplied by Tensator, silostrasse 35a, 65929 Frankfurt, Germany.

Preferably, each of the up-standing members has a weight of at least 5 kg, typically up to 30 kg and more typically up to about 20 kg. Preferably, each upstanding member has a weight in the range from 7.5 kg to 15 kg, more preferably from 8 to 12 and preferably about 10 kg.

The bather system may be configured so that each adjacent pair of upstanding members is spaced by any suitable distance as desired according to the requirements and the length of the barrier members provided. Such separation may be, for example, up to 2.5 m, preferably up to about 2 m and preferably in the range from about 50 cm to 175 cm and more preferably in the range from 80 to 160 cm and still more preferably from 100 to 140 cm and most preferably about 120 apart (e.g. from center to center of each up-standing member). The spacing of the up-standing members is preferably configured to allow a barrier member to be dispoed in between the up-standing members (and over the cross-member) and preferably leaving a small lateral gap between the edges of the barrier members and the up-standing members of, say, up to 10 to 15 cm and more preferably 10 cm or less, such as up to 7.5 cm or up to 5 cm.

Preferably, each of the two (or more) up-standing members further comprise a lower portion. Preferably, the barrier member further comprises two fastening arrangements, disposed on opposing sides of the main body, more preferably disposed on opposing sides of a lower portion of the main body, each for releasably securing to (preferably, the lower portion of) one of the two upstanding members.

Preferably, each of the two fastening arrangements are strips extending laterally from a respective side edge of the main body and preferably extending orthogonally relative the respective side edge of the main body. Preferably, the strips are integral with the main body.

Preferably, each strip is configured to loop around an adjacent up-standing member and releasably fasten to itself or the main body.

Preferably, the strips each have a length of from 20 to 50 cm, preferably from 25 to 40 cm and more preferably around 30 cm; and/or the strips each have a depth (that is, width from upper to lower edge) of from 1 to 15 cm, preferably from 2 to 12 cm, more preferably from 3 to 9 cm, still more preferably from 4 to 6 cm and most preferably around 5 cm.

Preferably, the two fastening arrangements are offset from one another along an extent of the side edge of the main body, whereby an up-standing member can accommodate a first fastening arrangement of a first barrier member and a correspondingly offset second fastening arrangement of a second barrier member at different heights on the up-standing member. More preferably, each of the two fastening arrangements comprise a (preferably, straight) top edge and a (preferably, straight) bottom edge, preferably wherein the top and bottom edges are parallel to a bottom edge (e.g. a straight bottom edge) of the main body, wherein a first of the two fastening arrangements has a top edge level with, or disposed at a level up to 1 cm (e.g. up to 5 mm) below, a bottom edge of a second of the two fastening arrangements, such that the system can be expanded whereby -10-an up-standing member can accommodate a first fastening arrangement of a first barrier member and a second fastening arrangement of a second barrier member. Preferably, a first of the two fastening arrangements has a bottom edge that is level with (e.g. that is a continuation of) the bottom edge of the main body.

Preferably, the two fastening arrangements comprise (or are) hook and loop (e.g. Velcro') fastenings, magnetic fastenings and/or snap-button fastenings, preferably hook and loop fastenings such as Velcro' fastening (e.g. a fire resistant hook and loop fastening) and still more preferably the fastening arrangements comprise (or are) the same fastenings as the pull-or peel-release fastening(s).

In a preferred embodiment, wherein the two fastening arrangements are strips extending laterally from a respective side edge of the main body, each strip comprises a first strip end portion distal the main body and comprising (e.g. consisting of) on one face a hook and loop fastening for communicating with (e.g. for releasably fastening with) a corresponding hook and loop fastening disposed on the main body. Preferably, the first strip end portion has a length of from 2 to 20 cm, more preferably of from 4 to 18 cm, still more preferably of from 6 to 16 cm and most preferably of from 8 to 14 cm, e.g. around 10 cm. Preferably, the corresponding hook and loop fastening is disposed on a corresponding face of the main body, and preferably adjacent a respective side edge of the main body (i.e. adjacent a second strip end portion proximal the main body).

Preferably, the pull-or peel-release fastening for fastening the upper flap or flaps and the main body of the barrier member comprises first and second fastening parts comprising (or being) hook and loop (e.g. Velcro') fastenings, magnetic fastenings and/or snap-button fastenings. Preferably the pull-or peel-release fastening comprises a hook and loop fastening such as a Velcro' fastening (e.g. a fire resistant hook and loop fastening). In a particularly preferable embodiment, the pull-or peel-release fastening comprises corresponding strips of hook and loop fabrics having a maximum cooperating width of up to 50 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, preferably up to 30 mm, more preferably about 15 to 25 mm and most preferably around 20 mm. By use of an appropriate maximum cooperating width of hook and loop fastener, an appropriate fastening strength can be achieved, for the particular size and weight of barrier member, so that it may remain secured on the cross-member during normal use, standing up to bashes and movement, but is rapidly released in the event of a high impact blast. The hook and loop fastener strips on each of the flap and main body may have different widths but are preferably about the same (e.g. within about 25% of one another).

Preferably, the pull-or peel-release fastening is configured to releasably fasten the upper flap and the main body along at least 50% the length of the upper flap, more preferably at least 60%, still more preferably at least 70% and most preferably at least 80% of the length of the upper flap, for example along the full length of the upper flap. This may be provided by numerous fastenings disposed along the length of the flap or flaps and main body or by a continuous length of a fastener (such as a magnetic or hook and loop fastner).

Preferably, the first fastening part is disposed on a portion of the upper flap distal to the upper portion of the main body (this portion may be referred to as a second portion, due to the proximal portion being referred to as a first portion elsewhere) and more preferably the first fastening part is disposed adjacent an edge of the upper flap distal to an upper edge of the main body (this edge being referred to as a second edge).

Preferably, the pull-or peel-release fastening has (and/or a fastening of each of the two fastening arrangements have) an average peel strength of from 1.5 to 2.5 N/cm (e.g. around 2 N/cm) and/or an average shear strength of from 9.5 to 11 N/cm2 (e.g. around 10.3 N/cm2), and/or has a minimum peel strength of from 0.5 to 2 N/cm (e.g. around 1.3 N/cm) and/or a minimum peel strength of from 6.5 to 8 N/cm2 (e.g. around 7.3 N/cm2).

For a typical barrier member according to the present invention, the use of a suitable width described above with appropriate peel and shear strength of hook and loop fasteming, the barrier member may be secured in a way that retains the barrier member sufficiently on the barrier framework, but is quickly releasable in the event of a blast wind or the like. -12-

The main body and upper flap may comprise any suitable material, which may be the same or different, but is preferably the same. It is preferably lightlweight, robust and preferably capable of being printed onto. Preferably, the main body and/or the upper flap comprise (or consist essentially of or consist of) a flexible sheet element which comprises a polymer film substrate and/or a non-woven fabric (which is preferably fire-resistant, e.g. by way of a fire-resistant additive). Any suitable polymer film substrate and/or non-woven fabric may be used, especially if it has the benefits (one or more of and preferably all combined) of printability, dimensional stability, flexibility, robustness and propensity to disintegrate in the event of a blast force). Suitable polymer film substrates may be selected from polyester, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate and polyimide or blends, copolymers, combinations or laminates thereof. Any such polymers may optionally be provided with the weight and gauge defined for the preferred polycarbonate substrate defined hereafter. More preferably, the main body and/or the upper flap comprise a polycarbonate substrate (e.g. polycarbonate resin thermoplastic substrate), preferably a flexible polycarbonate substrate and more preferably a polycarbonate film substrate. Preferably the polycarbonate substrate is fire resistant (by way of a fire-resistent additive).

Preferably, the flexible sheet element (and more preferably the polycarbonate substrate) has a gauge of up to 2 mm, more preferably up to 1 mm, still more in the range of from 150 to 750 pm, preferably from 200 to 600 p.m, preferably from 225 to 400 pm (or alternatively 350 to 550 pm for a stiffer product) and still more preferably around 250 pm.

Preferably, the polymer film substrate and/or the non-woven fabric of the flexible sheet element(s) have one or a combination of the following properties (preferably in addition to the gauge referred to above): a density of from 1200 to 1500 kg/m3, preferably from 1300 to 1400 kg/m3, more preferably from 1320 to 1350 kg/m3, e.g. around 1340 kg/m3; a weight of from 0.1 to 0.6 kg/m', preferably from 0.2 to 0.5 kg/m2, more preferably up to 0.4 kWin", a tensile strength yield (measured using ISO 527) of from 50 to 90 MPa, preferably from 60 to 80 MPa, e.g. around 70 MPa, -13 -an ultimate tensile strength (measured using ISO 527) of from 40 to 80 MPa, preferably from 50 to 70 MPa, e.g. around 60 MPa; a tensile modulus (measured using ISO 527) of from 40 to 80 MPa, preferably from 50 to 70 MPa, e.g. around 60 MPa; an initiation tear strength of around 300 kN/m; a Dynatup puncture resistance of from 5 to 15 J, e.g. around a water absorption (24 hrs, measured using ISO 1183) of from 0.1 to 0.5% change, preferably from 0.2% to 0.4% change, more preferably around 0.3% change, e.g. about 0.28% change; and a coefficient of thermal expansion of (measured using ISO 11359) from 4 to 8 x105/°C, preferably from 5 to 7 x105/°C, still more preferably from 5.5 to 6.5 x105/°C, most preferably around 5.5 x105/°C, e.g about 5.8 x10-5PC.

In a preferred embodiment, the main body and/or the upper flap comprise a printed layer(s) on at least one face of said body and/or flap. For example, the printed layer(s) may be a graphic advertisement, such that the barrier member has a dual barrier and advertising use.

Preferably, the main body and/or the upper flap (e.g. the main body and/or the upper flap comprising a printed layer or layers) have a total thickness up to 2 mm, more preferably up to 1 mm, still more preferably up to 750 gm, preferably up to 600 gm, such as from 200 to 500 gm and most preferably from 300 to 450 jtm, e.g. around 380 gm. A thickness of 200 to 750 jtm and more preferable ranges have the advantage, particularly when utilizing a polycarbonate base susbtrate, of being robust enough for daily use and retaining its shape while being light enough to not represent a significant risk of injury and being capable of fragmentation in the event of a proximal blast.

The flexible sheet element (e.g. the polycarbonate substrate) (e.g. having the prescribed gauge range) is surprisingly advantageous. It has a versatile printing capability, high dimensional stability, may preferably be 'rolled-up' decreasing the cost of transporting raw materials and the barrier member and improving ease of storage, and has a low susceptibility to damage (e.g. permanent -14 -kinking) when in storage or in use. Additionally, the flexible sheet element (e.g. the polycarbonate substrate) (e.g. having the prescribed gauge range) has a low density such that, when the barrier member of the barrier system is projected in the event of a blast wave or blast wind, it poses a low threat to life to persons in the vicinity of the barrier system. Furthermore, a flexible sheet element of a preferred embodiment (e.g. comprising the polycarbonate substrate and having the preferred gauge range) is susceptible to fragmenting when subject to a blast wave or blast wind, further reducing the risk of injury of persons in the vicinity of the barrier system, both in terms of any impact of the barrier member itself or of the barrier member acting as a sail to create projectiles from the upstanding members or posts.

Preferably, an upper portion of the main body and a first portion of the upper flap (proximal to the upper portion of the main body) are connected by a flexible material (e.g. a flexible strip), a portion of the flexible material forming a hinge or living hinge between the main body and the upper flap, wherein the hinge is configured to bend over and rest on the cross-member.

Preferably, the hinge is capable of bending such that the in situ main body and upper flap may hang from the cross-member in a substantially vertical orientation. Typically, the hinge may bend about close to 360° (i.e. with the flap adjacent one face of the main body and hinged over to the flap adjacent the other face of the main body), but this is not an essential requirement. Further, preferably the hinge is configured such that the hinge does not impart a 'pulling' force on a fastened pull-or peel-release fastening.

Preferably, the flexible material (or the flexible strip) is a textile, more preferably a polyester textile. Preferably, the flexible material is self-adhesive (e.g. comprising a solvent based acrylic adhesive). Preferably, the flexible material has a thickness of from 140 to 220 p.m (e.g. around 180 pm). Preferably, the flexible material is fire resistant (e.g. by way of a fire-resistant additive). One example that may be used for the hinge material is a polyester textile available under the trade name ImagePerfectTM 2324 from Spandex Group. A particular advantage of using a flexible material that is a polyester textile is that said materials have high tensile strength. The high tensile -15 -strength allows for the barrier member to be repeatedly taken on and off a cross-member without the hinge failing (e.g. tearing or failing).

Preferably, the hinge is defined by a spacing between an upper edge of the main body and a first edge of the upper flap (proximal to the upper edge of the main body) of up to 10 mm, preferably up to 8 mm, more preferably up to 6 mm, still more preferably up to 4 mm and most preferably up to 2 mm, e.g. around lmm; and preferably wherein the spacing is at least 250 gm, e.g at least 500 pm.

The upper flap or flaps may be connected to the main body by one or more strips of the flexible material to provide a continuous hinge portion or multiple smaller hinge portions. Preferably, the upper flap or flaps (preferably there is a single upper flap) is connected to the main body via one or more strips of flexible material that are attached or bonded to the upper flap for a cumulative length of at least 50% the length of the upper flap, more preferably at least 60%, still more preferably at least 70% and most preferably at least 80%, e.g. the full length of the upper flap attached or bonded to the flexible material in order to connect it to the main body. Preferably, there is a single, continuous hinge provided by one or more and preferably one strip of flexible material that is secured (e.g. bonded) to the upper flap and to the main body and which extends along at least 90% of the length of the upper flap and preferably also the main body.

Preferably, where the upper flap and main body are connected by the flexible material, the flexible material overlaps with each of the upper flap and main body independently by at least 2 cm from the facing edges, more preferably by at least 3 cm, still more preferably by at least 4 cm and preferably by up to 15 cm, more preferably up to 12 cm, still more preferably of up to 9 cm and typically from about 5 to 7 cm.

Preferably, the main body (and preferably the upper flap) are rectangular (or optionally square) and are preferably substantially planar.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a strip of flexible hinge material is bonded or adhered along a length of the main body and the upper flap with facing edges separated by from 0.5 to 2 mm and with the flexible strip -16 -overlapping each of the main body and upper flap by about 4 to 12 cm, preferably 5 to 7 cm. The flexible material may be adhered or bonded by heat bonding or by way of an applied adhesive and preferably by way of an adhesive provided with a self-adhesive flexible material.

The main body may have any suitable length according to the requirements of the system. It is envisaged that a length of up to 2 m is viable when disposed between posts separated by about 220 cm with a belt fixed between the posts or an extendible belt with a strong recoil bias.

Preferably the main body has a length (that is, side to side, extending in situ between the upstanding members or posts) of from 60 to 190 cm, more preferably from 80 to 170 cm, most preferably from 100 to 130 cm, for example around 110 cm and a depth of from 30 to 80 cm, more preferably from 40 to 70 cm and most preferably from 50 to 60 cm, for example around 55 cm.

Preferably, the upper flap has a length at least 50% the length of main body (preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, still more preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90%, for example the upper flap has the same width as the main body), and wherein the upper flap has a depth of at most 80% the depth of the main body (preferably at most 60%, more preferably at most 50%, still more preferably at most 40%, most preferably from 5 to 30%, for example from 15 to 25%, e.g. about 18%). Without being bound by theory, it is believed that a shallower flap, relative to the main body, improves the speed and likelihood of release of the barrier member from a cross-member in the event of a blast event.

Preferably the upper flap has a length, independently of a length and defined for the main body above, but is preferably the same length as the main body. Preferably, the upper flap has a depth of from 5 to 20 cm, more preferably from 7 to 15 cm and most preferably from 9 to 12 cm, for example around 10 cm.

The barrier member may have a total weight that depends mainly upon the size of the barrier member and the weight per square metre of materials 30 used. In a preferred embodiment, the barrier member has a total weight of from 150 to 1000 g, more preferably from 175 to 750 g, still more preferably from 200 to 600 g and most preferably from 250 to 500 g, e.g. from 400 to 450 g. A -17-particular advantage of the barrier member's unit weight in the form of a flexible sheet member (of say at least 0.5 m2) is that, if it becomes a projectile (when subjected to a blast force or blast wave), it is unlikely to represent a significant risk of injury to bystanders. In a further advantage, the barrier member is light enough to retrofit to conventional 'retractable-belt' barrier posts.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the barrier member is very lightweight and can be used in combination with existing bather frameworks, such as post and retractable belt frameworks commonly used and adds very little weight to the system. The barrier member according to a preferred embodiment is not only capable of rapid release in the event of a blast but readily fragments before it adds sufficient force to the barrier system (especially the posts) to make them into projectiles.

In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a barrier member for use in a barrier system as defined in the first aspect, wherein the barrier member is configured for disposing over a cross-member to provide a barrier between the two up-standing members and beneath the cross-member, the barrier member comprising a main body, and an upper flap or flaps for folding or looping over the cross-member, wherein the barrier member is releasably fastenable over the cross-member by way of a pull-or peel-release fastening between a first fastening part disposed on the upper flap and a corresponding second fastening part disposed on a face of the main body. Preferably, the fastened first and second fastening parts are disposed below the cross-member.

Preferably, the barrier member may instantly release from the cross-member and/or fragment (or shatter) when subject to a blast wave or a blast wind (e.g. when subject to an explosion or a blast overpressure). Preferably, where the barrier member fragments, at least the main body and/or upper flap fragment.

Where the context allows, any of the features of the barrier member described in the first aspect are optionally incorporated into the barrier member of this second aspect.

Preferably, the barrier member is configured for fixing over a flexible tensioned cross-member, optionally as described (thus, including any preferable features of the flexible tensioned cross-member thereof) in the first aspect.

In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a barrier member for use in a barrier system, such as that defined in the first aspect, wherein the barrier member is configured for disposing in relation to a cross-member of a barrier framework comprising freestanding upstanding members (or posts) and a cross-member (preferably being a retractable belt) extending between upper portions of the upright member to provide a barrier between the two upstanding members and beneath the cross-member, the barrier member mainly comprising a polycarbonate substrate (e.g. polycarbonate film) and, optionally, one or more printed ink layer(s) on at least one surface of the polycarbonate substrate, wherein the optionally printed substrate preferably makes up at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, still more preferably at least 90% and most preferably at least 95% of the total weight of the barrier member and optionally the barrier member consists of the (optionally) printed subrate. Preferably, the polycarbonate substrate has one or more of the following characteristics: - a gauge of from 150 to 750 tan, preferably from 200 to 600 pm, preferably from 225 to 400 p.m (or alternatively 350 to 550 pm for a stiffer product) and still more preferably around 250 pm; -a density of from 1200 to 1500 kg/m3, preferably from 1300 to 1400 kg/m3, more preferably from 1320 to 1350 kg/m3, e.g. around 1340 kg/m3; - a weight of from 01 to 0.6 kg/m 2, preferably from 0.2 to 0.5 kg/m2 and more preferably up to 0.4 kg/m', e.g. up to 0.3 kg/m"; - a tensile strength yield (measured using ISO 527) of from 50 to 90 MPa, 25 preferably from 60 to 80 MPa, e.g. around 70 MPa; - an ultimate tensile strength (measured using ISO 527) of from 40 to 80 MPa, preferably from 50 to 70 MPa, e.g. around 60 MPa; - a tensile modulus (measured using ISO 527) of from 40 to 80 MPa, preferably from 50 to 70 MiPa, e.g. around 60 MPa; -an initiation tear strength of around 300 kN/m; - a Dynatup puncture resistance of from 5 to 15 J, e.g. around 12 J; -19- - a water absorption property (24 hrs, measured using ISO 1183) of from 0.1 to 0.5% change, preferably from 0.2% to 0.4% change, more preferably around 0.3% change, e.g. about 0.28% change; and - a coefficient of thermal expansion of (measured using ISO 11359) from 4 to 8 x10-5/°C, preferably from 5 to 7 x10-5/°C, still more preferably from 5.5 to 6.5 x10-7°C, most preferably around 5.5 x10-5/°C, e.g about 5.8 x10-5/°C.

Preferably the substrate is transparent.

Further preferably, in cases where the substrate is printed on,the printed ink layer(s) on the polycarbonate substate have a total thickness of from 50 to 180 um, preferably from 75 to 170 um, more preferably from 100 to 160 um, still more preferably from 110 to 150 um, e.g. around 130 pm.

Preferably, the main body and/or the upper flap(s) each independently comprises a polycarbonate substrate inclusive of a printed ink layer(s) having a weight of from 250 to 750 g/m2, preferably up to 400 g/m2 and preferably from 275 to 350 g/m2, e.g. around 300 g/m2 the barrier member has a total weight of from 150 to 1000g, preferably from 175 to 750g, more preferably from 200 to 600g, still more preferably from 250 to 500g, most preferably from 400 to 450g.

Preferably, the polycarbonate substrate has a gauge of 250 gm.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing the barrier member of any of aspects one to three, the method comprising: providing a substrate (e.g. a polycarbonate substrate) for forming the barrier member; printing a graphic onto the substrate; optionally, subjecting the substrate to;iv light before, during, or after the printing step; cutting a bather member element or elements from the printed substrate; optionally, assembling the barrier elements.

In one option, the step of printing a graphic onto the substrate comprises a step of printing in reverse. For example, a printing in reverse step may include a first sub-step of printing a first reverse graphic on a first face, a second sub-step of printing an opaque blocking layer on the first face, and a third sub-step of printing a second graphic on the first face. Thus, the image to be view -20 -from the first face of the substrate and an image to be viewed from a second face of the substrate are printed on the same face.

In a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of safely managing queues and/or controlling crowd movement, the method comprising: providing the barrier system as defined above; placing the barrier system in a location where queue management or crowd control is desirable, and orientating the barrier system to effectively manage a (present or anticipated) queue or control a (present or anticipated) crowd; and releasably fixing the provided barrier member(s) over the provided cross-member(s); wherein, if the barrier member is subject to a blast wave and/or a blast wind (e.g. to an explosion), the barrier member instantly releases from the cross-member and/or fragments (e.g. the barrier member (or fragments thereof) posing a very low projectile risk to people in its flight path).

In a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a barrier system for managing queues and/or controlling crowd movement, the barrier system comprising: two up-standing members, each comprising an upper portion; a cross-member configured to extend between the upper portions of the two up-standing members; and a barrier member for fixing to the cross-member to provide a barrier between the two up-standing members and beneath the cross-member, the barrier member comprising a main body, wherein the barrier member is releasably fastenable by way of a pull-or peel-release fastening between a first fastening part disposed on the cross-member and a corresponding second fastening part disposed on a face of the main body.

For example, the cross-member may comprise (or consist of) one of hook and loop and the second fastening part may comprise (or consist of) a corresponding one of loop and hook.

Where the context allows, any of the features of the barrier system described in the first aspect are optionally incorporated into the barrier system of this sixth aspect.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, a barrier member for use in a barrier system for managing queues and/or controlling crowd movement, which bather system comprises: two up-standing members (or posts), each comprising an upper portion; a cross-member (e.g. extensible belt) configured to extend between the upper portions of the two up-standing members; and the barrier member, configurd for disposing in relation to the cross-member (e.g. disposed over, secured in relation to or affixed to) to provide a barrier between the two up-standing members and beneath the cross-member, the barrier member comprising a main body of a polymer substrate, which is preferably a polycarbonate substrate, optionally printed with a graphic image. The barrier member preferably comprises an upper flap or flaps for folding or looping over the cross-member, which flap is formed preferably of the same material as the main body. The main body and flap preferably being of a material as further defined for the main body and flap in the asepcts above (and preferably with fastenings and fixings as discussed, especially a hook and loop fastening). Preferably, the barrier member comprises a woven fabric hinge disposed between and bonded to a main body and a flap, preferably as defined further above. There is further provide, in another aspect, the use of the materials described in relation to the main body above, in a barrier graphic system.

The invention will now be described in more detail, without limitation, with reference to the accompanying Figures.

In Figure 1, a barrier system 1 has a barrier framework of two freestanding upright posts 3 and a flexible belt 5 extending between upper portions 7 of the posts 3. The barrier framework can be extended to form a longer barrier by simply adding additional freestranding upright posts 3 with flexbile belts 5 that may be extended between adjacent posts 3. The upper portions 7 may have belt cartridges [not shown] disposed therein for stowing a belt and also a belt attachment [not shown] for attaching a belt 5 from another post to. The posts 3, at a lower portion 9, are provided with base members 11 to allow the posts 3 to be freestanding. A barrier member 13 completes the system 1 (and a barrier member 13 may be provided for each adjacent pair of posts 3 between which there is an extended belt 5, as required). The barrier member 13, which is formed of a printed flexible polycarbonate film has a main body 15 and extending therefrom a flap 17 which folds over the belt 5 and a living hinge 19 therebetween. The flap -22 - 17 is then secured in place against the main body 15 by hook and loop fastener arrangement (not shown) on the flap 17 and main body 15, forming an elongate channel 21 through which the belt 5 extends. The barrier member 13 is then supported in position by the belt 5.

By placing the posts 3 at a separation of around 1200 mm, the barrier member 13 having a length of 1100 mm and a weight of only about 400 to 4508 can be supported on the belt 5, without causing sagging of the belt. Fastening strips 23 integral with the main body 15 extend laterally by about 30 cm from a lower half of opposing side edges 25 of the main body 15 of the barrier member 13, which strips 23 can loop about lower portions 9 of posts 3 and are affixed to hook and loop fastening pads (not shown) on the main body 15. This secures the barrier member 13 in place between the posts 3. The depth (i.e. distance from the top edge or hinge 19 to the bottom edge 35) of the main body 15 may be any suitable depth but is typically about 550 mm to allow a gap between the bottom edge 35 and a floor, depending upon the height of the posts 3.

Figures 2a and 2b illustrate respectively a front and rear face of the barrier member 13. The barrier member 13 comprises a main body 15 of a transparent flexible polycarbonate film substrate having a weight of about 100 to 150 g/m2 (with a gauge or thickness of about 250 pm) printed with a UV cured printed image (not shown) visible on each face resulting in a material with a gauge of approximately 380 p.m (e.g. from 350 to 450 pm, depending on thickness of ink layer) and a weight of around 295 g/m2 printed. From the side edges 25 of the main body 15, integral fastening strips 23 extend. One fastening strip 23 is offset from the other along the side edge 25 of the main body 15 so that a succession of barrier members can be disposed over belts 5 extending between posts 3 and can be secured on either side of an intermediate post 3. Each fastening strip 23 has a straight top edge 31 and a straight bottom edge 33 and extends perpendicularly from the side edge 25 of the main body. A first of the two fastening strips 23 has a top edge 31 at a level of about.5 to 10 mm below a bottom edge 33 of a second of the two fastening strips 23, such that the system 1 can be expanded whereby a single post 3 can accommodate a first fastening strip 23 of a first barrier member 13 and a second fastening strip 23 of a second barrier member 13. One of the -23 -fastening strips 13 may have a bottom edge 33 that is level with a bottom edge 35 of the main body 15.

The main body 15 is separated from flap 17, also a printed flexible polycarbonate film, by a living hinge 19, which is formed of a flexible woven fabric. The flap 25 has a depth of about 100 mm compared with the main body, which has a depth of about 550 mm.

As shown in Figure 2b, the flap 17 is provided with a 2 cm wide strip of a first hook and loop fastening material 27 for fastening to a corresponding 2 cm wide strip of a second hook and loop fastening material 29, which combined fastening when disposed on a framework in Figure 1 is disposed below the belts and channel 21 accommodating the belt 5. The fastening strips 23 are provided with first elongate hook and loop pads 37 at a distal portion 39 thereof for fastening to corresponding second compact hook and loop pads 41 disposed on the main body 15 adjacent the fastening strips 23.

In Figure 3, which illustrates an exploded front view of the barrier member 13 shown in Figure 2a, the barrier member 13 is shown composed of a main body 15 having integral fastening strips 23 extending from opposing side edges 25 of the main body. A discrete elongate flap 17 has a width of about 100 mm and is also formed using the same type of flexible polycarbonate film substrate as the main body 15. The discrete elongate flap 17 and the main body may printed according to a pre-defined pattern (not shown) from a roll of the polycarbonate film by printing on one side an image layer, an opaque blocking layer and an opposing layer, with UV-curable ink. After curing, the polycarbonate film material is cut to provide the main body 15 and flap 17 may then be cut to shape. A strip of hinge material 43 of the same length as the main body 15 and flap 17 is provided in a width similar to that of the flap 17. The hinge material strip 43 is any suitable flexible material, typically a woven fabric or textile, for durability and strength (but does not require to be printed on). The hinge material strip 43 is ideally a self-adhesive (e.g. using a solvent based acrylic adhesive) woven polyester textile with a thickness of around 180 km. One example that may be used for the hinge material is a polyester textile available under the trade name ImagePerfecfmil 2324 from Spandex Group. The main body -24 -and flap 17 are adhered to the hinge material strip 43, leaving a gap between them of about 1 mm. This results in a flap and main body separated by a 1 mm polyester textile 'living' hinge 19, which is both flexible and durable and can allow the barrier member to be placed on a belt 5 and removed and replaced repeatedly without significant loss of integrity.

As shown in Figure 4, a printed and assembled barrier member 13 may be installed onto a barrier framework comprising two upstanding posts 3, and an extensible belt 5, extended between the two posts 3 that are separated by around 1200 mm, by disposing the barrier member 13 so that the main body 15 is one side of the belt 5 and the flap 17 is folded over the belt 5 so that the hinge 19 is resting on the top of the belt 5. The first hook and loop strip (not shown) on the flap may then be fastened to the second hook and loop strip 29 on the main body such that when fastened the first and second hook and loop strips 27,29 are disposed below the belt 5 and form a closed channel through which the belt 5 extends.

Figures 5a and 5b illustrate the fitting of the barrier member 13 to the barrier framework. In Figure 5a, the barrier member 13 is held by the flap 17 with the rear face of the main body 15 facing the belt 5 and it is disposed on the belt 5 by resting the hinge 19 on top of the belt 5 and folding the flap 17 over the belt and fastening the first hook and loop strip 27 of the flap to the second hook and loop strip 29 of the main body 15, securing the barrier member 13 to the belt S. The barrier member 13 is then secured to the posts 3 using fastening strips 23 as is illustrated in Figures Sc and 5d. Fastening strips 23 are looped about respective posts 3 and the first elongate hook and loop pads 37 on the fastening strips 23 are fastened to the second hook and loop compact pads 41 disposed on the main body 15 to secure the main body 15 to the posts 13.

Figure 6 is a close-up view showing how the offset fastening strips 23 on each side edge 25 of the main body 15 allow two barrier members 13 to be secured to the same post 13. A fastening strip 17 of one barrier member 13 may have a fastening strip 23 with a straight lower edge 33 parallel with a bottom edge of the main body and may be looped about the post 3, while an adjacent barrier member 13 has a fastening strip 23 with a straight lower edge 33 displaced -25 -relative to the fastening strip 23 of the first barrier member 13 whereby it can be also looped about the post 3 at a higher level so that both barrier members 13 can be secured to the same post 3.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications can be effected by a person of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention -26 -

Claims (25)

1. CLAIMS: 1. A barrier system for managing queues and/or controlling crowd movement, the barrier system comprising: two up-standing members, each comprising an upper portion; a cross-member configured to extend between the upper portions of the two up-standing members; and a barrier member for disposing over the cross-member to provide a barrier between the two up-standing members and beneath the cross-member, the barrier member comprising a main body, and an upper flap or flaps for folding or looping over the cross-member, wherein the barrier member is releasably fastenable by way of a pull-or peel-release fastening between a first fastening part disposed on the upper flap and a corresponding second fastening part disposed on a face of the main body.
2. 2. A barrier system as claimed in claim 1, whereby the barrier member may instantly release from the cross-member when subject to a blast wave or a blast wind.
3. 3. A barrier system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the cross-member is a flexible tensioned cross-member.
4. 4. A barrier system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two up-standing members are freestanding, each comprising a base configured such that each up-standing member may self-support in an upright position.
5. 5. A barrier system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the two up-standing members further comprise a lower portion, and wherein the barrier member further comprises two fastening arrangements, disposed on opposing sides of the main body, each for releasably securing to one of the two up-standing members.
6. -27 - 6. A barrier system as claimed in claim 5, wherein each of the two fastening arrangements are strips extending laterally from a respective side edge of the main body, whereby each strip is configured to loop around an adjacent up-standing member and releasably fasten to itself or the main body.
7. 7. A barrier system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the strips each have a length of from 20 to 50cm and/or a depth of from 1 to 15 cm
8. 8. A barrier system as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the two fastening arrangements are offset from one another along an extent of the side edge of the main body, whereby an up-standing member can accommodate a first fastening arrangement of a first barrier member and a correspondingly offset second fastening arrangement of a second bather member at different heights on the up-standing member.
9. 9. A barrier system as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the two fastening arrangements comprise (or are) hook and loop fastenings, magnetic fastenings, and/or snap-button fastenings.
10. 10. A barrier system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pull-or peel-release fastening comprises (or is) hook and loopfastening, magnetic fastening, and/or snap-button fastenings 11. A barrier system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pull-or peel-release fastening has an average peel strength of from 1.5 to 2.5 N/cm and/or an average shear strength of from 9.5 to
11. 11 N/cm2, and/or has a minimum peel strength of from 0.5 to 2 N/cm and/or a minimum peel strength of from 6.5 to 8 N/cm2.
12. 12. A barrier system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier member comprises a flexible sheet element linking the main body and -28 -upper flap and forming a hinge therebetween, which flexible sheet element comprises a polymer film substrate and/or a non-woven fabric.
13. 13. A barrier system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body and/or the upper flap comprise polycarbonate substrate, preferably polycarbonate film substrate.
14. 14. A barrier system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the polycarbonate substrate is a polycarbonate film having a gauge of up to 2 mm, and/or wherein the main body and/or the upper flap have a total thickness up to 2 mm.
15. 15. A barrier system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an upper portion of the main body and a first portion of the upper flap (proximal to the upper portion of the main body) are bonded together by a flexible material, the flexible material forming a hinge between the main body and the upper flap, wherein the hinge is configured to bend over and rest on the cross-member.
16. 16. A barrier system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the flexible material is a textile.
17. 17. A barrier system as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the hinge is defined by a spacing between an upper edge of the main body and a first edge of the upper flap (proximal to the upper edge of the main body) of up to 10 mm and/or at least 250 gm.
18. 18. A barrier system as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the main body (and preferably the upper flap) are rectangular and preferably substantially planar.
19. 19. A barrier system as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the upper flap has a length at least 50% the length of main body and/or wherein the upper flap has a depth of at most 80% the depth of the main body.-29 -
20. 20. A barrier member for use in a barrier system as defined in claim 1, wherein the barrier member is configured for disposing over a cross-member to provide a barrier between two up-standing members and beneath the cross-member, the barrier member comprising a main body, and an upper flap or flaps for folding or looping over the cross-member, wherein the barrier member is releasably fastenable over the cross-member by way of a pull-or peel-release fastening between a first fastening part disposed on the upper flap and a corresponding second fastening part disposed on a face of the main body.
21. 21. A barrier member as claimed in claim 20, further comprising the features of the barrier member of any one of claims 5 to 19.
22. 22. A barrier member for use in a barrier system as defined in claim 1, wherein the barrier member is configured for disposing over a cross-member to provide a barrier between two up-standing members and beneath the cross-member, the barrier member mainly comprising polycarbonate substrate and, optionally, a printed ink layer(s) on the polycarbonate substrate, wherein: the polycarbonate substrate has a gauge of from 150 to 500 pm; the polycarbonate substrate has a density of from 1200 to 1500 kg/m3; where applicable, the printed ink layer(s) has a total thickness of from 80 to 180 mm; and/or the barrier member has a total weight of from 150 to 1000g.
23. 23. A barrier member as claimed in claim 22, wherein the polycarbonate substrate has a gauge of 250 p.m.
24. 24. A method of manufacturing the barrier member of any of claims 1 to 23, the method comprising: -3 -providing a substrate (e.g. a polycarbonate substrate) for forming the barrier member; printing a graphic onto the substrate; optionally, subjecting the substrate to uv light before, during, or after the printing step; cutting a barrier member element or elements from the printed substrate, optionally, assembling the barrier elements.
25. 25. A method of safely managing queues and/or controlling crowd movement, the method comprising: providing the barrier system of any one of claims 1 to 19, or providing a barrier system including the bather member of any one of claims 20 to 23; placing the barrier system in a location where queue management or crowd control is desirable, and orientating the barrier system to effectively manage a (present or anticipated) queue or control a (present or anticipated) crowd; and releasably fixing the provided barrier member(s) over the provided crossmember(s); wherein, if the barrier member is subject to a blast wave and/or a blast wind, the barrier member instantly releases from the cross-member and/or fragments.-31 -