NZ572871A - A sun shade or barrier that rolls up when not in use stored at the periphery of the shaded area - Google Patents

Abstract

A barrier device (1) that stores a flexible barrier (2) wrapped around a shaft (3) is disclosed. The barrier (2) may be unwound to cover an area with only the barrier (2) inside that area. The device (1) consists of the barrier which is formed from sheet material, at least one anchor point (9c), a storage device for storing the barrier (2), and a line (6). The storage device includes the shaft (3) around which the barrier (2) is wrapped when in a stored position. The storage device is also positioned substantially outside the area the barrier (2) occupies while in an operational or un-stored position. A driving mechanism (4) is attached to the shaft (3) of the storage device which causes the shaft (3) to rotate, transferring the barrier (2) between the stored position and the operational position. The line (6) is attached between an attachment point (7c), on the opposite side of the barrier (2) to the shaft (3), and the driving mechanism (4) via an anchor point (9c). A biasing device (8) is mounted to the anchor point (9) and maintains the line (6) in a tensioned state. The biasing device (8) includes at least one pulley (10) through which the line (6) passes, and a spring (11) configured to bias the at least one pulley (10). The spring (11) is positioned substantially outside the area the barrier (2) occupies while in an operational position.

Description

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No: 572871 Dated: 14 November 2008 A BARRIER DEVICE I Grant van Driel, a New Zealand citizen of 7 Goldsmith Street, Cambridge, New Zealand hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 572871 James & Wells Ref: 129141/73 A BARRIER DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a barrier device, and in particular to a retractable barrier device.

BACKGROUND ART A shelter, in the form of a canopy or awning is utilised in many outdoor settings to provide shade from the sun or other elements. It is generally desirable that a shelter may be extended or retracted depending on the weather conditions.

Traditionally, a canopy has been erected by manually attaching and stretching the 10 canopy across the desired space each time a shelter is desired. This can introduce a variety of problems.

The height of the attachment points for the canopy, and the strength required in order to property tension the canopy, may be beyond that of a user. Attempting to erect a canopy in such conditions can result in the user injuring themselves. This may be of 15 particular concern if the user is elderly.

Additionally, while the canopy is being attached it can droop down into the area over which it is intended to be erected. This can cause objects within the area to be knocked over or damaged. At the very least this can be inconvenient, especially if the canopy is being put in place while an event such as a social gathering is in progress.

US Patent No. 5622197 discloses a canopy which may be tensioned after attaching the canopy to the attachment points. This system requires manual connection of the canopy to at least two attachment points each time extension of the canopy is desired. Further, the apparatus around which the canopy is stored is positioned directly above the centre of the area it is intended to cover. This is not aesthetically 2 572871 James & Wells Ref: 129141/73 pleasing or useful where it is desired to have an uninhibited view of the sky and no shade.

New Zealand Patent No. 323647 discloses a canopy system where the canopy may remain attached to the area over which it is intended to cover. However, the 5 positioning of the canopy when stored and also the positioning of tensioning elements associated with the canopy are again positioned directly above the area to be used.

A further problem with the positioning of the stored canopy and/or tensioning device above the area is that it can restrict the purpose that the area may be used for. For example heating devices, such as gas patio heaters or braziers, cannot be used for 10 fear of damaging the canopy or associated system, whether it is extended or stored.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference 15 constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in 20 New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed 25 components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' 3 James & Wells Ref: 129141/73 is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process, Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. disclosure of invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a barrier device including a barrier formed of sheet material, wherein the barrier includes at least one attachment point; a driving mechanism configured to transfer the barrier between an operational position and a stored position; at least one line, which in use connects the driving mechanism to the at least one attachment point of the barrier; a biasing device configured to maintain the line in a tensioned state; and a storage device, configured to store the barrier in the stored position, characterised in that the storage device is positioned substantially outside the area the barrier occupies while in the operational position.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a barrier device including: a barrier formed of sheet material, wherein the barrier includes at least one attachment point; a storage device, including a shaft around which the barrier is wrapped when 572871 James & Wells Ref: 129141/73 in a stored position, a driving mechanism configured to attach to the shaft of the storage device such that operation of the driving mechanism causes the shaft to rotate; a line, configured to connect the driving mechanism to the at least one 5 attachment point of the barrier via an anchor point; and a biasing device mounted to the anchor point and configured to maintain the barrier and the line in a tensioned state.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a kitset for a barrier device including: a barrier formed of sheet material, wherein the barrier includes at least one attachment point; a storage device, including a shaft around which the barrier is wrapped when in a stored position, a driving mechanism configured to attach to the shaft of the storage device 15 such that operation of the driving mechanism causes the shaft to rotate; a line, configured to connect the driving mechanism to the at least one attachment point of the barrier via an anchor point; and a biasing device, configured to be mounted to the anchor point and configured to maintain the line in a tensioned state.

In one embodiment the barrier is triangular in shape, having just three attachment points.

This allows for the simplification of attaching the barrier to the driving mechanism and storage mechanism. Further, tensioning of the barrier is simplified in comparison with 572871 James & Wells Ref: 129141/73 barriers having four or more sides which necessitate precise adjustment of attachment points in order to provide equal tensioning from all directions.

It should be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, and that any suitably shaped barrier may be used in conjunction with the present invention.

Reference to attachment points should be understood to mean any way by which the barrier may be connected to other parts of the barrier device. This may include eyelets, hooks, straps, plug in connectors, clip fasteners or any other form of connectors known to one skilled in the art.

It is envisaged that the material of the barrier may be a woven nylon mesh commonly 10 known as shade cloth, which allows the barrier to be exposed to a variety of conditions without deteriorating significantly. A barrier made from such material is commonly known as a 'shade sail'. It should be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, and the barrier may be formed of any sheet material, for example knitted or other weave fabrics such as canvas, plastics or articulated slats.

The barrier material may vary according to its intended purpose. For example, although it is envisaged that the barrier's primary purpose will be to provide shade in an outdoor living or swimming pool area, it may be transparent where exposure of the area below the barrier to sunlight is desired. This may be particularly advantageous in situations where the barrier is used in horticulture where sunlight is required for the 20 growth of plants. Alternatively, the barrier material may be selected to allow or prevent exposure to any number of environmental factors such as wind, rain, frost, etc.

The barrier may be particularly useful in providing a washing line with protection from rain. Once the rain has stopped, the barrier may be moved back to the stored 25 position to fully expose the washing line to the sun. 6 572871 James & Wells Ref: 129141/73 Further, the colour and pattern displayed by the material may be selected according to each user's preference. It is envisaged that the barrier may display emblems of a group, for example a sports club, in order to provide further aesthetic appeal and aid in integration of the barrier device in areas with which the group identifies.

Reference to an operational position should be understood to refer to the position of the barrier when extended over the area it is intended to provide shelter for.

Conversely, reference to a storage position should be understood to refer to the position of the barrier when it is stored by the storage device.

In a preferred embodiment the storage device includes a shaft.

Reference to a shaft should be understood to mean any length of material around which the barrier may be wrapped to place it in a stored position. For example the shaft may be a pole, a cable, or a series of linked segments such as a chain.

This is not intended to be limiting, and the storage device may take other forms -such as a container into which the barrier is gathered or folded.

It is envisaged that the barrier is connected to the storage device by at least one attachment point. This provides a secure connection, while ensuring that correct tensioning may be applied to the barrier.

It is envisaged that the storage device is positioned externally to the area intended to be sheltered by the barrier. This may prevent the barrier from creating a shadow 20 across the centre of the area while in a stored position. It is also intended to assist in providing a substantially uninhibited view of the area above the barrier when stored -which is more aesthetically pleasing.

In a preferred embodiment, the driving mechanism is configured to rotate the shaft. As the shaft rotates, the barrier may be rolled or unrolled from around the storage 7 572871 James & Wells Ref: 129141/73 device depending on the direction of rotation.

It should be appreciated that the various components of the barrier device, such as the driving mechanism, biasing device and storage device, may be connected to and supported by any number of support structures. These support structures may be 5 freestanding supports such as masts, or existing architecture such as buildings or walls, and be of various heights.

In a preferred embodiment the driving mechanism includes a winch.

While in some embodiments the winch may be manually operated, preferably the winch is driven by an electric motor. An electric motor may provide a high torque 10 output while being small in size. This small size allows the motor and associated control electronics to be packaged in an unobtrusive way, aiding in the aesthetic appeal of the barrier device. Electric motors are generally more reliable than their combustion powered counterparts due to the lower number of moving components. This is a significant advantage as it reduces ongoing maintenance costs, both in 15 terms of parts and time.

Another advantage in using an electric motor is its quiet operation. It is envisaged that the barrier device will be most commonly used in residential areas, and the noise associated with operating the driving mechanism may be low enough that it is not an annoyance to either the user or their neighbour(s).

The electric motor may be driven by any electric power supply means known to those skilled in the art. In particular, the use of solar power would be particularly advantageous to recharge batteries that power the motor and associated control electronics in situations where there is continual exposure of the driving mechanism to the sun. As it is desirable to avoid regular replacement of batteries due to the 25 remote positioning of the driving mechanism, the convenience of using a readily available renewable resource is a significant advantage. 8 572871 James & Wells Ref: 129141/73 Also, the use of solar power eliminates the need to wire the electric motor into a mains power supply, This reduces the installation time and costs associated with obtaining safety consent, running wiring to the mains and paying for the subsequent power usage. Further, the elimination of such wiring enhances the aesthetic appeal 5 of the device, and prevents the wiring from causing issues when accessing the driving mechanism for maintenance.

It is envisaged that the driving mechanism is connected in a co-axial configuration with the shaft of the storage device. Concurrently, the winch of the driving mechanism may be connected to a further attachment point of the barrier though a 10 pulley system via a line connected to the spool of the winch.

As the winch rotates in one direction, the storage device rotates, releasing the barrier. Simultaneously, the barrier is pulled by the line connected to the winch - extending the barrier across the area and into the operational position.

Conversely, as the winch rotates in the opposite direction the barrier is gathered by 15 the storage device, with the winch simultaneously letting out the line until the barrier is in the stored position.

Preferably the biasing device includes a biasing mechanism. The biasing mechanism is connected to at least one pulley of the pulley system in order to prevent the barrier drooping substantially below the desired level of the barrier while transferring the 20 barrier between the stored and operational positions. This may ensure that a substantially consistent tension is maintained on the line connecting the barrier to the driving mechanism. As such, the biasing device may compensate for the variation in force on system due to the change in effective weight of the barrier as it transfers between the stored and operational positions.

The biasing device may also compensate for variation in positioning of components when installing the barrier device. 9 572871 James & Wells Ref: 129141/73 It is envisaged that the biasing mechanism may be connected to an anchor point, where the anchor point is located positioned substantially at an opposing side of the barrier relative to the storage device.

Reference to an anchor point should be appreciated to mean a point of connection to 5 at least one of the support structures previously discussed, such as masts, or existing architecture such as buildings or walls.

It is envisaged that the biasing mechanism may be mounted vertically beneath the pulley system facilitating connection between the barrier and driving mechanism. This allows the biasing device to be positioned substantially outside the operational 10 area of the barrier.

Preferably the biasing mechanism includes a spring. However this is not intended to be limiting, as the biasing mechanism may take any form having spring-like qualities such as bungy cord or rubber bands.

In an alternative embodiment, the biasing mechanism may be a powered mechanism 15 such as a pneumatic or hydraulic ram, or a winding screw. The powered mechanism may or may not be driven by a power source distinct from the driving mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment the driving mechanism is connected to a hoist.

Reference to a hoist should be understood to refer to any mechanism by which the driving mechanism may be moved vertically. A hoist may allow the driving 20 mechanism to be positioned at a vertical position corresponding to the desired level of the barrier, while also providing the capability to lower the driving mechanism. This may allow the driving mechanism to be installed or maintained at ground level -eliminating the dangers in raising the potentially heavy mechanism above head height, or the need for a ladder or similar device.

It is further envisaged that the connection of the driving mechanism to the storage 572871 James & Wells Ref: 129141/73 device is such that the storage device may remain connected to the driving mechanism as it is raised or lowered by the hoist. The connection may take the form of a pivot linkage. This may facilitate maintenance of the driving mechanism without disassembling the barrier device. Also, the pivot linkage may allow for movement of 5 the driving mechanism relative to the storage device without subjecting the connection to undue forces and potentially causing damage.

It is envisaged that the driving mechanism may be flexibly connected to the hoist. This may allow the driving mechanism to apply torque to the storage device without rotating about its connection to the hoist, while simultaneously giving the driving 10 mechanism flexibility to find a correct position when tensioning the barrier.

In one embodiment, this flexible connection takes the form of two pulleys bolted to the drive mechanism in such a way that allows movement of the driving mechanism in multiple directions relative to the pulleys. When the driving mechanism is raised to the desired level, the pulleys are held in place against the hoist, restricting the degree 15 to which the driving mechanism may rotate axially. The device may still pivot about the point of connection in such a way that an ideal level is achieved as the barrier is tensioned.

Preferably the driving mechanism includes a remote control circuit configured to enable remote activation of the driving mechanism.

The ability to remotely control the operation of the barrier device gives an added convenience to the user. A user may note from their location, whether it is in a house looking out at the barrier device or underneath the barrier itself, that the weather conditions are such that they want the barrier to be in either the operational or stored position. They may then remotely activate the driving mechanism and carry on with 25 whatever activity they were previously engaged in. It also allows useirs who are limited physically, such as the elderly or disabled, to easily control the operation of the 11 572871 James & Wells Ref: 129141/73 barrier device.

It is envisaged that the circuitry required for remotely controlling the driving mechanism may be powered by a separate power supply to that which powers the driving mechanism. This may ensure that, when the driving mechanism is in 5 operation, the associated current draw does not take preference over powering the remote control circuit. If this were not the case, the user would not be able to stop or reverse operation of the barrier device before the barrier had been positioned in the fully operational or fully stored position. This may provide a greater degree of control as to the exact positioning of the barrier, or may allow the user to easily reverse a 10 decision they have made with regard to the positioning of the barrier.

In another embodiment of the barrier device, it is envisaged that the barrier is rectangular in shape, with attachment points at each corner. It is envisaged that two adjacent attachment points will be connected to the storage device, with the remaining two attachment points connected to a support shaft orientated substantially 15 parallel to the axis of the storage device.

Reference to a support shaft should be understood to mean a length of material configured to maintain the shape of the barrier between the attachment points to which it is connected. Preferably the support shaft is in the form of a bar, however it is envisaged that a tensioned length of rope or cable may also be used.

It is envisaged that the barrier device will include two substantially parallel guides positioned perpendicular to the storage device at the boundary of the area that the barrier occupies when in an operational position. Preferably the guides are tensioned cable, however it should be appreciated that a guide may be any other suitable form of support such as a bar, track or rail.

Preferably the support shaft includes at least one roller at each end configured to engage the guides. The rollers are intended to facilitate movement of the support 12 572871 James & Wells Ref: 129141/73 shaft along the guides.

As previously described, when transferring the barrier to the operational position, the driving mechanism causes the storage device to axially rotate, causing the barrier to be unrolled from around the storage device.

Simultaneously, the barrier is pulled by two lines connected between respective ends of the support shaft and the winch of the driving mechanism - extending the barrier into the operational position. The tension between the rollers and the guides assists in ensuring that the support shaft remains substantially parallel to the storage device as it is pulled along the guides. A single biasing device may be used to maintain the 10 barrier in a tensioned state and prevent drooping of the barrier into the area below.

It should be appreciated that the present invention may be applied in a variety of orientations, using any number of barriers potentially varying in size or shape.

For example, in a further embodiment it is envisaged that a plurality of adjacent barriers may be connected to a single driving mechanism and storage device. The 15 plurality of barriers could be attached to a plurality of spools connected to a single winch.

It is envisaged that this may have particular application in the horticultural industry in order to provide storm, frost or shade protection over a large area when required, but still allow exposure of the crops to sun and rain when preferred.

Additionally, it is envisaged that the storage device may be extendable in any manner known in the art in order to allow for variation in the number of barriers desired, or to facilitate installation of the barrier device in a variety of locations.

Further, a second barrier device could be installed in parallel with the first barrier device, extending the second barrier towards the first. 13 James & Wells Ref: 129141/73 The present invention provides the following advantages: • Increased aesthetic appeal of the barrier device and maximum exposure of the area to the elements (where desired) due to the positioning of the storage device and biasing device on the periphery of the area occupied by the barrier when in the operational position. This may also allow the use of gas heaters or braziers in the area, without damaging the barrier device.

• Items below the barrier may be protected from damage during transfer of the barrier from a stored to an operational position by the provision of the biasing device to maintain the barrier in the horizontal plane. This may allow an event held underneath the barrier to continue to occur without disruption during the transfer.

• Increased ease of use, as the barrier may be moved between its operational and stored position remotely, without physical interaction with the barrier device after an initial installation. This may allow users who are less physically capable to use the barrier device without risking injury.

• Increased aesthetic appeal to the area the barrier is situated in. Further, the ability of the barrier to adjust the conditions of the area may allow the area to be utilised in a variety of weather conditions.

• Increased convenience and safety to the user during installation and maintenance of the barrier device by the provision of the hoist for raising and lowering the driving mechanism. brief description of drawings Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 14 572871 James & Wells Ref: 129141/73 Figure 1 illustrates a barrier device according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates the barrier device of the present invention in a stored state; Figure 3 illustrates a barrier device in another embodiment of the present 5 invention; Figure 4 illustrates a barrier device in a stored state in conjunction with a hoist according to another embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 5 illustrates a barrier device in a further embodiment.

Best modes for carrying out the invention Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a barrier device (generally indicated by arrow 1) according to one aspect of the present invention.

The barrier device (1) includes a shade sail (2). The shade sail (2) is positioned horizontally at a predefined height above the ground (not illustrated) in order to act as a barrier against the elements and provide shade.

The barrier device (1) further includes a shaft (3). The shaft (3) acts as a storage device for storing the shade sail (2) in the stored position (not illustrated), by rolling the shade sail (2) evenly around its length.

The shaft (3) is positioned along the periphery of the area covered by the shade sail (2) in the operational position (as illustrated).

By positioning the shaft (3) in this way, a clear view is provided when the shade sail (2) is in a stored position.

The barrier device (1) also includes a winch (4). 572871 James & Wells Ref: 129141/73 The winch (4) is connected axiafly with the shaft (3) and is configured to transfer the shade sail (2) between the operational position and stored position.

The winch (4) includes a spool (5). The spool (5) is configured to act as a reel for a line (6).

The shade sail (2) includes three attachment points (7a, 7b, 7c).

The shade sail (2) is connected to the shaft (3) at two of the attachment points (7a, 7b). The shade sail (2) is also connected to the spool (5) via connection of line (6) to the remaining attachment point (7c).

The barrier device (1) includes a biasing device (8). The shaft, winch and biasing 10 device are supported by three masts (9a, 9b, 9c). The shaft (3) is connected to the mast (9a) by way of a rotating link (not illustrated), in order to allow the shaft (3) to rotate.

Line (6) is connected to the shade sail (2) through the biasing device (8) in order to ensure that force is applied to the attachment point (7c) from the most efficient 15 position.

Further, the line (6) is kept to the periphery of the area occupied by the shade sail (2) while in the operational position - maintaining the aesthetic appeal.

As the winch (4) rotates in a first direction the shaft (3) unrolls the shade sail (2) from around its length. The winch (4) simultaneously reels in the line (6) to pull the shade 20 sail (2) out into its operational position.

Conversely, when storing the shade sail (2) the opposite procedure occurs.

The biasing device (8) includes three pulleys (10a, 10b, 10c) and a spring (11). The spring (10) is connected to the third pulley (10c) and acts as a biasing mechanism. The bias of the spring (11) pulls the third pulley (10c), and thus the line (6) 16 572871 James & Wells Ref; 129141/73 downwards. Any slack in the line (6), and subsequently shade sail (2), is corrected by this bias, maintaining the shade sail (2) in a tensioned state (as illustrated). This prevents the shade sail (2) from drooping into the area below, which might otherwise damage any objects that may be located therein or being generally inconvenient.

The spring (11) is connected in a vertical plane relative to the third pulley (10c). Similar to the positioning of the shaft (3), this enhances the aesthetic nature of the barrier device (1) as the biasing device (8) does not encroach on the space beneath the shade sail (2) when in an operational position, nor inhibit any views while in a stored position.

Figure 2 shows the shade sail (2) in a stored position (as illustrated), wrapped around the shaft (3).

It may be seen that the line (6) is the only object encroaching on the view above the area occupied by the shade sail (2) in the operational position. The aesthetic appeal of the barrier device (1) is thus greatly increased over systems which locate a storage 15 device and biasing means centrally, above the area the barrier is intended to occupy.

Figure 3 illustrates the barrier device (1) configured to include a rectangular shade sail (21).

The rectangular shade sail (21) includes four attachment points (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d).

Two adjacent attachment points (22a, 22b) are connected to the shaft (3).

The remaining two attachment points (22c, 22d) are connected to a support shaft (23) substantially parallel to the shaft (3).

The barrier device (1) includes four supporting structures in the form of masts (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d).

The barrier device (1) further includes two tensioned cables (25a, 25b). The cables 17 572871 James & Wells Ref: 129141/73 (23a, 23b) are connected between the masts (24a, 24b) and the masts (24c, 24d) respectively.

The support shaft (23) includes rollers (26a, 27b) at each end of the support shaft (23), the rollers (26a, 26b) configured to engage the cables (23a, 23b). The rollers 5 (26a, 26b) facilitate movement of the support shaft (23) along the cables (23a, 23b).

As previously described with reference to figure 1, as the winch (4) rotates in a first direction, the shaft (3) unrolls the rectangular shade sail (21) from around its length. The winch (4) simultaneously reels in the two lines (6) connected between respective ends of the support shaft (23) and the winch (4) - extending the rectangular shade 10 sail (21) across the horizontal plane into the operational position as illustrated.

The support shaft (23) remains substantially parallel to the shaft (3) as it is pulled along the cables (23a, 23b). The single tensioning device (8) maintains the rectangular shade sail (21) in a tensioned state and prevents drooping of the rectangular shade sail (21) into the area below.

Figure 4 shows a further view of the shade sail (2) in a stored position.

The barrier device (1) further includes a hoist (40).

The hoist (40) is connected to the winch (4) in order to facilitate the vertical movement of the winch (4) between a first position (41) approximate to the desired horizontal plane of the shade sail (2), and a second position (42) at a height substantially closer 20 to ground level.

The shaft (3) may remain axially connected to the winch (4) while transferring between the two positions (41, 42) by way of a pivot linkage (43).

This allows installation or maintenance of the winch (4) to be performed at a more practical and safer height at the second position (42), negating the need for a ladder 18 572871 James & Wells Ref: 129141/73 Received at IPONZ 21 May 2010 to reach the first position (41).

The winch (4) is connected to the hoist (40) by way of two hoist pulleys (44a, 44b). Then the winch (4) is raised by the hoist (40) to the first position (41), the hoist pulleys (44a, 44b) allow the winch (40) to pivot vertically, but prevent rotation of the winch (40) itself when driving the shaft (3).

Figure 5 illustrates a top view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, an alternative barrier device (generally indicated by arrow 50) includes a plurality of shade sails (2), connected to the shaft (3).

A plurality of spools (5) are positioned along the shaft (3) next to the shade sails (2). 10 The spools (5) are configured to act as reels for lines (6) which are connected to the shade sails (2). The lines are connected to the shade sails (2) through a plurality of biasing devices (8) as previously described with reference to figure 1.

The shaft (3) is connected to a winch (4) As the winch (4) operates, the plurality of shade sails (2) are moved to an operational position (as illustrated) or stored position 15 (not illustrated) in a manner as described with reference to figure 1.

In this way, a single winch (4) and shaft (3) may be used to extend or store a plurality of shade sails (2). This allows for the coverage of the same area that a plurality of barrier devices (1) might achieve, but with greater ease of installation and maintenance and reduced cost as the number of components is reduced.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. 19