WO2005100721A1

WO2005100721A1 - Mobile workshop and barrier system

Info

Publication number: WO2005100721A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/001422
Authority: WO
Inventors: Keith Clarke
Original assignee: Mvs Services (Northern) Limited
Priority date: 2004-04-13
Filing date: 2005-04-13
Publication date: 2005-10-27
Also published as: GB2413141A; GB2413141B; GB0408197D0

Abstract

The present invention is concerned with improved barrier systems (10), particularly for defining enclosures for e.g. street and cleaning works and other areas where it is desired to safely and conveniently keep people out of the enclosed area. The invention also extends to such barrier systems providing outdoors workshops to enable safe and convenient working.

Description

Mobile Workshop and Barrier System

The present invention is concerned with improved barrier systems, particularly for defining enclosures for e.g. street and cleaning works and other areas where it is desired to safely and conveniently keep people out of the enclosed area. The invention also extends to such barrier systems providing outdoors workshops to enable safe and convenient working.

Barrier systems are widely in use and typically comprise e.g. a set of panels rield together with a fixed set of hinges and which can be flat-packed and then opened out to define e.g. a square enclosure to surround e.g. a manhole. However, present systems suffer from a number of problems - they are of fixed dimensions, and can be slow to setup, and once in place are provide limited security. The present invention seeks to overcome tjhe aforesaid prior art disadvantages and provide further improvements, in particular to provide a simple, convenient, adaptable and secure barrier system.

According to the present invention there is provided a barrier system comprising a plurality of barrier panels, each barrier panel comprising: (i) a first outwardly facing side; (ii) a second inwardly facing side; (iii) top, bottom, left and right sides; and (iv) at least one arm extending from either of said left and right sides, the other of said left and right sides having receiving means for receiving said at least one arm of an adjacent one of said plurality of barrier panels so as to form a hinge.

In particular, the barrier system may be for defining an enclosure by joining the plurality of barrier panels to one another such that the at least one arm of each barrier panel is received by an adjacent barrier panel to form a continuous barrier, although it may be possible to e.g. use the barrier system to define a barrier whose panels are not linked at each side to other barrier panels, e.g. with a set of barrier panels 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5 rather than to link them 1 - 2-3-4-5-1 and thereby provide a continuous barrier to link them 1-2-3-4-5.

The at least one arm of a barrier panel may be regarded as a male portion, and thte receiving means of a barrier panel may be regarded as a female portion, the male portion being received by the female portion.

The arm forming a hinge with the receiving portion (e.g. an appropriately shaped slot) of the adjacent panel means that the adjacent panels are able to move, more particularly to rotate, relative to one another. The exact nature of movement possible will depend on the exact configuration of the at least one arm and the receiving portion of the adjacent barrier panel. For example, a curved arm can allow for rotation of adjacent panels relative to one another, and the nature of the curve (e.g. the radius of curvature or the shape of the curve if it is not a section of a circle) can further define relative movement of adjacent panels.

The at least one arm can extend at an angle to the plane of said at least one barrier panel at the point from which it extends. Thus (as above) an arm may be curved, for example in a generally horizontal plane. Alternatively, it may extend from a flat barrier panel at first in the general plane of the panel, and then be angled so as to subsequently extend away from the general plane of the barrier panel.

Each of said plurality of barrier panels may define a general barrier plane, and said at least one arm of said plurality of barrier panels may extend from said panels at an airgle to said general barrier plane Obviously, the present invention need not be limited to the= use of flat barrier panels, and other shapes of panels, for example corrugated panels aa d curved panels may be used. In such cases, the barrier panel per se may not be considereci to define a general plane, and so the direction of extension of the at least one arm from the barrier panel may be defined in terms of its angle to the plane of the barrier panel at the point from which it extends.

As mentioned above, a barrier panel may comprise at least one slot, and the at least one arm of an adjacent barrier panels may be being dimensioned to pass through said slot such that the at least one arm of a first barrier panel is received by a second barrier panel. Alternatively shaped openings can be readily defined in the barrier panels, and the important factor is that the combination of arm and opening through which the arm can pass allows the hinging of adjacent barrier panels when one panel has received the at least one arm of the adjacent barrier panel.

Slots in the barrier panels for receiving the at least one arm of an adjacent barrier panel may be vertically oriented.

The at least one arm may additionally comprise a finger extending from the arm, for example extending downwardly (or upwardly) from the end of the arm. Thus vertically oriented slots may be dimensioned to allow an arm with a downwardly extending finger to pass through them, the slots being positioned in a second panel with their base at the same height as the bottom of the arm of an adjacent barrier panel, and therefore higher than the bottom of the finger extending downwardly from it. Thus in order for the second barrier panel to receive the at least one arm of the first barrier panel, the first barrier panel must be lifted relative to the second. Once the at least one arm has been received by the second barrier panel, the first barrier panel can then be lowered relative to the first barrier panel. Obviously, a similar arrangement can be made using arms having upwardly extending fingers. ^"When a continuous loop of barrier panels has been formed using the system of the present invention, this method of engaging adjacent barrier panels can prove resistant to unskilled attempts to separate the barrier panels since in particular lifting a first barrier panel relative to a second barrier panel also requires adjacent barrier panels to be lifted - this can be difficult to do, particularly with the weight of several barrier panels to lift. With generally flat barrier panels having on one side curved arms extending from them having downwardly extending fingers, and on the other side vertically oriented slots to receive the arms, and with the barrier panels formed into a continuous barrier, separation of the panels requires a movement of the adjacent panels to be separated towards their being generally oriented in a single plane, and then a forceful lifting of one panel and its arms relative to an adjacent panel and its slots, and at the same time a forceful horizontal movement to separate the adjacent panels.

In order to further secure the barrier systems of the present invention, the system may additionally comprise locking means for lockingly retaining said at least one arm of said plurality of barrier panels when it has been received by said adjacent one of said plurality of barrier panels. In particular, where the at least one barrier panel defines an at least one opening to receive the at least one arm of an adjacent panel, the at least one arm may be engageable by locking means such that when the at least one arm has been received by the at least one opening of an adjacent barrier panel, it is lockingly retained. Locking means may be provided for one or more (for example, each) of the at least one arm of a barrier panel, and may be provided for one or more (for example, each) of said plurality of barrier panels.

So for example in the case of barrier panels having slots to receive arms of an adjacent barrier panel, at least one of the arms may itself define a hole, for example located towards its end, which can be engaged by locking means such as a padlock. Once the at least one arm of a first panel has been received by passing through the at least one slot of an adjacent second panel, a padlock may be placed through a hole in the at least one arm and locked such that the at least one arm is unable to pass back through the at least one slot, meaning that the two barrier panels are now locked together. The barrier systems of the present invention may comprise at least three barrier panels.

The barrier panels of the barrier systems of the present invention may be of at least two sizes. For example,"full size" and "half size" barrier panels may be provided. The various barrier panels may have different horizontal dimensions, e.g. they may have the same general vertical dimensions but be of different horizontal sizes.

At least one of said plurality of barrier panels may additionally comprise at least one inwardly extending foot. The provision of a foot or feet allows the barrier panels to be stabilised (in addition to the stability that is provided by the barrier system when individual panels have been joined together), and by having them extending inwardly (e.g. into an enclosure defined by the barrier system) then public safety is ensured.

The barrier system can additionally comprising at least one vertical foot extension enagageable with said at least one foot. The provision of at least one vertical foot extension means that the barrier system can be used on a non-flat surface. For example, a barrier can be constructed from the barrier panels partially on a kerb and partially off a kerb. By using barrier panels with feet and vertical foot extensions ("foot packers") the barrier panels can be adjusted in height as appropriate to provide a stable barrier.

At least one of said plurality of barrier panels may define at least one opening towards its bottom. For example, this may allow additional components of a barrier system to be engaged with the barrier panels.

The barrier system may additionally comprise at least one weighting element engageable with said plurality of barrier panels. For example, the at least one weighting element may be engageable with said at least one opening. The weighting elements can for example be hollow and define a volume fillable with e.g. sand, stones or ballast such that when engaged with barrier panels they act to weigh them down, further stabilising a barrier.

Together with the at least one weighting element and the at least one opening, the barrier system may additionally comprise locking means to prevent removal of said at least one weighting element when it is engaged with said at least one opening. For example, the opening may be shaped such that a weighting element can be inserted at its top (an "upper position") and slid down to mate with or engage the opening (at a "lower position") at which position in cannot be removed. The weighting element can be retained in the lower position by way of locking means (for example a padlock engaged with the barrier panel) preventing movement of the weighing element to the upper position. For example, one shape of opening which can be used is a tetragon having first and second parallel horizontal sides comprising a shorter lower side and a longer upper side, a third side perpendicular to and joining said first and second sides, and a fourth side joining said first and second sides.

As mentioned above, the barrier system of the present invention provides safety advantages in terms of the joining together of the barrier panels, and also with the use of inwardly extending feet and vertical extensions for the feet ("foot packers"). The present invention also has a number of additional safety features. Firstly, the barrier system can additionally comprise warning lighting means engageable with at least one of said plurality of barrier panels. The barrier panels can be adapted to engage the lighting means. For example, conventional flashing warning lamps can be conveniently engaged with a barrier panel in order that a visual warning is provided, particularly useful at night-time.

Any or all elements or components of the barrier system of the invention, in particular the barrier panels and/or extending arm(s), may be formed of any suitable material. They may for example be formed from recycled or recyclable material, e.g. reconstituted rubber, steel (or other metal), concrete, or plastics material (e.g. a polymer material, such as linear MDPE).

The barrier system can additionally comprise proximity sensor and warning means. This is of particular importance for enhancing the safety of members of the public with limited sight. The proximity sensor can detect a person approaching the exterior of the barrier panels and can activate warning means as necessary. For example, warning means can be an audible warning such as a message "Warning - temporary street works ahead". Thus a blind person can be warned that they are approaching the barrier system (rather than encountering an unexpected obstacle) and can then be extra careful to ensure that an accident does not happen. This also provides confirmation to the blind person that the street geography has changed (due to the barrier system being in place), and that therefore they have not e.g. taken a wrong turning and are not in the wrong place.

As well as providing safety features for members of the public, the barrier system can provide additional features to enable work to take place.

Thus at least one of said plurality of barrier panels may comprise at least one electrical input and a plurality of electrical outputs. This can allow a single electrical source to be shared to a number of electrical outputs. In addition, one frequently encountered problem is that the electrical supply available at a given location is not appropriate for the electrically operated equipment which is to be used - this aspect of the present invention allows for adapters and convertors to be used as necessary at the electrical input and the electrical outputs are then of the required form. The provision of this electrical distribution panel also provides the significant safety advantage of removing electrical cabling e.g. from within a crowded enclosure. The at least one electrical distribution barrier panel can be appropriately coloured to indicate that it is an electrical distribution panel. At least one of the barrier panels can be provided with electrical cable support means, for example a gutter or one or more hooks or hoops or bars which can act as a support for electrical cabling passing along the length of the barrier panel. Thus not only can an electrical distribution panel provide a convenient supply of electricity, but the cable support means can also be used to help ensure that cables are tidily stored, reducing the risk of accident from stray cables lying around the barrier panels. The cable support means can be provided above ground level, to help keep any cables dry. In the case of a gutter being provided, it can have e.g. drainage holes, slots or openings, and/or can be angled such that water readily drains from it.

Similarly, at least one of said plurality of barrier panels may comprise at least one water inlet and a plurality of water outlets. This can allow a single water supply to be shared out between a number of outlets. Water supplies are also often provided via a wide range of connectors and so this also allows a single adaptor or connector to be used prior to the water inlet, and then the water outlets are of the desired form, at least one of the outlets may be a tap and optionally a hose pipe connector in order to allow for the convenient provision of water via hose pipe and for access to water from a tap, e.g. for cleaning off tools or for filling buckets etc. The water distribution barrier panel of the present invention is particularly convenient and provides the important safety enhancement of removing pipes and adaptors and connectors from an already crowded working area e.g. enclosure. The at least one barrier panel can be appropriately coloured to indicate that it is a water distribution panel, e.g. it can be coloured blue.

The barrier system may additionally comprise sign means, and at least one of said plurality of barrier panels may be adapted to receive said sign means such that said sign means is displayed from said first side of said at least one of said plurality of barrier panels. Thus a wide range of signs may be interchangeably used with the barrier panels of the present invention. They can be lockingly received by the barrier panels, for example by being slotted behind a transparent display and locked in place. Alternatively, the sign means may have projections from their rear and the at least one barrier panel maybe adapted to receive those projections, for example by way of openings through which the projections pass. The projections can then be secured in place with e.g. nuts and/or by locking means such as padlocks etc. Alternatively, the sign means may define at least one opening through which securing means can be passed to secure the sign means to the at least one barrier panel. For example, a triangular sign could define a hole at each corner through which bolts could be placed, and the at least one barrier panel can have complementarily positioned holes through which the bolts can pass, nuts being used to secure the bolts on the inside of the barrier panel, thus securing the sign against the barrier panel. As above, locking means can be used to lock the sign in place.

With regard to the sign means, an at least one barrier panel adapted to receive the sign means may be appropriately shaped, for example by the provision of holes in various locations to correspond to holes in various shapes of sign. One or more recesses may also be provided on the first outwardly facing side of the barrier panel to help in correctly locating the sign. For example standard sized and shaped signs may be used, e.g. circular, triangular and square signs and the first outwardly facing side may have recesses which the variously sized and shaped signs can mate with to help ensure their correct location on the first outwardly facing side.

Alternatively, a barrier panel may be provided with display means such as an electronic display. Thus the electronic display maybe used to display a chosen sign, or one of a set of chosen signs. The electronic display may display chosen information, such as a warning or an information message. Thus the barrier panel may additionally comprise control means for the electronic display, for example data input means to select from a pre-defined set of messages or signs to be displayed, or for entering data defining a new message or sign to be displayed. Thus, for example the display means can allow for the displaying of a flashing or animated warning sign for motorists.

The barrier system may additionally comprise means for detecting the speed of an oncoming object (for example a car). Thus for example a barrier system may comprise a speed detector for oncoming vehicles, and computing means and display means. Thus a barrier panel can detect the speed of oncoming vehicles and display a message determined by their speed. Data input means can also be provided, e.g. a switch to select a speed above which vehicles are not supposed to travel, and the barrier panel can then detect the speed of oncoming vehicles, determine whether it is in excess of the pre-set cut-off speed, and display a warning message as necessary.

The barrier system may also comprise speed camera means, for example as part of a barrier panel. Thus a barrier panel could have means for detecting the speed of an oncoming object (e.g. a vehicle), image capture means for capturing images of the object, data processing means , and data storage means for determining the speed of the object, and storing any desired data and the captured images.

The barrier system may also comprise CCTV means (for example, a barrier panel may comprise a CCTN camera and data storage means) in order to provide security for the barrier system. For example, the CCTN means may record images (for example, still images and/or video footage) outwards from the barrier panel so as to record images of any objects (e.g. people) approaching the barrier panel.

The barrier system may additionally comprise first aid means engageable with at least one of said plurality of barrier panels. This provides the additional advantage of the barrier system having a convenient and readily accessible first aid point so that any injuries can be readily treated. The first aid means may be removable so that it can be replaced as and when it is used up, or in order to reduce the packed size of the plurality of barrier panels. A barrier panel carrying the first aid means (e.g. a first aid kit and/or an eye wash) may be coloured to provide a visual indication of the fact that it carries the first aid means. Thus for example it could be coloured green.

The barrier system may additionally comprise other safety means such as fire extinguishers or suppression equipment such as fire blankets, and emergency spillage equipment engageable with at least one of said plurality of barrier panels, and the at least one barrier panel may be appropriately coloured, e.g. it may be coloured red.

The barrier system may additionally comprise cleaning means engageable with at least one of said plurality of barrier panels. This is particularly useful where a site (for example a street) does not provide cleaning facilities yet workers will need to clean up whilst on-site - the cleaning means can comprise a water tank and e.g. a soap dispenser and towel dispenser, or can comprise a cleaning wipe dispenser.

The barrier system may additionally be provided with other equipment and dispensers etc. engageable with at least one of said plurality of barrier panels according to whatever applications it is to be used for, and the at least one of said plurality of barrier panels can be suitably adapted. For example, holders or containers can be provided together with whatever is to be held or contained. Examples include oils and sprays, brushes, paints, shovels, mops, batteries, tapes (such as reflective tapes), nuts and bolts, glove holders/dispensers, bins and bin bags, and other tools. At least one of said plurality of barrier panels can also be provided with hooks for e.g. overalls, hats and gloves.

Other specially adapted barrier panels useful with the barrier system of the present invention include barrier panels incorporating desk sections, for holding and/or displaying safety and risk information or COSHH (control of substances hazardous to health) information, "white boards" (or so-called "dry wipe boards") for writing on, vending/dispensing panels for food and/or drink. Barrier panels incorporating desk sections (for example a fold-out desk which packs flat with the barrier panel) can additionally comprise electrical distribution means, for example a multiple-socket converter to provide a plurality of electrical sockets from a single input plug, in order that eg. a computer and printer can be conveniently used on the desk.

Equipment as describe above engageable with barrier panels of the present invention, for example containers and clips for e.g. first aid, fire control, cleaning, vending, dispensing or containing paint, brushes, tools, nuts and bolts etc. can also be integral with the barrier panels.

The barrier system can additionally comprise flooring engageable with at least one of said plurality of barrier panels. For example, it can be engageable with an opening towards the bottom of a barrier panel. The flooring can be lockingly engageable with the at least one barrier panel. Thus the flooring can be conveniently installed and then locked in place to prevent its removal. The flooring can be useful in providing support in an unstable site or for covering holes in the ground at a site. The flooring may comprise a floor panel shaped to mate with and cover a manhole. For example, it can mate with and cover sewerage, electrical, telephone, storm drain, or gas manholes. This is an additional safety feature for sites where holes (e.g. manholes) are open in the ground. By engaging the flooring with the barrier system it makes it extremely difficult to expose the hole, requiring the movement of the entire barrier system, which (particularly with when incorporating weighting elements) can be heavy.

Alternatively, the barrier system can comprise flooring as above, but engageable with weighting means (above) rather than directly with at least one of said plurality of barrier panels. The barrier system can also comprise at least one lighting means engageable with at least one of said plurality of barrier panels in order to provide light to the enclosure defined by the barrier system, and this can be useful in aiding work in the enclosure. The barrier system may additionally comprise roofing means engageable with at least one of the barrier panels in order to provide roofing for the enclosure. For example, an arched roofing panel may be provided engageable with at least two of said plurality of barrier panels in order to secure it in place. The roofing means may be transparent so as to allow light in.

The barrier system components, particularly the barrier panels, and optionally floor means, roofing means, and sign means, can each be provided with an identifier, for example a unique identification number (UID), permanently marked on them, for example on a plate or imprinted or impressed onto them. This can allow for the convenient tracking and identification of components. For example, a manufacturer can be assigned a block of identifiers or UIDs which it can then apply to components of barrier systems and record who specific components were sold to. In the event of theft and recovery of stolen goods, the barrier system components can then be traced back to the last party known to be in legal possession of them. A GPS system can also be used with the present invention in order to allow for the tracking of the location of individual barrier panels or other components of the barrier system, for example by signals transmitted by them - in one embodiment the present invention can also be provided with communication means, allowing location data from the GPS system to be transmitted to a desired target. This can be done periodically or in response to a signal sent to the communication means.

Alternatively, RFID tags can be used and embedded in the component parts of the barrier system (for example, an RFID tag could be embedded in each barrier panel), and then a site can be scanned using an RFID scanner to determine the identity of each tag, and this can be used as an inventory or stock control system, or to determine whether any barrier system components are on a site which should not be there, or stolen or lost barrier system components can be scanned for.

The present invention can also allow for tracking and alerting when a barrier system or part of it (e.g. a barrier panel) is moved. A common problem experienced with on-street barrier systems is that they can be vandalised or damaged (for example barrier panels knocked over or hit by vehicles) or have parts (e.g. barrier panels) stolen. When this happens, a danger is often presented to the public in that a work site becomes exposed and accessible to the public, who may as a result be involved in an accident on the exposed site. This is particularly the case with e.g. blind or partially sighted people to whom the damage/vandalism/theft may not be immediately apparent and who may therefore inadvertently walk onto the exposed site. This is obviously a serious problem, and in order to combat it, local councils or other bodies responsible for work sites have to employ contractors to attend an affected site and to effect repairs. This can be costly and is only done in response when they have been alerted by e.g. a member of the public to the damage/vandalism. In contracts to supply barrier systems, penalty clauses are sometimes incorporated to allow the e.g. council to recover the cost of repairing the barrier system from the contractor. This can be inconvenient and costly for the contractor, and it is obviously desirable for the contractor to be able to ensure that such penalty clauses and charges are not invoked.

The present invention seeks to overcome this prior art disadvantage by providing the barrier system with a motion sensing and alerting; system comprising motion sensor and communication means arranged such that upon movement of the barrier system or a part thereof, the communication means transmits a message to a remote target alerting the remote target to the movement of the barrier system. For example, at least one barrier panel may additionally comprise a motion sensing and communication system, meaning that movement of that panel results in the remote target being alerted as to movement of the barrier panel.

The movement which triggers an alert may for example be a movement of a barrier panel from a generally vertical orientation to a non-vertical orientation (e.g. resulting from a barrier panel being knocked over). Alternatively, other movement of the barrier panel (for example due to its being stolen) may trigger an alert. Switch means may also be provided to allow the motion sensing and communication system to be switched on and off, allowing the system to be disabled until a barrier system has been put in place.

The communication means may transmit an identification code, for example a unique identification code, in the alert in order to identify itself.

The communication means may be any desired communication system and may e.g. transmit SMS messages over a mobile phone network. Other communication means and systems will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. The communication means may also of course additionally receive communications and may for example respond as appropriate to an incoming communication, e.g. by transmitting a response detailing its current status (e.g. its orientation) or its location (see below).

The motion sensing and communication system may also comprise position sensing means, for example a GPS receiver, and data from the GPS receiver may be transmitted in the alert, allowing the alerting barrier system (e.g. an alerting barrier panel) to identify its location in an alert.

In order to interrogate the motion sensing means and control the communication means, the motion sensing and communication system may additionally comprise computing means adapted to perform the necessary actions. In order to provide power for such a system, the barrier system or part thereof (for example, at least one barrier panel) may additionally comprise a power source e.g. a battery, a solar panel, or a battery supplemented by a solar panel.

In use, this allows a contractor to put a barrier system in place having e.g. a motion sensing and alerting system in each barrier panel, configured to send an SMS message to a chosen telephone number when motion is detected, and to then activate the motion sensing and alerting system. Whenever a barrier panel is moved (for example due to vandalism, theft or accidents), the affected barrier panel can send an alert to a target telephone number advising that it has been moved and giving its identification number (for example a UID) and/or its location. The affected barrier system can then be repaired to ensure public safety, and in the event of a barrier panel being stolen, the stolen panel can be tracked in order to facilitate its recovery and return.

Thus the barrier system of the present invention can provide a simple and convenient mobile workshop (for example a street workshop or a workshop for public areas) which can be readily adapted to a wide range of work environments and tasks and which can provide enhanced safety both for members of the public and for workers and which can be of particular advantage in emergency situations with the provision of appropriately coloured and equipped fire/accident barrier panels and first aid barrier panels which are readily identifiable in an emergency situation. The provision of other coloured panels also enables the convenient day-to-day use of the facilities which the barrier system can offer.

Also provided according to the present invention is a method of constructing a barrier with a barrier system of the present invention, comprising the steps of mating said at least one arm of each of said plurality of barrier panels with said receiving means of an adjacent one of said plurality of barrier panels so as to form a continuous barrier. The method may additionally comprise the step of lockingly retaining at least one of said plurality of barrier panels forming said barrier with said adjacent panel.

The method can also comprise the step of engaging any additional engageable means (for example lighting, warning, storage, dispensing, vending, weighting or roofing means) with said plurality of barrier panels.

Thus the present invention is useful in a wide range of environments and industries, from engineering, machining, moving, construction, maintenance, work sites, street works (including for utilities such as water, gas electricity, telecommunications and sewerage), emergency services, and cleaning, construction and repair and sites and services etc. in enclosed environments such as shopping centres. The barrier systems of the present invention can also be used on e.g. scaffold lifts to enhance safety there.

The invention will be further apparent from the following description, with reference to the several figures of the accompanying drawings, which show, by way of example only, one form of barrier system.

Of the figures: Figure 1A shows a front view of a first barrier panel; Figure IB shows a left side view of the barrier panel of Figure 1A; Figure 1 C shows a bottom view of the barrier panel of Figure 1 A; Figure 2A shows an isometric view of a second barrier panel; Figure 2B shows a rear view of the barrier panel of Figure 2 A; Figure 2C shows a bottom view of the barrier panel of Figure 2A; Figure 2D shows a left side view of the barrier panel of Figure 2 A; Figure 3 A shows an isometric view of a third barrier panel; Figure 3B shows a rear view of the barrier panel of Figure 3 A; Figure 3C shows a bottom view of the barrier panel of Figure 3 A; Figure 3D shows left side view of the barrier panel of Figure 3 A; Figure 3E is a close-up of a part of the view of Figure 3 A; Figure 4A shows an isometric view of a footpacker; Figure 4B shows a left side view of the footpacker of Figure 4A; and Figure 5 is an isometric view of a sand weight.

A barrier system 10 comprises at least three barrier panels 20, 30, 40 each of which has a first outwardly facing side 21, 31, 41 and a second inwardly facing side 22, 32, 42, a top 23, 33, 43, a bottom 24, 34, 44, a left side 25, 35, 45 and a right side 26,36, 46.

In the present embodiment, barrier panels 20, 30, 40 are generally flat and define a general barrier plane. Each barrier panel 20, 30, 40 additionally comprises first and second curved arms 50, 51 extending from right side 26, 36, 46 at an angle to the general barrier plane.

On the left side 25, 35, 45 of each of barrier panels 20, 30, 40 is located vertically oriented receiving slots 60, 61 dimensioned for receiving arms 50, 51 so that two adjacent barrier panels 20, 30, 40 are hinged, a first barrier panel 20, 3O, 40 having its male arms 50, 51 received by the female receiving slots 60, 61 of a second adjacent barrier panel 20, 30, 40. As can be seen from the figures, the outer side 62, 63 of slots 60, 61 is curved so as to aid hinging.

Each arm can additionally define a hole 52 through which a padlock (not shown) can be passed and locked in place. With arms 50, 51 of a first barrier panel 20, 30, 40 received by slots 60, 61 of a second panel 20, 30, 40, holes 52 have passed from the rear face 22, 32, 43 to the front face 21 , 31 , 42 of panels 20, 30, 40 and padlocks (not shown) can be passed through holes 52 and locked in place so as to prevent holes 52 (and therefore arms 50, 51) passing back through slots 60, 61, thus preventing separation of adjacent barrier panels 20, 30, 40.

The barrier system of the present embodiment comprises at least three barrier panels 20, 30, 40. Panels 20, 30 are full-size panels, whilst panel 40 is a half-size panel.

Barrier panel 30 additionally comprises feet 70, 80 which extend inwardly in order to provide additional stability to barrier panel 30 and barrier system 10.

Feet 7 , 80 are particularly useful in allowing barrier system 10 to be deployed on uneven ground, for example a street area extending over a curb. In order to aid barrier system to be deployed on uneven ground, vertical foot extensions 90 can be used. Each foot 70, 80 has extending from its bottom three toes 100. A "footpacker" vertical foot extension 90 having divots 110 on its top and toes 100 on its bottom is mated with the bottom of foot 70 or 80 to provide additional height as necessary. The footpackers 90 are stackable and so any desired number can be mated to the bottom of a foot 70 or 8O.

Barrier panels 20, 30, 40 define pairs of openings 120 towards their bottom 24 which can act to allow for airflow and drainage of excess water etc. in an area enclosed by the barrier system 10. Openings 120 also allow other members to be mated and engaged with the bottom portion 24 of barrier panels 20, 30, 40. One particular member which can be mated and lockingly retained by openings 120 is a weighting member "sand weight" 130.

Openings 120 are shaped as a tetragon having first and second parallel horizontal sides 121, 122 comprising a shorter lower side and a longer upper side, a third side 123 perpendicular to and joining said first and second sides, and a fourth side 124 joining said first and second sides, a vertical column thus being defined by third sides 123. Sand weight 130 comprises a hollow body 131 defining within it a volume and having an opening 132 into the volume such that it can be filled with any desired material e.g. sand, stones, ballast or cement etc. Hand grips 133 are provided to allow for convenient movement of sand weight 130 even with a filled volume. At one side sand weight 130 constricts to define two legs 134 having feet 135.

Sand weight 130 and its legs 134 and feet 135 are shaped complementary to openings 120 such that sand weight 120 can be horizontally slid into the upper portion of openings 120 and then slid downwards such that it mates with the lower portion of openings 120 and cannot be removed by horizontally sliding it, instead requiring it to be moved upwards first. Sand weight 130 is locked in place by engaging a padlock (not shown) with the column defined between third walls 123 of openings 120. A specially shaped area A of the column makes such locking convenient.

Flooring means (not shown) is also engageable with openings 120 in order to provide flooring as required within the area enclosed by the barrier system. Certain flooring means also comprises downwardly protruding sections which can be mated with openings such as manholes.

At the top portion 23 of barrier panels 20, 30, 40 is located slots 140 with which lighting means (not shown) can be engaged. Particular types of lighting means include warning lights and lighting for the area enclosed by the barrier system. Roofing means (not shown) can also be engaged with slots 140.

Barrier panel 40 additionally comprises hand-holds 49 at its upper portion which enable its convenient and easy manipulation. Barrier system 10 also comprises proximity sensor and warning means (not shown) which emits an audible warning when objects (e.g. people) approach the front 21, 32, 43 of barrier panels 20, 30, 40.

Certain barrier panels (not shown) also comprise at least one electrical input and a plurality of outputs, allowing for convenient power distribution by the barrier system. Similarly, certain barrier panels (not shown) also comprise water distribution means comprising a water inlet and at least one water output. The barrier system is also provided with appropriate electrical and water socket adaptors in order to accept electricity and water from a wide range of sources for distribution.

Certain barrier panels (not shown) are adapted to receive sign means such that the sign means can be displayed from the front of the panels.

Barrier panels 20, 30, 40 can also be adapted to incorporate, receive or engage additional apparatus including first aid means, fire control means, cleaning means, vending means and tools, and the system can include such modified panels and apparatus.

Barrier panels 20, 30, 40 are colour coded - yellow for a standard panel, red for a panel having fire control means, green for a panel having first aid means, blue for a panel having water distribution means etc. etc.

Barrier system 10 is quickly and conveniently put together simply by sliding arms 50, 51 of a first barrier panel 20, 30, 40 into slots 60, 61 of an adjacent second barrier panel 20, 30, 40 and repeating with the desired number of additional barrier panels 20, 30, 40. Hinging of adjacent barrier panels means that barrier system 10 can b configured to have any desired shape. Once adjacent panels have been mated, they can be locked together by use of padlocks (not shown) and sand weights 130 etc. added as desired. The system 10 can then be conveniently connected to water and electricity supplies as desired at the appropriate distribution points on barrier panels 20, 30, 40 and thus can provide a mobile workshop - a "workshop in the street".

It will be appreciated that it is not intended to limit the invention to the above example only, many variations, such as might readily occur to one skilled in the art, being possible, without departing from the scope thereof as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A barrier system comprising a plurality of barrier panels, each barrier panel comprising: (i) a first outwardly facing side; (ii) a second inwardly facing side; (iii) top, bottom, left and right sides; and (iv) at least one arm extending from either of said left and right sides, the other of said left and right sides having receiving means for receiving said at least one arm of an adjacent one of said plurality of barrier panels so as to form a hinge.

2. A barrier system according to claim 1 , each of said plurality of barrier panels defining a general barrier plane, and said at least one arm of said plurality of barrier panels extending from said barrier panels at an angle to said general barrier plane.

3. A barrier system according to claim 2, said at least one arm being curved.

4. A barrier system according to either of the preceding claims, said plurality of barrier panels comprising at least one slot, and said at least one arm of said plurality of barrier panels being dimensioned to pass through said at least one slot.

5. A barrier system according to claim 4, said at least one slot being vertically oriented.

6. A barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, additionally comprising locking means for lockingly retaining said at least one arm of said plurality of barrier panels when it has been received by said adjacent one of said plurality of barrier panels.

7. A barrier system according to claim 6 when dependent upon claim 4, said at least one arm being adapted such that it can be engaged by said locking means when it has passed through said at least one slot, said at least one arm with said locking means engaged being unable to pass back through said at least one slot.

8. A barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least three barrier panels.

9. A barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least two different sizes of barrier panel.

10. A barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, at least one of said plurality of barrier panels additionally comprising at least one inwardly extending foot.

11. A barrier system according to claim 10, additionally comprising at least one vertical foot extension enagageable with said at least one foot.

12. A barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, at least one of said plurality of barrier panels defining at least one opening towards its bottom.

13. A barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, additionally comprising at least one weighting element engageable with said plurality of barrier panels.

14. A barrier system according to claim 13 when dependent upon claim 12, said at least one weighting element being engageable with said at least one opening.

15. A barrier system according to claim 14, additionally comprising locking means to prevent removal of said at least one weighting element when it is engaged with said at least one opening.

16. A barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, additionally comprising lighting means engageable with at least one of said plurality of barrier panels.

17. A barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, additionally comprising proximity sensor and warning means.

18. A barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, at least one of said plurality of barrier panels comprising at least one electrical input and a plurality of electrical outputs.

19. A barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, at least one of said plurality of barrier panels comprising at least one water inlet and a plurality of water outlets.

20. A barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, additionally comprising sign means and at least one of said plurality of barrier panels being adapted to receive said sign means such that said sign means is displayed from said first side of said at least one of said plurality of barrier panels.

21. A barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, additionally comprising first aid means engageable with at least one of said plurality of barrier panels.

22. A barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, additionally comprising cleaning means engageable with at least one of said plurality of barrier panels.

23. A barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, additionally comprising flooring engageable with at least one of said plurality of barrier panels.

24. A barrier system according to claim 23, said flooring comprising a floor panel shaped to mate with and cover a manhole.

25. A method of constructing a barrier with a barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of mating said at least one arm of each of said plurality of barrier panels with said receiving means of an adjacent one of said plurality of barrier panels so as to form a continuous barrier.

26. A method according to claim 25, additionally comprising the step of lockingly retaining at least one of said plurality of barrier panels forming said barrier with said adjacent panel.