WO2005108679A1

WO2005108679A1 - Post guard system

Info

Publication number: WO2005108679A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/001762
Authority: WO
Inventors: Keith Clarke
Original assignee: Mvs Services (Northern) Limited
Priority date: 2004-05-07
Filing date: 2005-05-06
Publication date: 2005-11-17
Also published as: GB2413819A; GB0410217D0

Abstract

The present invention is concerned with improved barrier systems, particularly systems for defining a barrier about an object such as a lamppost or other street furniture. Also provided are methods of defining a barrier about an abject such as a lamppost or other street furniture.

Description

Post Guard System

The present invention is concerned with improved barrier systems, particularly systems useful for defining a barrier about an object such as a lamppost or other street furniture. Also provided are methods of defining a barrier about an abject such as a lamppost or other street furniture.

UK Registered Design no. 3004071 discloses a pyramidal article protector - a "lock guard" - which has three flat hinged panels, the first and third of which can be locked together to define a frusto-pyramidal shape, the pyramidal article protector being able to define a barrier about an article or object such as a lamppost or other street furniture etc.

It has now been found that although useful, the system shown in UK registered design 3004071 has its limitations. In particular, it has been found that there is a need for the system to be adaptable for use with a wide range of shaped and sized objects or articles which require a barrier placing around them. The present invention seeks to solve this problem and others.

According to the present invention there is provided a barrier system (also referred to herein as an article protector and as an object protector) comprising: (i) first, second and third barrier panels, said first and second panels being engaged with said second panel, either of said first and third polygonal panels having at least one arm extending from it, the other of said first and third panels having receiving means for receiving said at least one arm; and (ii) at least one additional barrier panel having left and right sides and having 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 another panel; said at least one arm and said receiving means of said first, third and at least one additional panel being adapted such that said at least one additional panel can receive said at least one arm of an adjacent panel and its at least one arm being receivable by an adjacent panel.

Thus a barrier system is provided which is useful in providing a barrier around any desired object. By the use of as many additional polygonal barrier panels as is required, different sizes of object can have barriers placed around them. For example, a barrier can be placed around a lamppost or around a tree and the same system can be used for both applications with an appropriate number of the additional barrier panels in each case.

The first, second and third panels may be hinged together (i.e. the first and third panels hinged to the second panel), and they may be engaged/hinged such that they can fold flat for convenient storage.

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

Convenient movement of the barrier system and its component parts is also of importance. In such a case and in order to aid the convenient handling of the flat-folded barrier system, the first, second and third panels may each define at least one opening which, when the first, second and third barrier panels of the barrier system are folded flat, are arranged such that they define an opening through the panels. This can then be used as e.g. a handhold. Thus, for example, the first panel may have a left side at the perimeter of the three panels. The third panel may have a right side at the perimeter of the three panels, and the second panel may have a left side adjacent a right side of the first panel, and a right side adjacent the left side of the third panel. The first and third panels may have openings towards their left side, and the second panel may have an opening towards its right side. When the three panels are folded flat, the three openings are arranged to define a single opening through them, and this is useful as a hand-hold.

The barrier panels themselves may be polygonal and in particular can be trapezoid in shape. Thus the barrier system can define a generally frusto-pyramidal shaped barrier. Naturally, it can be desirable for the base section of the panels not to be flat and so the banier panels may have a generally polygonal or generally trapezoid shape. For example, at their bottom section they may define feet, enabling the barrier system to be securely positioned and to allow the flow of rainwater or other fluids underneath it.

The receiving means may comprise at least one slot, and the at least one arm may be dimensioned to pass through said at least one slot. For example, the at least one slot may be vertically oriented.

The barrier system may additionally comprise locking means for lockingly retaining the at least one arm of the plurality of barrier panels when it has been received by the adjacent one of the plurality of barrier panels. For example, the at least one arm may be adapted such that it can be engaged by the locking means when it has passed through the at least one slot (or other opening or receiving means), the at least one arm with the locking means engaged being unable to pass back through the at least one slot (or other opening or receiving means).

For example, the at least one arm may define a hole at its end such that a padlock can be placed through it and locked, the combined padlock and arm being dimensioned such that they are unable to pass through the slot (or other opening comprising the receiving means). Other shapes and configuration of receiving means and arm will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art.

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 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 a second barrier panel to receive the at least one arm of a 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 the barrier panel arms have been received by adjacent barrier panels, 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.

Thus the present invention presents a convenient and easy to use system which is highly modular, can be flat-packed and which is adaptable to provide a barrier about any desired size of object or article.

As well as providing a simple barrier, which in itself is extremely useful in preventing people contacting the object or article (for example a lamppost covered in fresh paint) contained within the barrier, the barrier system can act to perform a number of additional functions. At least one of the 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 inherent stability that is provided by e.g. a frusto-pyramidally shaped barrier system), 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 engageable 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 bamer 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 the 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.

Thus the barrier system can be provided with at least one weight in order to make it more difficult to move it once it is in place. In particular, if a barrier system surrounds an immovable object such as a piece of street furniture then in order to move it, the weighted barrier system must be lifted over the object. With a barrier system of an appropriate weight and weighting means adding to that weight, it can thus prove difficult or impossible to move the bamer system.

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.

A number of additional safety features may be provided by the barrier system.

Firstly, the barrier system can additionally comprise lighting means such as 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. Alternatively, lighting means can be made integral with one or more barrier panels.

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.

The barrier system can also be adapted to aid in street works, particularly in terms of providing convenient utility supplies (e.g. water and or electricity). Thus the barrier system 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 reducing the amount of electrical cabling at a location.

Similarly, the barrier system 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. The water distribution feature of the present invention is particularly convenient and provides the important safety enhancement of removing pipes and adaptors and connectors from a crowded working area. 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 barrier panel. 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 may be 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 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 an 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 outwardly facing side may have recesses which the variously sized and shaped signs can mate with to help ensure their correct positioning.

Alternatively, a barrier panel may be provided with display means such as an electronic display. Thus the electronic display may be 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.

This and other additional features of the barrier system can be bulky and therefore such additional features and structures may be engageable with a barrier panel, or an at least one additional may be provided with such features and therefore the first, second and third barrier panels are still able to flat-pack.

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 deteπnining 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 CCTV camera and data storage means) in order to provide security for the barrier system. For example, the CCTV 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. In such a case, the first aid means may be engaged with the exterior of the barrier system in order that it is readily available to anybody who needs it. Alternatively, it may be engaged with the interior of the barrier system, thus requiring at least a partial disassembly of the system in order to access it. For example, in a public event the barrier system f the present invention may be used to provide signage for the event, and also as an emergency supply of first aid materials to people having keys to unlock the locking means and access the interior of the barrier system. 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 or barrier system 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, particularly with the at least one additional barrier panel 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.

The barrier system components, particularly the barrier panels 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 barrier systems or 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. an additional barrier panel) is moved. A common problem experienced with on- street barrier systems is that they can be vandalised or damaged (for example barrier systems hit by vehicles) or have parts stolen. When this happens, a danger may be presented to the public. This is particularly the case with e.g. blind or partially sighted people to whom the damage/vandalism/theft may not be immediately apparent. This is obviously a serious problem, and in order to combat it, local councils or other bodies responsible for providing barriers 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. For example, the barrier system may additionally comprise a motion sensing and communication system, meaning that movement of the barrier system results in the remote target being alerted of the movement. The movement which triggers an alert may for example be a movement of a barrier system 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 system (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 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 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, 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 system is moved (for example due to vandalism, theft or accidents), it 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 system being stolen, the stolen system can be tracked in order to facilitate its recovery and return.

Also provided according to the present invention is a method of constructing 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 having arms 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 may also comprise the step of engaging any additional engageable means (for example lighting, warning, weighting or signage means) with said plurality of barrier panels.

Thus the present invention is useful in a wide range of environments from protecting newly painted street furniture from being contacted by passers-by, to providing signage at e.g. the scene of an incident such as an accident, to providing convenient and readily accessible facilities such as first aid. 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 1 A shows a front view of the centre panel of a half-height barrier system; Figure IB shows a front view of the left hand panel of a half-height barrier panel system; Figure 1C shows a front view of the right hand panel of a half-height barrier panel system; Figure ID shows a front view of an additional barrier panel of a half- height barrier panel system; Figure IE shows (left) the first, second and third (left, centre and right) barrier panels of a half-height barrier panel system, and (right) the first, second and third panels folded flat; Figure 2 A shows a front view of the left hand panel of a "bollard guard" barrier system; Figure 2B shows a front view of the centre hand panel of a "bollard guard" barrier panel system; Figure 2C shows a front view of the right hand panel of a "bollard guard" barrier panel system; Figure 2D shows a front view of an additional barrier panel of a "bollard guard" barrier panel system; Figure 3 A shows a front view of the left hand panel of a "post guard" barrier system; Figure 3B shows a front view of the centre panel of a "post guard" barrier panel system; Figure 3C shows a front view of the right hand panel of a "post guard" barrier panel system; Figure 3D shows a front view of an additional barrier panel of a "post guard" barrier panel system; Figure 3E shows the first, second and third (left, centre and right) barrier panels of a "post guard" banier panel system folded flat; and Figure 3F shows the first, second and third panels of a "post guard" barrier system laid out flat.

Figures 1, 2 and 3 show three differently sized barrier systems. Going from smallest to largest, we have the "half-height" system of Figure 1, the "bollard guard" system of Figure 2, and the "post guard" system of Figure 3.

As can be seen from Figures 1A-1E, "half height" barrier system 10 comprises first, second and third barrier panels 11, 12, 13 with the first and third barrier panels 11, 13 being attached to the second panel 12 via plastic hinges 20, and the first, second and third panels defining a single body 14. At the bottom of each panel 11, 12, 13 there is a curved portion 30 defining feet 31, enabling the barrier system 10 to be positioned conveniently and stably.

In order to enable the convenient transportation of the body 14, first and third panels 11, 13 define hand-holds 40 on their left, and second panel 12 defines a hand-hold 40 on its right. When the body 14 is in its folded flat configuration (Figure IE (right)) the three hand-holds 40 are arranged such that a single opening is defined through the body 14 and body 14 can be conveniently handled. First panel 11 also has extending from its exterior side (its left side) arms 50 having downwardly extending fingers 51. Arms 50 also define circular openings 52 through which can be placed locking means such as a padlock (not shown).

Third panel 13 also has vertically extending slots 60 through which arms 50 and fingers 51 can be slotted.

Barrier system 10 also comprises at least one additional panel 15 which is of the same dimensions as panels 11, 12, 13. It has on one side vertically oriented slots 60 and on the other arms 50 having downwardly extending fingers 51, arms 50 defining circular openings 52 through which can be placed locking means such as a padlock (not shown).

In use, barrier system 10 comes flat-packed and in order to place a barrier around a desired object or article (such as a piece of street furniture), barrier body 14 is unfolded to open out panels 11, 12 and 13. These can then be placed partially around the object, and then additional barrier panels 15 added until the obj ect is wholly surrounded. Panels 11, 13 and 14 are engaged with one another by placing arms 50 and fingers 51 through slots 60. Once in place, locking means (not shown) such as a padlock is placed through openings 52 and locked in place so that the barrier system cannot be disassembled.

A similar barrier system 10 is shown in Figures 2A-2D and in Figures 3 A-3F, and the same numbering is used as for Figure 1 for the sake of convenience and simplicity.

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: (i) first, second and third barrier panels, said first and seond panels being engaged with said second panel, either of said first and third polygonal panels having at least one arm extending from it, the other of said first and third panels having receiving means for receiving said at least one arm; and (ii) at least one additional barrier panel having left and right sides and having 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 another panel; said at least one arm and said receiving means of said first, third and at least one additional panel being adapted such that said at least one additional panel can receive said at least one arm of an adjacent panel and its at least one arm being receivable by an adjacent panel.

2. A barrier system according to claim 1, said receiving means comprising at least one slot, and said at least one arm being dimensioned to pass through said at least one slot.

3. A barrier system according to claim 2, said at least one slot being vertically oriented.

4. 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.

5. A barrier system according to claim 4 when dependent upon claim 2, 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.

6. 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.

7. A barrier system according to claim 6, additionally comprising at least one vertical foot extension engageable with said at least one foot.

8. 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.

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

10. A barrier system according to claim 9 when dependent upon claim 8, said at least one weighting element being engageable with said at least one opening.

11. A barrier system according to claim 10, additionally comprising locking means to prevent removal of said at least one weighting element when it is engaged with said at least one opening.

12. 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.

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

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

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

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

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

20. A method according to claim 19, additionally comprising the step of lockingly retaining at least one of said plurality of barrier panels engaged with an adjacent panel.