WO2009093003A1

WO2009093003A1 - Barrier system

Info

Publication number: WO2009093003A1
Application number: PCT/GB2009/000091
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fergus Johnathan Ardern
Original assignee: Fergus Johnathan Ardern
Priority date: 2008-01-21
Filing date: 2009-01-14
Publication date: 2009-07-30
Also published as: GB2456575B; GB0801030D0; GB2456575A

Abstract

A ground-standing barrier system comprising a panel portion comprising a front face and a substantially opposing back face each extending between a top end and a substantially opposing bottom end of the panel, said panel portion having at least one foot portion receiver, and bearing at least one connector so configured as to allow the connection of a first barrier panel to one or more other barrier panels and at least one foot portion comprising a ground engaging portion and a panel engaging portion, said panel engaging portion having at least two members defining a space in between the members, both space and members being sized so as to receive and support a foot portion receiver of the panel in the space between the first member and the second member and wherein when the foot portion receiver is so placed, the first member extends up a first face of the panel portion and the second member extends up the other face of the panel portion.

Description

BARRIER SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a ground-standing barrier system and more particularly to portable, reusable control barrier systems of a modular type.

Review of art known to the applicant and problems to be solved

Barrier systems are known generally and have a variety of functions. A first function is to direct traffic, such as a crowd of people or a herd of animals, into a given channel and in a given direction. A second function is that they are used to keep such crowds and herds away from other areas by making access difficult. In fulfilling these two functions, such barrier systems separate the accessible area from forbidden and/or dangerous regions. Such a barrier might be employed in the context of a sports or entertainment event.

A variety of barriers has been contrived to fulfil these functions. A summary of the different extant types of said barriers, is found in patent application US 2002/0014619 Al, which teaches:

"[0006] Conventional control barriers have long comprised individual sawhorse type barriers and collapsible V-shape barricades. Such barriers, however, are generally lightweight and are easily tipped over. As a result, conventional control barriers have limited use in situations where crowds may be pushing against the barriers or where it is likely that the barriers may be impacted. In addition, such barriers are typically made of non-flexible metals or wood and have sharp corners. Accordingly, such structures pose a potential risk to crowds, athletes, or the like who may be pushed or otherwise come in contact with the barriers. Furthermore, such barriers are typically not connected and often have spaces or gaps extending therethrough. As such, it is possible for individuals to either slip between or through the barriers. [0007] In one alternative embodiment, concrete barriers have been used. Although concrete barriers are not easily tipped over, such barriers are extremely heavy. As such, they are difficult to move and place in a desired location. Often, special equipment such as fork lifts or cranes are required. Furthermore, concrete barriers require a large storage area, are difficult and expensive to move over large distances, and are difficult to dispose of once they are damaged or begin to fail. Finally, concrete barriers can be dangerous in that they are rigid and non-forgiving when impacted by a person or object. [0008] Other barriers comprise various gate or wall configurations. Such barriers, however, require extensive time to assemble and disassemble. Most gate or wall configurations have integral legs to provide stability. These configurations are typically cumbersome and bulky and not easily stackable. Conventional wall barriers must be stored in an upright position, thus requiring a large amount of space. Furthermore, when such barriers are stacked, it becomes easy for one of the barriers to fall from the stack, thus posing a danger to the people working with the barriers and to innocent passer sby. A crowd control barrier can easily weigh between 25 and 75 pounds. Thus, it would be an improvement in the art to have a crowd control barrier which is easily assembled and disassembled and, when storage, takes up a minimal amount of space. "

It is an object of the invention, amongst others, to present a solution to these and other problems. Summary of the invention

In a first aspect, the invention comprises a ground-standing barrier system comprising a panel portion comprising a front face and a substantially opposing back face each extending between a top end and a substantially opposing bottom end of the panel, said panel portion having at least one foot portion receiver, and bearing at least one connector so configured as to allow the connection of a first barrier panel to one or more other barrier panels, and at least one foot portion comprising a ground engaging portion and a panel engaging portion, said panel engaging portion having at least two members defining a space in between the members, both space and members being sized so as to receive and support a foot portion receiver of the panel in the space between the first member and the second member and wherein when the foot portion receiver is so placed, the first member extends up a first face of the panel portion and the second member extends up the other face of the panel portion.

This configuration of features provides a number of advantages over the prior art. First, the manner in which the members of the foot portion extend up the sides of the panel helps to keep the panel rigid. The panel can therefore be manufactured more thinly. That it can be made thinly means that it is cheaper to make and is lighter than a thicker barrier of the same substance.

The fact that the foot portion and the panel portion may be disengaged from each other makes the invention easier to transport than many crowd barriers. Effectively, the invention can be flat packed after each use.

That the barrier system is a simple modular system means that it is also markedly easier to assemble and disassemble than crowd barriers featured in the prior art, which may feature a plurality of components. This very simplicity further imparts a degree of sturdiness to construction, rendering it harder to tamper with than barriers with a large number of parts, particularly small parts. In a first embodiment the releasable attachment means for attaching the panel portion to the foot portion are provided.

The provision of releasable attachment means is advantageous because the foot and panel portions may be held in position in relation to each other, but may still be easily disassembled.

In a second embodiment, when a foot portion receiver is engaged with a panel engaging portion, the foot portion cannot be rotated in relation to the panel portion.

This is advantageous over the prior art, such as US 6676113, which feature rotatable foot portions, because the resultant structure cannot be rotated and can therefore be said to have a more stable base. In particular, an unauthorised user who might comprise part of an unruly crowd cannot use the rotation of the foot portion to undermine the barrier. The rotating point in the prior art is a weak point in the construction and invites manipulation in such a way that the barrier is likely to fail. The present invention has none of those weaknesses because the foot portion cannot be rotated; therefore its footprint cannot be reduced.

In a third embodiment, when the foot portion receiver or receivers is so arranged on the panel portion that when a first barrier system is connected to a second barrier system via one or more connectors and said first barrier system is further placed at an angle to the second barrier system, the ground engaging portion of the first barrier system is not brought into contact with the ground engaging portion of the second system.

This allows the barrier system to be arranged in a zigzag or polygonal fashion without the foot portions of different barriers being brought into contact with each other. This advantage markedly improves the stability of the barrier.

In a fourth embodiment, the foot portion further comprises an arch which terminates at each opposite end with a foot which is slotted to allow for fixation of the barrier system. The provision of an arch allows for the foot portion to have more than one point of contact with the ground. This may be useful when a part of the ground is unstable, or when the weight of the barrier must otherwise be spread.

A foot with an arch is particularly advantageous when it comes to spanning holes such as trenches, as each impost of the arch may be placed at a side of the hole, so that the barrier may stand over the hole rather than around it. This saves significantly on the number of barriers that may be used to cover trenches and the like and also reduces the likelihood of an object falling into said trench, since the barrier effectively covers the trench rather than merely circumscribing it.

In crowd situations, the barrier is likely to be placed under a considerable amount of compression. The arch is an advantageous shape to utilise in a crowd barrier because it is particular strong under compression.

In a fifth embodiment, the foot portion comprises an arch and the arch is spanned by a cross-beam.

The cross beam is advantageous because it allows for the strengthening of the arch under compression and also under tensile stress.

The cross beam is further advantageous because it is a particularly effective feature for hanging items from, such as one or more lights or a tarpaulin for covering a hole.

In a sixth embodiment, the releasable attachment means comprises the first and second members of the panel engaging portion.

This is particularly advantageous because the integration of the attachment means into the first and second members of the panel-engaging portion means that they will be less likely to break off. In a seventh embodiment, the panel portion comprises one or more wind ports which interact with parts of the foot portion in providing releasable attachment means.

There are three clear advantages to the provision of wind ports. The first is that they reduce wind resistance. This makes the panel less likely to blow over. Second, the provision of wind ports enables the panel to be built with a lighter construction. This advantage may be further enhanced by the provision of wind ports in the foot portion. Third, the provision of wind ports provides means for passing items through the barrier, aiding, for example, the attachment of billboards to the barrier, or the use of the wind ports in conjunction with, for example a length of rope in order to tie barrier elements together for stacking or transport.

In an eighth embodiment, one or more catches is configured to fit into a wind port of a panel.

This is particularly advantageous, because it dispenses with the need to provide separate features for the catch, which in some embodiments comprises the releasable attachment means, to catch on to. This has the added advantage of further simplifying the construction of the barrier system.

In a ninth embodiment the catches can fit into respective wind ports spaced — in use — along the height of the panel, thereby rendering the barrier of adjustable height.

The provision of means to make the barrier of adjustable height is of particular advantage because it increases the number of configurations of the barrier system available to the user. While this is useful to make barriers of adjustable, uniform height, it is also particularly useful for making barriers where the terrain is uneven, since the height of the barriers can be adjusted to match said uneven terrain.

In a tenth embodiment, the foot portion is of a single piece construction and the said members receiving and supporting the foot portion receiver are resiliency separable. A single piece foot portion is particularly advantageous because it allows for quicker and cheaper construction of said portion. Further, it means that there are no joining lines in the portion and therefore no lines of weakness, which is of particular advantage given that when used with crowds, the barrier is likely to be placed under considerable stress.

A single piece construction is further useful vis a vis a particularly truculent crowd in that it is harder to break because it cannot be disassembled.

That the members are resiliently separable allows for the catch to be disengaged and re- engaged with the wind ports simply by moving the members. This allows for the manual adjustment of the barriers, and that is advantageous because it means that there are no tools required in the assembly of the barrier.

In an eleventh embodiment, the foot portion receiver of the panel ratchets into and out of position between its receiving members.

The provision of a ratcheting motion is useful in that it allows for the quick and easy positioning of a crowd barrier at a required height. It also provides means of ensuring quick uniformity along a given barrier.

The invention also comprises a ground-standing barrier system substantially as described herein, with reference to and as illustrated by any appropriate combination of figure 1-7 and 9.

In a twelfth embodiment the panel portion comprises one or more wind ports which are generally regularly spaced across the panel.

In a second aspect, the invention comprises a foot portion comprising a ground engaging portion and a panel engaging portion, said panel engaging portion having at least two members defining a space in between the members, both space and members being sized so as to receive and support a foot portion receiver of the panel in the space between the first member and the second member and wherein when the foot portion receiver is so placed, the first member extends up a first face of the panel portion and the second member extends up the other face of the panel portion, suitable for use with a ground- standing barrier system according to any of the preceding claims.

In a third aspect, the invention comprises a panel portion comprising a front face and a substantially opposing back face each extending between a top end and a substantially opposing bottom end of the panel, said panel portion having at least one foot portion receiver, and bearing a least one connector so configured as to allow the connection of a first barrier panel to one or more other barrier panels suitable for use with a ground- standing barrier system.

The provision of separate panels and feet according to any of claims 1-13 advantageously takes advantage of the modular construction of the crowd barrier in that (for example) different thicknesses, heights and footprints of barrier may be constructed in order that different user needs may be catered for.

In a fourth aspect, the invention comprises a panel portion comprising a front face and a substantially opposing back face each extending between a top end and a substantially opposing bottom end of the panel, said panel portion having at least one foot portion receiver, and bearing at least one connector so configured as to allow the connection of a first barrier panel to one or more other barrier panels for use in a ground-standing barrier system according to any of the preceding claims characterised by the provision of a plurality of foot portion receivers spaced asymmetrically about the panel's mid-length.

Certain configurations of foot portion receivers allow the barrier system to be arranged in a zig zag or polygonal fashion without the foot portions of different barriers being brought into contact with each other.

Brief description of the drawings

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a ground standing barrier system.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a panel portion.

Figure 3 is a side view of a plurality of panel portions in a first formation.

Figure 4 is a side view of a plurality of panel portions in a second formation.

Figure 5 is a side view of a plurality of panel portions in a third formation.

Figure 6 is a side view of a plurality of panel portions in a fourth formation.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a foot portion.

Figure 8 is a top-down view of a prior art crowd barrier.

Figure 9 is a top-down view of a ground standing crowd barrier of the invention.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

In broad terms the preferred embodiments show a barrier system in which a foot portion receives and embraces the panel portion in the gap between two panel engaging members and the foot portion positively cannot be rotated in relation to the panel portion. The panel is embraced by and received between the two uprights of a receiving portion. This will become apparent in what follows. The invention comprises a ground standing barrier system 10, as shown in a simple form in the embodiment in figure 1. The crowd barrier comprises a panel portion 12 and a foot portion 14 which may be configured in the manner shown to form the barrier system 10. Alternatively, panel portion 12 and foot portion 14 may be detached from one another, facilitating for example, that the panel portion 12 and foot portion 14 may be stored, either separately or together. The barrier system in this embodiment stands at approximately 90 centimetres high and about 120 centimetres wide, with a depth of approximately 10 centimetres. It is envisaged that, to create a usable crowd barrier, the height of panel portions 12 will be at least in excess of 50cm, and preferably greater than 75cm or even 100cm. It is further envisaged that the width of panel portions 12 will be in excess of 90cm, and preferably greater than 100cm or even 150cm.

Panel portion 12 has a thin, substantially box-shaped configuration that includes a front face 16 with a substantially opposing back face 18 (not shown). In this embodiment, the faces 16 18 have a substantially rectangular configuration.

Panel portion 12 also includes a top end 20 having a top surface 22 located thereat and an opposing bottom end 24 with a bottom surface 26 located thereat. A first sidewall 28 is located at a first side 30 of the panel portion wall while a second sidewall 32 is located at an opposing second side 34 Although front face 16, back face 18, top surface 22 bottom surface 26 and the sidewalls 28, 32 are shown as being either vertically or horizontally disposed, each of these can also be selectively sloped at a desired angle.

In the embodiment shown at figure 2, the aforementioned rectangular configuration is not solid, but rather comprises a perimeter 36 which in this configuration is rectangular, but may advantageously be of another shape deemed suitable by the man skilled in the art. Inside perimeter 36, there is a network of intersecting beams 38. In this embodiment, said network of beams 38 runs from first sidewall 28 to second sidewall 32 and top end 20 to bottom end 24. Rectangular perimeter 36 has corners 40. The external aspect 42 of each of the corners 40 is rounded. This is advantageous in that it removes what would otherwise be sharp corners which could possibly injure a person or animal leaning on the barrier system 10. The internal aspect 44 of each of the corners 40 features a reinforcement web 46 which advantageously serve to strengthen the panel portion 12.

Also attached to perimeter 36 is tab 126. This may advantageously be used to aid the user in carrying the panel portion 12 in which case it might be roughened, perforated or otherwise be treated in a manner known to the skilled man. Alternatively, and as in the embodiment shown, it may be used as a display tab, for branding, advertising and the like. Display tab 126 is shown having a substantially rectangular configuration. In alternative embodiments, display tab 126 can have other geometrical configurations such as circular, triangular and square configurations. Display tab 126 may be used to exhibit display 48. Display 48 may be made of paper, plastic, cardboard, or the like and may comprise text or other markings. In other embodiments display tab 126 might have display 48 stamped on it using a known technique. Alternative display means known to the skilled man may also be fitted.

The network of intersecting beams 38 in the embodiment of the panel portion 12 shown in figure 2 comprises a single lateral beam 50 and nine longitudinal beams 52, although numbers of both types may be varied. Slanted and angled beams are also envisaged. The intersecting beams define apertures 54, which in this embodiment are advantageously sized so as to ensure that the head of a child could not fit into one. Different sizes and shapes may be desirable for particular users. The provision of apertures 54 makes the panel portion 12 cheaper and more environmentally friendly to manufacture, because it uses less material. It is also advantageous because it makes for a lighter panel portion. Each of the beams 50 52 and the perimeter 36 comprises raised sides 56 58 and an inset middle 60. Raised sides 56 58 are raised at both front face 16 and back face 18. At each intersection 62 between a lateral beam 50 and a longitudinal beam 52, it is noted that raised sections 56 58 of the aforementioned beams overlap. Thus, intersection 62 is advantageously a point of strength in the construction.

This embodiment of the invention also features a plurality of wind ports 64 each of which takes the form of an aperture extending through panel portion 12 from front face 16 to back face 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the wind ports 64 are generally regularly spaced, in order to advantageously ensure a uniformity of structural strength across panel portion 12. Still more advantageously, in this embodiment of the panel portion 12, wind ports 64 are absent from the corners 40 of the panel portion 12, which ensures that the corners 40 are stronger than the rest of the panel portion 12. A further advantage is noted in the circular shape of the wind port 64, which is structurally strong.

The panel portion 12 also features foot portion receivers 66. In this embodiment two are

^ shown, although embodiments with a plurality or only one foot portion receiver 66 may also be envisaged. In this embodiment, the foot portion receivers 66 are advantageously integrated into longitudinal beams 52. Here, each foot portion receiver 66 comprises an indentation 68 in the perimeter 36 of each of the front face 16 and the back face 18 connecting to channel 70 defined by raised sides 56 58 and inset middle 60. Notably in this embodiment, said channel 70 of the foot portion receiver 66 has fewer wind ports 64 than feature in the other longitudinal beams 58 and further that there are two enlarged wind ports 72 featured. In some embodiments, said enlarged wind ports 72 will interact with parts of the foot portion 14 in providing releasable attachment means. In other embodiments the standard wind ports 64 will also play this role.

In some embodiments where there is more than one foot portion receiver 66 it is advantageous to space said foot portion receivers 66 asymmetrically about the mid length of panel portion 12. This is the case in Figure 2. In this way, it is ensured that the ground engaging portions on two adjacent, connected panels do not hit each other when the panels are rotated about their point of connection. At figure 8 there is a prior art barrier system 200, comprising two barrier modules 202 204. First barrier module 202 has a panel portion 206 and two symmetrically spaced ground engaging portions 208 210. It is joined to second barrier module 204 by fastener 212. Second barrier module 204 has the same features as first barrier module, notably a second set of symmetrically spaced ground engaging portions 214 216. Because of the relative placement of ground engaging portions 210 214, ground engaging portion 214 overlies ground engaging portion 210, leading to instability of barrier system 200. Figure 9 shows a barrier system embodying the invention 10, with ground engaging portions 218 220 which do not overlie each other due to their asymmetrical spacing about the mid length of their respective panel portions 12 with regard to ground engaging portions 222 and 224. Barrier system 10 is therefore far more stable. In the general case, at least one of any foot portion 14 located nearest an end of a panel portion 12 should be mounted or mountable at a distance from the end of the panel portion 12 equal to or greater than the distance that a foot portion 14 extends from a face 16,18 of the panel portion 12. To achieve this, the foot receiving portion 66 of the panel portion 12 should be so located on the panel portion 12, once the dimensions of an intended corresponding foot portion 14 are known.

Returning to figure 2, panel portion 12 further comprises a connector 74, which in this embodiment of the invention comprises a male portion 16 and a female portion 78. The male portion 76 of the connector 74 comprises a central hub 80 attached to perimeter 38, with a rod piece 82. The rod piece 82 in this embodiment has a four vane cross-section 84, although other cross-sections within the contemplation of the man skilled in the art may be utilised. Notably, the rod piece 82 comprises upper protrusion 104 and lower protrusion 106, either of which may be mated with female portion 78. The female portion 78 comprises a second hub 86 through which rod piece receiving aperture 88 runs. Said aperture 88 is suitably sized and shaped to form a rotating, frictional fit with rod piece 82 when the rod is inserted. Effectively, a hinge is formed. Other types of fit may be substituted, but a rotating, frictional fit is particularly advantageous because, in use, it enables a plurality of barrier portions 12 to be attached to each other and to be arranged in a chosen formation while still having a degree of resistance to the deformation of the chosen shape of the formation allowing it to withstand sudden knocks or pressure from a crowd, for example.

In the embodiment illustrated at figure 2, there are notably two each of male portion 76 and female portion 78. Although different numbers of each of the portions 76, 78 may be substituted, two of each is particularly advantageous because it provides for lateral stability when a plurality of barrier portions 12 are fitted together, while remaining relatively easy to assemble and disassemble. Because the rod piece 82 comprises not only an upper protrusion 104 but also a lower protrusion 106, protruding from the hub 80, barrier portions 12 can be configured in a variety of ways, as shown in figures 3-6.

In figure 3, we note a plurality of panel portions 94, comprising a first panel portion 96, a second panel portion 98 and a third panel portion 100. They are arranged in such a manner that they run substantially parallel to plane 102. They are so arranged that the lower protrusion 106 of a first male portion 110 is mated with a first female portion 112, and the lower protrusion 106 of a second male portion 114 is mated with a second female portion 116.

In figure 4, the same plurality of barrier portions 94 has been rearranged so as to overcome an obstacle 118. The lower protrusions 106 of first and second male portions 110 114 of the second panel portion 98 are arranged so as to be engaged with the first and second female portions 112 116 of the first panel portion 96, although notably the central hubs of first and second male portions 110 114 do not abut first and second female portions 112 116. The upper protrusions 104 of first and second male portions 110 114 of third panel portion 100 are connected to first and second female portions 112 116 of second panel portion 98.

In figures 5 and 6 we see alternative configurations in which the same plurality of panel portions 94 may be arranged so as to follow a slope - in figure 5 an uphill slope 120 and in figure 6 a downhill slope 122.

Returning to figure 2, in this embodiment panel portion 12 further comprises a pair of holes 124 in both male portion 76 and female portion 78. These holes 124 can accept ties (not shown) which may advantageously be used to attach a panel portion to another panel portion or to the surrounding environment.

Figure 7 shows generally a foot portion 14 for use as part of a barrier system 10. It comprises a ground engaging portion 128 and a panel engaging portion 130. In this example, the panel engaging portion 130 has two members - a first member 132 and a second member 134 - that in this embodiment are elongate and substantially parallel to one another. The two members 132, 134 define a space 136 which in this embodiment is a channel. Space 136 is so sized as to accept channel 70 of panel portion 12. The entrance 138 to space 136 is advantageously widened at the tip of the two members 132 134, making it easier for panel portion 12 to be brought into contact with foot portion 14. The members 132 134 in this embodiment are of a length whereby, when the panel portion 12 is placed in space 136, members 132 134 extend up substantially 30% of panel portion 12. In other embodiments, members 132, 134 may extend all the way up to 100% of panel portion 12. It is suggested that embodiments where members 132 134 extend up between 40% and 60 % of panel portion 12 are of particular advantage because they provide and optimum degree of rigidity in the barrier system 10 when it is fully assembled. The foot portion 14 shown in figure 7 is of an integral, which is to say one-piece, construction.

The space is further defined in this embodiment by releasable attachment means which here comprises a spike 140 and groove 142 formation. Notably in this embodiment there are two such spike 140 and groove 142 formations in space 136, with the formation nearest entrance 138 to space 136 arranged so that the groove 142 is on first member 132 and spike 140 is on second member 134, whereas the formation furthest from entrance 138 features the groove 142 on second member 134 and the spike 140 on first member 132. In use channel 70 is slotted into space 136 and the spike 140 and groove 142 formations provide attachment means, which are releasable. Spike 140 fits into wind port 64, 72 holding the panel portion 12 in the desired place in space 136. In other embodiments, the frictional fit of panel portion 12 between members 132 134 will be considered constitutive of releasable attachment means.

Advantageously first member 132 and second member 134 are wider at the points 144 144A at which they meet panel engaging portion 130 than at upper end 146 nearest the entrance 138. It should be noted that upper end 140 is flat and not pointed, which again, is preventative of injuries to individuals which may arise from the surge of a crowd. In order to release panel portion 12 from foot portion 14, the two members 132, 134 should be pulled apart. Advantageously, the grooves 142 in this embodiment are so sized as to allow a person's hand to fit into them. Further, the cut-out construction 148 and raised edges 150 allow a further purchase to be obtained through the grasping of the members 132, 134 themselves.

Adjacent the points at which first and second members 132, 134 meet ground engaging portion 128 are fillets 152. These advantageously strengthen the point of meeting, which is of particularly advantage because in use first and second members 132 134 are often forced apart in order to introduce panel portion 12 into space 136, or to disengage panel portion 12 from foot portion 14.

Ground engaging portion 128 comprises an arch 180 the apex of which features a panel rest 154. In use, panel portion 12 is engaged between two members 132 and 134. Bottom face 24 of panel portion 12 rests on this. Arch 180 terminates at each end with a foot 156. Each foot features a two toe design 158. Said design advantageously allows for the placement of a bolt between said toes which is useful in the fixation of the barrier system 10. Also of note is cross beam 160 which serves to strengthen arch 180. Cross beam 160 features wind ports 64 which have the additional use of being able to accept ropes and such like which may bear advertisements, a tarpaulin or another such object known to the man skilled in the art.

In some preferred embodiments, the barrier system 10 will comprise a ratchet mechanism which will allow the user to adjust the height of said barrier system 10 by adjusting the relationship between panel portion 12 and members 132 134 of foot portion 14. This may be facilitated by fashioning wind ports 64 in channel 70 to interact with spike 140 and groove 142 in the manner of a ratchet mechanism, so that each wind port 64 (or enlarged wind port 72) in channel 70 acts as a notch and spike 140 acts as a pawl.

In some preferred embodiments, one or both of the panel portion 12 and the foot portion 14 are made from plastic using an injection moulding process. The plastic used is preferably resiliently deformable having properties of strength, semi-rigidity and energy absorbance. Materials of manufacture may therefore include linear or cross link plastics. Examples of appropriate plastics include polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polypropylene and polycarbonate. Reinforcements, such as fibres and additives such as dyes and pigments can also be added to the material. Luminescent dyes may be added to the barrier system 10 to make it glow at night for better direction of traffic. The material can also be selected to enable old or broken barriers to be ground down and recycled into new barriers. It is also appreciated that the barrier system 10 can be made from wood, metal, composites or any other desired material.

Claims

1 A ground-standing barrier system comprising:

a panel portion comprising a front face and a substantially opposing back face each extending between a top end and a substantially opposing bottom end of the panel, said panel portion having at least one foot portion receiver, and bearing at least one connector so configured as to allow the connection of a first barrier panel to one or more other barrier panels;

and at least one foot portion comprising a ground engaging portion and a panel engaging portion, said panel engaging portion having at least two members defining a space in between the members, both space and members being sized so as to receive and support a foot portion receiver of the panel in the space between the first member and the second member and wherein when the foot portion receiver is so placed, the first member extends up a first face of the panel portion and the second member extends up the other face of the panel portion.

2 A ground-standing barrier system according to claim 1 further comprising releasable attachment means for attaching the panel portion to the foot portion.

3 A ground-standing barrier system according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when a foot portion receiver is engaged with a panel engaging portion, the foot portion cannot be rotated in relation to the panel portion.

4 A ground-standing barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein when the foot portion receiver or receivers is so arranged on the panel portion that when a first barrier system is connected to a second barrier system via one or more connectors and said first barrier system is further placed at right angles to the second barrier system, the ground engaging portion of the first barrier system is not brought into contact with the ground engaging portion of the second system. 5 A ground-standing barrier system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the foot portion further comprises an arch which terminates at each opposite end with a foot which is slotted to allow for fixation of the barrier system.

6 A ground-standing barrier system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the foot portion comprises an arch and the arch is spanned by a cross-beam.

7 A ground-standing barrier system according to any of claims 2 to 6 wherein the releasable attachment means comprises the first and second members of the panel engaging portion.

8 A ground-standing barrier system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the panel portion comprises one or more wind ports which interact with parts of the foot portion in providing releasable attachment means.

9 A ground-standing barrier system according to claim 8 wherein one or more catches is configured to fit into a wind port of a panel.

10 A ground-standing barrier system according to claim 9 wherein the catches can fit into respective wind ports spaced — in use — along the height of the panel, thereby rendering the barrier of adjustable height.

11 A ground-standing barrier system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the foot portion is of a single piece construction and the said members receiving and supporting the foot portion receiver are resiliently separable.

12 A ground-standing barrier system according to any of the preceding claims characterised in that the foot portion receiver of the panel ratchets into and out of position between its receiving members.

13 A ground-standing barrier system substantially as described herein, with reference to and as illustrated by any appropriate combination of figures 1-7 and 9. 14 A ground standing barrier system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the panel portion comprises one or more wind ports which are generally regularly spaced across the panel portion.

15 A foot portion comprising a ground engaging portion and a panel engaging portion, said panel engaging portion having at least two members defining a space in between the members, both space and members being sized so as to receive and support a foot portion receiver of the panel in the space between the first member and the second member and wherein when the foot portion receiver is so placed, the first member extends up a first face of the panel portion and the second member extends up the other face of the panel portion, suitable for use with a ground-standing barrier system according to any of the preceding claims.

16 A panel portion comprising a front face and a substantially opposing back face each extending between a top end and a substantially opposing bottom end of the panel, said panel portion having at least one foot portion receiver, and bearing a least one connector so configured as to allow the connection of a first barrier panel to one or more other barrier panels suitable for use with a ground-standing barrier system according to any of claims 1 - 13.

17 A panel portion comprising a front face and a substantially opposing back face each extending between a top end and a substantially opposing bottom end of the panel, said panel portion having at least one foot portion receiver, and bearing at least one connector so configured as to allow the connection of a first barrier panel to one or more other barrier panels for use in a ground-standing barrier system according to any of the preceding claims characterised by the provision of a plurality of foot portion receivers spaced asymmetrically about the panel's mid-length.