WO2013093451A2

WO2013093451A2 - A canopy

Info

Publication number: WO2013093451A2
Application number: PCT/GB2012/053178
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Arthur; Dean WALLEY; Graham WALMSLEY
Original assignee: Dmg Global Limited
Priority date: 2011-12-22
Filing date: 2012-12-19
Publication date: 2013-06-27
Also published as: WO2013093451A3; GB201122102D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to canopies, and in particular to foldable canopies, which can be erected on platforms adjacent railway tracks, light railway tracks, tramways, or adjacent roads, such as motorways etc. The invention also extends to methods for providing cover to passengers with shade and/or shelter from rain, snow, hot sunshine, whilst sitting or standing adjacent a railway track or a road, for example while waiting to get on a train, light rail train, tram, car or bus. The present invention is a canopy, with a moveable covering (20) connected to vertical supports (22) whereby during the erection process the canopy covering (20) moves from a near vertical folded first position to a final near horizontal second position (20) to provide cover for passengers. The canopy during erection is constructed in the safe zone at a distance from the adjacent railway tracks light railway tracks, tramways, or adjacent roads the canopy covering moves from the first position in the safe zone to arrest in the second position thus travelling into the hazard zone immediately adjacent to the railway tracks, light railway tracks, tramways, or adjacent roads. The present invention allows for the assembly and erection of the canopy to be undertaken a safe distance away from the adjacent railway tracks, light railway tracks, tramways, or adjacent roads. The horizontal cover in the second position extends over both a "hazard zone" of the platform, which is located adjacent the train track, as well as a "safe zone", which is remote from the track.

Description

A CANOPY

Technical Field

The present invention relates to canopies, and in particular to foldable canopies, which can be erected on platforms adjacent railway tracks, light railway tracks, tramways, or adjacent roads, such as motorways etc. The invention also extends to methods for providing cover to passengers sitting or standing adjacent a railway track or a road, for example while waiting to get on a train, light rail train, tram, car or bus.

Background Art

Railway station canopies are overhead structures located on platforms which are designed to provide passengers with shade and/ or shelter from rain, snow, hot sunshine etc. However, known canopies that are currently used, as shown in Figure 1, are rigid as well as notoriously hazardous to assemble on railway platforms, because they are constructed on site on the railway platform. Such canopies 1 consist of a vertically disposed support column 4, which is initially secured to the platform. Once the column is in position, a horizontally extending cover 2 must then be attached thereto. The horizontal cover 2 extends over both a "hazard zone" 6 of the platform, which is located adjacent the train track 18, as well as a "safe zone" 8, which is remote from the track 18. In order to assemble such canopies 1 on a railway platform 8, the entire installation process must take place outside the operational hours of the railway. Furthermore, attachment of the canopy's cover 2 to the support column 4 is one of the most time-consuming and expensive steps associated with the installation process.

Technical Problem

Thus, the problems associated with the installation of known canopies on rail platforms, include the risk of working next to a railway; the need to isolate rail station power supplies; the unique design of each canopy adds to the complexity of the installation process; the labour-intensive nature of the installation process; and the need for installation to proceed outside the operational hours of the railway. All of these problems make the installation of canopies on rail platforms, light rail platforms, tramways and roadsides a very slow, costly and potentially a dangerous process. However, during the installation process, engineers are permitted to work within a cordoned-off area on rail platforms, without causing station closure. This area enables safe assembly of the canopy to take place, without disrupting the access of passengers to the remainder of the platform. However, due to the safety regulations defined by the rail regulatory authority, light rail authority and tramway authority the size of this cordoned-off area is restricted. Thus, for example, while a railway platform is in use by passengers and railway staff, the cordoned-off area is precluded from being situated within 2 metres from the platform edge. Subsequently, and due to the complexity of the installation process of the known canopies, installation must occur during the few hours in which the railway, light railway or tramway is not operational.

Technical Solution

There is therefore a need to provide an improved canopy, for use on railway platforms, light railway platforms, tram platform and roadsides.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a canopy for covering a region of a railway or tramway platform or a roadside, the canopy comprising a cover support, which is arranged, in use, to be secured to the platform or roadside, and a cover, which is attached to the cover support, wherein the canopy is moveable between a first configuration in which the cover does not extend over a hazard zone disposed substantially adjacent a road or railway or tramway track, and a second configuration in which the cover extends into the hazard zone.

Advantageous Effects

Advantageously, the canopy is foldable between the two configurations in which the cover either does or does not extend into the hazard zone, thereby significantly reducing the amount of time which is required to erect the cover of the canopy outside a cordoned-off (i.e. safe-working) area of the platform or roadside. In addition, the canopy of the invention considerably reduces the overall cost and the risks associated with installation of the canopy on the platform or roadside. Accordingly, the amount of time which is required to install the canopy outside the operational hours of the railway is minimized.

The canopy is preferably arranged, in use, to cover passengers located on the platform or roadside, for example as they get on or off a vehicle, such as a train, light railway train, tram, car or bus or the like. Thus, in one embodiment, the canopy is a roadside canopy, and arranged to be installed adjacent a road, such as a motorway. In another embodiment, the canopy is a railway or tramway platform canopy, and arranged to be installed on a railway or tramway platform. In either of these embodiments, the "hazard zone" is defined as being a distance of within approximately 1, 2, 3 or 4 metres from the train/tram track or road. The safe-working area, therefore, is defined as being beyond 1,2, 3 or 4 metres from the train/tram track or road.

Preferably, the cover support comprises a base, which is permanently secured into the platform or roadside, preferably via foundations. Preferably, when secured to the platform or the roadside, the cover support is disposed substantially vertically. The length (or height) of the cover support is at least 2, 3 or 4 metres.

When in the first configuration, the cover may be disposed substantially adjacent the cover support. Thus, the canopy may be in a so-called "folded" configuration. However, when in the second configuration, the cover may extend substantially horizontally away from the cover support. In other words, the canopy may be in a so-called "unfolded" configuration. The length of the cover support is at least 2, 3 or 4 metres.

The canopy may comprise engagement means, which connects the cover to the cover support, wherein as the engagement means moves along the support, the cover is moved between the first and second configurations. The engagement means is preferably along at least a portion of the cover support, the engagement means engaging with and moving along the elongate shaft to urge the cover to move between the first and second configurations. The canopy may comprise one or more guides which hold the shaft in position adjacent the support. The shaft may comprise a screw thread, preferably on an outer surface thereof.

The engagement means may comprise a collar which extends around the shaft. The collar may comprise a screw thread, preferably on an inner surface thereof.

In use, the elongate shaft may be rotatable in one direction in order to cause the engagement means to travel up the shaft, thereby urging the cover to move from the first configuration to the second configuration. Similarly, the shaft may be rotatable in an opposite direction, thereby causing the engagement means to travel down the shaft, in order to urge the cover to move from the second configuration to the first configuration. In one embodiment (see Figures 5-7), a proximal end of the cover may be capable of moving upwardly and the distal end of the cover may be capable of moving downwardlyas the cover moves from the first to the second configuration. In another embodiment (see Figures 12-14), the proximal end of the cover may be capable of moving downwardly and the distal end of the cover may be capable of moving upwardly as the cover moves from the first to the second configuration.

The canopy may comprise actuation means, which, in use, is adapted to move the cover between the first and second configurations. The actuation means may be permanently or removably attached to the canopy, and preferably the elongate shaft. The actuation means may be arranged, in use, to rotate the elongate shaft, to cause the engagement means to travel along the shaft, and thereby fold or unfold the canopy. The actuation means may comprise a jack, for example a screw jack or a motor.

The canopy may comprise support means, which supports the cover when the cover is in the second configuration. Advantageously, and preferably, the support means is capable of preventing the cover from over-extending, beyond the second configuration. In one

embodiment, the support means may be disposed substantially above the cover, when the cover is in the second configuration. In another embodiment, the support means may be disposed substantially below the cover, when the cover is in the second configuration.

In one embodiment, a first end of the support means may be attached to the cover support, and a second end of the support means may be attached to the cover, preferably approximately midway therealong. In a second embodiment, a first end of the support means may be attached to the engagement means, and a second end of the support means may be attached to the cover, preferably approximately midway therealong. Preferably, the first end of the support means is attached to the cover support or engagement means via a hinge. Preferably, the second end of the support means is attached to the cover via a hinge. For example, the support means may comprise a bracing rod, or the like. All hinges referred to herein may be a pivot hinge.

In some embodiments, one or more canopies of the first aspect may be secured to the platform or roadside substantially adjacent each other. For example, the canopies may be secured side by side. Alternatively, the canopies may be secured back to back, i.e. with the cover support substantially adjacent each other. In such embodiments, a gutter may extend between the two canopies, preferably when the cover of each canopy is in the second configuration. Alternatively, the canopies may be secured to the platform in a staggered arrangement.

In a second aspect, there is provided use of the canopy according to the first aspect, for covering a region of a railway platform, a light railway platform, a tramway platform or a roadside.

In a third aspect, there is provided a method of covering a region of a railway or tramway platform or a roadside, the method comprising securing a cover support to the platform or roadside, and moving a cover, which is attached to the cover support, between a first configuration in which the cover does not extend into a hazard zone disposed substantially adjacent a road or railway track, and a second configuration in which the cover extends into the hazard zone.

All of the features described herein (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/ or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/ or steps are mutually exclusive.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a prior art rigid construction canopy currently in use on rail platforms;

Figures 2, 3 and 4 are schematic side views of a foldable canopy of the invention showing the principles of mechanism. Figure 2 shows the position of the foundations, Figure 3 shows the canopy in the folded configuration, and Figure 4 shows the canopy in the unfolded (i.e.

extended) configuration;

Figures 5, 6 and 7 are schematic side views of a first embodiment of the foldable canopy positioned on a rail platform in a closed, semi-extended and fully-extended position respectively; Figure 8 is an enlarged side view of a hinge of the first embodiment of the canopy shown in Figure 7. The pin joint is responsible for connecting a cover of the canopy to a collar surrounding a threaded rod connected to a canopy support column; Figure 9 is an enlarged side view of the hinge or pivot responsible for connecting the cover of the canopy to a bracing rod;

Figure 10 is an enlarged side view of the hinge or pivot responsible for connecting the bracing rod to the canopy support column;

Figure 11 is a schematic side view of two foldable canopies shown in Figure 7 (i.e. the first embodiment) located adjacent each other on a rail platform in the fully-extended position;

Figures 12, 13 and 14 are schematic side views of a second embodiment of the foldable canopy on a rail platform in a closed, semi-extended and fully-extended position respectively;

Figure 15 is an enlarged view of a hinge of the canopy shown in Figure 14. The hinge is responsible for connecting a cover of the canopy to a canopy support column; and Figure 16 is a schematic side view of two canopies shown in Figure 14 (i.e. the second embodiment) located on a rail platform in the fully-extended position.

Examples

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a prior art canopy 1 used on a rail platform, for providing protection for passengers to the elements, such as rain, snow and hot sunshine etc, as they wait to board a train 10. Such canopies 1 are constructed on site on railway platforms 6, 8, and have a vertically disposed support column 4 to which are attached horizontally extending non-foldable covers 2. The covers 2 cover both a hazard zone 6 of the platform disposed adjacent the train track 18, as well as a safe zone 8 remote from the track 18. In order to assemble such canopies 1 on a railway platform 8, the covers 2 and supports 4 must be installed outside the operational hours of the railway. Attachment of the canopy's covers 2 to the support column 4 is one of the most time-consuming and expensive steps associated with the installation process due to the limited time available to carry out installation when the trains are not in operation. In addition, it is also a potentially hazardous process due to the risks associated with working next to overhead cables 13.

The inventors have addressed these problems associated with the installation of canopies 1 on rail platforms, and have developed two embodiments of a foldable canopy 60, 70, which can be erected quickly and safely, therefore, minimising installation costs, installation times and disruption to the platform/ station. Figures 2 - 4 show the basic principles involved in the installation of a foldable canopy according to the invention on a rail platform, while Figures 5 - 11 show the first embodiment 60 of the canopy, and Figures 12— 16 show the second embodiment 70 of the canopy. Example 1— Principles of the foldable canopy (Figures 2 - 4)

Referring to Figure 2, there are shown people 12, 14 standing on a railway platform disposed adjacent a railway track 18. People 12 are located in a hazard zone 6 of the platform as they are within 2 metres from the track and thus extremely close to the trains 10, whereas people 14 are located in a safe zone 8, at least 2 metres away of the track. Before the foldable canopy can be installed, a safety cordon or barrier 16 is first positioned around the safe zone 8 in the centre of the platform. Foundations 11 are then placed into position.

Referring to Figure 3, the canopy 60 is now shown in position, installed on the platform 8. The canopy 60 consists of a vertically disposed support 22, which is securely attached to the foundations 11, and at least one foldable cover 20. During installation, the cover 20 is retained in a folded configuration, as shown in Figure 3, but, following installation, the cover 20 is then extended into an unfolded configuration, as illustrated in Figure 4.

Arrows A-D represent the action of unfolding the canopy covers 20 into the extended configuration, following which the safety cordon 16 can then be removed. Two embodiments of the foldable canopy 60, 70 will now be described in detail in the following examples.

Example 2— Elevation mechanism (Figures 5 to 11)

Referring to Figures 5-11, there are shown the first embodiment of the foldable canopy 60. The canopy 60 includes a vertically disposed canopy support column 22, which is secured to the foundations 11, and a foldable cover 20, which is foldably attached to the support column 22. One end of an elongate bracing rod 24 is pivotally connected to the distal end (i.e. top) of the support column 22 via a bracket 40 and a hinge, preferably a pivot hinge 38, which are shown in detail in Figure 10. The opposite end of the bracing rod 24 is pivotally connected approximately midway along the foldable cover 20 via a bracket 41 and hinge, preferably a pivot hinge 39, which are shown in more detail in Figure 9. Extending parallel with, and attached to, a section of the support column 22, there is provided an elongate threaded rod 30, which is retained in position adjacent the column 22 by means of an upper guide 32 (which is connected directly to an upper region of the column 22), and lower guide 34 (which is connected directly to a lower portion of the column 22). A threaded collar 26 extends around the lower end of threaded rod 30, and extending away from the collar 26, there is provided a flange 28, which is pivotally attached to the lower end of the cover 20 via a hinge, preferably a pivot hinge 37. The collar 26 is arranged to move up and down the threaded rod 30 thereby urging the cover 20 to move from the folded configuration to the extended configuration, as discussed below.

Once the canopy 60 has been installed in position to the platform 8, an operator then attaches a screw jack or motor 46 to the lower portion of the threaded rod 30, as shown in Figure 5.

Alternatively, the screw jack or motor 46 can be permanently attached to the threaded rod 30. Upon actuation of the screw jack or motor 46, the threaded rod 30 rotates, maintained in position by the upper and lower guides 32, 34. As the rod 30 rotates, the collar 26 travels up the rod 30 from a position substantially adjacent the lower guide 34 and towards the upper guide 32, as illustrated by arrow X. The movement of the collar 26, which is connected to the proximal end of the canopy cover 20 via the hinge, preferably a pivot hinge 39, causes the canopy cover 20 to unfold, while the proximal end of the canopy's cover 20 extends away from the support column 22, as illustrated by arrow Y. If necessary, the jack 46 can be arranged to rotate the rod 30 in the opposite direction in order to cause the collar 26 to move downwards in a direction opposite to that shown by arrow X, in order fold the cover 20 back to its position adjacent the column 22.

Referring to Figure 6, there is shown the first embodiment of the canopy 60 in the partially extended configuration. As can be seen, the collar 26 has reached approximately halfway up the threaded rod 30, and the cover 20 has unfolded so that it now forms an angle of about 45° with the vertical support column 22. The bracing rod 24 supports the weight of the extending cover 20. Referring to Figure 7, the canopy 60 is now shown in the fully extended configuration, with the cover 20 almost horizontal and forming an angle of about 10° with the vertical support column 22. The bracing rod 24, which is connected to the 20 top of the support column 22 via hinge, preferably a pivot hinge 38, and to the cover 20 via hinge, preferably a pivot hinge 39, is provided to prevent the canopy cover 20 from hyper-extending, and to provide rigid support for the cover 20 when it is in a fully-extended position.

Referring to Figure 8, there is shown an enlarged view of the upper portion of the threaded rod 30, which is fitted with a large nut 36, which prevents the collar 26 travelling any further upwards, and thereby also stops the cover 20 from overextending. Referring to Figure 11, there is shown two versions of the first embodiment 60 of the foldable canopy disposed adjacent each other with each cover 20 in the fully extended configuration. The two canopies 60 are arranged back to back adjacent each other on wider platforms 6, 8.

Example 3— Tilting mechanism (Figures 12— 16)

Referring to Figures 12-16, there are shown the second embodiment of the foldable canopy 70. The canopy 70 includes a vertically disposed canopy support column 22, which is secured to the foundation 11, and a foldable cover 20, which is foldably attached to the support column 22. Extending parallel with, and attached to, a section of the support column 22, there is provided an elongate threaded rod 30, which is retained in position adjacent the column 22 by means of an upper guide 32 (which is connected directly to an upper region of the column 22), and lower guide 34 (which is connected directly to a lower portion of the column 22). A threaded collar 26 extends around the lower end of threaded rod 30, and attached to the collar is a hinge, preferably a pivot hinge 72, which is pivotally attached to one end of a bracing rod 24.

The other end of the bracing rod 24 is pivotally attached to the canopy cover 20, approximately one third of the length from the proximal end, via a hinge or pivot 74. The proximal end of the canopy cover 20, is pivotally attached to the distal end of the canopy support 22, via a hinge, preferably a pivot hinge 48. The collar 26 is arranged to move up and down the threaded rod 30 thereby indirectly urging the cover 20 (via the bracing rod 24), to move from the folded configuration to the extended configuration, as described below.

As shown in Figure 15, in order to secure the canopy cover 20 to the distal end (i.e top end) of the canopy support 22, plates 50 are attached to the underside of the canopy 20, at the site where the canopy is attached to the top of the canopy support 22, using bolts 42.

Once the canopy 70 has been installed in position to the platform 8, an operator then attaches a screw jack or motor 46 to the threaded rod 30, as shown in Figure 12. Upon actuation of the screw jack or motor 46, the threaded rod 30 rotates, while maintained in position by the upper and lower guides 32, 34. As the rod 30 rotates, the collar 26 travels up the rod 30 towards the upper guide 32, as illustrated by arrow Z. The movement of the collar 26, which is connected to one end of the bracing rod 24, causes the canopy cover 20, which is connected to the other end of the bracing rod 24, to pivot around a hinge, preferably, a pivot hinge 48, and extend away from the canopy support 22 column, as illustrated by arrow F. Referring to Figure 13, there is shown the second embodiment of the canopy 70 in the partially extended configuration. As can be seen, the collar 26 is approximately halfway up the length of the threaded rod 30 between the screw jack or motor 46 and the upper guide 32, and the cover 20 has unfolded so that it now forms an angle of about 45° with the vertical support column 22. The bracing rod 24 supports the weight of the extending cover 20. Referring to Figure 14, the canopy 70 is now shown in the fully extended configuration, with the cover 20 approximately horizontal. The bracing rod 24, which is connected to the threaded collar 26 via hinge, preferably a pivot hinge 72, and to the cover 20 via hinge or pivot 74, is provided to prevent the canopy cover 20 from hyper-extending, and to provide rigid support for the cover 20 when it is in a fully-extended position.

Referring to Figure 16, there is shown two versions of the second embodiment 70 of the foldable canopy next to each other with each cover 20 in the fully extended, horizontal configuration. The mutually opposing proximal vertical surfaces of the two canopies 20, are attached to each other via a gutter 78, along which rain water can flow.

Industrial Applicability

Advantages of the foldable canopy 60, 70 of the invention reside in the fact that it can be safely installed in the safe region of the platform 6 in the folded configuration, and then easily unfolded so that the cover 20 extends into the hazard zone 6. Thus, the risks of working adjacent a railway 13 are significantly minimized and amount of time which is required to erect the cover 20 of the canopy inside the hazard area 6 of the platform is significantly reduced.

Claims

Ref; AMS-PCT-001. claims CLAIMS

1. A canopy for covering a region of a railway or tramway platform or a roadside, the canopy comprising a cover support, which is arranged, in use, to be secured to the platform or roadside, and a cover, which is attached to the cover support, wherein the canopy is moveable between a first configuration in which the cover does not extend into a hazard zone disposed substantially adjacent a road or railway or tramway track, and a second configuration in which the cover extends into the hazard zone.

2. A canopy according to claim 1, wherein the canopy is arranged, in use, to cover passengers located on the platform or roadside.

3. A canopy according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the canopy is a roadside canopy, and arranged to be installed adjacent a road, such as a motorway.

4. A canopy according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the canopy is a railway or tramway platform canopy, and arranged to be installed on a railway or tramway platform.

5. A canopy according to any preceding claim, wherein the hazard zone is defined as being a distance of within approximately 1, 2, 3 or 4 metres from the train/tram track or road.

6. A canopy according to any preceding claim wherein the cover support comprises a base, which is secured into the platform or roadside.

7. A canopy according to any preceding claim, wherein, when secured to the platform or the roadside, the cover support is disposed substantially vertically.

8. A canopy according to any preceding claim, wherein, when in the first configuration, the cover is disposed substantially adjacent the cover support.

9. A canopy according to any preceding claim, wherein, when in the second configuration, the cover extends substantially horizontally away from the cover support.

10. A canopy according to any preceding claim, wherein the canopy comprises engagement means, which connects the cover to the cover support, wherein as the engagement means moves along the support, the cover is moved between the first and second configurations.

11. A canopy according to any preceding claim, wherein the engagement means is attached to the cover, via a hinge.

12. A canopy according to either claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the canopy comprises an elongate shaft which extends along at least a portion of the cover support, the engagement means engaging with and moving along the elongate shaft to urge the cover to move between the first and second configurations.

13. A canopy according to claim 12, wherein the canopy comprises one or more guides which hold the shaft in position adjacent the support.

14. A canopy according to either claim 12 or 13, wherein the shaft comprises a screw thread, preferably on an outer surface thereof.

15. A canopy according to any one of claims 12 - 14, wherein the engagement means comprises a collar which extends around the shaft.

16. A canopy according to claim 15, wherein the collar comprises a screw thread, preferably on an inner surface thereof.

17. A canopy according to any one of claims 12 - 16, wherein, in use, the elongate shaft is rotatable in one direction in order to cause the engagement means to travel up the shaft, thereby urging the cover to move from the first configuration to the second configuration.

18. A canopy according to claim 17, wherein in use, the shaft is rotatable in an opposite direction, thereby causing the engagement means to travel down the shaft, in order to urge the cover to move from the second configuration to the first configuration.

19. A canopy according to any preceding claim, wherein a proximal end of the cover is capable of moving upwardly and the distal end of the cover is capable of moving downwardly as the cover moves from the first to the second configuration.

20. A canopy according to claim 19, wherein the proximal end of the cover is capable of moving downwardly and the distal end of the cover is capable of moving upwardly as the cover moves from the first to the second configuration.

21. A canopy according to any preceding claim, wherein the canopy comprises actuation means, which, in use, is adapted to move the cover between the first and second configurations.

22. A canopy according to claim 21, wherein the actuation means is permanently or removably attached to the canopy, and preferably the elongate shaft.

23. A canopy according to either claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the actuation means is arranged, in use, to rotate the elongate shaft, to cause the engagement means to travel along the shaft, and thereby fold or unfold the canopy.

24. A canopy according to any one of claims 21 - 23, wherein the actuation means comprise a jack, for example a screw jack or a motor.

25. A canopy according to any preceding claim, wherein the canopy comprises support means, which supports the cover when the cover is in the second configuration.

26. A canopy according to claim 25, wherein the support means is capable of preventing the cover from over-extending, beyond the second configuration.

27. A canopy according to either claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the support means is disposed substantially above the cover, when the cover is in the second configuration.

28. A canopy according to either claims 25 or claim 26, wherein the support means is disposed substantially below the cover, when the cover is in the second configuration.

29. A canopy according to any one of claims 25 - 28, wherein a first end of the support means is attached to the cover support, and a second end of the support means is attached to the cover, approximately midway therealong.

30. A canopy according to any one of claims 25 - 28, wherein a first end of the support means is attached to the engagement means, and a second end of the support means is attached to the cover, approximately midway therealong.

31. A canopy according to any one of claims 25 - 30, wherein the first end of the support means is attached to the cover support or engagement means via a hinge.

32. A canopy according to claim 31, wherein the second end of the support means is attached to the cover via a hinge.

33. A canopy according to any one of claims 25 - 32, wherein the support means comprises a bracing rod, or the like.

34. Use of the canopy according to any one of claims 1— 33, for covering a region of a railway platform, a light railway platform, a tramway platform or a roadside.

35. A method of covering a region of a railway or tramway platform or a roadside, the method comprising securing a cover support to the platform or roadside, and 5 moving a cover, which is attached to the cover support, between a first configuration in which the cover does not extend into a hazard zone disposed substantially adjacent a road or railway track, and a second configuration in which the cover extends into the hazard zone.