Abstract:
A collapsible barrier system that is lightweight and meets existing safety regulations is disclosed. The barrier system has support members that are hinged to form a three dimensional structure. The structure may also have handles used in deployment and transportation of the barrier and vertical posts that support a web providing both additional structure as well as a message medium. The system can be used in a variety of temporary barrier applications both indoors and outdoors and may be enhanced with audio and/or illuminated signals.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention is directed to portable safety barriers used to re-direct people and traffic.  
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention claims priority of a previously filed Provisional application filed on Oct. 4, 2003 (Ser. No. 60/513,890)  
         [0003]     The present invention relates in general to defining perimeters such as those for work-safety zones. In particular this invention presents a portable free-standing collapsible barrier system, which can be modular and interlocking, for use in directing the public past temporary work sites involving general construction, servicing utilities, maintaining roads, sidewalks, trees and similar activities.  
         [0004]     While temporary safety barriers of various kinds have been used at outdoor and indoor work locations for many years to delineate an area against vehicle or personal entry, presently available systems have a number of drawbacks. It is desirable to have lightweight barriers that are still stable. Therefore a ways to fill barriers on a site with water or other heavy material such as sand have been provided. One instance of this approach is the US patent of Rittenhouse (U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,353), incorporated herein by reference. Another approach is to use legs that can be rotated into an extended position as in US patent of Christensen (U.S. Pat. No. 6,676,113), incorporated herein by reference. Both disclosures use rigid sections between end posts.  
         [0005]     Still another approach emphasized safety barriers of a lattice type as described and referenced in US patent of White and Polkinghorne (U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,592), incorporated herein by reference. In this disclosure, vertical end pieces are connected to a collapsible/expandable lattice structure of slats that close together in a scissors fashion. A handle is provided for carrying the barrier in a collapsed mode. It further has a detachable base unit in the form of an inverted T including a stem that telescopically engages with a respective upright. Thumbscrews lock the base unit in position. It further discloses a combined flag and lamp bracket and/or a means to hang a sign.  
         [0006]     A barrier with signaling is described by Hincher in two US patents (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,691,467 and 6,079,157), incorporated herein by reference. Hincher&#39;s barrier includes an electrically operated light arranged to illuminate the barrier directly and/or to project a visible signal away from the barrier. The barrier includes an electrical system having a battery or plug and cord to supply power, controls and conductors connecting the light, power source, and controls.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present system provides a barrier that is lightweight, portable, and collapsible, yet designed to provide a stable framework for conveying messages and restricting access. The system may be enhanced with audible and/or visual alarms.  
         [0008]     In a first aspect, the present invention provides a portable barrier having an end piece connected to a collapsible/expandable lattice structure comprised of supports that close together in a scissors fashion. A handle is provided carrying the barrier in its collapsed mode, along with a means to secure it in the collapsed mode and one or more grips to assist in deploying and collapsing the barrier from a single point. The disclosed structure forms three-dimensional barrier, since the supports both open up lengthwise from a primary end piece and widthwise to the sides forming two or more “A” shaped structures that inter-connect with other frame members. The “A” type structures provide for increased stability while in the deployed mode.  
         [0009]     In a second aspect, the invention provides an expandable safety barrier with an open frame made of members attached at the top and linked near the center by braces. The braces are hinged so they collapse with the barrier and extend with and lock when deployed. A safety and functional advantage of the hinges is gained when they have double pivot points around two ends of a short center section and rotation of the cross members is limited.  
         [0010]     In a third aspect of the present invention, some supports have short extensions that protrude at an angle in such a way as to become vertical when the barrier is deployed and provide for support of a banner or other display signage. Such banner or signage may further identify the barrier as blocking a hazard or providing an arrow to re-direct traffic. Typically the banner would be made of a flexible material such as cloth or light plastic, materials that could be colored (as bright yellow) and/or imprinted upon. However, a more rigid display could be mounted on the extensions, such as an elongated computer display, in order to customize a message.  
         [0011]     In a fourth aspect of the invention, at least some supports are hollow tubes designed to receive metal rods (such as reinforcing steel rods used in construction), thus adding weight for ballast to further stabilize the barrier in high winds. Such hollow members may have a means to secure the metal rods in place.  
         [0012]     In a fifth aspect of the invention, at least one support has a telescoping section for greater ease of deployment and collapsing and better geometry of interconnected members. Such a support can also adapt to uneven surfaces.  
         [0013]     In a sixth aspect of the invention, additional signals are provided such as lighting and/or audible alarms that may be activated by electronic control circuitry with or without sensors, such as motion or proximity detection, or a simple on-off switch.  
         [0014]     In a seventh aspect of the invention, at least one support is hollow, providing a compartment for housing control circuitry and batteries for signals.  
         [0015]     These and other aspects and objects of the present invention will become apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0016]     The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the barrier in fully closed position.  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is an end view of a preferred embodiment of the barrier in full depth extension.  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the barrier in partial width extension.  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the barrier in full width extension.  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  is a 3-dimensional view of the barrier in both depth and width extension.  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  is a detail view of attachments  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  is a view of the adaptation for weight addition.  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  is a view of signaling devices.  
         [0025]      FIG. 9  is a representation of one embodiment of electrical circuits and controls 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0026]      FIG. 1  shows a portable self-contained safety barrier  10  secured in a fully collapsed position secured with a strap and buckle  5  to form a modular longer barrier. The strap and buckle  5  may be used also to secure the barrier to a second barrier. The barrier has four similar series of poles  35 . The first series of poles is located frontward and inclined to the left, and the second series of poles is located frontward and inclined to the right, crossing the first series. The third series of poles is located rearward and inclined to the left, and the fourth series of poles is located rearward and inclined to the right crossing the third series of poles. Each series of poles  35  has poles of equivalent lengths. The first and second series of poles, and the third and fourth series of poles are pivotally connected at the midpoints  33  and alternating ends (top  34  and bottom  32 ). For strength, crossing poles are alternated over and under as shown.  
         [0027]     The end pole  20  has an upper telescoping section  21 , a lower, larger telescoping section  24 , and a sleeve  22  between the two telescoping sections. This telescoping feature allows smooth deployment, without twisting the barrier system. A small curved section connects the bottom of the end pole  29  by a bolt to the bottom pivot joint of the first of the pole series.  
         [0028]     Additional features see in  FIG. 1  are angle adapters (flexible joints)  36  on top of the poles  35  to accommodate additional short extensions  38  to support signage when deployed. In a preferred mode, these angle adapters  36  are made of flexible steel tubing cemented into the ends of poles  35  and extensions  38  covered by an elastomeric tube. The flexible joint  36 , in addition to enabling vertical positioning of banners or signage, enables more compact storage, allowing bending the extensions  38  down toward the body of the barrier when not in use. The extensions  38  may be tubular.  
         [0029]     End caps  30  are located on the bottom ends of poles  35  to prevent dirt and water from entering the poles during use. As described in subsequent figures, the type of end cap can vary depending on the location.  
         [0030]     Stored in a compact form, this safety barrier can be quickly and easily fully deployed by grasping the two handgrips  39  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) and pushing them apart. Similarly to collapse the barrier, one grasps each of the handgrips and pulls them together. When deployed, the barrier defines and controls traffic around a work zone perimeter. If longer barriers are needed, the interlocking, freestanding, collapsible barriers can be connected to each other by using alternate straps and buckles  5 ,  6 ,  7  (shown for example in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 ) at each end of the barrier. These barriers are useful in directing traffic past temporary work sites such as general construction, servicing utilities, maintaining roads, sidewalks, trees and similar activities.  
         [0031]     As seen in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 6   b  and  FIG. 6   c,  the barrier has ‘top’ hinges  64 . These join the first and second interconnected series of poles to the third and fourth inter-connected series of poles in such a manner as to allow extension and retraction of the barrier while retaining a continuous, fluid motion. This is accomplished by connecting two halves of each hinge with steel bolts, and connecting each half of each hinge in turn to it&#39;s respective series of poles by means of nylon bolts. See  FIG. 6   b  and  6   c  for details.  
         [0032]      FIG. 2  is an end view of a preferred embodiment of the barrier in full depth extension. The series of poles  35  shown in  FIG. 1  are additionally pivotally connected at their top ends with brackets and fasteners  64  enabling outward movement to create depth at the urging of one or more compression springs  60  secured to a pair  62  of poles  35  just below the pivot point. Outward movement is limited by one or more braces  50  having arms  52  made of a rigid material connected pivotally near the midpoints  51  of two poles  35  and having a dual pivot point spreader hinge  53  similar to a stepladder spreader but having two pivot points. Each pivot point of the spreader hinge  53  (also known as a ladder hinge) is connected to an inner end of one of the arms  52 . The double pivot points of the hinge provide a smoother action and more secure positioning when deployed than a single pivot point. When the barrier&#39;s depth is expanded outward, the brace  50  is fully extended, forming a collapsible “A” shape when viewed across its depth. This configuration allows for both a closed position with the poles  35  tightly grouped and approaching parallel, as well as an ‘open’ position, with the poles forming a series of dependent ‘X’s, while the extensions  38  support an attached mesh banner  40  displaying high visibility messaging such as arrows (see  FIG. 3-5 ).  
         [0033]     In the extended form shown in  FIG. 2 , the carrying handle  26  is shown mounted on one of the poles  35 .  
         [0034]     The fastening mechanism  5  shown in  FIG. 1  is further detailed in this view and in this embodiment has two straps  6  attached to different poles  35  on one end and to half a fastener device  7  such as a buckle on the other. While a buckle type fastener is shown, other fasteners could be chosen from a variety of designs including various buckles and clasps or Velcro fabric-type fasteners. These fasteners serve a dual purpose in that in addition to holding the collapse barrier closed for transport, they can be used to connect multiple barriers together.  
         [0035]     Signage support members  38  are shown to be approximately vertical when the barrier system is expanded, however, since flexible joints  36  are used the angle can be adjusted according to need. The poles  35  in this embodiment are tubular, and provided with end plugs  301  on the top that fit into the inner diameter of the pole. End caps  30  on then placed on the top and bottom ends of poles  35  to prevent dirt and water from entering the poles  35  while in use. On the top of the poles  35 , a combination cap and plug could be used. Poles that become weight bearing when fully extended are fitted with heavy-duty end caps  302  on the lower end. One version of these heavy-duty end caps  302  is similar in functions and properties to rubber tips used on the end of crutches.  
         [0036]      FIG. 3  is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the barrier in partial width extension. Pivot points  34  at the top of the barrier, those in the middle  33  and those at the bottom  32  of the poles  35  have been described in  FIG. 1 , shown in the collapsed mode. The telescoping end piece  20  is now seen more clearly as to its attachments. The barrier is provided with two handgrips  39  used for grasping and spreading, when deploying or collapsing the barrier. The grips  39  are attached to an elongated bolt used in connecting the poles  35  at two of their pivot points  34 . The carrying handle  26  is to a central pole.  
         [0037]     In this view, the angle of the sign or banner  50  and the support extensions  38  are not yet vertical and the banner  40  is limp between the extensions  38 . A channel in the banner  40  provides a means  42  for attaching the banner  40  to the extensions  38 . Pockets or channels in the banner  40  would slide over the extensions  38 . Although, in principle, it is only be necessary to have pockets or channels on the end of the banner  40  it is better to also support the banner  40  more centrally. One way to support the banner  40  more centrally is to thread banner  40  through slots provided in central extensions  38  (not shown). There are a number of means of attaching a banner  40  to the extensions  38 , including but not limited to, sewn pockets, adhesive strips, grommet and ties, and formed pockets (as heat sealing plastic). The banner  40  may be made from a woven fabric, a plastic sheet or the like. Ease of printing, dying, stability in weather extremes, and availability of bright colors are important characteristics of the material chosen.  
         [0038]     While the banner  40  depicted in  FIGS. 3-5  suggests a solid banner  40 , in could be a rectangular, horizontally positioned porous mesh banner  40  to reduce wind resistance. The banner allows display of such information as arrows or text stating, “work ahead” or “caution”. In one embodiment this banner  40  is attached to the main structure of the barrier  10  by means of a series of sleeves sewn into the mesh at regular intervals. These sleeves slide on to the upright extensions  38  situated along the top of the barrier, allowing the banner  40  to deploy and collapse in tandem with the movement of the main body of the barrier. This feature allows for the directional intent of the barrier to be instantly reversed by sliding the banner up off of the upright posts, flipping it over, then sliding it back into position.  
         [0039]      FIG. 4  is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the barrier in full width extension. The banner  40  support extensions  38  are now vertical and the banner  40  is taut. A sample message is indicated. Other messages may be visual such as a series of arrows directing pedestrian or vehicular traffic away from the hazard, universal illiterate symbols or yellow or orange and black stripes as common in safety banners.  
         [0040]      FIG. 5  shows a 3-dimensional view of a barrier extended in both depth and width. The placement of the two cross braces  50  forms an “A” configuration to secure the barrier in a rigid position. Each cross brace  50  is joined in the middle by a doubly pivoted spreader hinge  51  that allows better control and reduces the risk of pinching.  
         [0041]     The handle  26  is attached in such a way that it can slip around the pole. It may also be covered with a flexible cover for carrying comfort.  
         [0042]     The position of the compression spring  60  urges the pole series to spread upon deployment. Further detail of this section can be seen in  FIG. 6   a.    
         [0043]      FIG. 6   a  is a detailed view of the far end portion of the barrier having the compression spring  60 . A nylon threaded rod  622  passes through holes in two poles  35  and through a rubber sleeve  623  inside the compression spring  60 . Nylon bushings  621  on each end of the rod are capped and secured by a nut  62  at each end.  
         [0044]     The flexible joint  36  is also shown in greater detail. It is comprised of a flexible metal accordion folded tube  361  covered with an elastomeric tube  362 . Both tubes are inserted into the ends of an extension tube  38  and a pole tube  35  and cemented into place  363 .  
         [0045]      FIG. 6   b  is a detail of the top connection of pairs of poles  35  that have brackets  64  or top hinges affixed with a bolt  602  inserted through a hole in the bracket  64  and through the pole  35 . The brackets  64  each have extended flat pieces with matching holes through which a bolt  63  can be placed. Nylon washers  603  are placed between the two flat bracket extensions and on the ends of the bolts  602  and  63  allowing flexibility, smoothness of operation and resistance to corrosion. Nuts  601  secure each bolt. These top hinges or brackets  64  allow extension and retraction of the barrier while retaining solid fluid motion.  
         [0046]      FIG. 6   c  is a side view of the bracket  64  and hinge shown in  FIG. 6   b  showing the connection with another pair of poles  35 . A bolt  63  can be seen in end view along with the location of nylon washers  603  between the two flat bracket extensions. An end view of a bolt  602  is shown. An end cap  301  on the top of a pole  35  is shown in the background.  
         [0047]     The method of attachment a second pair of poles  35  to the first is also shown. At the point of attachment a bolt  34  (see also  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) is passed through both poles  35 . Washers between the two poles  35  (not shown) serve as spacers and reduce friction. A feature of one of the connecting bolts  34  is an extended threaded section to which a handle  39  can be affixed. This combination of connecting two series of poles  35  serves to form a 3-way hinge having sufficiently loose fit to enable rotation in at least 60 degrees of a vertical plane and at least 60 degrees in a perpendicular plane.  
         [0048]      FIG. 7  is a view of an embodiment with an adaptation for weight addition. One or more poles  35  of the barrier is hollow and by removing the end cap  30  and, if present, the plug, a solid dense rod  302  can be slipped into the pole  35  for greater ballast and stability. On construction sites reinforcing rod of an appropriate diameter and weight is typically available for use. A pole  35  may be further adapted by placing a hole near the bottom through which a bolt may be run and nut  301  attached after inserting the rod  302 . The end cap  30  and if present, plug may then be replaced.  
         [0049]      FIG. 8  is a schematic of a signaling device to enhance effectiveness of the barrier. A control box  81  houses electronics such as timers and switching circuits and provides for external adjustment using controls  82 . Means for attachment  83  to one of the poles  35  is also provided. The means  83  may be spring clamps, hook and loop fasteners or bolts and is preferably semi-permanent. The control box  81  receives an electrical feed from a power pack  85  that, in this instance, is shown located in a hollow portion of one of the poles  35 .  
         [0050]     The control box  91  also distributes power to the signaling device  86 . The signaling device  86  may include one or more of the following: a light source  87 , an audio output device  88  and/or a sensor to detect approaching objects (not shown). An example of an appropriate sensor would be an ultrasonic sensor for close range developed by Polaroid Corporation for their cameras. The later would be especially useful if connected so as to provide a warning for a pedestrian who was distracted or visually impaired.  
         [0051]     While the light source  87  is indicated as a single source, it is envisioned that it could also be a series of smaller lamps such as LED&#39;s that could be strung along or incorporated into the banner  40 . The control circuitry could provide a continuous or intermittent light source  87 . For power conservation purposes, the preferred embodiment would use low level continuous light sources coupled with an intermittent output to a charging circuit that would power higher output flash lamps. Further refinement would provide a low light level detector  99  so lights activate only when needed.  
         [0052]     The control circuitry could include an audio oscillator to provide sound in the audible range for the audio output device  88 .  
         [0053]     The signaling device  86  also has a way to attach it securely to the barrier  10 . One means for attachment is a spring clamp  89  that would slip onto one of the pole extensions  38 . It is preferable, for visibility to manufacture the barrier in a highly visible color and material such as chartreuse, day glow or hunter orange, reflective beads or glow-in-the-dark (phosphorescent, chemi-luminescent or the like) materials.  
         [0054]     While the banner shown only covers the area of the extensions, it could be extended downward, like an apron, for greater viability, to accommodate more information (such as DETOUR beneath and arrow, advertising, or festive colors for a parade.  
         [0055]      FIG. 9  is a schematic of one embodiment of a set of electronic controls, power distribution and signaling devices. The over-all schematic  90  includes a power source  91 , in this instance a battery or series of batteries as is indicated along with a master control switch  101 . A timing and control circuit  93  provides outputs responsive to chosen inputs from a proximity sensor  94  and low light sensor  99  to an illumination source  95  and/or an audio source  96  controlled by switches  102  and  103  respectively. The audio oscillator source  96  can have a power booster in the form of a speaker driver  97  and a speaker  98 . The latter may be any low cost, low power devices including a piezo-based speaker  98 .