Patent Publication Number: US-2018044868-A1

Title: Barrier assembly

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to barrier assemblies. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Barrier fencing allows for cordoning off or restricting access to a particular area. Barrier fencing is commonly used in construction to ensure civilian non-worker access is restricted. Generally, barrier fencing is delivered to a location in a roll. The roll of barrier fencing is delivered to a location, for example, in or on a vehicle. The roll is removed from the vehicle and the barrier fencing is then unrolled and cut to the desired length. The cut length or lengths of barrier fencing are then used in a desired configuration to cordon off or restrict access to a restricted area. Typical barrier fencing has a number of apertures that are intertwined to metal posts inserted in the ground during installation. The posts define the corner points of the restricted area while the barrier fencing defines the perimeter of the restricted area. 
     Once work is completed in the restricted area, the barrier fencing is removed from the posts and the posts are removed from the ground. While the lengths of barrier fencing may be reused, it is difficult and time consuming to roll the barrier lengths into a suitably sized transportable roll of barrier fencing. The result is often an unwieldy bundled section of barrier fencing that is difficult to handle, transport and store. Often, the used barrier fencing is simply discarded. The resulting waste costs users who have to then purchase additional barrier fencing for subsequent work and negatively effects the environment as barrier fencing is often manufactured with non-biodegradable materials. 
     Barrier storage cartridges are considered for the storage and protection of barrier fencing. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0164485 to Olson et al, which is incorporated by herein by reference, describes a retractable fence assembly having an upright container that houses a coil of fencing material, preferably in the form of a foraminous web of synthetic resinous material. The web is wound up on a core within the container that is in turn rotatable upon a normally stationary spindle, there being a full-length helical return spring that circumscribes the spindle and operably interconnects the core and the spindle. Thus, as the fencing is pulled out of the container through a dispensing slot in the sidewall of the container, the return spring becomes progressively loaded with a return biasing force that maintains tension on the web and facilitates wind up and restorage of the web when usage is complete. A handle at the outer free end of the web facilitates withdrawal and return of the web and is also provided with a releasable locking clip to permit the web to be doubled back onto itself into the shape of a loop to form an enclosure. The assembly may be used in a wide variety of situations, including attachment to a work vehicle for use as temporary barricades or enclosures around work sites. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0131551 to Hopp et al., which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a retractable barrier that includes an elongate housing having a first end, a second end, and a slotted opening extending between the first end and the second end. A substrate support is rotatably mounted within the housing. A barrier substrate is provided of a height substantially equal to a length of the slotted opening. The barrier substrate has an attachment end and a free end. The barrier substrate is rolled onto the substrate support with the attachment end being attached to the substrate support and the free end extending through the slotted opening of the housing to permit a selected quantity of the barrier substrate to be extended from the housing. The barrier substrate is configurable into non-linear configurations by selectively attaching poles where a change of direction occurs. A crank is provided for rotating the substrate support, thereby retracting the barrier substrate back into the housing. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,217,061 to Stratton, which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a barrier system comprising first and second upright support legs and a laterally extending vision barrier. The support legs may include a pair of telescoping leg support portions. The laterally extending vision barrier comprises a vision barrier screen having slits spaced therein and has at least one fastener for facilitating attachment to one of the support legs. In one form, the first support leg may comprise an outer housing and an internal reel. The vision barrier is deployed on the reel. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0054404; Canadian Patent Application No. 2,784,156; and PCT Application Publication No. WO 2014/015411 all to Mitchell, which are incorporated herein by reference, describe a cylindrical cartridge purportedly used for the storage and protection of all types of barrier fencing. The cartridge has an interior hollow pipe shaft with rollers mounted to the shaft to create a spool. The spool shaft extends through the top of the cartridge and is fitted with a manually operated crank handle. A vertical slotted opening in the side of the cartridge of varying widths, dependent on the barrier material being used, allows for the extraction and retraction of the barrier fencing. The bottom of the cartridge has an opening in the centre equal to that of the interior dimension of the hollow shaft. The bottom opening allows for the mounting of the cartridge to a ground spike or stabilizing plate. 
     It is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide a novel and inventive barrier assembly. Further and other objects of aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from reading the following summary of the invention and the detailed description of the embodiments described and illustrated herein. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a barrier assembly comprising: a cartridge comprising a longitudinally mounted rotatable central shaft configured for connection to a barrier and a longitudinal opening through which the interior of the cartridge is accessible. 
     In an embodiment, the assembly further comprises a base connectable to the cartridge, the base comprising at least one wheel configured to permit movement of the base on a surface. 
     In another embodiment, the shaft is configured for releasable connection to a barrier. 
     In another embodiment, the base is configured for releasable connection to the cartridge. 
     In another embodiment, the cartridge further comprises means for releasably mounting a post to the exterior of the cartridge. 
     In another embodiment, the means for releasably mounting a post to the exterior of the cartridge is at least one connector connected to an exterior of the cartridge and connectable to a post. 
     In another embodiment, the barrier assembly further comprises a post mountable on the cartridge via the at least one connector. 
     In another embodiment, the barrier assembly further comprises a post base configured to connect to a post to maintain the post in an approximately vertical configuration. 
     In another embodiment, the post base is storable on the base. 
     In another embodiment, the barrier assembly further comprises a barrier releasably connected to the shaft, at least a portion of the barrier wrapped around the shaft in the interior of the cartridge. In another embodiment, the barrier further comprises a connection strip. In another embodiment, the barrier further comprises at least one magnet connected to the connection strip. 
     In another embodiment, the barrier assembly further comprises a mechanism for rotating the shaft within the interior of the cartridge. In another embodiment, the mechanism is a crank connected to the shaft. 
     In another embodiment, the cartridge further comprises at least one handle. In another embodiment, the cartridge further comprises at least one clamp connectable to the handle, the clamp connectable to a device. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a barrier assembly comprising: a housing comprising a longitudinally mounted rotatable central shaft, the shaft configured for connection to a barrier; a base connected to the housing, the base comprising at least one wheel configured to permit movement of the assembly on a surface. 
     In an embodiment, the shaft is configured for releasable connection to the barrier. 
     In another embodiment, the housing further comprises: at least one support connected to the base; and a plate connected to the at least one support and the shaft. 
     In another embodiment, the barrier assembly comprises four supports. 
     In another embodiment, the plate further comprises at least one post aperture and the base further comprises at least one post mount aligned with the at least one post aperture. In another embodiment, the barrier assembly further comprises a post mountable on the assembly via insertion into a post aperture and fitting over a post mount. 
     In another embodiment, the barrier assembly further comprises a post base connectable to a post to maintain the post in an approximately vertical configuration. 
     In another embodiment, the barrier assembly further comprises at least one clamp connected to at least one support. In another embodiment, the barrier assembly further comprises a post base connectable to a post to maintain the post in an approximately vertical configuration, the post base connectable to the clamp. 
     In another embodiment, the barrier assembly further comprises a barrier connected to the shaft, at least a portion of the barrier wrapped around the shaft in the interior of the cartridge. In another embodiment, the barrier further comprises a connection strip. In another embodiment, the barrier further comprises at least one magnet connected to the connection strip. 
     In another embodiment, the barrier assembly further comprises a mechanism for rotating the shaft within the interior of the cartridge. 
     In another embodiment, the barrier assembly further comprises a clip assembly comprising a magnet configured to magnetically connect to a ferromagnetic surface and a clip connected to the magnet, wherein a barrier is mountable to the clip. 
     Further advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from reading the following detailed description of the embodiments described and illustrated herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be further understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the following drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a barrier assembly in accordance with an aspect of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the barrier assembly of  FIG. 1  without a barrier installed; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear elevation view of the barrier assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the barrier assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the barrier assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of the barrier assembly of  FIG. 1  with posts and post bases; 
         FIG. 7  is another isometric view of the barrier assembly of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial isometric view of the barrier assembly of  FIG. 1  with a U clamp; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial isometric view of the barrier assembly of  FIG. 1  with magnets; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial isometric view of the barrier assembly of  FIG. 1  with a spike base; 
         FIG. 11  is an isometric view of the spike base of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is an isometric view of the barrier assembly of  FIG. 1  with a three legged base; 
         FIG. 13  is a isometric view of the three legged base of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14 a    is an isometric view of the three legged base of  FIG. 12  in a partially folded configuration; 
         FIG. 14 b    is an isometric view of the three legged base of  FIG. 12  in a folded configuration; 
         FIG. 15  is an isometric view of a barrier assembly in accordance with an aspect of the invention; 
         FIG. 16  is an isometric view of the barrier assembly of  FIG. 15  without a barrier; 
         FIG. 17  is front elevation view of the barrier assembly of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a rear elevation view of the barrier assembly of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a side elevation view of the barrier assembly of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a top plan view of the barrier assembly of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 21  is an isometric view of the barrier assembly of  FIG. 15  with posts and post bases; 
         FIG. 22  is a rear isometric view of the barrier assembly of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is an isometric view of a barrier assembly in accordance with an aspect of the invention; 
         FIG. 24  is an isometric view of a clip assembly in accordance with an aspect of the invention; and 
         FIG. 25  is another isometric view of a barrier mounted on the clip assembly of  FIG. 24 . 
     
    
    
     Similar references are used in different figures to denote similar components. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1 to 6 , a barrier assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is shown and is generally identified by reference numeral  40 . The barrier assembly  40  comprises a cartridge  42  releasably connectable to a base  44 . The cartridge  42  has a generally cylindrical shape and stores a barrier as will be described. 
     The cartridge  42  comprises a body  46 , connection tab  48 , locator tabs  50 , a quick release knob  52 , a slotted opening  54 , a shaft  56 , barrier mounts  58 , reflective material  60 , operator instructions  62 , a first handle  64 , a second handle  66 , post clasps  68 , a crank  74 , a crank knob  76 , a crank nut  78  and a crank light  80 . 
     The connection tab  48  and the locator tabs  50  project from an end of the body  46  in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body  46 . The connection tab  48  has an aperture into which a threaded screw (not shown) fits. The threaded screw is received by an aperture in the base  44  as will be described. The quick release knob  52  is secured to the threaded screw such that rotation of the knob  52  rotates the threaded screw and secures the cartridge  42  to the base  44  or allows for removal of the cartridge  42  from the base  44  as will be described. The locator tabs  50  interact with the base  44  as will be described. In this embodiment, the body  46  is embossed with a brand name. One of skill in the art will appreciate that other text and/or logos may be embossed on the body  46  or that no text or logo may be embossed on the body  46 . 
     The body  46  of the cartridge  42  has a slotted opening  54  that is sized to allow for removal of the barrier  70  from the cartridge  42  as will be described. The shaft  56  is rotatably mounted at the approximate central longitudinal axis of the body  46  at either longitudinal end thereof. The shaft  56  is connected at one end thereof to the crank  74  via a crank screw (not shown) such that rotation of the crank  74  rotates the shaft  56 . The crank light  80  is mounted on top of the crank nut  78 . In this embodiment, the crank light  80  is a push activated light emitting diode (LED). While a crank  74  has been described, one of skill in the art will appreciate that any suitable mechanism for rotating the shaft within the interior of the cartridge  42  may be used, such as for example, via a motorized assembly. 
     The barrier  70  is releasably connected to the shaft  56  via the barrier mounts  58  as will be described. Each barrier mount  58  is configured such that a first portion of the barrier mount  58  is in contact with the shaft  56 , a second portion of the barrier mount  58  is spaced away from the shaft  56  and connected to the first portion and a third portion of the barrier mount  58  is connected to the second portion and the shaft  56 . The first portion of the barrier mount  58  is flexible. In this embodiment, the barrier  70  has a fence configuration such that the barrier mounts  58  are fixedly connected to apertures in the barrier  70  to connect the barrier  70  to the shaft  56 . In this embodiment, there are three barrier mounts  58  connected to the shaft  56 , but one of skill in the art will appreciate that more or fewer barrier mounts  58  are possible. In this embodiment, affixed to the barrier  70  at the end opposite the end for connection to the shaft  56  is a connection strip  72 . The connection strip  72  is configured to permit connection of the leading edge of the barrier  70  to a surface, for example, a vertical surface, such as an end member, a wall, a post or the like. In an embodiment of the present invention, the connection strip  72  is configured to permit connection of the leading edge of the barrier  70  to its own cartridge  42  or another cartridge  42 . 
     In this embodiment, the reflective material  60  is affixed to portions of the body  46  to illuminate the assembly  40  by lights during night time use. In this embodiment, the operator instructions  62  are affixed to a portion of the body  46  such that an operator can quickly and easily view the instructions  62  that explain use of the assembly  20 . The post clasps  68  are mounted to the body  46  and are configured to receive posts as will be described. The first and second handles  64  and  66  are connected to the body  46  at the portion of the body  46  approximately opposite the slotted opening  54 . One of skill in the art will appreciate that more or fewer handles are possible. 
     The base  44  comprises a main plate  82 ; side plates  84 ; a front plate  86 ; a rear plate  88 ; drain apertures  90 ; locator braces  92 ; an axle  84 ; and base wheels  96 . The side, front and rear plates  84 ,  86  and  88 , respectively, extend from the main plate  82 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the side plates  84  extend from the front plate  86  past the rear plate  88 . The front and rear plates  86  and  88 , respectively, have a generally rectangular shape; however, a central portion of each of the front and rear plates  86  and  88  has a lower height than the portions adjacent the central portion. The lower height of the central portions of the front plate  84  accommodate insertion and removal of barrier  70  as will be described, while the lower height of the rear plate  86  accommodates connection and disconnection of posts as will be described. Furthermore, the lower heights of the central portions of the front and rear plates  84  and  86  described the overall weight of the base  44  thereby decreasing the overall weight of the assembly  40 . The rear plate  88  has drain apertures  90  as shown in  FIG. 3 . While two drain apertures  90  are depicted, one of skill in the art will appreciate that more or less may be present. As shown in  FIG. 5 , two locator braces  92  are connected to the main plate  82 . The locator braces  92  of the base  44  interact with the locator tabs  50  of the cartridge  42 . The axle  94  passes through apertures in the side plates  84  and is connected to base wheels  96  on either end thereof. The base wheels  96  allow for the base  44  and the assembly  40 , when the cartridge  42  is connected to the base  44 , to be mobile as will be described. 
     In use, the cartridge  42  is connected to the base  44  via the connector tab  48 . The cartridge  42  is situated on the main plate  82  of the base  44  such that each locator tab  50  of the cartridge  42  fits into a locator brace  92  of the base  44 . In this configuration, the threaded screw can be inserted into an aperture (not shown) in the main plate  82  of the base  44 . One end of the threaded screw fits into the aperture in the main plate  82  while the other end passes through an aperture in the connector tab  48  of the cartridge  42 . The quick release knob  52  is screwed onto this end such that cartridge  42  is secured to the base  44 . The quick release knob  42  and locator tabs  50  allow for quick installation and removal of the cartridge  42  to the base  44 . Thus, the cartridge  42  is releasably connectable to the base  44 . 
     As previously stated, the barrier  70  is releasably connected to the shaft  56  of the cartridge  42  via the barrier mounts  58 . The barrier  70  may be connected to the shaft  56  prior to connection of the cartridge  42  to the base  44  or after connection of the cartridge  42  to the base  44 . A longitudinal end of the barrier  70  is connected to the barrier mounts  58 . During installation of a barrier  70  to a barrier mount  58 , the first portion is pushed away from the shaft  56  by the barrier  70  until the barrier  70  reaches the second portion of the barrier mount  58 . At this point, the first portion returns to its original position in contact with the shaft  56 . In this configuration, the barrier  70  is secured to each barrier mount  58  and installed in the cartridge  42 . To release connection of the barrier  70  from the barrier mount  58 , the barrier  70  is pulled in the opposite direction (compared to installation) until the first portion of the barrier mount  58  moves away from the shaft  56  allowing for the barrier  70  to move away from the second portion and past the first portion such that the barrier  70  is no longer connected to the barrier mount  56 . In this manner, a barrier can be replaced with a new or different barrier depending on the project. One of skill in the art will appreciate that various other installation/uninstallation methods and configurations are possible. 
     Once the barrier  70  is connected to all of the barrier mounts  58 , the entire length of barrier  70  is wound or wrapped around the shaft  56 , for example, by rotating the shaft  56  via the crank  74  or alternatively, by manually winding/wrapping the barrier  70  around the shaft  56 . Once the connection strip  72  connected to the barrier  70  reaches the slotted opening  54  of the cartridge  42 , rotation of the crank  74  is ceased. In an embodiment of the present invention, the connection strip  72  is configured to act as a stop to prevent the barrier  70  from being entirely retracted through the slotted opening  54  and into the cartridge  42 . The lower height of the central portion of the front plate  86  of the base  44  allows for installation of the barrier  70  to the cartridge  42  even when the cartridge  42  is connected to the base  44 . 
     When the cartridge  42  is connected to the base  44  and the main plate  82  rests on a surface, the wheels  96  are configured to not contact the surface. In this configuration, the assembly  40  will not slip or fall when in a resting state on the main plate  82 . An operator must rotate the assembly  20  about the wheels  96  in order to contact the wheels  96  to the surface to move the assembly  40  via the wheels  96 . An operator may grab the first handle  64  and place his/her foot on the axle  94  and rotate the assembly  40  to contact the wheels  96  to the surface. Since the wheels  96  are not in contact with the surface, rotation of the assembly  40  does not cause the assembly  40  to slip forward until the wheels  96  contact the surface. In this embodiment, the first handle  64  is ergonomically shaped to make this rotational movement comfortable and easy for a user. The base wheels  96  allow for the assembly  40  to be mobile such that a user can move the assembly  40  via the wheels  96  to a desired location and dispense barrier  70  at that location. 
     When the cartridge  42  is not connected to the base  44 , an operator may grab one of, or both of, the first and second handles  64  and  66  and carry the assembly in a generally horizontal orientation. In this manner, the cartridge  42  is portable such that a user can easily move the cartridge  42  to a desired location and dispense barrier  70  at that location. 
     To extend a length of barrier  70  from the cartridge  42 , the crank  74  is turned which in turn rotates the shaft  56  and permits extraction of barrier  70  from the cartridge  42  through the slotted opening  54  until a desired length of the barrier  70  is extracted from the cartridge  42 . When use of the barrier  70  has been completed, the crank  74  is turned in the opposite direction to retract length of the barrier  70  back into the cartridge  42  until the connection strip  72  reaches the slotted opening  54  of the cartridge  42 . In this manner, barrier  70  may be easily reused without waste and simply transported to a different site for reuse. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the assembly  40  may further comprise posts  100  and post bases  102 . Each post  100  comprises a post body  104 , reflective material  106 , a post light  108  and barrier clips  110 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the post body  104  has a generally cylindrical shape and is hollow to ensure that post  100  is light weight. Each post  100  may be mounted for storage and ease of carry on the cartridge  42  via the post clasps  68  as will be described. The reflective material  106  is affixed to the post body  104  to reflect light and improve visibility in low light conditions. The post light  108  is affixed to the top of post body  104 . In this embodiment, the post light  108  is an LED. Two barrier clips  110  are connected to the post body  104 . Each barrier clip  110  comprises a first portion that is flexible and in contact with the post body  104 , a second portion connected to the first portion that is not in contact with the post body  104  and a third portion that is connected to the second portion and the post body  104 . The barrier clips  110  are configured to connect to the barrier  70  to secure the barrier  70  to the post  100  as will be described. In this embodiment, each post  100  comprises two barrier clips  110 , but one of skill in the art will appreciate that more or fewer are possible. 
     Each post base  102  comprises a body  112 , a post aperture  114  centrally located within the body  112  and two channels  116  on the underside of the body  112 . The body  112  has a generally square shape. The post aperture  114  is sized to receive a post  100  and maintain the post  100  in a generally vertical position when the post base  102  is on a surface. The channels  116  on the underside of the body  112  allow for ropes and/or cords, such as electrical cords, to pass under the body  112  of a post base  102 . In this embodiment, the post base  102  is made of rubber, although one of skill in the art will appreciate that other materials are possible. 
     The posts  100  and post bases  102  can be stored and/or secured to the assembly  40  such that the posts  100  and post bases  102  may be transported with the other components of the assembly  40 . The posts  100  are secured to the cartridge  42  through friction fit with the post clasps  68 . The reduced height of the central portion of the rear plate  88  of the base  44  permits easy connection to, and disconnection from, the post clasps  68 . In this embodiment, the cartridge  42  comprises eight post clasps  68  such that two post clasps  86  secure a single post  100  and four posts  100  can be secured to the cartridge  42 . The post bases  102  are stored on the main plate  82  of the base  44  such that two post bases  102  are side by side with one post base  102  close to, or in contact with, one side plate  64  of the base  44  and the other post base  102 , is close to, or in contact with, the cartridge  42 . In this manner, four post bases  102  may be stored on the main plate  82 . The securing of the posts  100  and storage of the post bases  102  permits an operator to transport the cartridge  42  and base  44  with the posts  100  and post bases  102  all at once for easy installation of the posts  100  and post bases  102 . While four posts  100  and four post bases  102  have been shown as being secured and stored on the assembly  40 , one of skill in the art will appreciate that more or fewer are possible. 
     During installation, each post  100  is detached from the post clasps  68  and each post base  102  is removed from the main plate  82 . The post base  102  is then placed on a surface such that the post  100  may be inserted into the post aperture  114  and secured in a generally vertical position via friction fit. The post base  102  ensures that the post  100  remains generally vertical and is not easily tipped over. As previously stated, cords and/or wires may run under the body  112  of the base  102  through the channels  116  without disturbing the vertical orientation of the post base  102  and post  100 . Each post  100  is connected to the barrier  70  via the barrier clips  110 . Each barrier clip  110  is connected to the barrier  70  such that the barrier  70  pushes the first portion of the barrier clip  110  away from the post body  104  and slides along the post body  104  to end up between the post body  104  and the second portion of the barrier clip  110  at which point the first portion of the barrier clip  110  returns to its original position in contact with the post body  104 . In this manner, the barrier  70  is secured to a post  100  which is, in turn, secured to the post base  102 , ensuring that the barrier  70  remains generally vertical during use. The post  100  and post base  102  may be placed in any location allowing an operator to form a perimeter of any shape around an area with the barrier  70  and ensure the barrier  70  will stay vertical through connection to the post  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the cartridge  42  may further comprise a U-clamp  120  that is connected to the first handle  64  via screws (not shown). The U-clamp  120  is configured to connect to items such as a work light, wheels, tools, etc. In this embodiment, the U-clamp  120  is made of a magnetically conductive metal. While the U-clamp  120  has been shown as connected to the first handle  64 , one of skill in the art will appreciate that the U-clamp  120  could be connected to each of the first and second handles  64  and  66 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the connection strip  72  may further comprise magnets  122 . In this embodiment, the connection strip  72  comprises two magnets  122  secured to the connection strip  72  using glue, although one of skill in the art will appreciate that other means of securing the magnets  122  to the connection strip  72  are possible. The position of the magnets  122  is aligned with the position of the U-clamps  120  placed on the first and second handles  64  and  66  such that when a length of barrier  70  is extended from the cartridge  42 , the magnets  122  affix to the U-clamps  120  on the first and second handles  64  and  66  via magnetic attraction. This permits the barrier  70  to form an enclosed perimeter that starts from cartridge  42  at one end of the barrier that extends out of the slotted opening  54  and ends with the connection strip  72  connected to the U-clamps  120  of the cartridge  42  via the magnets  122 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the cartridge  42  may be connected to other elements besides the base  44 . In this embodiment, the cartridge  42  is connected to a spiked base  130 . The spiked base  130  comprises a triangular plate  132 , a peg  134 , locator braces  136 , a handle  138  and a ground spike  140 . The peg  134  and the locator braces  136  extend from the upper side of the triangular plate  132  in one direction while the ground spike  140  extends from the bottom side of the triangular plate  132  in the opposite direction. The handle  138  is shaped to permit gripping by an operator to carry the spiked base  130  when it is not connected to a cartridge  42 . 
     In use, a cartridge  42  is connected to the spiked base  130  by inserting the locator tabs  50  of the cartridge  42  into the locator braces  136  of the spiked base  130 , and inserting the peg  134  of the spiked base  130  into the aperture in the connection tab  48  of the cartridge  42 . The connection tab  48  is secured to the triangular plate  132  of the spiked base  130  by inserting a pin  142  into an aperture in the peg  134  such that the peg  134  cannot be completely removed from the connection tab  48 . The pin  142  is connected to a wire/cord that is connected to the spiked base  130 . In this embodiment, the wire/cord is a lanyard and the lanyard is riveted to the spiked base  130 . Before or after the cartridge  42  is connected to the spiked base  130 , the spike  140  of the spiked base  130  is inserted into the ground at a desired location. In this manner the cartridge  130  can be secured to any ground simply by inserting the spike  140  into the ground. To disconnect the cartridge  42  from the spiked base  130 , the pin  142  is removed from the aperture in the peg  134  so that the peg  134  can be removed from the aperture of the connection tab  48  and the locator tabs  50  and removed from the locator braces  136 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12 to 14   b , the cartridge  42  may be connected to a three legged base  150 . The three legged base  150  comprises a first plate  152 , a second plate  154 , a peg  156 , locator braces  158 , a handle  160 , legs  162  and slotted apertures  164 . The first plate  152  is connected to the second plate  154  such that, when the three legged base  150  is not connected to a cartridge, the first plate  152  can rotate to fold over onto the second plate  154  as shown in  FIGS. 14 a  and 14 b   . The hinged connection between the first and second plates  152  and  154  allows the plates  152  and  154  to fold together in one direction, but to not break their joint horizontal plain in the opposite direction. The peg  156  extends from the upper side of the first plate  152 , and the two locator braces  158  extend from the upper side of the second plate  154 . One leg  162  extends from an edge of the first plate  152  and the other two legs  162  extends from edges of the second plate  154  such that the legs  162  are approximately equally spaced about the perimeter of the first and second plates  152  and  154 . The handle  160  is shaped to permit gripping by an operator to carry the three legged base  150  when it is not connected to a cartridge  42 . One slotted aperture  164  is located in the first plate  152  while another slotted aperture  164  is located in the second plate  154 . 
     In use, a cartridge  42  is connected to the three legged base  150  by inserting the locator tabs  50  of the cartridge  42  into the locator braces  158  of the three legged base  150 , and inserting the peg  156  of the three legged base  150  into the aperture in the connection tab  48  of the cartridge  42 . The connection tab  48  is secured to the first plate  152  of the three legged base  150  by inserting a pin  166  into an aperture in the peg  156  such that the peg  156  cannot be completely removed from the connection tab  48 . The pin  166  is connected to a wire/cord that is connected to the three legged base  150 . In this embodiment, the wire/cord is a lanyard and the lanyard is riveted to the three legged base  150 . The pin  166  allows for some movement of the peg  156  within the aperture of the connection tab  48 . Before or after the cartridge  42  is connected to the three legged base  150 , the three legs  162  of the three legged base  150  are rested on a surface. Once the cartridge is connected to the three legged base  150 , if the surface is not flat, the first plate  152  may rotate relative to the second plate  154 . Since the pin  166  allows for movement of the peg  156  within the aperture of the connection tab  48 , some rotation of the first plate  152  relative to the second plate  154  is permitted. In this manner, the cartridge  42  can be connected to the three legged base  150  even if the surface upon which the legs  162  rest is not entirely flat. To disconnect the cartridge  42  from the three legged base  150 , the pin  166  is removed from the aperture in the peg  156  so that the peg  156  can be removed from the aperture of the connection tab  48  and the locator tabs  50  and removed from the locator braces  158 . 
     When the first plate  152  is rotated to contact the second plate  154 , slotted apertures  164  align, as shown in  FIG. 14 b   , an operator can carry the three legged base  150  by inserting his/her hand in the slotted apertures  164 . In this configuration, the three legged base  150  takes up less space and can more easily and conveniently be stored or transported. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 15 to 20 , a barrier assembly in accordance with another aspect of the present invention is shown and is generally identified by reference numeral  200 . The barrier assembly  200  comprises a housing  202  connected to a base  204 . The housing  202  comprises a plate  206 , supports  208 , a shaft  210 , a barrier guide  212 , a barrier support  214 , clamps  216 , a handle plate  218 , a handle  220  and barrier mounts  230 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the supports  208  are generally rectangular and are mounted on the base  204  at one end and connected to the plate  206  at the other end. The plate  206  is generally rectangular. While four supports  208  have been shown, one of skill in the art will appreciate that more or fewer are possible. The shaft  210  extends from the plate  206 , at a generally central point of the plate  206 , to the base  204 . The barrier guide  212  extends from the plate  206  to the base  2014  and interacts with barrier as will be described. The barrier support  214  is connected to the shaft  210  such that the barrier support  214  supports barrier as will be described and rotates with the shaft  210  as the shaft  210  rotates. As shown in  FIG. 16 , the barrier mounts  230  are connected to shaft  210  at intermediate points thereof and interact with a barrier as will be described. In this embodiment, there are three (3) barrier mounts  230 , but one of skill in the art will appreciate that more or fewer are possible. Each barrier mount  230  is configured such that a first portion of the barrier mount  230  is in contact with the shaft  210 , a second portion of the barrier mount  230  is spaced away from the shaft  210  and is connected to the first portion, and a third portion of the barrier mount  230  is connected to the shaft  210  and the second portion. The first portion of the barrier mount  230  is flexible. 
     Clamps  216  are mounted to the supports  208  as shown in  FIG. 15 . Each clamp  216  is mounted to two supports  208  and interacts with post bases as will be described. As shown in  FIG. 18 , handle plate  218  is connected to two supports  208  and the plate  206 . Mounted on the handle plate  218  is the handle  220  which is used to move the assembly  200  as will be described. 
     As shown in  FIG. 20 , the plate  206  comprises post apertures  222 , locking apertures  224 , a crank  226  and a locking knob  228 . In this embodiment, there are four (4) post apertures  222  and eight (8) locking apertures  224 ; although one of skill in the art will appreciate that more or fewer are possible. The post apertures  222  interact with posts as will be described. The crank  226  is mounted on the plate  206  and connected through a central aperture in the plate  206  to the shaft  210  such that turning the crank  226  clockwise or counter-clockwise similarly rotates the shaft  210  clockwise or counter-clockwise. The locking knob  228  is connected to the crank  226  and interacts with the locking apertures  224  as will be described. The locking knob  228  can be in a locked or an unlocked position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , a barrier  240  is rolled around the shaft  210  and extends out from the housing  202  through the barrier guide  212 . The barrier  240  comprises a connection strip  242  connected to a longitudinal edge of the barrier  240  and magnets  244  connected to the connection strip  242 . The barrier  240  rests on the barrier support  214 . Turning the crank  226  in one direction winds the barrier  240  around the shaft  210  while turning the crank  226  in the opposite direction unwinds the barrier  240  from the shaft  210  such that the barrier  240  exits the housing  202  via the barrier guide  212 . 
     The base  204  comprises a main plate  250 , side plates  252 , a front plate  254 , a rear plate  256 , post mounts  258 , drain apertures  260 , an axel  262  and wheels  264 . The side, front and rear plates  252 ,  254  and  256 , respectively, extend from the main plate  250 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the side plates  252  have a generally rectangular shape. The front and rear plates  254  and  256 , respectively, have a generally rectangular shape, however, a central portion of each of the front and rear plates  254  and  256  has a lower height than the portions adjacent the central portion. The lower height of the central portions of the front plate  254  accommodate insertion and removal of barrier  240  as will be described, while the lower height of the rear plate  256  accommodates rotation and movement of the assembly as will be described. Furthermore, the lower heights of the central portions of the front and rear plates  254  and  256  described the overall weight of the base  204  thereby decreasing the overall weight of the assembly  200 . The rear plate  256  has drain apertures  260  as shown in  FIG. 18 . While two drain apertures  260  are depicted, one of skill in the art will appreciate that more or less may be present. As shown in  FIG. 15 , four post mounts  258  extend from the main plate and interact with posts as will be described. The post mounts  258  are generally cylindrical and hollow. While four post mounts  258  have been shown, one of skill in the art will appreciate that more or fewer may be present. The axle  262  passes through apertures in the side plates  252  and is connected to wheels  264  on either end thereof. 
     In use, the barrier  240  is releasably connected to the shaft  210  via the barrier mounts  230 . The barrier  240  is inserted through the barrier guide  212  and a longitudinal end of the barrier  240  is connected to the barrier mounts  230 . During installation of a barrier  240  to a barrier mount  230 , the first portion is pushed away from the shaft  210  by the barrier  240  until the barrier  240  reaches the second portion of the barrier mount  230 . At this point, the first portion returns to its original position in contact with the shaft  210 . In this configuration, the barrier  240  is secured to each barrier mounts  230  and rests on or above the barrier support  214 . To release connection of the barrier  240  from the barrier mount  230 , the barrier  240  is pulsed in the opposite direction (compared to installation) until the first portion of the barrier mount  230  moves away from the shaft  210  allowing for the barrier  240  to move away from the second portion and past the ‘first portion such that barrier  240  is no longer connected to the barrier mount  230 . In this manner, a barrier can be replaced with a different barrier depending on the project. One of skill in the art will appreciate that various other installation/uninstallation methods and configurations are possible. 
     The entire length of barrier  240  is then wound or wrapped around the shaft  210  by rotating the shaft  210  via the crank  226  or winding/wrapping the barrier  240  around the shaft  210 . Once the connection strip  242  connected to the barrier  240  contacts the barrier guide  212 , the barrier  240  may not be further wound/wrapped on the shaft  210  or rotation of the shaft  210  is ceased. The lower height of the central portion of the front plate  254  of the base  204  allows for unencumbered connection of the barrier  250  to the barrier mounts  230 . 
     When the main plate  250  of the base  204  rests on a surface, the wheels  264  are configured to not contact the surface. In this configuration, the assembly  200  will not slip or fall when in a resting state on the main plate  250 . An operator must rotate the assembly  200  about the wheels  264  in order to contact the wheels  264  to the surface to move the assembly  200  via the wheels  264 . An operator may grab the handle  220  and place his/her foot on the axle  262  and/or lower central portion of the rear plate  256  and rotate the assembly  200  to contact the wheels  264  to the surface. Since the wheels  264  are not in contact with the surface, rotation of the assembly  200  does not cause the assembly  200  to slip forward until the wheels  264  contact the surface. The handle  220  is ergonomically shaped to make this rotational movement comfortable and easy for a user. The wheels  264  allow for the assembly  200  to be mobile such that a user can move the assembly  200  via the wheels  264  to a desired location and dispense barrier  240  at that location. 
     To extend length of barrier  240  from the assembly  200 , the crank  226  is turned which rotates the shaft  210  which in turn permits extending the length of barrier  240  out through the barrier guide  212 . When a desired length of the barrier  240  is extracted from the assembly  200 , the barrier  240  may be cut at that length. If the barrier is not cut, when use of the barrier  240  has been completed, the crank  226  is turned in the opposite direction to retract length of the barrier  240  to wrap the barrier  240  around the shaft  210  until the connection strip  242  reaches the barrier guide  212 . In this manner, barrier  250  may be easily reused without waste and simply transported to a different site for reuse. 
     Rotation of the crank  226  is only permitted when the locking knob  228  is not in a locked position in one of the locking apertures  224 . When the locking knob  228  is in a locked position in one of the locking apertures  224 , the knob  228  passes through the locking aperture  224  and does not permit movement of the crank. Pulling the knob  228  away from the plate  206  removes the knob  288  from locking aperture  224  and puts the knob  228  in the unlocked position where movement of the crank  226  is not restricted. The knob  228  may be spring loaded such that it will stay in the unlocked position until rotated. When the knob  228  is rotated, it moves to the locked position when a spring provides a force on the knob  228  pushing it onto the plate  206  or into one of the locking apertures 224  if the knob  228  is in alignment with one of the locking apertures  224 . When the knob  228  is within one of the locking apertures  224 , pulling the knob  228  out of the locking aperture  224  and rotating back to the unlocked position remove the spring force and prevents the knob  228  from entering one of the locking apertures  224 . In this manner, the knob  228  can be used to prevent barrier  240  from accidently or inadvertently unwinding from the shaft  210 . 
     Similar to magnets  122  of the assembly  40 , magnets  244  can be magnetically connected to objects including a support  208  of the housing  202 . In this manner, the assembly  200  can be used to form a closed perimeter with barrier extending from the assembly  200  and connected back to the assembly  200  via magnetic connection between the magnets  244  and a support  208 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the assembly  200  may further comprises posts  300  and post bases  302 . Each post  300  comprises a post body  304 , reflective material  306 , a light  308  and barrier clips  310 . The post body  304  has a generally cylindrical shape and is hollow to ensure the post  300  is light weight. Each post  300  is configured be connected to interact with a post mount  258  as will be described. The reflective material  306  is affixed to the post body  304  to reflect light and improve visibility in low light conditions. The post light  308  is affixed to the top of post body  304 . In this embodiment, the post light  308  is an LED. Two barrier clips  310  are connected to the post body  304 . Each barrier clip  310  comprises a first portion that is flexible and in contact with the post body  304 , a second portion connected to the first portion that is not in contact with the post body  304 , and a third portion connected to the second portion and the post body  304 . The barrier clips  310  are configured to connect to the barrier  240  to secure the barrier  240  to the post  300  as will be described. In this embodiment, each post  300  comprises two barrier clips  310 , but one of skill in the art will appreciate that more or fewer are possible. 
     Each post base  302  comprises a body  312 , a post aperture  314  centrally located within the body  312  and two channels  316  on the underside of the body  312 . The body  312  has a generally square shape. The post aperture  314  is sized to receive a post  300  and maintain the post  300  in a generally vertical position when the post base  302  is a surface. The channels  316  on the underside of the body  312  allow for ropes and/or cords, such as electrical cords, to pass under the body  312  of a post base  302 . In this embodiment, the post base  302  is made of rubber although one of skill in the art will appreciate that other materials are possible. 
     The posts  300  and post bases  302  can be stored and/or secured to the assembly  200  such that the posts  100  and posts  102  may be transported with the other components of the assembly  200 . Each post  300  is inserted into a post aperture  222  in the plate  206  of the housing  202  and fits over a post mounts  258  of the base  204 . The height of the housing  204 , the radius of the post aperture  222  and the post mount  258  ensure each post  300  can be easily inserted into the post aperture  222 , but will not move off of the post mount  258  when inserted. One post base  302  is stored on the main plate  250  between two supports  208 , a side plate  252 , the front plate  254  and the rear plate  256  on each side of the housing  202  as shown in  FIG. 21 . Another post base  302  is stored on top of the first post base  302  and is held in place by the clamp  216 , on each side of the housing  202 . The storing of posts  300  and post bases  302  permits an operator to transport the assembly  200  with the posts  300  and post bases  302  for easy installation of the posts  300  and post bases  302  and set up of the barrier area. While four (4) posts  300  and four (4) post bases  302  have been shown, one of skill in the art will appreciate that more or fewer are possible. 
     During installation, each post  300  is removed post mount  258  and post aperture  222 , and each post base  302  is removed from either the clamps  216  or main plate  250 . The post base  302  is then placed on a surface such that the post  300  may be inserted into the post aperture  314  and secured in a generally vertical position via friction fit. The post base  302  ensures that the post  300  remains generally vertical and is not easily tipped over. As previously stated, cords and/or wires may run under the body  312  of the base  302  through the channels  316  without disturbing the vertical orientation of the post base  302  and post  300 . Each post  300  is connected to the barrier  240  via the barrier clips  310 . Each barrier clip  310  is connected to the barrier  240  such that the barrier  240  pushes the first portion of the barrier clip  310  away from the post body  304  and slides along the post body  304  to end up between the post body  304  and the second portion of the barrier clip  310  at which point the first portion of the barrier clip  310  returns to its original position in contact with the post body  304 . In this manner, the barrier  240  is secured to a post  300  which is secured to the post base  302  ensuring the barrier  240  remains generally vertical during use. The post  300  and post base  302  may be placed in any location allowing an operator to form a perimeter of any shape with the barrier  240  and ensure the barrier  240  will stay vertical through connection to the post  300 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 23 , another barrier assembly in accordance with an aspect of the invention is shown and is generally identified by reference numeral  400 . The barrier assembly  400  comprises a cartridge  402  and a post  430 . The cartridge  402  comprises a housing  404 , a rotatable shaft  406  mounted within the housing  404 , an opening  408 , barrier mounts  410  connected to the shaft  406  and brackets  412  having apertures  414 . The shaft  406  is rotatably mounted within the housing  404  along a longitudinal axis of the housing  404  such that the shaft  406  is accessible through the opening  408 . The brackets  412  extend from either side of the housing  404  and are configured to allow for the cartridge  402  to be mounted to a surface as will be described. In this embodiment, there are three barrier mounts  410 , but those of skill in the art will appreciate that more or fewer are possible. The barrier mounts  410  are configured to connect to a barrier  420  in the same manner as the described barrier mounts  58  and  230  of assemblies  40  and  200 , respectively. The barrier  420  comprises a connection strip  422  that interacts with the post  430  as will be described.. 
     The post  430  comprises a body  432  extending from a base  434  that comprises apertures  436 . The post  430  further comprises barrier clips  438  connected to the body  432  and tabs  440  having mounting apertures  442 . The base  436  is configured to allow for the post  430  to be mounted to a surface as will be described. The barrier clips  438  are configured to connect to the barrier  420  in the same manner as the described barrier clips  110  and  310  of the posts  100  and  300 , respectively. In the this embodiment there are two barrier clips  438 , but those of skill in the art will appreciate that more or fewer are possible. The tabs  440  extend perpendicularly from the body  432 . The mount apertures  442  of the tabs  440  are configured to interact with the connection strip  422  of the barrier  420  as will be described. 
     In use, a barrier  420  is connected to the shaft  406  via the barrier mounts  410  in the manner described with respect to barrier mounts  58  and  230  of assemblies  40  and  200 , respectively. The barrier  420  is then wrapped around the shaft  406 . The shaft  406  may be rotated by hand or by mechanical means such as a crank or a motor. When a length of barrier  420  is required, the barrier  420  is pulled away from the cartridge  402  such that the barrier  420  is unwrapped from the shaft  406 . A perimeter or configuration of barrier  420  may then be constructed using the unwrapped barrier  420 . Posts  100  or  300  may be used in constructing this perimeter or configuration. The barrier  420  may be connected to the post  430 . The barrier clips  438  are connected to the barrier  420  in the same manner as the described barrier clips  110  and  310  of the posts  100  and  300 , respectively. The connection strip  422  may be connected to the post  430  by inserting one end of the connection strip  422  into a mount aperture  442  of the post  430  and moving the connection strip  422  up or down (depending on the end of the connection strip  422 ) such that the other end of the connection strip  422  may be inserted into the other mount aperture  422  of the post  430 . 
     The cartridge  402  can be secured to a surface by placing bolts, for example, into the apertures  414  of the brackets  412  which are secured to the surface. Similarly, the post  430  can be secured to a surface by placing bolts, for example, into the apertures  436  of the base  434  which are secured to the surface. In the configuration the barrier  420  can be extended from the cartridge  402  and connected to the post  430  to define wall of barrier  420  that is secured on either end by the cartridge  402  and post  430 , respectively. 
     Those of skill in the art will appreciate, that the post  430  can be used in conjunction with the assemblies  40  and  200 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 24 , a clip assembly in accordance with another aspect of the invention is shown and is generally identified by reference numeral  500 . The clip assembly  500  comprises a magnet  502  connected to a clip  504 . The magnet  502  can be magnetically mounted to a ferromagnetic material. In this embodiment, the magnet  502  is circular. One of skill in the art will appreciate that other shapes are possible. The clip  504  comprises a first portion  506  connected to the magnet via two rivets, a second portion  508  extending from to the first portion  506  and a third portion  510  extending from the second portion  508 . The second portion  508  has a longitudinal axis that is substantially co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the first portion  506 . The third portion  510  extends from the second portion  508  at an angle. In this embodiment, the angle is approximately 30 degree to the longitudinal axis of the second portion  508 . The clip  504  facilitates mounting of a barrier as will be described. 
     In use, a barrier  600  is mounted to the clip assembly  500  as shown in  FIG. 25 . The clip  504  fits through one of the holes in the barrier  600 . The angle of the third portion  510  relative to the second portion  508  facilitates fast and easy insertion of the clip assembly  500  through the selected hole. The angle of the second portion  506  ensures that the barrier  600  will not accidently become unmounted from the clip assembly  500 . While not shown in  FIG. 25 , the magnet  502  is magnetically connected to a ferromagnetic material prior to mounting the barrier  600  to the clip  504  or post mounting the barrier  600  to the clip  504 . The clip assembly  500  allows for objects made from ferromagnetic materials to be used to mount the barrier  600 . For example, the clip assembly  500  can be connected to an iron door frame by magnetically connecting to the magnet  502  to the iron door frame. Once the clip assembly  500  is mounted to the iron door frame, the barrier  600  may be mounted on the clip  504 . One of skill will appreciate that the clip assembly  500  may be used with the barrier  70  and  240  of assembly  40  and  200 , respectively. 
     The various components of the different embodiments described herein may be manufactured in a variety of materials including, but not limited to, metal, such as steel, plastic, rubber and the like. 
     Although certain embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, those of skill in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope thereof as defined by the appended claims.