Patent Publication Number: US-2019177996-A1

Title: Open edge stand

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of barriers of existing art and more specifically relates to portable barriers. 
     RELATED ART 
     Frequently workers must erect static barriers on the job. These barriers typically come in an assembly of parts. The parts generally include a large amount of posts, bracing members and framed barrier surfaces. Transporting and storing these barriers is a cumbersome task that exhausts labor workers and their budget. Generally, the individual parts must be bundled for transport. Large quantities of posts, bracing members, and barrier surfaces must be counted and bundled before transport. It is important that the exact number of individual parts is accounted for the assembly. Once transported to a worksite, these bundles are typically unloaded with a heavy machinery. Laborers must take company time and resources to double check the number of pieces. The pieces must then be assembled on the worksite, taking even more time. A suitable solution is desired. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,789,801 to J. Moreng relates to a portable, collapsible steeplechase hurdle or fence. The described portable, collapsible steeplechase hurdle or fence includes a barrier member of light weight, reinforced construction which is adapted to rest on the ground, at one longitudinal edge, in the erected condition and which is preferably curved in the direction toward the opposite or uppermost longitudinal edge, support legs pivoted in back of the barrier member to swing between erected positions, in which the legs extend downwardly from the uppermost edge of the barrier member for engagement with the ground, and stored positions in which the legs lie against the barrier member, and bracing link members pivotally connected to the barrier member and legs and being movable between extended and collapsed positions respectively corresponding to the erected and stored position of the legs, with such bracing link members being automatically retained in either their extended or collapsed positions for preventing inadvertent displacement of the legs from either their erected or stored positions, respectively. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known portable barrier art, the present disclosure provides a novel collapsible barrier system and method. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an effective and efficient collapsible barrier system and method. 
     A collapsible barrier is disclosed herein. The collapsible barrier includes a substantially rectangular sheet. The substantially rectangular sheet includes an upper-horizontal edge, a lower-horizontal edge, a first-vertical edge and, a second-vertical edge. A metallic webbing is integrated with the substantially rectangular sheet to provide suitable strength and load bearing capabilities. A first post has a first-upper edge and a first-lower edge. The first post is disposed a first-distance from the first-vertical edge. A second post has a second-upper edge and a second-lower edge. The second post is disposed a second-distance from the second-vertical edge. A first foot extends the first-distance perpendicularly from the first-lower edge of the first post. A second foot extends the second-distance perpendicularly from the second-lower edge of the second post. The first-bracing member joins the first post to the first foot. A second-bracing member joins the second post to the second foot. At least one hinge mechanically couples the first post to the substantially rectangular sheet, and the second post to the substantially rectangular sheet. A first-normal plane extends a first-planar distance perpendicularly along the first-vertical edge. A second-normal plane extends a second-planar distance perpendicularly along the second-vertical edge. The first post and the second post are aligned parallel to the first-vertical edge and the second-vertical edge. The first-distance and the second-distance are substantially equal. The collapsible barrier is configured to be stacked. 
     According to another embodiment, a collapsible barrier installation is also disclosed herein. The collapsible barrier installation includes a providing a collapsible barrier as disclosed; unfolding the second foot pivotably with the second pole until the second foot is perpendicular to the substantially rectangular sheet; aligning apertures of the first foot and the second foot for mechanically affixing to a surface; and fastening the first foot and the second foot to a surface. 
     For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a collapsible barrier system and method, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of the collapsible barrier during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the collapsible barrier of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the collapsible barrier of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the collapsible barrier of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating a method of collapsible barrier installation, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to portable barriers and more particularly to a collapsible barrier as used to improve the efficiency of barriers. 
     Generally, the collapsible barrier includes a substantially rectangular sheet. The substantially rectangular sheet includes an upper-horizontal edge, a lower-horizontal edge, a first-vertical edge and, a second-vertical edge. The upper-horizontal edge and the lower-horizontal edge may be longer than the first-vertical edge and the second-vertical edge. The upper-horizontal edge and the lower-horizontal edge may be substantially equal and be approximately 10-feet. A toe-board may be disposed along the lower-horizontal edge. A metallic webbing is integrated with the substantially rectangular sheet to provide suitable strength and load bearing capabilities. 
     The collapsible barrier includes a first post having a first-upper edge and a first-lower edge. The first post is disposed a first-distance from the first-vertical edge. The first-distance may be approximately 1.5-feet. The collapsible barrier includes a second post having a second-upper edge and a second-lower edge. The second post is disposed a second-distance from the second-vertical edge. The second-distance may be approximately 1.5-feet. A first foot extends the first-distance perpendicularly from the first-lower edge of the first post. A second foot extends the second-distance perpendicularly from the second-lower edge of the second post. The first foot and the second foot may include apertures configured to receive fasteners for securing the first foot and the second foot to a surface. 
     A first-bracing member joins the first post to the first foot. A second-bracing member joins the second post to the second foot. At least one hinge mechanically couples the first post to the substantially rectangular sheet. The first post may be pivotably connected to the substantially rectangular sheet and configured to pivot axially toward the first-vertical edge. The first foot may be configured to fit parallel to the substantially rectangular sheet when the first post is pivoted about its axis outwardly towards the first-vertical edge. At least one hinge mechanically couples the second post to the substantially rectangular sheet. The second post may be pivotably connected to the substantially rectangular sheet and configured to pivot axially toward the second-vertical edge. The second foot may be configured to fit parallel to the substantially rectangular sheet when the second post is pivoted about its axis outwardly towards the second-vertical edge. 
     A first-normal plane extends a first-planar distance perpendicularly along the first-vertical edge. The first-planar distance may be sized such that the first-normal plane extends past the first foot when the first foot is aligned parallel to the substantially rectangular sheet. A second-normal plane extends a second-planar distance perpendicularly along the second-vertical edge. The second-planar distance may be sized such that the second-normal plane extends past the second foot when the second foot is aligned parallel to the substantially rectangular sheet. The first post and the second post are aligned parallel to the first-vertical edge and the second-vertical edge. The first-distance and the second-distance are substantially equal. The collapsible barrier may be made of light-weight material and is configured to be stacked. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of collapsible barriers as described herein, methods of collapsible barrier installation will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
     Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , various views of a collapsible barrier  100 . 
       FIG. 1  shows a collapsible barrier  100  during an ‘in-use’ condition  50 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the collapsible barrier  100  may be beneficial for erecting a portable barrier. As illustrated, the collapsible barrier  100  may include a substantially rectangular sheet  110 , the substantially rectangular sheet  110  comprising an upper-horizontal edge  112 , a lower-horizontal edge  114 , a first-vertical edge  116 , and a second-vertical edge  118 . A metallic webbing  160  is integrated with the substantially rectangular sheet  110  to provide suitable strength and load bearing capabilities. 
     A first post  120  has a first-upper edge  121  and a first-lower edge  122 ; the first post  120  is disposed a first-distance  115  from the first-vertical edge  116 . A second post  130  has a second-upper edge  131  and a second-lower edge  132 ; the second post  130  is disposed a second-distance  117  from the second-vertical edge  118 . A first foot  140  extends the first-distance  115  perpendicularly from the first-lower edge  122  of the first post  120 . A second foot  150  extends the second-distance  117  perpendicularly from the second-lower edge  132  of the second post  130 . A first-bracing member  141  joins the first post  120  to the first foot  140 . A second-bracing member  151  joins the second post  130  to the second foot  150 . At least one hinge  170  mechanically couples the first post  120  to the substantially rectangular sheet  110  and, the second post  130  to the substantially rectangular sheet  110 . The first foot  140  and second foot  150  include apertures  101  for securing the collapsible barrier  100  to a surface. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2  showing the collapsible barrier  100  of  FIG. 1  in a ‘stowed’ condition  300 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the collapsible barrier  100  may include a first-normal plane  201 ; the first-normal plane  201  extending a first-planar distance  202  perpendicularly along the first-vertical edge  116 . The first post  120  may be pivotably connected to the substantially rectangular sheet  110 . The first post  120  may be configured to pivot towards the first-vertical edge  116  allowing the first foot to be aligned parallel with the substantially rectangular sheet  110 . As illustrated, the first foot  120  may be configured to fit parallel to the substantially rectangular sheet  110 . The first-planar distance  202  may be sized such that that first-normal plane  201  extends past the first foot  120  when the first foot  120  is aligned parallel to the substantially rectangular sheet  110 . A second-normal plane  203  extends a second-planar distance  204  perpendicularly along the second-vertical edge  118 . The second post  130  may be pivotably connected to the substantially rectangular sheet  110 . The second post  130  may be configured to pivot towards the second-vertical edge  118  allowing the second foot to be aligned parallel with the substantially rectangular sheet  110 . As illustrated, the second foot  150  may be configured to fit parallel to the substantially rectangular sheet  110 . The second-planar distance  204  may be sized such that the second-normal plane  203  extends past the second foot  150  when the second foot  150  is aligned parallel to the substantially rectangular sheet  110 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3  showing a top view of the collapsible barrier  100  of  FIG. 1  in a ‘stowed’ condition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, a plurality of a collapsible barrier  100  may be in a stowed  300  condition. The stowed condition  300  conceptually is defined when the first foot  140  and the second foot  150  are aligned parallel with the substantially rectangular sheet  110 . The collapsible barrier  100  may be configured to be stacked. The collapsible barrier may be made of a light-weight material allowing for ease of transport. As shown, the first-planar  202  distance and the second-planar  203  distance are much shorter than the upper-horizontal edge  112 , the design allows for ease of storage. 
       FIG. 4  is a front view of the collapsible barrier  100  of  FIG. 1  during an ‘in-use’ condition  50 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated the collapsible barrier  100  may include a toe-board  190  disposed along the lower-horizontal edge  114 . The toe-board  190  may further be integrated into the collapsible barrier  100  by circumscribing the perimeter of the substantially rectangular sheet  110 . The toe-board  190  may be disposed along the first-vertical edge  116 , the second-vertical edge  118  and the lower-horizontal edge  114  and anywhere therebetween as necessary. The toe-board  190  may comprise a light-weight material. 
       FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating a method for collapsible barrier installation  500 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the method for collapsible barrier installation  500  may include one or more components or features of the collapsible barrier  100  as described above. As illustrated, the method for collapsible barrier installation  500  may include the steps of: step one  501 , providing a collapsible barrier  100 , the collapsible barrier  100  comprising a substantially rectangular sheet  110 , the substantially rectangular sheet  110  comprising an upper-horizontal edge  112 , a lower-horizontal edge  114 , a first-vertical edge  116 , a second-vertical edge  118 ; a metallic webbing  160 , the metallic webbing  160  integrated with the substantially rectangular sheet  110  to provide suitable strength and load bearing capabilities; first post  120 , the first post  120  having a first-upper edge  121  and a first-lower edge  122 , the first post  120  disposed a first-distance  115  from the first-vertical edge  116 ; a second post  130 , the second post  130  having a second-upper edge  131  and a second-lower edge  132 , the second post  130  disposed a second-distance  117  from the second-vertical edge  118 ; a first foot  140 , the first foot  140  extending the first-distance  114  perpendicularly from the first-lower edge  122  of the first post  120 ; a second foot  150 , the second foot  150  extending the second-distance  117  perpendicularly from the second-lower edge  132  of the second post  150 ; a first-bracing member  141 , the first-bracing  141  member joining the first post  120  to the first foot  140 ; a second-bracing member  151 , the second-bracing  151  member joining the second post  130  to the second foot  150 ; at least one hinge  170 , the at least one hinge  170  mechanically coupling, the first post  120  to the substantially rectangular sheet  110 , the second post  130  to the substantially rectangular sheet  110 ; a first-normal plane  201 , the first-normal plane  201  extending a first-planar distance  202  perpendicularly along the first-vertical edge  116 ; a second-normal plane  203 , the second-normal plane  203  extending a second-planar distance  204  perpendicularly along the second-vertical edge  118 ; wherein the first post  120  and the second post  130  are aligned parallel to the first-vertical edge  116  and the second-vertical edge  118 ; wherein the first-distance  114  and the second-distance  117  are substantially equal; wherein the collapsible barrier  100  is configured to be stacked; step two  502 , unfolding the first foot  140  pivotably with the first post  120  until the first foot  140  is perpendicular to the substantially rectangular sheet  110 ; step three  503 , unfolding the second foot  150  pivotably with the second post  130  until the second foot  150  is perpendicular to the substantially rectangular sheet  110 ; step four  504 , aligning apertures  101  of the first foot  140  and the second foot  150  for mechanically affixing to a surface; step five  505 , fastening the first foot  140  and the second foot  150  to a surface. 
     It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for collapsible barrier installation, are taught herein. 
     The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.