Patent Publication Number: US-2018049539-A1

Title: Portable Shoulder Carried Barrier System

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from provisional U.S. Application No. 62/375,451 filed on Aug. 16, 2016 and entitled Portable Shoulder Carrying Barrier System. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a portable shoulder carried, barrier system, specially designed for blocking access to things such as elevator entrances when maintenance is performed. The barrier system is portable and scalable in size. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Primitive forms of lifting objects were first introduced in ancient Rome going as far back as 336 B.C. These early lifters were open in nature as opposed to the closed types used today. Different types of hoist devices were used along with pulleys for lifting heavy objects. The main source power used for lifting were animals, water through water devices, or physical manpower. As the industrial revolution evolved hydraulic systems came about, replacing many of the antiquated ways. 
     The modern elevator has been around since the early 1800&#39;s. The first elevator is believed to have been created in 1823 by two British architects, Burton and Hormer. The elevator was initially called an ascending room and used to bring tourist to view the London skyline. Steam powered cabled elevators evolved and were then used because of their efficiency. Their main drawback was that sometimes the cable would snap and kill everyone in the cab. This prevented their popularity to their users. As buildings continued getting taller a need arose to find a solution to the cables snapping and killing its occupants. In 1852 Elisha Otis came up with a solution that worked. He called it the “safety brake”. The way that it worked was if the elevator ropes broke a wooden frame at the top of the elevator would snap outwards and hit the walls of the shaft causing the elevator to stop. 
     In 1854 Elisha Otis introduced his safety device at the New York World&#39;s fair. He went to the top of the elevator shaft and had the ropes cut. Instead of falling to his death the upper wooden frame expanded outward stopping the elevator. This was revolutionary and this new safety factor helped bring about the popularity of the elevator in the public&#39;s eye. Since then many other safety features have continued developing. 
     In order to maintain the safety of the elevator, routine maintenance and inspections are required. When maintenance is performed it requires the elevator door to remain open while a certified technician performs the maintenance, inspection or repairs. This is where accidents have been known to occur. As a result of this different means of keeping people away from the exposed entrance have been tried. It is the goal of this invention to provide a barrier system. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a portable shoulder carried, barrier system, specially designed for blocking elevator entrances when maintenance is performed. The barrier system is scalable in size to the opening of the elevator entrance. Although the description is framed around an elevator door for its environment, this should not be construed as limiting. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention consists of a barrier with scalable walls that can be adjusted to block elevator entrances, as a primary example. In a preferred embodiment, panels of the barrier can be made of, for example, many industry type panels including corrugated plastic, solid plastic, or thin wood. The panels have multi-dimensional openings and latching hooks. The latching hooks are used to extend the barrier formed from the panels around the elevator door. The barriers having water proof characteristics. A storage bag is employed with an adjustable shoulder carrying strap, two Velcro straps, two suction cups having the ability to attach to porous and non-porous surfaces. Further included is a pair of ratchet lanyards with two hooks and attached ropes. The corrugated plastic barrier panels have an area for printed warnings, and also an optional area for placement of a logo. 
     The portable shoulder carried barrier system is dimensioned to easily fit inside a maintenance vehicle, and with its shoulder carrying strap, easily transported to where it is needed. Attached to the looped end rope is a ratchet lanyard used with a metal hook for attaching it to a specialized suction cup, the suction cup having the ability to attach to porous and non-porous materials. The ratchet also acts as a hoist keeping the barrier close to the suction cups. As the loose end of the rope is pulled, it tightens the barrier to the suction cup. This method provides a solid wall, preventing anyone from bypassing the barrier. The side latching connector of the barrier system provides enough space to attach the suction cups to a wall surrounding the elevator door opening. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, in which: 
         FIG. 1  presents an isometric view of an exemplary barrier system, with 4 or 5 panels measuring 23.75″ tall, made of corrugated plastic, approximately 10 mils thick in a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  presents an isometric view of an exemplary barrier system, complete with accessories. 
         FIG. 3  presents an isometric view of panels of an exemplary barrier system. 
         FIG. 4  presents an isometric view of an exemplary barrier system being assembled. 
         FIG. 5  presents an isometric view of an exemplary barrier system, with panels adjoined. 
         FIG. 6  presents an isometric view of an exemplary barrier system, with a lanyard being attached to the barrier. 
         FIG. 7  presents an isometric view of an exemplary barrier system, with lanyard fully chocked and extended. 
         FIG. 8  presents an isometric view of an exemplary barrier system, attached to a wall. 
         FIG. 9  presents an isometric view of an exemplary barrier system a suction device attached to an adjacent wall surface. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
       FIG. 1  shows a technician carrying all elements of the barrier system ( 100 ) on his shoulder. An adjustable shoulder strap ( 102 ) is fitted through a carrying strap attachment guide ( 112 ). The adjustable shoulder strap ( 102 ) is provided with self-locking loops at the ends ( 103 ) (not shown here). Also attached is a storage bag ( 104 ) containing accessories. The storage bag ( 104 ) is held in place by the adjustable strap ( 102 ). Latching connectors or Tabs ( 110 ) are located at the ends and exterior midsection of the panels ( 101 ). The latching connector tabs ( 110 ) are oriented opposite to their corresponding reciprocal tab ( 110 ). The technician may carry multiple panels ( 101 ) simultaneously, allowing him to adjust the size of the barrier desired. Carrying handle receptacles ( 106 ) are located at the midsection of panels ( 101 ) for allowing the technician to grasp and move the orientation of the panel ( 101 ). 
     With respect to  FIG. 2 , in a preferred embodiment, the contents of the storage bag ( 104 ) are illustrated. Two suctions cups ( 118 ) with handles ( 119 ) are used for attaching to end walls surrounding the elevator entrance ( 126 ). Two hook and loop straps ( 116 ) are also included and used for attachment purposes. Two ratchet lanyard hooks ( 132 ) are included for tightening the barrier system ( 100 ) to the suction cups ( 118 ). A ratchet-type tensioning mechanism ( 108 ) having at one end a cord engaged radially around a sheave in the ratchet-type mechanism ( 108 ). The other end of the cord having a loop ( 136 ) tied by a knot ( 138 ), the cord running through a sheave located in the ratchet-type tension mechanism ( 108 ) having a wheel with a groove for a rope to run on, as in a pulley block. The other end of the cord ( 122 ) not attached, used for pulling tight the ratcheting tension mechanism ( 108 ). 
       FIG. 3  shows a plurality of panels ( 101 ) used in forming the barrier system ( 100 ). Latching connectors or tabs ( 110 ) are provided along vertical side ends ( 103 ) and ( 105 ) of the panels ( 101 ) for attaching the panels to each other, as needed. Latching connectors ( 110 ) are seen to be in the form of outstanding tabs ( 110 ) which are spaced laterally of the panels side ends ( 103 ) and ( 105 ) which are oppositely directioned along the opposite sides of the panels ( 101 ), forming openings ( 124 ) between the panel side edges ( 103 ,  105 ) and the corresponding tabs ( 110 ) into which oppositely disposed tabs ( 110 ) from an adjacent panel ( 101 ) engage, as illustrated. Carrying handle receptacles ( 106 ) are illustrated at the exterior of the mid-section of panels ( 101 ). 
     With respect to  FIG. 4  the latching procedure for engaging the panels ( 101 ) of the barrier system ( 100 ) is shown, using the latching connectors ( 110 ) as described with reference to  FIG. 3 . The carrying handle receptacles ( 106 ), carrying strap attachment guide ( 112 ) and openings ( 124 ) help provide airflow characteristics. When the panels are assembled together they acquire the ability to stand vertically. 
     With respect to  FIG. 5  a fully assembled barrier system ( 100 ) is depicted properly deployed around an elevator door ( 126 ). Its Latching connectors ( 110 ) are connected by the oppositely disposed tabs of the adjacent panel ( 101 ). The carrying handle receptacles ( 106 ) are used to position the panels ( 101 ) in their proper orientation. The carrying strap guides ( 112 ) along with openings ( 124 ) permits partial viewing of enclosed area. 
     With respect to  FIG. 6  the ratchet lanyard ( 120 ) covered by hand, with one end of a chocked rope ( 136 ) at one end and a hook ( 132 ) at the other end are shown indicating how it is looped through the carrying handle receptacle ( 106 ) prior to attaching the hook ( 132 ) to the suction cups (not shown). The end of the rope ( 122 ) is used to tighten and secure the panel ( 101 ) so that the hook that is attached to the suction cup will attach to the adjacent walls. Opening ( 124 ) and the carrying strap attachment guide ( 112 ) helps the airflow to flow reducing resistance to the panels ( 101 ) while permitting viewing to take place. 
     With respect to  FIG. 7  the ratchet lanyard ( 120 ) with its hook ( 132 ) are shown in their pulling position. When the end of rope ( 122 ) is pulled through the ratcheting feature of the lanyard ( 120 ) it pulls the barrier ( 101 ) closer to the elevator entrance ( 126 ) not shown, and provides a barrier, isolating the elevator door ( 126 ) from access. Opening ( 124 ) and carrying strap attachment guide ( 112 ) provide airflow through the panels helping to stabilize the panels from falling. A new loop ( 128 ) is formed around the inside of the latching connector tabs ( 110 ) 
     With respect to  FIG. 8 , a first suction cup ( 118 ) and handle ( 119 ) are depicted attached to a surface or wall ( 121 ) surrounding the elevator entrance door ( 126 ). When the rope end ( 122 ) is pulled by hand through opening ( 124 ) the ratcheting feature continues pulling the barrier panel ( 101 ) closer to the wall ( 121 ) eliminating a path for a person or even a child to bypass the barrier system ( 100 ). Latching connector tabs ( 110 ) are pulled closer to the elevator ( 121 ) by the tension created by the new rope on the tension mechanism ( 108 ). The new loop ( 128 ) secures panel ( 101 ) to the rope and suction cup ( 118 ). The attachment strap attachment guide  112 , the carrying handle receptacle ( 106 ) and openings ( 124 ) allow air to pass through the panels ( 101 ) reducing the pressure against them. 
     With respect to  FIG. 9  a second opposite suction cup ( 118 ) is shown attached to an opposite wall ( 121 ). While one suction cup ( 118 ) is inside the elevator entrance door ( 126 ) protected from being accessed, the second suction cup ( 118 ) shown here is facing outside the barrier ( 100 ). 
     It should be noted that the invention involves a portable, shoulder carried barrier system for blocking access to a desired area, the barrier system comprising: one or more panels which are engageable to one another along adjacent vertical ends thereof, and structures for engaging the barrier system to adjacent structures to fix the barrier system in place, the engaging structures being locked in place by gravity. 
     The barrier system of claim  1  wherein the panels include laterally extending tabs which are oriented oppositely on opposite vertical ends of the panels so as to engage cooperating, oppositely disposed tabs on adjacent panels. 
     The barrier system of claim  1  wherein a shoulder strap is provided which is engaged to cooperating openings in the panels. 
     The barrier system of claim  3  wherein a container for the structures for engaging the barrier system to adjacent structures is also carried by the shoulder strap. 
     The barrier system of claim  1  wherein the panels are made of a light weight material. 
     The barrier system of claim  1  wherein dimensions of the panels may be similarly varied. 
     The barrier system of claim  1  including a viewing area through which an individual sees what is beyond the barrier. 
     The barrier of claim  1  including an area for the placement of a logo thereon. 
     The barrier of claim  1  including an area for the placement of a warning thereon. 
     The system of claim  1  including a pair of engagement members for engaging structures to either side of or other structures supporting the barrier. 
     The system of claim  10  wherein a plurality of ratchet straps engages the engagement members to openings in the panels at each end of the barrier system to fix the barrier system in place. 
     The system of claim  1  wherein viewing areas in the form of openings between the panels are provided for viewing the area behind the barrier. 
     The system of claim  1  wherein the panels are of light weight to allow for shoulder carrying of the system. 
     The system of claim  1  wherein the openings are provided to dispel the effects of moving air on the panels. 
     As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, numerous modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the preceding portion of this specification is to be taken in an illustrative, as opposed to a limiting sense.