Patent Publication Number: US-10316479-B2

Title: Queue management gate

Description:
PRIORITY 
     The present application is related to, and claims the priority benefit of, and is a 35 U.S.C. 371 national stage application of, International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/IB2014/064766, filed Sep. 23, 2014, which is related to, and claims the priority benefit of, Netherlands Patent Application Serial No. 2013358, filed Aug. 22, 2014, and Australian Patent Application Serial No. 2013903643, filed Sep. 23, 2013. The contents of each of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into this disclosure. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to a queue management gate and a method of using such a queue management gate and finds particular, although not exclusive, utility in reducing the length of a route from start to finish in a queue management system. 
     In this regard the term “queue” may be exchanged for the term “line” as this is the preferred expression in at least the USA. 
     Queues form where people have to wait to reach a point at which something occurs such as buying bread in bakers, presenting passports at custom desks in airports and the like. In some countries queues naturally form as people wait behind one another. However, sometimes the number of people waiting is relatively great such that the length of the queue becomes relatively long and potentially too long for the space available. Furthermore, in some countries queuing is not a natural phenomenon with people jostling one another to reach the front of the queue such that some people (for instance the infirm) may have difficulty ever reaching the front of the queue. 
     To improve these situations queue management systems have been developed. One such system is produced by Tensator® which comprises portable stanchions connectable together by retractable tapes to form a zig-zag pattern of adjacent lanes, such as shown in  FIG. 11 . In this way a greater number of people may form a queue in less space. 
     However, these queue management systems are often unattended by staff such that the sequence of lanes is maintained even when there are only a few people present. These people are therefore faced with having to walk backwards and forwards, possibly many times, often increasing the length of walk required by a factor of 5, in order to reach their destination despite the fact that there is no one, or only a few people, in front of them. If these people are carrying suitcases or having to push wheelchairs or children, or are simply infirm, the additional distance is frustrating and time consuming. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Therefore there is a need for an improved queue management system. In a first aspect, the invention provides, a queue management gate comprising an attachment device for attaching the queue management gate to a stanchion of the type used in queue management systems which include flexible tapes extending between stanchions to form lanes, the gate further comprising a relatively rigid movable barrier, movable in a substantially horizontal plane, the gate for allowing access between adjacent lanes formed by the queue management system. 
     The queue management gate, herein after referred to as “the QM gate”, thus allows a movable barrier to be retro-fitted to an existing stanchion in a queue management system in place of a barrier portion, such as a rectractable tape or rigid panel. The QM gate may be placed at the end of a first lane where a person would usually turn through 180 degrees to walk in the opposite direction along the second lane adjacent to the previous first lane. Instead, the person may merely turn through 90 degrees and pass through the gate into the next-but-one third lane thus missing-out the second lane. If more than one QM gate is installed along the side of a queue management system at every other lane then a route is provided which allows users to by-pass the lanes and instead proceed directly to the end of the route. 
     The QM gate may be biased to the position whereby it blocks the gap between adjacent lanes such that people have to push it open. The QM gates may be arranged such that they only open in one direction. In this way, they cannot be pushed open if other people are standing “behind” the gate. For instance, if people are already queuing in the destination lane they may block the opening of the gate. This allows for queue-jumping by people using the gates without authorisation to be substantially eliminated. Equally, if someone needs to reach the front of the queue and is allowed to queue-jump by the relevant authority (for instance because their flight is waiting for them) people may be asked to move out of the way from “behind” the gates to allow that person to reach the front of the queue quickly via the gates. 
     The QM gates may be arranged in locations other than at the end of lanes, for instance substantially in the middle. 
     The stanchions in the queue management system may be portable or fixed, or there may be some of both. 
     The barrier may be relatively rigid in that it is more rigid than a rectractable tape. 
     The barrier may be a relatively slender member having an approximate length of between 500 mm and 1500 mm, an approximate height of between 50 mm and 200 mm, and an approximate thickness of between 5 mm and 25 mm. In one example the barrier has dimensions of 1200 mm length, 150 mm height and 13 mm thickness. The barrier may be substantially longer than it is high. One version has the barrier in the form of a flexible filament, such as a whip. 
     The barrier may include a portion for including advertising and/or information. For instance, a relatively flat portion may be included on at least one side of the barrier for affixing decals and the like. 
     The attachment device may include a slot for releasably co-operating with a tab provided on the stanchion. The stanchions in the Tensator® system include tabs over which an end of a tape may be engaged with a corresponding slot. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the attachment means may include a socket for engaging with this tab. Means to attach to other known commercial barrier systems are contemplated. For instance, the slot may be replaced with engagement means for allowing the attachment device to attach to other existing stanchions. It is also possible that an adaptor may be included for attaching the QM gate to other types of existing stanchions. The adaptor may be a replaceable member which fits between the attachment means and the pre-existing stanchion. A variety of different adaptors may be provided. 
     The attachment device may include a socket for releasably receiving the top of the stanchion. In one example the socket may be pushed over the top of the stanchion. The socket may include resilient material. For instance, foam-like material may be employed. In this way the material may grip the top of the stanchion and hold the socket in place but allow it to be pulled off when required. 
     The attachment device may include a clamp for clamping the gate to the stanchion. The clamp may be arranged to be manually opened and closed. For instance, the clamp may have one or more surfaces which can be moved to squeeze against the stanchion to retain the QM gate thereto. One example may include a ‘G’ type clamp arrangement. 
     Other means for attaching the QM gate to the stanchion are contemplated such as gluing. In this regard the attachment may be considered non-releasable from the stanchion. 
     The QM gate may comprise a hinge for facilitating the pivoting of the barrier relative to the attachment device. The hinge may be a standard butt/mortise or barrel type hinge, but also may be a flexible portion arranged between the relatively rigid barrier and the attachment device. In one example, the flexible portion may be within the barrier but towards one end thereof. 
     The QM gate may include a biasing means for maintaining the position of the barrier relative to the attachment means. For instance, a spring may be included. This may aid the return of the barrier relative to the attachment means after it has been moved by a user. 
     The QM gate may comprise rotation means for facilitating the rotation of the barrier and attachment device relative to the stanchion. For instance, the attachment device may comprise an inner and outer part, the inner part arranged to attach to the stanchion and the outer part arranged to rotate relative to the inner part, the barrier being attached, or unitary with, the outer part. A race, or other sliding means, may be provided between the inner and outer parts to allow the two to move easily relative to one another. 
     The QM gate may comprise barrier movement means for automatically moving the barrier from a first position to a second position. Such means movement may include a spring or other resilient member. Another option comprises two opposing and relatively movable surfaces arranged at an angle lying between the vertical and horizontal, in use, such that the barrier has a greater height with the barrier in the first position as compared to the barrier being in the second position, and the weight of the barrier assists in moving the barrier from the first position to the second position. In this way the two surfaces slide relative to one another when the barrier moves and causes the barrier to lift up in the first, possibly open position. One surface may be arranged on the attachment means and the other on the barrier. Or, one surface may be arranged on the inner part, described above, and the other surface arranged on the outer part. 
     The QM gate may further comprise a barrier receiving means for fitting to another stanchion adjacent the queue management gate, the barrier receiving means arranged to receive the end of the barrier distal from the attachment means. The barrier receiving means may include attachment means for attaching it another stanchion. The attachment means may be the same as described above with regard to the QM gate. In other words, in a simple example, the barrier receiving means may push over the top of the stanchion. 
     The receiving means may include a socket, recess or other such arrangement in which the end of the barrier may be maintained in either or both of a closed and open position. In other words, the barrier receiving means may overcome the self-closing/automatic movement mechanism described above. This may be effected by a magnet provided in one of the barrier and barrier receiving means and an opposing magnet or magnetic member being provided in the other. The magnet may be an electromagnet. Other means of retaining the end of the barrier in the barrier receiving means are contemplated such as a catch. 
     In one example, the end of the barrier may be locked relative to the barrier receiving means preventing unauthorised movement thereof. The barrier may be unlocked by means of a key allowing the catch to be moved or an electronic signal switching off the electromagnet. The signal may be provided remotely via radio signals such as in a WI-FI network. 
     The QM gate may include an indicator for providing an indication of the lock status; such as an indication as to when it is locked and when it is unlocked. Such an indicator may be a visible signal such as a light or flag. 
     The QM gate may include a motor for moving the barrier. It may also include one or more sensors for determining the position of the barrier relative to the attachment means. 
     The attachment means may include a weight to reduce the likelihood of toppling and “creep”, and increase the stabilisation, of the stanchion. 
     In a second aspect, the invention provides a queue management system comprising a plurality of stanchions connected together by barriers to form lanes in which people may queue, and at least one queue management gate according to the first aspect being located in place of a barrier extending between two adjacent stanchions, the gate for allowing access between adjacent lanes. 
     The barriers may be retractable flexible tapes and/or relatively rigid panels. 
     In a third aspect, the invention provides a method of reducing the length of a route, from start to finish, in a queue management system of the type which includes panels and/or flexible tapes extending between stanchions to form lanes, the method comprising the steps of providing a queue management system including panels and/or flexible tapes extending between stanchions to form lanes, providing a queue management gate according to the first aspect, removing a length of tape or panel between two adjacent stanchions and attaching the queue management gate to one of the two said adjacent stanchions such that the barrier in a first position blocks access between the two said adjacent stanchions and in a second position allows access therebetween, such that, in use, with the barrier in a second position the route is shortened by access between adjacent lanes being provided. 
     The method may further comprise the step of providing and installing further queue management gates in other locations within the queue management system. 
     In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a queue management device comprising a portable stanchion, having a base, and a relatively rigid barrier, pivotable relative to the stanchion in a substantially horizontal plane, the gate for allowing access between adjacent lanes formed by portable queue management systems of the type which include panels or flexible tapes extending between portable stanchions to form lanes. 
     The queue management device is referred to hereafter as “the QM device” 
     In this aspect the same principles as above apply but rather than being retro-fitted to an existing stanchion the device is a stanchion including a pre-assembled and attached movable barrier. 
     The stanchion may include tape attachment means for attaching a flexible tape from an adjacent stanchion thereto. For instance tabs and/or sockets for receiving tabs may be provided. 
     The stanchion may include panel support means for supporting panels which are supported at one end by another stanchion. The panels may be relatively rigid. 
     The QM device may comprise a hinge for facilitating the pivoting of the barrier relative to the stanchion. As before, the hinge may be a standard type door hinge and/or be a flexible portion arranged between the relatively rigid barrier and the stanchion. 
     The QM device may comprise rotation means for facilitating the rotation of the barrier relative to the stanchion. The rotation means may comprise an inner and outer part, one of the inner and outer parts fixed relative to the stanchion and the other of the inner and outer parts arranged to rotate relative thereto, the barrier being attached, or unitary with, the other of the inner and outer parts. 
     The QM device may comprise barrier movement means for automatically moving the barrier from a first position to a second position. 
     The barrier movement means may comprise two opposing and relatively movable surfaces arranged at an angle lying between the vertical and horizontal, in use, such that the barrier has a greater height with the barrier in the first position as compared to the barrier being in the second position, and the weight of the barrier assists in moving the barrier from the first position to the second position. The barrier movement means may move as discussed, mutatis mutandis, in relation to the first aspect above. 
     The QM device may further comprise a barrier receiving means for fitting to another stanchion adjacent the queue management device, the barrier receiving means arranged to receive the end of the barrier distal from the stanchion. In other words, the barrier receiving means may be retro-fitted to an existing stanchion. The details of this barrier receiving means are the same, mutatis mutandis, as described above in relation to the first aspect such that it may include locking means and a recess etcetera. 
     The QM device, however, may further comprise a barrier receiving means fitted to another stanchion adjacent the queue management device, the barrier receiving means arranged to receive the end of the barrier distal from the stanchion. In this version, the barrier receiving means is already pre-attached to the stanchion. The details of this barrier receiving means are the same, mutatis mutandis, as described above in relation to the first aspect such that it may include locking means and a recess etcetera. 
     In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a barrier-end receiving means for fitting to a stanchion of the type used in queue management systems which include flexible tapes extending between stanchions to form lanes, and a movable barrier, the barrier-end receiving means being arranged to maintain the end of the barrier in place relative thereto. 
     The barrier receiving means may include locking means for releasably retaining the end of the barrier in place relative thereto. For instance a physical catch or magnetics may be employed as described above with regard to the second and/or fourth aspects. 
     In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a queue management system comprising a plurality of stanchions connected together by panels and/or flexible tapes to form lanes in which people may queue, and at least one queue management device according to the fourth aspect being located in place of a panel or length of tape extending between two adjacent stanchions, the gate for allowing access between adjacent lanes. 
     The queue management system may comprise at least one sensor for detecting the presence of a queue of people. The queue management system may comprise at least one motor for moving the barrier of at least one queue management device. The movement of the barriers may be operated remotely in response to the detection of the presence and/or absence of a queue of people. 
     In a seventh aspect, the invention provides a method of reducing the length of a route, from start to finish, in a queue management system of the type which includes panels and/or flexible tapes extending between stanchions to form lanes, the method comprising the steps of providing a queue management system including panels and/or flexible tapes extending between stanchions to form lanes, providing a queue management device according to the fourth aspect, and inserting it between two adjacent stanchions in place of a panel or flexible tape such that the barrier in a first position blocks access between the two said adjacent stanchions and in a second position allows access therebetween, such that, in use, with the barrier in a second position the route is shortened by access between adjacent lanes being provided. 
     The method may further comprise the step of providing and installing further queue management devices in other locations within the queue management system. 
     In any of the various aspects the movable barrier may be telescopic such that its length may be selectable. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a known stanchion used in queue management systems; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a stanchion including a queue management gate; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of one version of a queue management gate; 
         FIGS. 4 to 6  are side views of queue management gates including various attachment devices; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a queue management device; 
         FIG. 8  is a close-up partial side view of a queue management gate; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of a barrier-end receiver; 
         FIG. 10  is a plan view of part of the barrier-end receiver of  FIG. 9 ; and 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a queue management system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention will be described with respect to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all of the features of the invention and therefore should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention. 
     Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. 
     Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other orientations than described or illustrated herein. 
     It is to be noticed that the term “comprising”, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device comprising means A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B. 
     Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term “connected”, used in the description, should not be interpreted as being restricted to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device A connected to a device B” should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. “Connected” may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in an aspect” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or aspect, but may refer to different embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics of any embodiment or aspect of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments or aspects. 
     Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, the description of any individual drawing or aspect should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. 
     Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form yet further embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. 
     In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. 
     In the discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value. 
     The use of the term “at least one” may mean only one in certain circumstances. 
     The principles of the invention will now be described by a detailed description of at least one drawing relating to exemplary features of the invention. It is clear that other arrangements can be configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the underlying concept or technical teaching of the invention, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims. 
     In  FIG. 1  an existing stanchion  10  known from the prior art is shown in perspective. It comprises a post  30  supported by a circular foot or base  20 . At the upper end of the post distributed equally around the perimeter are four features referenced  40  of which only two are visible. There are various different versions of stanchions known each version including a different arrangement of features  40 . Some versions include only four tabs for receiving the end of a flexible tape or relatively rigid panel extending from an adjacent stanchion. Some include flexible extensible tapes which can be pulled out from the stanchion and releasably fixed to an adjacent stanchion. 
     This type of known stanchion has been retro-fitted in  FIG. 2  to include a queue management gate  110 . The gate comprises a barrier  60  and an attachment device  150  which allows it to be attached to the top of the post  30 . The barrier may move relative to the post (and/or the base  20 ) in a horizontal plane (indicated by arrow ‘ 70 ’) so as to act as a movable barrier as will be explained in more detail below. 
     The attachment device  150  is more dearly explained with reference to  FIG. 3 . The attachment device  150  includes a curved portion  153  configured to approximately match the curve of the outside of the post  30 . A slot  154  is provided on the concave side of the curved portion to mate with the tab  40  provided on the outside of the post  30 . In this way, the attachment device  150  may be slid downwardly relative to the post  30  so as to attach it to the post  30 . The device  150  includes a top panel  151  which may help to stabilise the attachment device  150  relative to the post  30  and which extends partially across the top of the post  30  and radially outwardly from the post  30 . It may act to prevent the ingress of unwanted materials such as dirt/dust into the region between the post  30  and the concave surface  153  of the attachment device  150 . 
     The attachment device  150  includes a bottom panel  152  which extends radially away from the bottom. The barrier  60  is supported between the top panel  151  and the bottom panel  152 . 
     The barrier  60  includes a thickened rim  61  around its perimeter which may provide stiffness and support to the relatively lightweight panel  62  within. 
     A side view of one version of the queue management gate  210  is shown in  FIG. 4 . This figure shows the attachment device  250  in cut-away section to better show the mechanism. It comprises a post  30  and base  20  of the known prior art stanchions retro-fitted with the queue management gate. The queue management gate has been attached by means of the attachment device  250  which comprises a socket, or cup,  252  which is pushed down over the top of the post  30 . Sponge-like resilient material  253  is arranged annually in the socket  252  such that it grips the top of the post  30  but allows the queue management gate  210  to be removed when it needs to be moved to another stanchion. 
     The barrier  60  is pivoted to the attachment device  250  by means of a flexible portion, or hinge  68 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a variation of the attachment device  350  wherein the queue management gate  310  is attached to the post  30  by means of clamps  354 . This figure shows the attachment device  350  in cut-away section to better show the mechanism. These clamps are screw threads passing through the socket  352  with a tab at one end for grasping by the installer and a plate at the other end for pressing against the side of the top of the post  30  in a similar manner to a “G” clamp. The attachment device  350  may include any number of such clamps but a minimum of three is considered preferable to ensure adequate connection to the post  30 . 
     In one version the attachment device  350  includes the resilient material  253  described with reference to  FIG. 4  as well as the one or more clamps  354 . Other ways of releasably attaching the queue management gate to a stanchion are contemplated such as gluing, strapping, tying, riveting and bolting. 
     Yet another version of how the attachment device  450  may function is shown in  FIG. 6 . This figure shows the attachment device  450  in cut-away section to better show the mechanism. 
     Here the queue management gate  410  includes an attachment device  450  comprising in inner socket  454  and an outer part  452 . The inner socket  454  is shown retained to the top of the post  30  by means of resilient material being present annually within the socket in a similar manner to that described above with reference to  FIG. 4 . However, other ways for attaching the inner socket to the top of the post  30  are contemplated such as discussed above. 
     The outer part  452  is arranged to rotate relative to the inner socket  45  so that the barrier  60  which is connected to, or unitary with, the outer part may rotate in the desired manner. 
     The inner socket  454  and outer part  452  are shown spaced apart by a turntable  456  provided at the top between the two  454 ,  452 . Also shown is a race (such as a ball-bearing race)  455  around the circumference and in between the two  454 ,  452 . It is possible to have only one of these two options or both. Other ways of allowing the two parts  454 ,  452  to rotate relative to one another are contemplated such as a bush, the presence of frictionless material and tracks. 
       FIG. 7  shows a side view of a queue management device  510  which comprises a post  530 , a base  520  and a barrier  560  rotatably supported to the post  530  towards its top. The queue management device  510  includes tabs  540  (or the ends of flexible retractable tapes retained within the post  530  for extending therefrom) for creating a queue management system. 
     The barrier  560  is rotatably supported by the post  530  by a member  550  which may rotate within the post  530 . The post includes a window within which the barrier and member  550  may move. The window may be used to limit the angle of rotation of the barrier  560 . Such limitation may lie in the range 90 to 270 degrees although other ranges are contemplated. 
     The member  550  may be supported within the post  530  by an axle, ball-bearing race, bush, or other such mechanism as will be understood by the skilled person. 
     In  FIG. 8  the details of one way in which the attachment device  150  may function is shown. This attachment device is the same as the one described in relation to  FIGS. 2 and 3  but includes a self-closing (or automatic movement) mechanism. 
     The attachment device  150  includes an axle  158  extending in an approximately vertical manner between the top panel  151  and the bottom panel  152 . The barrier  60 , of which only a portion is shown, may pivot around this axle  158  because it includes an upper portion  156  within which the axle  158  rests. A lower portion  157  is provided below this upper portion  156  and also has the axle  158  passing through it. The upper surface  161  of the lower portion  157  and the lower surface  162  of the upper portion  156  are correspondingly inclined relative to the horizontal lying at approximately 45 degrees thereto. This type of hinge is sometimes known as a self-rising hinge because as the upper portion  156  (and thus the barrier  60 ) rotates relative to the lower portion  157  the two surfaces  161 ,  162  slide over one another and due to their inclined natures the lower surface  162  and thus the upper portion  156  are urged away from the lower portion  157 . The lower portion  157  is fixed relative to the attachment device  150  but the upper portion  156  may slide axially relative to the attachment device  150 . For instance, the upper portion  156  may slide axially along the axle  158 . 
     If the queue management device is arranged correctly then the weight of the barrier  60  will urge it to return to its lower position, once a force exerted upon it to move it initially has been removed. 
     This figure also shows the tab  40  provided on the outside of the post  30  and the connection part  140  within which the slot  154  is provided. The queue management device is shown attached to the post  30 . 
     In  FIG. 9  a simplified queue management device  610  is shown including a barrier  660 . An adjacent stanchion is shown to the right. This stanchion has a post  30  upon which a barrier-end receiving means  621  has been attached. This barrier-end receiving means  621  includes a socket  620  which has been pushed over the top of the post  30  in a similar manner to that described above with regard to the attachment device  250  in  FIG. 4 . This view is a cut-away section to improve the understanding thereof. 
     The barrier-end receiving means  621  is shown in cut-away section to improve the understanding thereof. 
     An arm  630  extends radially away from the socket part  620  within, or against which the end  662  of the barrier may abut, rest, or be retained. 
     An example of how the end  662  of the barrier  660  may be retained is shown in  FIG. 10 . Here the socket part  620  can be seen in cut-away section around the post  30 . The arm  630  is shown including a recess against/within which the end  662  of the barrier  660  rests. The recess includes a magnet  634 . The end  662  of the barrier includes another magnetic or some magnetically attractable material  664 . The two  634 ,  664  are spatially arranged such that with the end  662  of the barrier  660  within the recess they may attract one another to the extent that the end of the barrier is substantially retained in place. The strength of the attraction may be arranged as required. It may vary from the only slight to the very strong. In the former, this may be desired such that users can easily overcome it but so that it stops the gate from being nudged out of place. In the latter, the strength may be enough such that the gate cannot be opened. In this regard one of the magnetic materials may be an electromagnet operated by management of the facility in which the queue management system is located. 
     Finally,  FIG. 11  shows a queue management system  710  comprising known stanchions  10  arranged to create a labyrinth-like array of adjacent parallel lanes A, B, C, D with an entrance X at one end and an exit Y at the other end. The lanes are created by the use of the tapes being extended in a particular pattern between chosen adjacent stanchions. In use a person enters at X and turns right to walk along the first lane A. At the end of this lane A the person turns left through 90 degrees and passes through a gap B 1  in the tapes to the end of lane B (opposite from the end of lane A at which they entered). The person then turns through another 90 degrees, such that they have turned through a total of 180 degrees, and progresses along the second lane B in the opposite direction to that which they traveled in lane A. At the end of lane B they pass through a gap C 1  into the third lane and travel back along this third lane in the same direction as they traveled along the first lane A having turned through another 180 degrees. This is repeated for as many lanes as are present. In this figure there are 4 lanes and the user only reaches the exit Y after having traversed the full length of each lane A, B, C, D. 
     If the lanes are all empty this can be very frustrating for the user. Therefore queue management gates  720  have been provided attached to stanchions at the ends of the lanes in between the entrance X and the exit Y where those lanes are closed. In other words a queue management gate has been placed between lanes A and B, and between C and D. 
     Thus, if authorised to use these gates, the user may travel from the entrance X to the exit Y by-passing all of the lanes part from the widths thereof. 
     The system  710  may include sensors (not shown) for determining the status of queue. For instance, proximity sensors may provide an indication of the number of people present and which lanes are occupied. Furthermore, one or more gates  720  may include means for locking and unlocking and/or means for opening and closing. In this way, an operator may determine, whether visually or assisted by the sensors&#39; output, that some of the gates may be opened or closed. For instance, if the queue extends from the exit Y and fills lanes C and D but no further then the operator may decide to open the gate located between lanes A and B so that users may avoid having to walk along the length of lanes A and B. If the queue becomes longer and extends before the entrance then this gate can be closed such that the lengths of lanes A and B may be used to reduce the space required to hold all the people in the queue. 
     The system may include a CPU for automatically monitoring the status of the queue/queue management system and for controlling the status of the various gates (open/closed, locked/unlocked). 
     The system  720  may also include markings such as located on the floor or on stanchions explaining how the queue management system operates and providing arrows to show the direction users should follow. For instance, signs including means for changing the direction of a displayed arrow may be incorporated.