WO2018162877A1

WO2018162877A1 - Barrier arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2018162877A1
Application number: PCT/GB2018/050447
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher James Whiteley
Original assignee: Oxford Plastic Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Oxford Plastic Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2017-03-08
Filing date: 2018-02-21
Publication date: 2018-09-13
Anticipated expiration: 2019-09-08
Also published as: GB201703675D0

Abstract

A barrier arrangement is described which comprises a plurality of ground engaging panels (10) and a plurality of barrier units (16), wherein each barrier unit (16) comprises a barrier panel and a pair of supporting feet, the feet extending, in use, in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the barrier panel, and at least one of the ground engaging panels including a recess extending from a side of the ground engaging panel, the recess receiving at least part of one of the supporting feet.

Description

Barrier Arrangement

This invention relates to a barrier arrangement, and in particular to a barrier arrangement of the type in which a barrier is required to run alongside at least one side of a temporary walkway.

There are a number of circumstances in which it is desired to provide a temporary walkway and to provide a barrier that runs alongside at least one side of the walkway. By way of example, if works are being undertaken on a footpath and there is a need to temporarily divert the footpath then, depending upon the nature of the ground surface over which the footpath is being diverted, it may be desired to provide a temporary walkway in order to maintain a sufficiently smooth, firm surface for pedestrians to use, providing a safe walkway that is substantially free from significant trip hazards. Providing barriers to demarcate the temporary walkway and restrict access to other areas adjacent the walkway may also be desirable.

One form of barrier arrangement suitable for use in such circumstances is described in GB 2481004. The arrangement comprises a series of panels to be laid side-by-side or end-to-end on the ground to form a walkway, brackets connectable to the panels, and barrier panels securable to the brackets such that the barrier panels are held in an upright configuration. Whilst such an arrangement may function adequately, there is a desire to be able to provide a barrier arrangement comprising a temporary walkway and a barrier running alongside the walkway which makes use of a barrier that is self supporting and suitable for use in other purposes. Conveniently, a barrier that is readily available is used in the arrangement.

According to the invention, therefore, there is provided a barrier arrangement comprising a plurality of ground engaging panels and a plurality of barrier units, wherein each barrier unit comprises a barrier panel and a pair of supporting feet, the feet extending, in use, in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the barrier panel, and at least one of the ground engaging panels including a recess extending from a side of the ground engaging panel, the recess receiving at least part of one of the supporting feet. Conveniently, both feet of at least one of the barrier units are accommodated in this manner, preferably by recesses located in adjacent ones of the ground engaging panels. The panels rest, in use, upon the ground surface and so form a temporary, readily removable walkway. It is envisaged that the panels will not be secured to the ground surface, in use, but rather that the arrangement will be freestanding. By locating the feet at least partially within recesses extending from sides of the ground engaging panels, it will be appreciated that the barrier can be erected very close to the temporary walkway defined by the ground engaging panels. The barrier may be erected using barrier units of a form that are self supporting and suitable for use in other applications. It may make use of barrier units that are readily available for other purposes.

The recesses could take the form of cut-outs or the like extending through the ground engaging panel from an upper surface thereof to a lower surface thereof. However, preferably, they do not interrupt the upper surface of the ground engaging panel, and so part of the ground engaging panel rests upon the top of the associated foot. In such an arrangement, the ground engaging panels and loads carried thereby provide additional ballast to the barrier, thus increasing the stability of the barrier. By providing recesses to receive parts of the supporting feet, the ground engaging panels can lie substantially flat upon the ground, providing a substantially smooth, firm walkway for use by pedestrians, the walkway presenting no or minimal trip hazards to pedestrians using the walkway.

Whilst it may be preferable for the recesses to open to the underside of the ground engaging panels, this need not always be the case and arrangements are possible in which the recesses open only to the side of the panel.

Preferably, two or more recesses are provided in the ground engaging panel to allow parts of the feet to be received beneath at least part of the panel in a range of positions relative to the ground engaging panel.

Preferably, recesses are formed extending from opposing sides of the ground engaging panel to allow barriers to be erected alongside either side, or both sides, thereof.

The supporting feet may each comprise a pair of stabilising members extending in opposite directions from a central part which is connected to the barrier panel. In such an arrangement, the dimensions of the recess are preferably such that the recess can receive a majority of one of the stabilising members.

Preferably, a connection mechanism is provided to allow adjacent ones of the ground engaging panels to be connected to one another. By way of example, one of the ground engaging panels may be provided with a connector member pivotally secured thereto, and an adjacent one of the ground engaging panels may be provided with a recess positioned such that pivotal movement of the connector member can result in part of the connector member being received within the recess to connect the ground engaging panels to one another, resisting separation thereof, in use.

By providing a connection mechanism, the risk of separation of the ground engaging panels, in use, is reduced. Part(s) of the connection mechanism may be of a brightly coloured plastics material. Such an arrangement is advantageous in that the brightly coloured part(s) may help identify the edge(s) of the ground engaging panel.

Preferably, the ground engaging panel is provided, adjacent at least one edge thereof, with a brightly coloured region. Such a region enhances safety by increasing the visibility of the edge of the panel. Whilst this could be achieved by applying a brightly coloured paint to the ground engaging panel, there is a risk that such paint may wear off, in use. Accordingly, the ground engaging panel is preferably formed, adjacent at least one edge thereof, with a shallow recess in which a brightly coloured insert can be received. The insert may be snap fitted in position in the recess. However, this need not always be the case and other fixing techniques may be used. By way of example, the insert may be secured in position using a suitable adhesive, using staples or using any other suitable fixing technique. Whilst it is preferable for the insert to be located within a shallow recess so that it does not project above the surface of the ground engaging panel and so is less likely to suffer damage and work loose, it could be secured to the surface of the panel in some arrangements.

The invention will further be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a barrier arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the barrier arrangement of Figure 1 ;

Figures 3 and 4 are views illustrating one of the ground engaging panels of the arrangement of Figures 1 and 2; and

Figure 5 is a view to an enlarged scale illustrating the connection mechanism of the arrangement of Figures 1 to 4.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, a barrier arrangement is illustrated which comprises a series of ground engaging panels 10 arranged in an end-to-end configuration so as to define an elongate temporary walkway 12. In the arrangement shown, running alongside both sides of the walkway 12 are barriers 14 made up of a plurality of barrier units 16 arranged in an end-to-end configuration.

Each ground engaging panel 10 is of generally rectangular form, conveniently in the form of a moulded plastics material. By way of example, it may be of a relatively dense recycled plastics material. The panels 10 are arranged to rest upon the ground surface, not requiring fixing thereto. Indeed, it is envisaged that in most applications no such fixing will be undertaken. It will be appreciated that the panels 10 can therefore be readily lifted and moved elsewhere for reinstallation, and hence that the panels 10 are used to form a temporary walkway rather than a permanent installation.

As shown in Figure 4, the underside of each ground engaging panel 10 is formed with a series of recesses 18. The recesses 18 are arranged in two rows, one of the rows lying alongside one edge of the panel 10 extending inwardly from that edge, and the other of the rows being located adjacent an opposite edge of the panel 10 and extending inwardly away from that edge. The recesses 18 thus extend from the sides or edges of the panel 10 and open to the underside of the panel 10.

The panels 10 are provided with a connection mechanism 20 to allow adjacent ones of the panels 10 to be secured to one another. Each connection mechanism 20 takes the form of a connection member 22 pivotally attached to one of the panels 10 and moveable between a stowed position (see Figure 3) and an extended position (see Figure 5). When in its extended position, part of the connection member 22 is receivable within a recess 24 provided in an adjacent one of the panels 10 to secure the panels 10 to one another, resisting separation thereof. As shown, connection mechanisms 20 are conveniently provided to both sides of each panel 10 so as to allow the panels 10 to be secured to one another along both sides of the walkway 12. The parts of the panels 10 in the vicinity of the connection mechanisms 20 are preferably of reduced thickness to allow the connection members 22 to be arranged in such a manner that they do not project above a walkway surface defined by the walkway 12.

Conveniently, the connection members 22 are of brightly coloured plastics material form so as to provide a visible indication of the location of the sides of the walkway 12, in use. The connection mechanisms 20 are preferably arranged in a 180 degree rotationally symmetric manner such that the panels 10 are not of 'handed' form.

Of course, it will be appreciated that other forms of connection mechanism could be used. By way of example, the panels 10 may be provided with projections receivable within keyhole shaped openings or suitably shaped recesses provided in adjacent ones of the panels. Alternatively, a range of suitably shaped clips or clamps may be used to secure the panels to one another. In another arrangement, a projection may extend from one panel and have a head that can be snap fitted into an opening provided in an adjacent one of the panels. Indeed, in some arrangements it may not be necessary to secure the panels together, for example instead relying upon the cooperation between the feet of the barrier units and the panels to resist movement of the panels 10.

As shown in Figure 3, brightly coloured regions 26 are conveniently provided alongside or adjacent the side edges of the panel 10. Whilst these could take the form of brightly coloured painted regions, they conveniently take the form of brightly coloured plastics insert components 28 secured to the panel 10. By way of example, they may be located within shallow recesses formed in the upper surface of the panel 10 so that the components 26 do not project above the walkway surface. The components 28 may be secured in position by being snap fitted in position. Alternatively, they may be secured using a suitable adhesive, using staples, or using any other suitable securing technique. Furthermore, they could simply be attached to the upper surface of the panel rather than located in a shallow recess, if desired.

Each barrier unit 14 takes the form of a plastics material barrier panel 30 supported upon a pair of supporting feet 32. The feet 32 extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the barrier panel 30, in use.

Each foot 32 takes the form of a pair of stabilising members 34 extending in opposite directions away from a central part 36 connected to the barrier panel 30. The central part 36 may be adapted to allow the stabilising members 34 to be pivoted to a stowed configuration in which they extend in substantially the longitudinal direction of the panel 30 for storage and transportation.

The stabilising members 34 are preferably of low profile form, for example extending to a height of less than 4cm, preferably less than 2.5cm, along a majority of the length thereof. As shown, the stabilising members 34 are conveniently brightly coloured. Reinforcing or stiffening members may be located within the stabilising members 34 to enhance the rigidity thereof, enhancing the stability of the barrier unit 14. As shown, the barrier units 14 are conveniently arranged to be secured to one another to form a continuous barrier.

The barrier units 14 are self supporting and may be used in a range of applications. The barrier units 14 may take the form of Avalon barrier units available from Oxford Plastic Systems Limited. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not restricted in this regard and may be employed with other designs of barrier unit.

The recesses 18 provided in the ground engaging panels 10 are of dimensions such that a majority of one of the stabilising members 34 of each foot 32 can be received within an associated one of the recesses 18. It will be appreciated that when received within the recesses 18 in this manner, the weight of the ground engaging panels 10 and loads carried thereby serves as ballast enhancing the stability of the barriers 16 and so reducing the risk of the barriers 16 falling over. As the feet 32 do not extend onto the walkway surface, they do not present a trip hazard to pedestrians using the walkway. By locating the feet 32 at least in part within the recesses 18, the ground engaging panels 10 can lie substantially flat, not forming bumps or the like in the vicinity of the feet 32. Furthermore, the barrier can be erected in close proximity to the walkway, so the risk of a pedestrian tripping on an edge of the walkway is minimised.

As shown in Figure 2, with the design of barrier 16 illustrated, the feet 32 associated with each barrier unit are spaced apart from one another by a separation of approximately 1033mm. The feet 32 of adjacent units are spaced by a separation of approximately 843mm. The spacing of the recesses 18 provided in the panels 10 are such that these spacings can all be accommodated.

Although in the arrangement described hereinbefore the recesses 18 extend to the underside of the panel 10, this need not always be the case and the recesses 18 may open only to the sides of the panel 10 in which case parts of the feet 32 will not rest directly upon the ground surface but rather will be located within the recesses 18 and rest upon part of the material of the panel 10. Whilst the description hereinbefore is of a specific barrier arrangement design, it will be appreciated that a wide range of modifications and alterations may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A freestanding barrier arrangement comprising a plurality of ground engaging panels and a plurality of barrier units, wherein the ground engaging panels rest, in use, upon a ground surface and are arranged in an end-to-end configuration, each barrier unit comprises a barrier panel and at least one supporting foot, the foot extending, in use, in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the barrier panel, and at least one of the ground engaging panels including a recess extending from a side of the ground engaging panel, the recess receiving at least part of the supporting foot.

2. An arrangement according to Claim 1 , wherein the barrier unit has two feet.

3. An arrangement according to Claim 2, wherein both feet of at least one of the barrier units are accommodated in respective recesses.

4. An arrangement according to Claim 3, wherein the feet associated with a barrier unit are received by recesses located in adjacent ones of the ground engaging panels.

5. An arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the recesses do not interrupt the upper surface of the ground engaging panel, and so part of the ground engaging panel rests upon the top of the associated foot.

6. An arrangement according to Claim 5, wherein the recesses to open to the underside of the ground engaging panels.

7. An arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein two or more recesses are provided in the ground engaging panel positioned to allow parts of the feet to be received beneath at least part of the panel in a range of positions relative to the ground engaging panel.

8. An arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein recesses are formed extending from opposing sides of the ground engaging panel to allow barriers to be erected alongside either side, or both sides, thereof.

9. An arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting feet each comprise a pair of stabilising members extending in opposite directions from a central part which is connected to the barrier panel.

10. An arrangement according to Claim 9, wherein the recess can receive a majority of one of the stabilising members.

1 1. An arrangement according to Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein the stabilising members are of low profile form.

12. An arrangement according to Claim 1 1 , wherein the stabilising members are of height less than 4cm along a majority of their length.

13. An arrangement according to Claim 12, wherein the stabilising members are of height less than 2.5cm along a majority of their length.

14. An arrangement according to any of Claims 9 to 13, wherein each foot further comprises a stiffening member enhancing the stiffness of the stabilising members.

15. An arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a connection mechanism to allow adjacent ones of the ground engaging panels to be connected to one another.

16. An arrangement according to Claim 15, wherein a first ground engaging panel is provided with a connector member pivotally secured thereto, and an adjacent second ground engaging panel is provided with a recess positioned such that pivotal movement of the connector member can result in part of the connector member being received within the recess to connect the ground engaging panels to one another, resisting separation thereof, in use.

17. An arrangement according to Claim 15 or Claim 16, wherein part(s) of the connection mechanism are of a brightly coloured plastics material.

18. An arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ground engaging panel is provided, adjacent at least one edge thereof, with a brightly coloured region.

19. An arrangement according to Claim 18, wherein the brightly coloured region is defined by a brightly coloured insert attached to the ground engaging panel.

20. An arrangement according to Claim 19, wherein the insert is located within a shallow recess formed in the panel.