Barrier system

Abstract

A barrier system of the type comprising posts or pillars from which webbing extends, commonly used to demark one area from another. The barrier system comprises a pillar that tapers from a larger area base to a smaller area top. A reel assembly is located at or proximate the base section and provides a deployable and retractable length of webbing that exits from the housing near the top. The plane of the webbing as it extends upwardly has its longitudinal direction extending generally upwardly and a guide, such as a conically tapered pulley, directs the webbing from a substantially vertically extending longitudinal configuration to a substantially horizontally extending configuration in which the webbing exits the housing.

1 . A barrier system comprising a pillar comprising a housing that tapers from a larger area base to a smaller area top, a reel assembly disposed within the housing and providing a deployable and retractable length of webbing that exits from the housing in proximity to the top, and a guide or guides for directing the webbing from a substantially vertically extending longitudinal configuration to a substantially horizontally extending configuration. 
   
   
       2 . A barrier system according to  claim 1 , in which the guide comprises a conically tapered pulley. 
   
   
       3 . A barrier system according to  claim 1 , in which the housing has at least one slot for receiving webbing extending from other pillars. 
   
   
       4 . A barrier system according to  claim 3 , in which there is a plurality of slots disposed around the periphery of the top of the housing. 
   
   
       5 . A barrier system according to  claim 3 , in which there is at least one slot located at a mid-height on the housing. 
   
   
       6 . A barrier system according to  claim 1 , in which the base of the housing is provided with ground wheels at one side. 
   
   
       7 . A barrier system according to  claim 1 , in which a removable handle is provided on the top of the pillar. 
   
   
       8 . A barrier system according to  claim 7 , wherein the handle is in the form of an apertured discuss. 
   
   
       9 . A barrier system according to  claim 1 , in which the reel assembly is provided with a brake for preventing deployment or retraction of the webbing above a predetermined speed. 
   
   
       10 . A barrier system according to  claim 9 , in which the brake comprises a bi-directional centrifugal brake. 
   
   
       11 . A barrier system according to  claim 1 , in which the reel assembly is disposed at or near the base of the pillar. 
   
   
       12 . A barrier system according to  claim 1 , in which the webbing has at a free end a latch for attachment to a slot in another pillar, the latch comprising a pair of sprung arms with notches that can engage with upper and lower edges of said slot in another pillar, the upper and lower notches being offset by an amount which is commensurate with the tapering of the pillar. 
   
   
       13 . A barrier system comprising a pillar comprising a reel assembly disposed proximate a base of the pillar, the reel assembly providing a deployable and retractable length of webbing, and a guide or guides for changing within the pillar the direction and plane of the webbing so that it can exit the pillar in a substantially horizontal direction with its plane substantially vertical. 
   
   
       14 . A barrier system according to  claim 13 , in which the webbing has at a free end a latch for attachment to a slot, the latch comprising a pair of sprung arms with notches that can engage with upper and lower edges of said slot. 
   
   
       15 . A barrier system according to  claim 14  in which the upper and lower notches are offset. 
   
   
       16 . A barrier system according to  claim 15  in which the webbing carries a toggle which is engageable with the latch to form a loop at the free end of the webbing. 
   
   
       17 . A barrier system comprising a pillar comprising a reel assembly disposed within the pillar, the reel assembly providing a deployable and retractable length of webbing that exits the pillar in a substantially horizontal direction with its plane substantially vertical, and a bi-directional centrifugal brake for preventing deployment or retraction of the webbing above a predetermined speed. 
   
   
       18 . A barrier system according to  claim 17 , in which the brake comprises a rotary disc including a radial slot accommodating a sprag, and a plate within which the disc rotates and having an inner rim which has two oppositely directed outwardly tapering portions each terminating in a shoulder against which the sprag can abut when it protrudes from the radial slot. 
   
   
       19 . (canceled)