Multi-Length Barrier Panel

Abstract

A multi-length barrier panel for use in a play area comprises a front panel, a rear panel, and extendable panels. The multi-length barrier panel further comprises attachment collars and adapter brackets for attaching the multi-length barrier panel to play area equipment. Recesses in the front and rear panel allow for the attachment collars and adapter brackets to fit within the front and rear panels when the multi-length barrier panel is in a retracted configuration. The extendable panels can be extended or retracted as needed to fit between the play area equipment.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A multi-length barrier panel comprising:
 a plurality of extendable panels, a front panel, a rear panel, a connecting means wherein the connecting means is pivotally attached to the front and rear panels, a plurality of pins on the connecting means that attach to the extendable panels, and attachment means for attaching the multi-length barrier panel to play area equipment.   
     
     
         2 . The multi-length barrier panel of  claim 1 , wherein the extendable panels contain horizontal notches that allow fasteners to pass through them. 
     
     
         3 . The multi-length barrier panel of  claim 1 , wherein the extendable panels contain connecting means notches in which the pins of the connecting means slide when the extendable panels are extended or retracted. 
     
     
         4 . The multi-length barrier panel of  claim 1 , wherein the front panel or rear panel include an information area, games, or images. 
     
     
         5 . The multi-length barrier panel of  claim 1 , wherein the front panel or rear panel include recesses for receiving the attachment means when the multi-length barrier panel is in a retracted configuration. 
     
     
         6 . The multi-length barrier panel of  claim 1 , wherein the front and rear panels are separated by separator plates. 
     
     
         7 . The multi-length barrier panel of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment means includes an attachment collar for attaching the multi-length barrier panel to posts within a play area. 
     
     
         8 . The multi-length barrier panel of  claim 7 , wherein the attachment means further includes an adapter bracket for connecting the attachment collar to the extendable panel. 
     
     
         9 . A method for barricading a part of a play area comprising:
 providing a multi-length barrier panel that contains extendable panels for extending the multi-length barrier panel to an appropriate width; providing a connecting means that causes the extendable panels to extend or retract in equidistance; and attaching the multi-length barrier panel to play area equipment.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein a front or a rear panel contains images, games, or information. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the play area equipment is round poles. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the connecting means pivots around a central pivot point. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the connecting means resides within the body of the multi-length barrier panel. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the front and rear panels are separated so that the extendable panels may reside between the front and rear panels when the multi-length barrier panel is in a refracted configuration. 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus comprising:
 a body that includes at least two extendable panels that are movably connected by connecting means; wherein the extendable panels extend or retract from the sides of the body; wherein the connecting means travel in connecting means notches as the extendable panels are extended or retracted; and attachment means for connecting the apparatus to play area equipment.   
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the extendable panels contain notches that allow fasteners to pass through them. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein an information area, games, or images is provided on the front or rear panel. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the front panel or rear panel includes recesses for receiving the attachment means when the extendable panels are retracted. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the attachment means includes an attachment collar for attaching to posts. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the attachment means further includes an adapter bracket for connecting the attachment collar to the extendable panel. 
     
     
         21 . A multi-length barrier panel comprising:
 a left extendable panel, a right extendable panel, a connecting means wherein the connecting means movably connect the left extendable panel and the right extendable panel, and attachment means for attaching the multi-length barrier panel to play area equipment.   
     
     
         22 . The multi-length barrier panel of  claim 21 , wherein the left extendable panel, the right extendable panel, or both the right and left extendable panels include games, images, or information. 
     
     
         23 . The multi-length barrier panel of  claim 21 , wherein the attachment means includes an attachment collar for attaching the multi-length barrier panel to posts within a play area. 
     
     
         24 . The multi-length barrier panel of  claim 23 , wherein the attachment means further includes an adapter bracket for connecting the attachment collar to the extendable panel. 
     
     
         25 . The multi-length barrier panel of  claim 21 , wherein the connecting means move along connecting means notches when the left extendable panel or right extendable panel are extended or retracted. 
     
     
         26 . The multi-length barrier panel of  claim 25 , wherein there are one or more connecting means per connecting means notches.