Sanitary retractable barrier system

Abstract

Sanitary barrier systems and methods for preventing transmission of biological substances and protecting human health are provided. A retractable barrier system may include a first supporting member and a barrier film. The first supporting member may comprise a first attachment element configured to position the barrier system vertically in use. The barrier film may have a fixed edge and a free edge, wherein the fixed edge is connected to the first supporting member. The barrier film is extendible to a desired length in a use configuration and retractable back on the first supporting member in a storage configuration. The barrier system may include a retracting mechanism such as a crank or a spring-loaded roller. The barrier film may comprise a sanitary portion. The barrier system may be combined with stanchions or queue barriers to protect individuals waiting in lines. The barrier system may also be used to provide barrier inside a multi-person vehicle.

1 .- 65 . (canceled) 
     
     
         66 . A method of reducing transmission of a biological substance, the method comprising:
 providing a barrier system comprising:
 a first supporting member comprising a first attachment element, the first attachment element configured to position the barrier system vertically in use; 
 a transparent barrier film having a fixed edge and a free edge, wherein the fixed edge is connected to the first supporting member, wherein the barrier film is configured to be disinfected thereby reducing or preventing transmission of a biological substance between organisms when the barrier film is extended; and 
 wherein the barrier film is extendible to a desired length in a use configuration and retractable back on the first supporting member in a storage configuration and wherein the first supporting member is configured to connect to a top of a first stabilizing member; and one of the first supporting member or the first attachment element comprises a receiving space configured to removably receive the top of the first stabilizing member. 
   extending the barrier film to a desired length; and   attaching the free edge of the barrier film to a second supporting member, thereby forming a substantially vertical barrier.   
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the barrier system further comprises a retracting mechanism configured to retract the extended barrier film back toward the first supporting member. 
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the first supporting member comprises a first attachment element, the first attachment element configured to removably attach to a first stabilizing member. 
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the second supporting member comprises a second attachment element, the second attachment element configured to removably attach to a second stabilizing member. 
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 69 , wherein the first stabilizing member and the second stabilizing member are positioned in a configuration to form a reusable barrier system. 
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 69 , wherein the first stabilizing member is a first interior part of a multi-person vehicle, and wherein the second stabilizing member is a second interior part of the multi-person vehicle, and wherein the substantially upright barrier isolates persons in the multi-person vehicle. 
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the barrier film has a thickness of about 0.5 mil to about 20 mil, or from about 1 mil to about 10 mil, or from about 3 mil to about 7 mil. 
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein at least one side of the barrier film has an antimicrobial portion. 
     
     
         74 . A retractable barrier system comprising:
 an elongated housing having a first end, a second end, and a slotted opening between the first end and the second end, wherein the slotted opening is positioned along a longitudinal axis of the housing;   an extendible and retractable transparent barrier film having a height substantially equal to a length of the slotted opening, the barrier film comprising a fixed edge, a major portion, and a free edge, wherein the fixed edge is confined within the housing, the major portion is extendible through the slotted opening of the housing and retractable in a storage configuration within the housing; wherein the barrier film is adapted to allow for a antimicrobial coating or a disinfecting composition applied thereon to prevent transmission of a biological substance between organisms when the barrier film is extended, and   a first adaptor positioned at the first end of the housing, the adaptor comprising a receiving space configured to removably receive a top end of a first stabilizing member,   wherein the barrier film is positioned vertically in use.   
     
     
         75 . The retractable barrier system of  claim 74 , further comprising a retracting mechanism configured to exert a force retracting the extended barrier film back into the housing. 
     
     
         76 . The retractable barrier system of  claim 75 , wherein the retracting mechanism is a crank, a lever, a loaded spring, or a biasing system. 
     
     
         77 . The retractable barrier system of  claim 74 , further comprising an edge holder securely attached to the free edge of the barrier film, the edge holder dimensioned to prevent the free edge from being retracted into the housing. 
     
     
         78 . The retractable barrier system of  claim 74 , wherein the barrier film is substantially clear. 
     
     
         79 . The barrier system of  claim 74 , wherein the barrier film has a thickness of about 0.5 mil to about 20 mil, or from about 1 mil to about 10 mil, or from about 3 mil to about 7 mil. 
     
     
         80 . The barrier system of  claim 74 , wherein the first stabilizing member is selected from the group consisting of a base, a floor surface, an interior part of a multi-person vehicle, a stanchion, a securable structure, or a weighted structure. 
     
     
         81 . The barrier system of  claim 74 , wherein the barrier film further comprises an antimicrobial coating. 
     
     
         82 . A barrier system comprising:
 a first supporting member comprising a first attachment element, the first attachment element configured to position the barrier system vertically in use;   a barrier film having a fixed edge and a free edge, wherein the fixed edge is connected to the first supporting member,   wherein the barrier film is extendible to a desired length in a use configuration and retractable back on the first supporting member in a storage configuration.   
     
     
         83 . The barrier system of  claim 82 , further comprising a first stabilizing member. 
     
     
         84 . The barrier system of  claim 82 , further comprising a second supporting member, wherein the free edge of the barrier film is capable of being removably attached to the second supporting member. 
     
     
         85 . The barrier system of  claim 84 , wherein the first supporting member and the second supporting member are each independently selected from the group consisting of a side wall, a bar, a core, a column, a casement, a housing, and combinations thereof.