Hazard isolation and warning barrier

Abstract

A hazard isolation and warning barrier (11) has straight pieces (10A) and corner pieces (10B) with an exposed surface (12), an undersurface (14), first ends (21) and second ends (25), suction cups (52) and activation rings and stems (50), male connectors (56), female connectors (58), warning pole holes (35), suction cup holes (54), and an adhesive material layer (13) along the perimeter of the undersurface (14). The barrier (11) also has warning poles (36) and warning tape (39). The pieces (10A and 10B) connect together via the male and female connectors (56 and 58). Warning poles (36) fit into warning pole holes (35) and warning tape (39) is attached to the warning poles (36) using rings (37). Embodiments with warning signs (38), notice markers (32), and different male and female connectors (22 and 26) provide additional variations of the barrier. The combination of the barrier pieces (10A and 10B), adhesive material (13), suction cups (52), warning poles (36), and warning tape (39) allow the barrier to effectively define and segregate a hazardous work area, isolate and prevent the spread of liquid spills, and warn and divert foot traffic.

Description

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to barriers for isolating and warning of hazardous conditions and separating foot traffic from maintenance or clean-up operations.

2. Prior Art

The ability of a business or employer to effectively maintain a safe environment for workers, customers, and the general public is an important duty that can prevent costly health and legal implications. Separating foot traffic from floor maintenance, clean-up, construction, or other operations with potential hazards is one way to prevent these costs. This is especially true in environments such as hospitals, airports, 24-hour supermarkets, bus terminals, restaurants, schools, housekeeping industries, and various businesses utilizing industrial or chemical processes.

Although various devices are available for containing or warning of hazardous conditions, few offer an effective combination of containing hazards such as liquid spills while also warning and isolating the hazards from potentially unwary or distracted people passing through the area.

Commonly available warning devices include floor warning signs similar to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,003,257 to Stokes (1999), 6,131,320 to Eberle et al. (2000), and 7,013,590 to Bell et al. (2006). Devices for those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,031,676 to Dally (1977), 5,236,281 to Middleton (1993), 5,605,416 to Roach (1997, 5,820,297 to Middleton (1998), and 6,334,736 to Johnson et al. (2002), and combination signs and barriers such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,423 to Johnson.

Even though devices are available for isolating and/or containing hazardous work areas such as spill zones, many of them suffer from one or more of the following disadvantages:

(a) They are primarily designed for use in an industrial setting where a large amount of liquid might need to be controlled via a dike or by damming.

(b) They fail to provide adequate barrier characteristics to warn and divert foot traffic. These characteristics include any type of warning sign or tape and any type of noticeable sign located near an average person's waist level.

(c) Even though they may have signs warning of a hazard, they do not provide an adequate barrier from foot traffic or for containment of liquids.

(d) They fail to provide for isolation or containment of liquids in a work or spill area.

(e) They provide at least one desirable feature such as spill containment, a warning sign, or an adequate barrier for foot traffic, but they fail to provide a combination of these desirable features.

(f) They are heavy, burdensome, and/or inconvenient to move or carry.

(g) They are not easy to store and/or take up excessive storage space.

(h) They are difficult to set up and use.

(i) Their cost to manufacture and resulting purchase price may be considered to be too high when compared to products with similar functions.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Objects and Advantages

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:

(a) to provide a hazard isolation and warning barrier that can be used in various settings including public businesses and facilities (hospitals, supermarkets, airports, etc.) as well as industrial environments;

(b) to provide a hazard isolation and warning barrier that has barrier features to warn and divert foot traffic, including signs, posts, and warning tape located above the floor surface and at nearly approximately the waist level of an average adult;

(c) to provide a hazard isolation and warning barrier that has signs to warn of hazards, has a barrier to divert and warn foot traffic, and is able to effectively contain liquids that may be placed or present on the floor surface through the use of warning signs, warning tape, adhesive material, suction cups, and/or a rubber seal around the base;

(d) to provide a hazard isolation and warning barrier that is capable of isolating and containing liquids or serving as a dike in a work or spill area through the use of adhesive or gripping material along with a plurality of suction cups on the bottom surface of the barrier and/or a rubber seal or gasket around the base;

(e) to provide a hazard isolation and warning barrier that has a combination of several desirable features including a method of spill containment, warning indicators, and a barrier for diverting foot traffic through the use of adhesive material, suction cups, a rubber seal, warning signs and markings, poles, and warning tape;

(f) to provide a hazard isolation and warning barrier that is lightweight and easy to carry or transport by utilizing pieces that are of a convenient, manageable size and are composed of lightweight material;

(g) to provide a hazard isolation and warning barrier that is easy to store and does not take up excessive storage space through the use of conveniently sized straight and corner pieces, warning signs, poles, and warning tape;

(h) to provide a hazard isolation and warning barrier that is easy to set up and use through the use of conveniently sized straight and corner pieces with compatible warning signs and warning tape; and

(i) to provide a hazard isolation and warning barrier that has a low manufacturing cost and will sell at a price competitive with other safety devices serving the same market.

Further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the invention, a hazard isolation and warning barrier comprises a plurality of straight and corner pieces with posts and warning tape that may be connected together to create a barrier that prevents foot traffic from accessing a spill zone or hazardous work area. Furthermore, the barrier comprises a gasket and suction cups along the bottom of the barrier pieces. In an alternative embodiment, the barrier further comprises, in lieu of the gasket, an adhesive material along a bottom surface of the barrier pieces.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hazard isolation and warning barrier in use and in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a straight piece of the barrier of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bottom of a straight piece of the barrier of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view the bottom of the barrier of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of straight and corner pieces of the barrier of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of the male end of an alternate embodiment of a straight piece of the barrier of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a perspective view and side view, respectively, of the female end of an alternate embodiment of a straight piece of the barrier of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a corner piece of the barrier of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 shows a sectional view through the sign pole hole of a barrier piece in accordance with an additional embodiment of the barrier of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 shows a sectional view through the sign pole hole of a barrier

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a hazard isolation and warning barrier in use and in accordance with an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a hazard isolation and warning barrier in use and in accordance with an alternative embodiment.

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

10A barrier straight piece

10B barrier corner piece

11 barrier

12 exposed/top barrier surface

13 flexible material layer

14 undersurface of barrier

21 first end

22 male connector

24 female connecting post

25 second end

26 female connector

28 male connecting post

35 warning pole hole

36 warning pole

37 ring

38 warning sign

39 warning tape

40 warning pole suction cup

42 warning pole guide

50 suction cup activation ring and stem

52 suction cup

54 suction cup hole

56 male connector

58 female connector

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION—FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

A preferred embodiment of the hazard isolation and warning barrier of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 (perspective view of barrier isolating and warning of slippery surface), FIG. 2 (perspective view of straight piece), FIG. 3 (perspective view of bottom of straight piece), FIG. 4 (perspective view of bottom of barrier), FIG. 5 (perspective view of straight and corner pieces).

The hazard isolation and warning barrier 11 can be made of a variety of materials such as plastic, rubber, metal, and foam (i.e., closed cell foam, soft flexible foam, foam rubber, polystyrene foam, polymer with fiberglass). The preferred material is a hard, durable plastic.

The barrier 11 has a combination of straight pieces 10A and corner pieces 10B. The pieces consist of a top surface 12, a bottom surface or undersurface 14, a first end 21, and a second end 25. The preferred cross section of the barrier pieces is a half octagon shape. However it can have different cross sections, such as triangular, rectangular, half circular, etc., and different sizes.

In a preferred embodiment, the top surface 12 of the barrier has at least one warning pole hole 35 and at least one suction cup hole 54. Furthermore, the first end 21 and second end 25 of a barrier piece may have a combination of a flat surface, male connector 56, and/or a female connector 58. In the preferred embodiment, the female connector 58 will be at the first end 21 and the male connector 58 will be at the second end 25, except if the piece is an end piece, in which case either the first or second ends will not have a male or female connector and instead will have a flat surface. The male connector 58 is a curve-shape extending from the second end 25 and the female connector 56 is an indention in the shape of the male connector 58 on the top surface 12 of the barrier piece, extending into the barrier piece from the first end 21. More generally, the male connector 58 extends from either a first end 21 or a second end 25, with either a flat surface or a female connector 56 being located at the opposite end of the piece. Also, the female connector 56 extends into the barrier piece from a first end 21 or a second end 25 with either a flat surface or a male connector 58 being located at the opposite end of the piece.

The barrier pieces have a hollow interior, with the bottom surface or undersurface 14 comprising the perimeter of the bottom area, adjacent to the exposed surface 12 and sides 21 and 25, and which contacts a floor surface when a piece is lying with the exposed surface 12 facing away from the floor surface. Furthermore, the undersurface 14 has material layer 13 comprising a rubber gasket that covers and extends from the undersurface 14.

The warning pole holes 35 are sized for holding a warning pole 36. Warning or caution tape 39 is attached to the warning poles 36 using attached rings 37, preferably being attached to the top of a warning pole 36 and running to the top of other warning poles 36 along the length of the barrier

The suction cup holes 54 are sized for holding a suction cup control device which comprises an activation ring and stem 50 and suction cup 52, shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. The ring portion of the ring and stem 50 is visible on the outer surface of the barrier 12 and the stem portion extends into the suction cup hole 54. A suction cup 52 is attached to the end of the portion of the stem that extends into the suction cup hole 54.

Operation—FIGS. 1, 4, 5

A user creates the barrier 11 by using a combination of straight pieces 10A and corner pieces 10B with appropriate warning poles 36 and warning tape 39.

A user of the barrier should first clear any debris or liquids from the perimeter of the area to be isolated. Next, any number of straight pieces 10A and corner pieces 10B should be acquired and connected by attaching a first end 21 of one piece to a second end 25 of another piece. When connecting the pieces, the user should ensure that the first end 21 has either a male connector 56 or a female connector 58 and the second end 25 has a corresponding female connector 58 or a male connector 56, respectively.

The male connector 56 should be placed into the female connector 58 to connect the two pieces. This process should be repeated until the desired containment area is isolated. The appropriate pieces are connected in such a fashion as to allow the designated hazardous area to be separated from other areas via the barrier 11.

Next, the user should apply pressure to the barrier pieces 10A and 10B so that the material layer 13 will form a seal with or become contiguous to the floor surface. Furthermore, the suction cup control devices should be activated by turning the activation ring and stem 50 which will cause the suction cup 52 to form a suction with the floor surface, holding the barrier in place and blocking the flow of liquid spills from escaping the controlled area.

Next, the warning poles 36 are inserted into the warning pole holes 35. The warning tape 39 should then be attached to the warning poles 36 using attached rings 37, preferably at the top of the poles and running approximately parallel to and above the barrier pieces.

The hazard area is now isolated and maintenance, clean up, fluid or chemical application, or other work in the isolated area may commence.

Additional Embodiment—FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, and 8

FIGS. 6A and 6B (perspective and side view of male end), FIGS. 7A and 7B (perspective and side view of female end), and FIG. 8 (plan view of corner piece) illustrate another embodiment of the connectors of pieces 10A and 10B of the barrier 11.

The first end 21 of horizontal piece 10A of the barrier 11 in FIGS. 6A and 6B has a male connector 22 with a female connecting post 24. The female connecting post 24 is inside of the male connector 22.

The second end 25 of the horizontal piece 10A in FIGS. 7A and 7B has a female connector 26 with a male connecting post 28. The male connecting post 28 is attached to the female connector 26.

The corner piece 10B of the barrier 11 in FIG. 8 has a male connector 22 with a female connecting post 24 at the first end 21, similar to the horizontal piece 10A. The corner piece 10B of the barrier 11 in FIG. 8 has a female connector 26 with a male connecting post 28 at the second end 25, similar to the horizontal piece 10A.

Additional Embodiment—FIGS. 9 and 10

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate two additional embodiments of the sign pole hole 35. Both embodiments may have a plastic warning pole guide 42 lining the inside of the warning pole hole 35. In the first embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, the warning pole hole 35 does not extend entirely through the barrier 11.

In the second embodiment, shown in FIG. 10, the warning sign pole hole 35 passes through the barrier 11 and the sign pole guide 42 has a warning pole suction cup 40 attached to the guide 42 at the bottom 14 of the barrier piece. The suction cup 40 is nearly flush with the undersurface 14. When the warning pole 36 is inserted into the warning pole hole 35, downward pressure on the warning poles 36 will cause the suction cup 40 to create a suction on a floor surface and ensure an acceptable grip or seal on the floor surface.

Additional Embodiment—FIG. 11

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the warning barrier 11 in which the warning poles 36 have notice markers 32 attached to the top ends of the poles 36. The notice markers are of a noticeable bright color. Additionally, the warning poles may have rings or eye inlets 37 attached at the side of the poles 36 so that the warning tape 39 can be run through or attached to the rings 37 and, thus, complete the barrier 11.

Additional Embodiment—FIG. 12

FIG. 12 illustrate another embodiment of the warning barrier 11 in which warning signs 38 are attached at the top of the warning poles 36.

Additional Embodiment

In another embodiment of the barrier 11, the barrier pieces 10A and 10B are solid and made of a type of foam material such as closed cell foam, soft flexible foam, foam rubber, or polymer material with fiberglass. A preferred material of this embodiment would be a closed cell polystyrene foam that resists moisture such as Styrofoam brand.

Additionally, as a part of this embodiment, the bottom surfaces 14 of the barrier pieces 10A and 10B have an flexible material layer 13 that is a material with adhesive properties such as polyurethane, neoprene, silicone, rubber, latex, or polyethylene. The preferred adhesive material is polyurethane.

Additional Embodiment

In another embodiment of the barrier 11, the barrier pieces (10A and 10B) are made of a polymer material containing fiberglass and the outer perimeter of the undersurface 14 has a rubber seal or gasket that results in the pieces (10A and 10B) acting as a suction cup.

In another embodiment of the barrier 11, the first end 21 and the second end 25 of the straight pieces 10A and the corner pieces 10B are coated with a layer of adhesive material such as polyurethane, neoprene, silicone, rubber, latex, or polyethylene to help hold the pieces together and seal the connection points.

Additional Embodiment

In another embodiment of the barrier 11, the bottom 14 and associated layer of adhesive material 13 have a concave shape (rounded inward) and the edges of the bottom 14 have an outside lip made of the same adhesive material attached to the outer perimeter of the bottom 14. This combination of concave bottom with the lip allows the creation of a suction to help the barrier 11 grip a floor surface.

Additional Embodiment

In another embodiment of the barrier 11, the warning tape 39 retracts into a housing mounted on one or more of the warning poles 36.

Advantages

From the description above, a number of advantages of the hazard isolation and warning barrier become evident:

(a) The simple and reasonably sized pieces along with spill-containment, warning, and barrier characteristics are attractive and useful in both public businesses and facilities (hospitals, supermarkets, airports, etc.) as well as industrial environments.

(b) The use of connected barrier pieces, warning poles, warning tape, adhesive material, warning labeling, and/or bright colors on the pieces, poles, and tape will allow the barrier to effectively warn and divert foot traffic.

(c) The use of warning signs, warning tape, adhesive material, suction cups, and/or a rubber seal around the base will give the barrier the functions of warning of hazards, diverting and warning foot traffic, and effectively containing liquids that may be placed or present on the floor surface.

(d) The use of adhesive or gripping material, suction cups, and/or a rubber seal or gasket around the base give the barrier the ability to isolate and contain liquids in a work or spill area.

(e) The use of adhesive material, suction cups, a gasket or rubber seal, warning signs and markings, poles, and warning tape give the barrier a combination of desirable features including a method of spill containment, warning signs, and a barrier for diverting foot traffic.

(f) With the use of pieces that are of a convenient, manageable size and composed of lightweight material, the barrier is lightweight and easy to carry or transport to hazardous work or liquid spill areas, thus making work easier for users of the barrier.

(g) The use of conveniently sized straight and corner pieces, warning signs, poles, and warning tape will minimize storage space.

(h) The use of conveniently sized straight and corner pieces with compatible warning signs and warning tape will make the barrier easy to set up and use.

(i) The simple design will allow a low manufacturing cost and result in a reasonable sale price for the barrier.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Accordingly, the reader will see that the hazard isolation and warning barrier of this invention can be used to define and segregate a hazardous work area, isolate and prevent the spread of liquid spills, and warn and divert foot traffic. In addition, the barrier will be easy to assemble and transport, be durable, take up minimal storage space, and be capable of manufacture and sale at a low cost. Furthermore, the barrier has the additional advantages in that

• • it provides application in both public businesses and facilities as well as industrial environments;
  • it provides effective warning and diversion of foot traffic;
  • it provides the functionality of warning of hazards, diverting and warning foot traffic, and effectively containing or creating a dike for liquids;
  • it facilitates the isolation and containment of liquids in a work or spill area; and
  • it provides a combination of desirable features including a method of spill containment, warning signs, and a barrier for diverting foot traffic.

While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but as exemplifications of the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. For example, it is contemplated that the barrier pieces described herein may be hollow or solid, made of a variety of adhesive or non-adhesive material, and take on a variety of shapes including straight pieces, corner pieces, curved pieces, stepped pieces, etc. Additionally, different types of connections may be utilized for connecting the pieces such male/female-type connectors, snaps, locks, straps, etc. Furthermore, the barrier may use various methods for holding the warning poles, various locations on the barrier for attaching of the warning tape, various methods of attaching the warning tape, various warning indicators and signs, and various shapes of the outer surface.

Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.

Claims

1. A barrier for isolating a work area and warning of hazardous conditions, comprising: (a) a plurality of elongated pieces of a predetermined shape and size having one or more exposed upper surfaces, an undersurface, a first end, and a second end; and(b) a flexible material attached to at least the portion of said undersurface of said elongated pieces that may come into contact with a floor surface, such that at least the outer perimeter of said undersurface may lay contiguous to said floor surface; and(c) means for connecting said elongated pieces together by connecting said first end of one piece to said second end of a corresponding piece;

2. The barrier of claim 1, further including a means for warning foot traffic and other people of a potential hazard.

3. The barrier of claim 2, wherein said warning means is at least one warning pole of a predetermined shape and height that is attached to the outer surface of at least one of said elongated pieces.

4. The barrier of claim 3, further including warning tape and means for attaching said warning tape to said warning pole at a predetermined location.

5. The barrier of claim 3, further including at least one warning marker attached to said warning pole.

6. The barrier of claim 5, wherein said warning marker is a warning sign.

7. The barrier of claim 3, further including at least one warning pole hole and into which said warning pole may be inserted.

8. The barrier of claim 7, further including a suction cup at the end of said warning pole hole at the undersurface of said elongated piece, whereby said warning pole may be used to urge said suction cup to create a suction between said undersurface and a floor surface.

9. The barrier of claim 1, further including at least one means for creating a suction between said undersurface and a floor surface.

10. The barrier of claim 9, whereby said means for creating a suction comprises at lease one member with a suction cup attached and at least one hole in said outer surface of at least one of said elongated pieces, cut that said member extends from said hole and is attached to a suction cup located at said undersurface of said elongated piece, whereby said member may be used to activate said suction cup to create a suction between said undersurface and a floor surface.

11. The barrier of claim 1, wherein said flexible material is a removable gasket.

12. The barrier of claim 1, wherein said elongated pieces are hollow.

13. The barrier of claim 1, wherein said flexible material has adhesive properties, whereby said material may grip to a floor surface.

14. The barrier of claim 1, wherein said means for connecting said elongated pieces together comprises male and female connectors located at said first and said second ends of said pieces, whereby the male connector of one piece may be connected to said female connector of a corresponding other piece.

15. The barrier of claim 14, wherein said male connector extends away from at least one of said first and second ends of said elongated pieces, and said female connector is an indention in said exposed surface of said elongated pieces in the shape of said male connector and is located at least at one of said first and said second ends of said elongated pieces, whereby said elongated pieces may be connected by urging said male connector of one of said elongated pieces into said female connector of a corresponding other piece.

16. The barrier of claim 14, wherein said male connector extends away from at least one of said first and second ends of said elongated pieces, and said female connector is an indention in at least one of said first and second ends of another of said elongated pieces, whereby said elongated pieces may be connected by urging said male connector of one of said elongated pieces into said female connector of a corresponding other piece.

17. A barrier for isolating a work area, diverting foot traffic, and warning of hazardous conditions, comprising: (a) a plurality of elongated pieces having one or more exposed upper surfaces, a bottom base surface, a first end, a second end, and at least one connector located at least at one of said first end or said second end;(b) a flexible material attached to the base surface so that said material may lay contiguous to and flush with a floor surface;(c) at least one warning pole attached to and extending from said exposed upper surface;(d) warning tape attached to said warning pole and extending to any other warning poles;(e) a suction cup located at approximately at the level of the material layer and said base surface;(f) means for activating said suction cup wherein said suction cup will form a suction with a floor surface; and(g) said elongated pieces being joined at said first and second ends using said connectors;

18. A method of creating an isolated work area using a barrier, the barrier comprising a plurality of elongated pieces of a predetermined shape and size having at least one exposed upper surface, an undersurface, a first end, a second end, and a flexible material attached to at least the portion of said undersurface that may contact a ground surface, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing connecting means on said first end of one piece that can connect to a corresponding connecting means on said second end of (b) connecting said elongated pieces such that the connected pieces will form a shape that will separate the work area from the surroundings;(c) applying pressure to said elongated pieces to ensure said layer of flexible material on said bottom surface is contiguous with a floor surface;(d) providing a means for warning people; and(e) attaching said warning means to said barrier;

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said means for warning people comprises at least one warning pole of a predetermined shape, size, and height attached to said exposed upper surface of said barrier, warning tape, and means for attaching said warning tape to said warning pole, the method further comprising the steps of: (a) attaching said warning poles to said barrier such that said poles extend from said pieces;(b) attaching said warning tape to one of said warning poles;(c) extending said warning tape from said one pole to another of said warning poles; and(d) repeating the previous steps for attaching and running said warning tape as required to effectively isolate said hazardous area.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein said barrier further comprises a means for creating a suction between said undersurface and a floor surface, the method further comprising the step of: (a) providing a means for activating said means for creating a suction;(b) using said means for activating to create a suction between said barrier and said floor surface; and(c) repeating the previous steps for creating a suction as required to urge said barrier to adhere to said floor surface.