Retractable safety net barricade

Abstract

A retractable safety barricade employed to block off an aisle or entryway, comprising a barricade housing that is mounted to a first support and a safety net attached at one end to a winding tube under spring tension located within the barricade housing and at the other to a pull bar, which may be secured to a second support. When the safety barricade is in its first position, the net is fully retracted onto the winding tube within the barricade housing by means of a coil spring. When the safety barricade is in its second position, the net is extended from housing to span the area between first and second supports, substantially covering the opening between the supports and blocking passage through the area. Operation of the device is performed by a single user, who manually extends or retracts the net barrier using the pull bar.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 473,416 filed 2003 May 28.FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH [0002] Not applicable SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM [0003] Not applicable BACKGROUND [0004] This invention relates to devices employed as safety barriers. More particularly, the present invention relates to safety barriers that are employed to block off aisles in industrial, wholesale and retail warehouse environments. [0005] In modern warehouse environments, particularly warehouse retail environments, safety is a critical concern. involves time and effort to find and employ the devices, and often results in loss, breakage, and storage problems. In such environments, there are advantages in a device that can be temporarily or permanently installed at the entry to an aisle, extended for use by a lone employee and retracted out of the way when not in use. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] Briefly stated, the invention in a preferred embodiment is ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] Accordingly, it is a general purpose and object of the present invention to provide an improved, reliable, simplified, easy-to-use barricade for the restricting of pedestrian traffic into a potentially unsafe area.

[0012] (a) To provide a new and improved safety barrier that effectively blocks access at an entry point from near floor level to a height in its various embodiments defined by the needs of the user.

[0013] (b) To provide a new and improved safety barrier that can be easily extended for use or retracted when not in use.

[0016] (e) To provide a safety barrier that in its preferred embodiment utilizes a barrier made of industrial strength netting material, capable of providing protection from falling objects and impact debris.

[0017] (f) To provide a safety barrier that is self-contained within an external housing that is durable and is resistant to impact.

Problems solved by technology

It is now common practice for forklifts to operate in the same space as customers, a cost-cutting measure essential to the business model of these warehousing operations, but posing serious safety problems.

The result has been an increased incidence of injuries, and a dramatic rise in costly litigation.

These exist in various forms, but suffer from a number of flaws that reduce their effectiveness as safety devices.

A tape strip barrier is in common use, but since it lacks the ability to vertically block an aisle entry, it is easily bypassed by ducking under—or in the case of small children, walking under—the device.

Net and banner-like devices secured to racking with straps or similar attachments have at least some vertical extension for blocking off an aisle or entryway, but possess a limited design that often results in incorrect use.

There is a need for a safety device that by its design fully blocks the entry to an aisle or unsafe area, and limits the potential for incorrectly using or bypassing the barrier.

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