Crowd control barrier post assembly

Abstract

A lockable post assembly includes a post member (12) having a vertical axis and an anchor portion (14) at a lower first end thereof. The anchor portion (14) has a head (16) and neck (18), the neck (18) defining a female constriction above the head (16). An anchor socket (22) secured within the ground is adapted to lockably receive the anchor portion (14) so as to hold the post member (12) upright. The anchor socket (22) has a keyed passageway (24) with an inward collar portion (26). The collar portion (26) defines a male constriction above a lower cavity (30). In use, the anchor socket (22) lockably receives the anchor portion (14) by the steps of inserting the anchor portion downwardly in a first orientation about the vertical axis so that the head (16) enters the lower cavity (30), and then rotating the anchor portion (14) to a second orientation about the vertical axis so that the head (16) is underneath or abuts a bottom surface of the collar portion (26). In this way, the post member (12) is held upright and cannot be lifted from the anchor socket (22) without counter-rotating the anchor portion (14) to the first orientation.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a lockable post assembly and, in particular, to a crowd control barrier post assembly that is lockable to the ground, although the invention may have wider application as a lockable post assembly in controlling access for other purposes or in supporting tables and the like. For ease of understanding, however, the background, objects and preferred embodiments of the invention will be hereinafter described by reference to a crowd control barrier post assembly.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]There are many kinds of barrier posts used to control crowds, and particularly to control groups of people queuing at airports, banks and the like.[0003]Many barrier posts are free-standing, and these posts are commonly interconnected by a linking cord, rope or cable to define a barrier for use in guiding a queue of people.[0004]Free-standing barrier posts, in order to maintain an upright position, have a base in the form of a heavy stee...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is for a device with a cavity for holding an anchor. In a version of the device, there is a stop pin that prevents the anchor from spinning any further. The technical effect of this is that it ensures that the anchor stays in the desired position, making it easier to use and control.

Problems solved by technology

These posts are, however, easily and regularly knocked over by people, and their wide disc bases can sometimes also serve as floor obstacles that cause people to trip or stumble, and trolleys and wheelchairs to be impeded.

Personal injury may also result if these posts were to fall down upon someone.

The interconnection of the posts by a guide cable may create a dangerous slinging effect on a post if it were to fall as a result of someone falling against the guide cable.

Worse still, these posts may cause serious injury or death if they were to be picked up and wielded as weapons.

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