Improvements in or relating to barriers and barrier assemblies

Abstract

The assembly comprises a barrier comprising a guardrail unit 100 and at least one foot member 110, the foot member being releasably connected to the guardrail unit by way of a connection 115. The foot

Description

07 02 25 FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to an improved barrier, in particular though not exclusively, a 5 crowd control barrier, pedestrian barrier or queuing barrier. The invention also relates to a barrier assembly providing a walkway, and to associated methods of construction. BACKGROUND TO INVENTION Crowd control or safety barriers are known, and find use inter alia in crowd queuing 10 and / or crowd / pedestrian separation, for example, outside premises or venues. Such can be used to control groups of pedestrians or spectators. Such typically comprise first and second end posts, first and second rails between the first and second end posts, and a plurality of bars between the first and second rails. The barrier can be provided with feet, for example foot members provided on sides of the posts and / or the second (lower) rail. Typically in use, the first 15 and second end posts are vertical, the first and second rails are horizontal, and the plurality of bars are vertical. The end posts, rails, bars and feet can each be formed from tubular members, which can be fixed, for example welded, together. Barriers can be fabricated from galvanised steel. Barriers can also be provided in a powder coated finish. Alternatively, barriers can be made from plastics materials. Typically, barriers are around 1.1 metres high, 2.3 metres long, 20 and around 11,5kg in weight. Queuing barriers are also known, for example, flexible and retractable queuing barriers available under the name TENSABARRIER®. Pedestrian railings suitable for mounting along pavements to separate pedestrians and motor vehicle traffic are also known. Conventional railings are formed from pre-fabricated units 25 joined together in end-to-end relationship. Such are designed to comply with BS 7818:1995. The present Inventor has identified a need in a technical field and / or in a marketplace for an improved barrier and barrier assembly. The need arises particularly, though not exclusively, from the UK Government’s present (as from April / May 2020) social distancing rules arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the UK Government’s social distancing 30 rules require individuals to remain at least 2m away from one another when out in public. This also applies to queuing outside of supermarkets and other retail outlets. Retailers have a duty of care to customers to seek to ensure social distancing rules are adhered to when queuing outside of retail premises. It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention 35 to avoid or at least reduce one or more problems and / or disadvantages in the prior art. It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to seek to address the aforementioned need(s). 07 02 25 It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a barrier, railing, barrier assembly or multiple barrier assembly, which is: • capable of manual assembly and disassembly; • capable of ease of transportation, for example being packable flat (“flat-packed”); 5 • modular in construction • freestanding and self-supporting (so that no groundwork is required) • able to withstand non-extreme winds (so that the barrier etc. does not need to be disassembled or tethered unless there are extreme winds (for example exceeding 50 mph). 10 It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a technically more simple and / or more commercially cost-effective apparatus and method than in the prior art. SUMMARY OF INVENTION 15 According to the present invention there is provided a barrier assembly, such as a crowd control barrier assembly, pedestrian barrier assembly, queuing barrier assembly, or walkway unit, the barrier assembly comprising a first barrier and a second barrier, the first barrier comprising a first guardrail unit, a first foot member, and means for releasably connecting the 20 first guardrail unit and the first foot member, the second barrier comprising a second guardrail unit, a second foot member, and means for releasably connecting the second guardrail unit and the second foot member, the first and second barriers being in spaced side-by-side relation, and a roof panel releasably connected to the first barrier and to the second barrier, in which the first foot member includes a first plate member which is substantially the same length as the 25 first guardrail unit, and in which the second foot member includes a second plate member which is substantially the same length as the second guardrail unit. Each plate member may be substantially horizontal, in use. A first (lower) face of each plate member may, in use, abut and / or be supported by the ground. The foot members may be provided below, for example directly below, the respective guardrail unit, in use. The foot 30 members may extend, for example symmetrically, on first and second sides of the guardrail unit, in use. The foot members may be substantially rectangular in plan view. Providing a separate guardrail unit and foot member facilitates transportation in that the guardrail units are substantially flat and can be closely packed for transportation. The invention is thereby distinguished from the prior art arrangement with integral feet in which the feet 35 typically provide a substantial obstacle to close-packing. Also, the foot members support the barrier assembly during use and avoid the requirement to excavate the ground to support the 07 02 25 barrier assembly. This facilitates the temporary installation of the barrier assembly for periods of use, and the removal of the barrier assembly when it is no longer required. The arrangement for releasably or removably connecting the respective guardrail unit and foot member may comprise first and / or second upstands provided on the foot members, for 5 example on a second (upper) face of the plate member. The / each upstand may be connectable to a respective first and / or second end post of the respective guardrail unit, for example by releasable fixing members, for example, a nut and bolt. The bolt may be capable of being passed through aligned apertures in the respective end post of the guardrail unit and respective upstand. 10 Preferably each guardrail unit may be connectable with or to a further guardrail unit in end-to-end relation, to form a multiple barrier assembly. Also, an end of the foot member of one guardrail unit may abut the end of a further foot member of the further guardrail unit. Preferably when each guardrail unit and foot member are assembled, an end post of the guardrail unit overlaps (or extends beyond) the end of the respective plate member. By such an arrangement 15 an end post of a first guardrail unit may also be used as an end post of the further guardrail unit, with the guardrail units being longitudinally adjacent (in end-to-end relation). Each guardrail unit may comprise a first (lower) portion. Each guardrail unit may comprise a second (upper) portion. The first portion may comprise first and second rails, for example horizontal rails. Preferably the rails are releasably connectable with the first and 20 second end posts, for example by first and second further releasable connection arrangements. The / each further releasable connection arrangement may comprise a mortice and tenon joint, for example a tongue on the end post and a hole on the end of the rail (or vice versa). The tongue may be part of a bracket, for example an angle bracket, secured to the end post. The tongue and hole may be connected by a nut and bolt fixing for example, facilitating on-site 25 construction of the barrier assembly. The bracket may be secured to the end post by a nut and bolt fastening, reducing the complexity of the manufacturing process. Each guardrail unit may comprise a plurality of bars, for example vertical bars, which may span between the first and second rails. The plurality of bars may be fixed to the first and second rails, for example welded thereto. Whilst it would be possible to releasably mount the 30 bars to the rails in order to further facilitate transportation, it is preferred to provide an integral structure of rails and bars in order to reduce the on-site construction steps. In any event, in preferred embodiments the integral structure comprising the rails and bars are substantially flat and rectangular and can be closely packed for transportation with relatively little wasted space. The second portion may comprise a further rail, for example horizontal rail, which may 35 be releasably connectable with the first and second end posts, for example by a third further releasable connection arrangement. The third further releasable connection arrangement may comprise a mortice and tenon joint, for example a further tongue on the end post and a further 07 02 25 hole on the end of the rail (or vice versa). Again, the further tongue may be part of a (further) bracket secured to the end post. The second portion may comprise a sheet or wall member, for example a rigid and / or non-breathable sheet member, which may be releasably fixable between the further rail, the 5 first portion / first rail and the first and second end posts. The sheet member may comprise a plastics material, for example polycarbonate or PVC fabric. The sheet member may be at least partially transparent or translucent. The roof panel attaching arrangement may, for example, comprise a bracket secured to each end post. 10 A gutter member may be provided on or adjacent to the further rail. There is also provided a method of assembling a barrier assembly. Preferably the barrier assembly is a free-standing or gravity-based structure (GBS), that is, a structure held in place by gravity. Preferably the barrier assembly is self-supporting or selfstanding, for example does not require to be fixed into the ground. 15 The roof panel may comprise a substantially curved or planar sheet member. The roof panel is preferably rigid and / or self-supporting. The roof panel is ideally the same length as the first and second barriers, and may be around 2 metres in length. The roof panel may comprise a plastics material, for example a fire retardant material, suitably PVC on mesh fabric, or alternatively polycarbonate. The roof panel may be at least partially transparent. 20 Preferably the barrier assembly may be around 2 metres in length. Preferably the barrier assembly weighs around 250 to 300 kg, and preferably around 260kg. The barrier assembly of the present invention may provide one or more advantageous features, for example: 25 • stability against wind, for example wind uplift; • air / wind circulation, for example at below approximate waist height; • reduced / substantially no air / wind circulation, for example at above approximate waist height. There is also provided a crowd control, pedestrian or queuing multiple barrier assembly, 30 the multiple barrier assembly comprising a plurality of barrier assemblies as defined herein. Preferably adjacent barrier assemblies of the plurality of barrier assemblies are arranged (and are releasably connected) in an end-to-end relation. Alternatively or additionally, adjacent barrier assemblies are located side-by-side, and are ideally interconnected. 35 Preferably the adjacent barrier assemblies share end posts. This preferred feature can apply to the adjacent barrier assemblies in end-to-end relation and / or in side-by-side relation. 07 02 25 The following optional features apply to the present invention. Preferably the barrier assembly is a gravity-based structure (GBS), that is, a structure held in place by gravity. This is in contradistinction to any prior art pedestrian / traffic separation barrier assemblies which are fixed into the ground. The barrier assembly may, therefore, be 5 readily assembled, utilised and / or disassembled on site, for example without the need for any ground-works such as digging up of surface areas such as car parks, pavements, sidewalks or roads. The integral structure comprising the rails and bars may weigh around 30 to 35, for example 34 kg. 10 The roof member may weigh around 29 kg. The / each end post may weigh around 17kg. The foot member may weigh around 47kg. The gutter member may weigh around 20kg. The / each barrier assembly may weigh around 240 to 280 kg, for example 260kg. 15 Preferably the foot member is around 2 metres in length. Preferably the / each barrier assembly is around 2 metres in length, and / or around 1.5 metres in width. The guardrail unit, foot member, and / or gutter members may be made from a metallic material(s), for example steel / galvanised steel. 20 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are: 25 Figure 1 a side view of a guardrail unit utilised in the present invention; Figures 2a and 2b perspective and end elevation of an end post forming part of the guardrail unit shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 a perspective view of a section of railing comprising two of the 30 guardrail units of Figure 1; Figures 4a and 4b cut-away plan views of alternative staggered bar patterns for use in the guardrail unit of Figure 1; Figure 5 an alternative guardrail unit utilised in the present invention; Figure 6 in end elevation an end post forming part of the guardrail unit of 35 Figure 5; Figures 7a and 7b in elevation and cross-section an adaptor for use in connecting the guardrail units of Figures 1 to 6; 07 02 25 Figures 8a and 8b Figure 9 in cross-section and elevation an alternative adaptor; a cross-section through two end posts joined using the adaptor of Figures 8(a) and 8(b); Figure 10 a cross-section through two end posts joined using two of the 5 adaptors; Figure 11 a perspective view of a foot member of a barrier assembly according to the invention; Figure 12 a perspective view of a barrier utilised in the invention; Figure 13 a perspective view of one embodiment of barrier assembly 10 according to the present invention; Figure 14 a perspective view of a roof bracket of the barrier assembly of Figure 13; Figure 15 a side view of the rails of two guardrail units joined end-to-end at end post; 15 Figure 16 an end view of the barrier assembly of Figure 13; Figure 17 a plan view of the barrier assembly of Figure 13; Figure 18 a side view of the barrier assembly of Figure 13; Figure 19 an end view of a multiple barrier assembly comprising two barrier assemblies in adjacent side-by-side relation; and 20 Figure 20 a perspective view of a gutter member for use in a barrier assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS In the drawings, similar components in the different drawings are given the same 25 reference numeral for ease of reference. Referring initially to Figures 1 to 10 of the drawings, there is shown a guardrail unit 1 as utilised in the present invention. However, since the present invention has been designed to be visually compatible with common types of barrier used in the UK, the guardrail unit as shown in side view in Fig.1 is substantially identical to the prior art, in particular as described in GB 2 414 30 747 A (HUGH LOGAN PLANT &ENGINEERING) (and similarly for the guiderail unit shown in Fig.5). The guardrail unit 1 comprises a rail or mid rail 4, a top rail 2, a lower rail or bottom rail 3, and two end posts 5 all formed from rectangular hollow section steel, and galvanised for protection against corrosion. In a known arrangement with prior art guardrails, a row of such 35 guardrail units is fixed in the ground in end-to-end relation beside a carriageway to form a railing to separate pedestrians from the carriageway and perhaps to guide them to a safe crossing. 07 02 25 The hollow section from which rails 2, 3, 4, and posts 5 are made is in this example 30mm x 50mm in size. The posts 5 are of greater wall thickness (in this embodiment 2.5mm), and so increased strength, compared with the rails 2, 3 and 4 (in this embodiment having a 2mm wall thickness). 5 In the prior art arrangements the top rail 2 has one of the posts 5 welded at either end via mitre joints. The bottom rail 3 and the mid rail 4 are butt welded to each of the posts 5. The guardrail unit 1 thereby has a lower or railing section 6 defined between the bottom rail 3, mid rail 4 and the posts 5 and an upper section providing a sight gap 7 defined by the mid rail 4, top rail 2 and the posts 5. 10 Vertical bars 8 are provided in the railing section 6 which extend between bottom rail 3 and the mid rail 4. In the present invention the posts 5, rails 2, 3 and 4 and bars 8 can similarly be welded into a single unit as in the prior art. Preferably, however, and as described below, the rails 3 and 4 and the bars 8 are provided as a single integral unit (with the bars 8 preferably welded to the rails 3, 4) and the posts 5 are releasably connected to that integral structure. 15 Figure 2a and 2b show one embodiment of the posts 5 in more detail. The post 5 is provided with a slanted surface at its upper end for attachment to the top rail 2. The faces of the post 5 transverse to the length of the unit 1 have corresponding apertures 9 cut therethrough. A landed section 10 between upper and lower apertures 9 is provided for joining to the mid rail 4 as explained below. 20 The apertures 9 are cut through the centre of the respective post 5, for example, by a laser cutting system. A small lip of, say 4 - 7mm will be present adjacent the aperture 9 at each side so that in cross-section the post 5 appears as two facing C-sections separated by the apertures 9 (as seen in Figure 9). In a post having a width of 50mm, the width of the aperture 9 may be 35 - 42mm, for example. 25 The vertical bars 8 are disposed in a predetermined pattern such as those shown in Figures 4a and 4b, to enhance visibility through the railing section 6, for example, for an approaching motorist. Specifically, the bars 8 are arranged to lie in a vertical plane or planes aligned at an acute angle (between 2 and 14 degrees for example) relative to the plane of the guardrail unit 1 as a whole. This provides a line or lines of sight between the planes, at the same 30 angle and of course over a range of angles either side thereof. The pattern can be selected to suit the particular circumstances in terms of the expected path and speed of approach (and hence stopping distance) of traffic at the location of the barrier. The provision of the apertures 9 in the sides of the posts 5 provides a further line of sight through the posts 5 when two or more of the guardrail units 1,1 ’ are assembled end-to-end into 35 a railing as shown in Figure 3. The line of sight is most apparent at similar oblique approach angles at which the vertical bars 8 are set to enhance the visibility through the railing. In fact it can be difficult to determine the location of the posts 5 in the railing as they blend into the run 07 02 25 of the vertical bars so naturally, see Figure 3 in particular. The unit 1, therefore, combines much of the aesthetic appeal of the known railing described in GB 2 291 902 (STEWART), while maintaining the strength of the conventional railing, and being both visually and mechanically interchangeable with the conventional railing. 5 As shown in Figures 1 to 4, connection points 12 are provided which correspond in location to the connection points provided on standard railings. The connection points 12 comprise a further small land of material between apertures 9, with a hole 12a therein for the insertion of a bolt. In order to strengthen the unit 1 in the area of the connection point a hollow tubular insert (not shown) is disposed between the sides of the respective post 5. In accordance 10 with the industry standard, the upper bolt hole 12 is centred at a height 152.5mm below the top surface of the top rail 2. The lower bolt hole is centred 610mm below the upper hole. Alternative connection means may be used, such as that shown in Fig.15. Fig.15 shows an angle bracket 14 which is secured to the post 5 by a nut and bolt fixing, the angle bracket providing a tenon or tongue 16 to which the rail 4 is secured by another nut and bolt fixing. Such 15 alternative connection means may be used at all posts, or only when a stepped arrangement (on a slope) means that the normal connection points would not line up. Figures 5 and 6 show a second guardrail unit of similar construction to that described above. This guardrail unit does not have a sight gap and the vertical bars 8 extend over a greater height of the guardrail unit. In addition the land section 10 is no longer required. 20 Alternative arrangements for connecting the units 1 together include the use of an adaptor 20 which utilises the aperture 9 to effect secure connection. Various designs of adaptor may be suitable, the important feature is that they extend through the aperture 9 and engage the sides of the posts adjacent the aperture 9. In cases where an adaptor is used the connecting points 12 may or may not be present and the aperture 9 is continuous, as illustrated in Figure 25 6. Figures 7a and 7b show an adaptor for use in connecting units together in a railing. The adaptor 20 has a flat section 22 with a hole 24 extending therethrough, and a tubular section 26 extending from the back surface of the flat section 22. These parts may be welded or cast in one piece. In use the adaptor is fitted into the aperture 9 so that the back surface of the flat 30 section engages the sides of the post adjacent the aperture 9 and the tubular section 26 is located within the hollow section of the post 5. A bolt is located in the hole 24 with the shaft of the bolt extending through the tubular section 26 and through the post 5 of an adjacent guardrail unit 1. The bolt is tightened using conventional tooling and the guardrail units 1 pulled together. Figures 8a and 8b show an alternative adaptor, this adaptor is very similar to that 35 described above and like numerals have been used to identify like components. This adaptor includes sections at the ends of the flat section 22 of reduced thickness in comparison to the major part of the flat section. These sections of reduced thickness locate in the aperture 9 and 07 02 25 hold the adaptor against sideways movement. Figure 9 shows this adaptor 20 in use illustrating the connection of a post 5 of a conventional or novel guardrail unit. In other situations both posts could be connected through connecting points 12, or both through aperture 9 using two adaptors as shown in Figure 10. 5 In both of the above examples the adaptor has a tubular section 26 of circular configuration. The tubular section may have any shape cross-section, for example, square or hexagonal where the sides of the tubular section may engage the sides of the aperture 9 so as to correctly orientate the adaptor in the post 5. The use of the adaptor enables the interconnection of guardrail units 1 to be made at 10 any point along the length of the aperture 9, for example, at the correct position for alignment with the connection points of a conventional or guardrail unit, or tucked away so that there is minimum impairment to the view through the apertures 9 of the post 5. In addition in certain situations, particularly on a sloping site, the units 1 are stepped (vertically displaced from the adjacent unit) and the use of the adaptor facilitates this, even if fixed connection points 12 are 15 provided and used to make some of the connections. Without the adaptor, additional holes would need to be drilled in the post on site. This requires power tools on site and breaks the galvanising protection on the metal. The adaptor therefore offers an improvement in installation procedures independently of the high-visibility benefits. It will be readily apparent to the person skilled in the art that whilst the adaptor illustrated 20 would utilise a bolt passed through the adaptor to effect the connection of the guardrail units, alternative types of adaptor may be employed, for example a stud having two components where one is screwed into the other, or hammered together so that a part deforms to secure the two parts together, or a spigot stud where a part rotation secures the two together. External clamps, adhesives and other alternative means of connection can also be envisaged, each of 25 which may work with an aperture 9 or at a land between apertures. Whilst Figs. 9 and 10 show two end posts 5 being connected together, one end post for each guardrail unit 1, a benefit of the present invention is that adjacent guardrail units can be aligned in end-to-end relation with a single post 5 for both of the adjacent guardrail units. A post which is suitable for such an arrangement is shown in Fig. 15, and has a bracket 14 to either 30 side. A single post 5 (or 140, see below) can therefore be used between each pair of neighbouring barriers in an end-to-end line of barrier assemblies. Referring now to Figures 12 to 20, there is shown a barrier, such as a crowd control barrier, pedestrian barrier or queuing barrier, generally designated 100, as utilised in the present invention. There is also shown a barrier assembly and a multiple barrier assembly according to 35 the invention, suitable for use as a walkway or the like. 07 02 25 The barrier 100 comprises a guardrail unit 105, afoot member 110 (see Fig.11), and an arrangement 115 for releasably or removably connecting the guardrail unit 105 and the foot member 110. The guardrail unit 105 differs from the guardrail 1 of Figs.1 and 5 primarily in being of 5 increased height. Specifically, and as described below, the uppermost or further rail 102 of the guardrail unit 105 is around 2m above the foot member 110, i.e. above head height for a large proportion of the population. As seen in Fig. 11, the foot member 110 comprises a plate member. The plate member is substantially the same length as the guardrail unit 105, and is configured to extend along a 10 length of the guardrail unit 105. The plate member is substantially horizontal, in use. A first (lower) face of the plate member, in use, abuts and / or is supported by the ground. The foot member 110 is provided below, for example directly below, the guardrail unit 105, in use. Beneficially, and as clarified in the plan view of Fig. 17, the foot member 110 is rectangular and symmetrically extends on first and second sides of the guardrail unit 105, in use. 15 The arrangement 115 for releasably or removably connecting the guardrail unit 105 and the foot member 110 comprises first and second upstands 130 provided on the foot member 110, adjacent to each end of the plate member and projecting upwardly from the plate member. In this embodiment each upstand 130 is provided by the upstanding part of a respective angle bracket 136 which is secured to the plate member. In this embodiment the angle brackets 136 20 are secured by a nut and bolt fixing for ease of construction, but in an alternative embodiment the upstand (or the angle bracket) could be welded to the plate member. Each upstand 130 is connectable to a respective first and / or second end post 140a, 140b of the guardrail unit 105, for example by releasable nut and bolt fixings. The bolt is passed through aligned apertures in the respective end post 140a, 140b of the guardrail unit 105 and a 25 corresponding hole in the respective upstanding part of the angle bracket 136. It is arranged that the upstands 130 are closer to the respective end of the plate member than the thickness of the end posts 140a,b, and specifically are spaced from the respective end by half (or slightly less than half) the thickness of the end posts 140a,b. In this embodiment the width W (see Fig. 17) of the end posts 140a,b is approx. 90mm, the thickness T of the end posts 30 140a,b is approximately 50mm, and the upstands 130 are approx. 22mm from the end of the plate member. Accordingly, when the guardrail unit 105 and the foot member 110 are assembled, an end post 140a, 140b of the guardrail unit 105 overlaps the end of the plate member. By such an arrangement a single end post 140a, 140b of the guardrail unit 105 can be used as an end post of a longitudinally adjacent guardrail unit 100 when constructed end-to-35 end, similarly to the arrangement of Fig. 15. The guardrail unit 105 is therefore connectable with or to a further (identical) guardrail unit 105 in end-to-end relation. For example, an end of the foot member 110 can abut with a 07 02 25 further foot member 110 of the further guardrail unit 105. The foot member and the further foot member are secured together by way of their respective upstands and the (common) post 104a,b. The guardrail unit 105 comprises a first (lower) portion 155. The guardrail unit 105 5 comprises a second (upper) portion 160. The first portion 155 comprises first and second rails 3, 4, for example horizontal rails, which are releasably connectable with the first and second end posts 140a, 140b, for example by nut and bolt fixings as in Fig. 15. The guardrail unit 105 comprises a plurality of bars 8, for example vertical bars, which span between the first and second rails 3,4. The plurality of bars 8 are fixed to the first and 10 second rails 3,4, for example welded thereto. The second portion 160 comprises the further (upper) rail 102, which is also releasably connectable with the first and second end members 140a, 140b, for example by a third further releasable connection arrangement. The third further releasable connection arrangement may be an angle bracket such as those shown in Fig15. 15 Though not shown in the drawings, in use the second portion 160 will typically include a sheet or wall member, for example a self-supporting rigid / non-breathable sheet member, which is releasably fixable between the further rail 2, the first portion 155 / first rail 4 and the first and second end posts 140a, 140b. The sheet member may comprise a plastics material, for example polycarbonate. The sheet member is preferably at least partially transparent or translucent. 20 In this embodiment the further rail 102 also comprises a gutter member as better seen in Fig.20. The guardrail unit 105 comprises a bracket 195 for releasably attaching / connecting a roof member 196 to the guardrail unit 105. The bracket 195 includes a box-section which fits over the top end of a post 104a,b, and is secured to the post by respective nut and bolt fixings. 25 The present invention provides a barrier assembly 200 in the form of a pedestrian walkway comprising first and second barriers 100, the first and second barriers 100 being provided in adjacent spaced parallel relation to one another, as shown in Fig. 13. The barrier assembly 200 comprises two barriers 100 and a roof panel 196, which roof panel is releasably connectable to the brackets 195 of each of the barriers 100. 30 The present invention provides a method of constructing a multiple barrier assembly comprising the following steps: aligning two rows of foot members 110 along the chosen course of a covered walkway, the foot members in each row being placed in end-to-end engagement; securing an end post 104a,b to the upstands of neighbouring foot members, the step of 35 securing an end post also acting to interconnect the neighbouring foot members; securing an integral structure comprising rails and bars to neighbouring end posts 104a,b to form two adjacent lines of barriers 100; 10 15 07 02 25 20 30 35 securing a roof panel to the end posts of a barrier 100 in each line. Accordingly, a multiple barrier assembly can be provided, such as a crowd control, pedestrian or queuing barrier assembly, or walkway unit, the assembly or walkway comprising multiple pairs of first and second barriers 100 disposed in parallel relation to one another, and a roof member 196 spanning between the first and second barriers 100 in each pair. Each barrier 100 is a gravity-based structure (GBS), that is, a structure held in place by gravity. Each barrier 100 is self-supporting or self-standing, for example does not require to be fixed into the ground. The roof member 196 comprises a substantially curved or planar sheet member, which is rigid and / or self-supporting. The roof member 196 is around 2 metres in length. The roof member 196 comprises a plastics material, for example PVC on mesh fabric, or alternatively polycarbonate. The roof member 196 is preferably at least partially transparent. A barrier assembly 200 such as that shown in Fig.13 is around 2 metres in length. A barrier assembly 200 such as that shown in Fig.13 weighs around 250 to 300 kg, and typically around 260kg. The barrier assembly 200 provides advantageous features, for example: • stability against wind, for example wind uplift; • air / wind circulation, for example at below waist height; • reduced / substantially no air / wind circulation, for example at above waist height. An adjacent barrier assembly 200 (or preferably and adjacent line of barrier assemblies 200) can additionally be provided in side-by-side relation (see Figure 19). In such case a modified bracket 197 is fitted to the top of the intermediate or common post 104, and in particular a bracket 197 to which two roof panels 196 can be secured in side-by-side relation as shown in Fig.19. Accordingly, in the barrier assembly of Fig. 19 the adjacent barrier assemblies 200 share common (central) end posts 140, 140b and also a common (central) guardrail unit 105 and a common (central) foot member 110. Typically: • The guardrail unit 105 weighs around 30 to 35, for example 34 kg. • The roof panel 196 weighs around 29 kg. • The / each end post 140a,b weighs around 17kg. • The foot member 110 weighs around 47kg. • The gutter member 102 weighs around 20kg. • The / each barrier assembly 200 weighs around 240 to 280 kg, for example 260kg. • The barrier assembly 200 is around 2 metres in length. • The foot member 100 is around 2 metres in length. • The / each barrier assembly 200 is around 1.5 metres in width. 07 02 25 • The guardrail unit 105, foot member 110, end members 140a,b and / or gutter members 102 are made from a metallic material(s), for example steel / galvanised steel. It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the present invention hereinbefore 5 described are given by way of example only and are not meant to limit the scope of thereof in any way. It will be appreciated that one or more embodiments of the present invention may provide one or more benefits over the prior art. It will be understood that one or more embodiments of the present invention can utilise or comprise one or more features of the prior art, for example the guardrails shown in Figures 1 to 10. 10 Embodiments of the present invention provide one or more of: • deployment at or around entrances, exits and / or car parks; • quick assembly / disassembly; • a free-standing modular sheltered walkway system with a self-supporting steel structure. 15 • effective / practical social distancing; • all weather protection in an external space. It will also be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be supplied in component parts to be configured as required. The system can protect customers from the elements, for example from wind, rain sleet, snow or the like and / or offer protection from the 20 sun, whilst facilitating air movement in warmer weather. The present invention, therefore, provides a shelter solution to problems of social distancing in all weather conditions. Provision of the barrier lower portion can assist with reducing wind uplift effects. A preferred embodiment of the present invention may provide a structure having: • An overall length of around 2000mm (for each barrier assembly 200). Such serves 25 as an indication to users / customers on appropriate social distances. • A height above ground of 2500mm. A solution that can be quickly deployed around entrances, exits and general areas with queues to help users / customers identify a safe distance to stand when queuing in all weathers. • A width of 1500mm. A multiple barrier assembly or walkway is constructed with an 30 effectively continuous foot member which means no builder work is required, whilst providing strong, effective solution, ideal for managing crowds of people. • A frame, typically of rectangular or square section. • A frame material of mild steel. • A frame finish which is galvanised and / or powder coated. 35 • Roof cladding infills, which can be made from translucent anti-UV cellular polycarbonate.

Claims

07 02 251. A barrier assembly comprising a first barrier and a second barrier, the first barrier comprising a first guardrail unit, a first foot member, and means for releasably connecting 5 the first guardrail unit and the first foot member, the second barrier comprising a secondguardrail unit, a second foot member, and means for releasably connecting the second guardrail unit and the second foot member, the first and second barriers being in spaced side-by-side relation, and a roof panel releasably connected to the first barrier and to the second barrier, in which the first foot member includes a first plate member which is 10 substantially the same length as the first guardrail unit, and in which the second footmember includes a second plate member which is substantially the same length as the second guardrail unit.

2. A barrier assembly according to claim 1 having a gutter member.

153. A multiple barrier assembly comprising the barrier assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2 and a third barrier, the third barrier comprising a third guardrail unit, a third foot member, and means for releasably connecting the third guardrail unit and the third foot member, the third barrier being in spaced side-by-side relation to the second barrier, and a second 20 roof panel releasably connected to the second barrier and to the third barrier, in which thethird foot member includes a third plate member, and in which the third plate member is substantially the same length as the third guardrail unit.

4. A multiple barrier assembly according to claim 3 having a fourth barrier, a fifth barrier and 25 a sixth barrier, the fourth barrier comprising a fourth guardrail unit, a fourth foot member,and means for releasably connecting the fourth guardrail unit and the fourth foot member, the fifth barrier comprising a fifth guardrail unit, a fifth foot member, and means for releasably connecting the fifth guardrail unit and the fifth foot member, the sixth barrier comprising a sixth guardrail unit, a sixth foot member, and means for releasably 30 connecting the sixth guardrail unit and the sixth foot member, the fourth, fifth and sixthbarriers being in spaced side-by-side relation, the first and fourth barriers being interconnected end-to-end, the second and fifth barriers being interconnected end-to-end, the third and sixth barriers being interconnected end-to-end, a third roof panel releasably connected to the fourth barrier and to the fifth barrier, a fourth roof panel releasably 35 connected to the fifth barrier and to the sixth barrier, the second and fifth barriers havinga common end post, the common end post being connected to the first, second, third and fourth roof panels, in which the fourth foot member includes a fourth plate member which07 02 25is substantially the same length as the fourth guardrail unit, in which the fifth foot member includes a fifth plate member which is substantially the same length as the fifth guardrail unit, and in which the sixth foot member includes a sixth plate member which is substantially the same length as the sixth guardrail unit,.

55. A barrier assembly according to any one of claims 1-4 in which each foot member is located directly below the respective guardrail unit.

6. A barrier assembly according to any one of claims 1 -5 in which each foot member extends 10 to the first and second sides of the respective guardrail unit.

7. A barrier assembly according to claim 6 in which each foot member is symmetrical relative to the respective guardrail unit.15 8. A barrier assembly according to any one of claims 1-7 in which each foot member issubstantially rectangular in plan view.

9. A barrier assembly according to any one of claims 1-8 in which each guardrail unit comprises a pair of rails, a number of bars connected to the rails, and a pair of end posts 20 connected to the rails.

10. A barrier assembly according to claim 9 in which the end posts are releasably connected to the rails.25 11. A barrier assembly according to claim 9 or claim 10 in which each guardrail unit comprisesa first portion and a second portion, the first portion including the pair of rails and the number of bars, the second portion including a wall member.

12. A barrier assembly according to claim 11 in which the wall member is a non-breathable 30 sheet member.

13. A barrier assembly according to claim 12 in which the sheet member is polycarbonate.

14. A barrier assembly according to claim 12 or claim 13 in which the sheet member is at least 35 partially transparent or translucent.07 02 2515. A barrier assembly according to any one of claims 1-14 in which the means for releasably connecting the respective guardrail unit and foot member include first and second upstands provided on the foot member.5 16. A barrier assembly according to any one of claims 9-14 in which the end posts overlapthe respective ends of the foot member.

17. A method of constructing the barrier assembly according to any one of claims 1-16 comprising:10 providing a first integral structure comprising two first rails and a number of first bars,providing two first end posts, releasably connecting the first end posts to the first integral structure to form a first guardrail unit,providing at least one first foot member, in which the first foot member includes a first plate15 member, and in which the first plate member is substantially the same length as the firstguardrail unit,releasably connecting the first guardrail unit and the at least one first foot member to form a first barrier,providing a second integral structure comprising two second rails and a number of second20 bars,providing two second end posts, releasably connecting the second end posts to the second integral structure to form a second guardrail unit,providing at least one second foot member, in which the second foot member includes a25 second plate member, and in which the second plate member is substantially the samelength as the second guardrail unit, releasably connecting the second guardrail unit and the at least one second foot member to form a second barrier,locating the first and second barriers in spaced side-by-side relation, and30 releasably connecting a roof panel to the first barrier and to the second barrier.

18. A method of constructing a multiple barrier assembly comprising the following steps: providing a first integral structure comprising two first rails and a number of first bars, providing at least one first foot member, the first foot member having an upstand adjacent35 to each of its ends, the first foot member including a first plate member, the first platemember being substantially the same length as the first integral structure,07 02 25providing a second integral structure comprising two second rails and a number of second bars, providing at least one second foot member, the second foot member having an upstand adjacent to each of its ends, the second foot member including a second plate member, 5 the second plate member being substantially the same length as the second integral structure, providing a third integral structure comprising two third rails and a number of third bars, providing at least one third foot member, the third foot member having an upstand adjacent to each of its ends, the third foot member including a third plate member, the 10 third plate member being substantially the same length as the third integral structure, providing a fourth integral structure comprising two fourth rails and a number of fourth bars, providing at least one fourth foot member, the fourth foot member having an upstand adjacent to each of its ends, the fourth foot member including a fourth plate member, the 15 fourth plate member being substantially the same length as the fourth integral structure, providing a plurality of end posts; providing first and second roof panels; aligning two substantially parallel rows of foot members along a chosen course, the first and third foot members being in one row and being placed in end-to-end engagement and 20 the second and fourth foot members being in another row and being placed in end-to-end engagement; securing an end post to the upstands of neighbouring foot members; securing the first and third integral structures to neighbouring end posts to form a first line of barriers and securing the second and fourth integral structures to neighbouring end 25 posts to form a second line of barriers, the second line of barriers being adjacent to the first line of barriers; securing the first roof panel to the end posts of the first and second barriers and securing the second roof panel to the end posts of the third and fourth barriers.

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