Apparatus and method for blocking access to an aisle

Abstract

A safety barrier system for blocking access to an aisle defined by first and second opposing structures. The system includes at least two barriers, and each barrier includes a flexible, resilient frame defining a span. A flexible sheet is secured to the frame and extending across the span. The frame is movable between an unfolded condition and a folded condition for storage. At least one strap is connected to the sheet and has a free end. A fastener is attached to the free end of the at least one strap for connecting the barrier to one of the first and second structures when the frame is in the unfolded condition to block access to the store aisle. The system also includes a holder for the at least two barriers.

1 . A safety barrier system for blocking access to an aisle defined by first and second opposing structures, the system comprising: 
 at least two barriers, each barrier comprising: 
 a flexible, resilient frame defining a span,  
 a flexible sheet connected to the frame and extending across the span,  
 the frame being movable between an unfolded condition and a folded condition for storage,  
 the frame being biased toward the unfolded condition,  
 at least one strap connected to the sheet and having a free end,  
 a fastener attached to the free end of the at least one strap for connecting the barrier to one of the first and second structures when the frame is in the unfolded condition to block access to the store aisle, and  
   a container for receiving and constraining the at least two barriers when the barriers are in the folded condition.    
     
     
         2 . A system as set forth in  claim 1  wherein a central portion of the strap is attached to the sheet, the strap having at least two free ends, the fastener on the first of the free ends for connecting the barrier to the first structure, a second fastener on the second of the free ends for connecting the barrier to the second structure.  
     
     
         3 . A system as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the frame includes a loop of wire.  
     
     
         4 . A system as set forth in  claim 3  wherein the loop of wire is formed into an oval shape in the unfolded condition and is formed into overlapping rings in the folded condition.  
     
     
         5 . A system as set forth in  claim 4  wherein the loop is made of steel.  
     
     
         6 . A system as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the flexible sheet is brightly colored and includes a warning thereon to warn against entry into the aisle  
     
     
         7 . A system as set forth in  claim 6  wherein the flexible sheet is made of nylon fabric.  
     
     
         8 . A system as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the container is sized to receive at least three barriers.  
     
     
         9 . A system as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the container is generally circular to correspond to the shape of the folded barriers and wherein the container has a width sufficient to receive at least four barriers.  
     
     
         10 . A system as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the container is made of a transparent material.  
     
     
         11 . A system as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the container includes means for connecting the container to a vehicle.  
     
     
         12 . A safety barrier system for blocking access to an aisle defined by first and second opposing structures, the system comprising: 
 at least two barriers, each barrier comprising: 
 a foldable loop of wire defining a span,  
 a flexible sheet connected to the loop and extending across the span,  
 the sheet including a warning thereon to warn against entry into the aisle,  
 the loop of wire being formed into an oval shape in an unfolded condition and formed into overlapping rings in a folded condition for storage,  
 the loop being biased toward the unfolded condition,  
 a connector connected to the sheet,  
 the connector adapted to connect the barrier to the first and second structures when the frame is in the unfolded condition to block access to the store aisle, and  
   a container for receiving the at least two barriers when the barriers are in the folded condition.    
     
     
         13 . A system as set forth in  claim 12  wherein the connector extends from an upper portion of the flexible sheet.  
     
     
         14 . A system as set forth in  claim 12  wherein the connector comprises a strap having a portion attached to the flexible sheet and having at least two free ends, a first fastener on the first of the free ends for connecting the barrier to the first structure, and a second fastener on the second of the free ends for connecting the barrier to the second structure.  
     
     
         15 . A system as set forth in  claim 12  installed in the aisle wherein the first fastener is secured to the first structure and the second fastener is secured to the second structure.  
     
     
         16 . A system as set forth in  claim 15  wherein the strap is adjustable to accommodate aisles of different widths.  
     
     
         17 . A system as set forth in  claim 15  wherein the free end of the strap includes at least two fasteners for securing the barrier to one of the first and second structures.  
     
     
         18 . A system as set forth in  claim 15  wherein at least one of the fasteners is a hook.  
     
     
         19 . A system as set forth in  claim 15  wherein at least one of the fasteners is a buckle.  
     
     
         20 . A method of blocking access to an aisle using a barrier movable from a folded condition to an unfolded condition, the aisle having opposing first and second structures defining the aisle therebetween, the barrier including a resilient loop of wire biased into the unfolded condition, the method comprising: 
 removing the folded barrier from a storage container,    unfolding the barrier by holding only a portion of the loop of wire and allowing the remainder of the wire to open into the unfolded condition, and    connecting the barrier to the first and second structures so as to block access to the aisle.    
     
     
         21 . A method as set forth in  claim 20  further comprising disconnecting the barrier, folding the barrier by forming the loop of wire into at least two overlapping rings, and replacing the folded barrier in the storage container.  
     
     
         22 . A method as set forth in  claim 20  further comprising: 
 removing a second folded barrier from the storage container, unfolding the barrier, and    connecting the barrier to first and second structures of the aisle to block access to a section of the aisle between the barriers.    
     
     
         23 . A method as set forth in  claim 22  further comprising: 
 removing third and fourth folded barriers from the storage container,    unfolding the barriers, and    connecting the barriers to first and second structures of a second aisle adjacent to the first-mentioned aisle to block access to a section of the second aisle between the barriers.