Barrier systems with interlocking flag

Abstract

A barrier assembly includes a barrier having a chamber adapted to hold a ballast, an inlet being formed on the barrier in communication with the chamber. A flag assembly includes a post having a first end and an opposing second end with a flag disposed on the first end. A retainer is disposed on the post and includes a catch radially outwardly projecting from the post, the catch being movable between an outwardly extended position and an inwardly retracted position, the catch resiliently urging toward the extended position when in the retracted position, the first end of the post being received within the inlet on the barrier so that the catch is disposed within the chamber in the extended position, the catch being configured so that the first end of the post cannot be pulled out through the inlet without moving the catch to the retracted position.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A barrier assembly comprising:
 a barrier having an interior surface bounding a chamber and an opposing exterior surface, the chamber being adapted to hold a ballast, an inlet being formed on the barrier; and   a flag assembly comprising:
 a post having a first end and an opposing second end; 
 a flag disposed at or toward the first end of the post; and 
 a retainer disposed on the post and comprising a catch radially outwardly projecting from the post, the second end of the post being received within the inlet on the barrier, the catch restraining removal of the post from the barrier. 
   
     
     
         2 . The barrier assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the retainer is at least partially disposed within the inlet. 
     
     
         3 . The barrier assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the inlet communicates with the compartment and the catch is at least partially disposed within the chamber. 
     
     
         4 . The barrier assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the catch is movable between an outwardly extended position and an inwardly retracted position. 
     
     
         5 . The barrier assembly as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the catch resiliently urges toward the extended position when in the retracted position, 
     
     
         6 . The barrier assembly as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the catch is configured so that the second end of the post cannot be pulled out through the inlet without moving the catch from the extended position to the retracted position. 
     
     
         7 . The barrier assembly as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the post being tubular and having an interior surface that bounds a passage, a first opening being formed on a side of the post so as to communicate with the passage; and   the retainer being at least partially disposed within the passage of the post with the catch projecting out through the first opening on the post.   
     
     
         8 . The barrier assembly as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the first opening comprises an elongated slot. 
     
     
         9 . The barrier assembly as recited in  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a second opening formed on the side of the post; and   the retainer comprising a release projecting out through the second opening, the release being configured so that manual manipulation of the release causes the catch to move between an outwardly extended position and a inwardly retracted position.   
     
     
         10 . The barrier assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the catch is rounded. 
     
     
         11 . The barrier assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the retainer comprises a U- or V-shaped body with the catch projecting therefrom. 
     
     
         12 . The barrier assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the retainer is comprises of a resiliently flexible wire or ribbon. 
     
     
         13 . The barrier assembly as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a pocket formed on the interior surface of the barrier, the second end of the post being received within the pocket. 
     
     
         14 . A method for operating a barrier comprising:
 inserting a second end of a flag post within an inlet formed on a barrier, the barrier having a chamber adapted to hold a ballast, a flag being mounted on or toward a first end of the flag post; and   advancing the second end of the flag post into the inlet, a retainer disposed on the flag post engaging the barrier so as to restrain removal of the post from the inlet.   
     
     
         15 . The method as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the retainer comprises a catch outwardly projecting from the post, the catch engaging the barrier so as to restrain removal of the post from the inlet. 
     
     
         16 . The method as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the catch is movable between an outwardly extended position and an inwardly retracted position. 
     
     
         17 . The method as recited in  claim 16 , further comprising:
 depressing a release which moves the catch to the retracted position; and   removing the flag post from the inlet of the barrier after the catch is moved to the refracted position.   
     
     
         18 . The method as recited in  claim 14 , further comprising placing the barrier on an airport runway or taxiway prior to inserting the flag post.