Barrier System and Method of Use Thereof

This invention relates to a barrier system and to a method of use/construction thereof.

Although the following description refers to a barrier system for use in providing a temporary or permanent pedestrian walkway adjacent a road or vehicle carriageway, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the barrier system of the present invention could be used in any location for any suitable purpose.

It is often the case that when building or maintenance work is being undertaken on or adjacent a pedestrian walkway, the pedestrian walkway is closed and a temporary pedestrian walkway is provided on the road or vehicle carriageway adjacent the closed pedestrian walkway. In order to separate the road or vehicle carriageway from the pedestrians in these circumstances, a temporary barrier system may be installed in the road or carriageway. This barrier system has to be sufficientiy strong and robust to ensure a clear separation between the vehicles and the pedestrians for the safety of all users, to ensure the vehicles on the road or carriageway do not obstruct the pedestrians and vice versa, and to reduce the likelihood of a vehicle impacting with a pedestrian.

It is known to provide a barrier system that has a plurality of conventional barrier members arranged in an end to end manner and mesh panels are provided for location on top of the barrier members. A problem with this type of barrier system is that it does not meet the health and safety requirements adjacent a building site where the temporary pedestrian walkway has to have a roof or be covered so as to prevent tools and/or other building equipment or debris from falling onto the temporary pedestrian walkway from the adjacent building site. In an attempt to overcome this problem, it is known to provide a plurality of conventional barrier members arranged in an end to end manner with a free standing and separate wooden covered structure built between the closed pedestrian walkway and a side of the barrier facing away from the roadway, to cover the temporary pedestrian walkway. Problems with this arrangement are that each wooden covered structure is bespoke and therefore is time consuming to make and erect, they do not provide the required strength and rigidity to adequately protect the pedestrians walking therein in use and they are not aesthetically pleasing. In addition, if a vehicle impacts with the exterior surface of a barrier member, this may cause movement of the barrier member against the free standing covered structure, thereby causing the structure to collapse. This could ultimately result in injury or death to a pedestrian using the temporary pedestrian walkway.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a barrier system that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of use or construction of a barrier system which overcomes the abovementioned problems.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a covered walkway system and/or a method of use or construction of a covered walkway system.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a barrier system, said barrier system including at least one barrier member, frame means provided on or locatable with said barrier member in use, and wherein said frame means includes a roof or roof support means for supporting a roof element in use.

Thus, the barrier system of the present invention, in one example, can provide the components for a covered or coverable pedestrian walkway, which can be either permanent or temporary in form. The covered or coverable pedestrian walkway is typically for location on a surface on which vehicles may travel for providing a barrier between this surface and an area where pedestrians may be present or move. The terms "cover" or "coverable" typically refer to the provision of a roof on the barrier system or walkway, or the ability or option to provide a roof on the barrier system or walkway if required.

Preferably the at least one barrier member is any or any combination of a road and/or traffic barrier member, a road safety barrier member, a crash barrier member, a vehicle restraint barrier member, a ground or road mountable barrier member, a barrier member designed to limit or prevent movement of a person, vehicle, animal and/or object from one side of the barrier member to an opposite side of the barrier member in use and/ or the like.

Preferably the at least one barrier member can be made from any or any combination of suitable materials, such as any or any combination of metal, concrete, plastic, rubber and/ or the like.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one barrier member is made from or includes a metal material, such as steel and/ or the like.

Preferably the at least one barrier member is a hollow barrier member and/or includes at least one cavity therein.

In one example, the frame means is provided on or locatable with said at least one barrier member via a fixing locatable at least partially in said cavity.

In one embodiment the at least one barrier member has at least one side wall and a top wall. Preferably the barrier means can also have a base wall and/or one or more end walls if required.

Preferably the at least one side wall is continuous or substantially continuous in form.

Preferably the at least one barrier member has at least one base wall which is locatable on a ground, road or floor surface in use and on which the barrier member is supported in use, two or more opposing side walls that protrude upwardly and outwardly from said at least one base wall, and a top wall provided between the two opposing side walls and at an end opposite to the at least one base wall.

Preferably the two or more side walls of the at least one barrier member have a narrowing taper from the at least one base wall towards the top wall.

Preferably the barrier system includes two or more barrier members.

Preferably a plurality of barrier members are joined or located together in an end to end manner to form an elongate barrier structure.

Preferably connection means or a connection mechanism is provided to allow the plurality of barrier members to be joined together in an end to end manner.

In one embodiment the connection means or mechanism includes any or any combination of one or more screws, nuts and bolts, apertures, slots, inter-engaging members, clips, mortise and tenon arrangement, one or more protruding means or members which are locatable in one or more recesses, apertures, slots and/or channels, welding, adhesive and/or the like.

In one embodiment the frame means includes or consists of at least one frame member or at least a first frame member.

In one embodiment each barrier member has at least a first frame member associated with the same.

In one embodiment, in addition to one or more barrier members having at least a first frame member associated with the same, one or more other barrier members within the barrier system may not have at least a first frame member associated with the same. Thus, in one example, not every barrier member within the barrier system has a first frame member associated with the same.

In one embodiment each barrier member has a plurality of first frame members associated with the same. Preferably each of the plurality of first frame members are provided in a spaced apart manner on the at least one barrier member, and further preferably are spaced along a longitudinal axis or length of the at least one barrier member.

Preferably the plurality of first frame members is provided equal or substantially equal distances apart from each other.

Preferably with the plurality of barrier members located together in an end to end manner, the ends of adjacent barrier members can be in abutting relationship or can be provided a spaced distance apart from each other.

In one embodiment the frame means, or at least part of the frame means, is integrally formed with the at least one barrier member, is attached to the at least one barrier member and/or is detachably attached to the barrier member via attachment means.

In one embodiment the frame means includes at least a first frame member, having a first end direcdy or indirectly attached, attachable to, detachably attached, detachably attachable or integrally formed with the at least one barrier member and arranged to protrude outwardly and/ or upwardly therefrom in use.

Preferably the at least first frame member protrudes upwardly and outwardly from a top surface of the barrier member (i.e. a surface of the barrier member opposite to the base surface on which the barrier member is located in use).

In one embodiment the frame means includes a plurality of frame members. Preferably the frame members can be arranged, joined together or detachably attached together to provide a suitable structure with at least a roof, ceiling or cover, or providing means for supporting at least a roof, ceiling or cover in use.

Preferably the at least first frame member is attached to the at least one barrier member via support means or a support member.

Preferably the support means or member is for supporting a first end of the at least first frame member in use. Preferably the first end of the at least first frame member is attached or detachably attached to the support means or member in use.

In one embodiment the support means includes any or any combination of a plate, plate like member, sheet member, sheet like member, an aperture, channel, sleeve and/ or the like and the at least first frame member is locatable in or through said aperture, channel, sleeve and/or the like to allow said first frame member to be supported in use.

In one embodiment attachment means are provided for attaching the at least first frame member directly or indirectiy to the at least one barrier member and/or the support means.

In one embodiment the attachment means includes any or any combination of one or more apertures, channels, slots, sleeves, screws, nut and bolts, plate members, support means or members, bracket members, inter-engaging members and/or the like.

Preferably the at least first frame member is, includes, or consists of an upright or substantially upright frame member. Further preferably at least part of the at least first frame member is arranged so as to be vertical or substantially vertically arranged in use.

Preferably the at least first frame member has a longitudinal axis and said longitudinal axis is arranged so as to be parallel or substantially parallel to a height of the at least one barrier member. The height of the barrier member is typically the distance between a base wall of the barrier member which is located on a ground, road or floor surface in use, and an opposite top wall of the barrier member.

Preferably the longitudinal axis of the at least first frame member is arranged to be transverse, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis or width of the at least one barrier member and/or the ground or road surface on which the barrier member is located in use. The longitudinal axis of the barrier member is typically the distance between the two opposing ends of the barrier member.

Preferably the at least one upright or first frame member is arranged to protrude outwardly from a surface of the barrier member and further preferably is arranged to protrude outwardly and upwardly from a top or upper surface of the barrier member in use.

In one embodiment the at least first frame member is of a fixed and predetermined length.

In one embodiment the at least first frame member is adjustable in length using adjustment means or an adjustment mechanism. Thus, in one example, the at least first frame member is movable between a relatively extended position and a relatively retracted or recessed position in use to allow the height/length of the first frame member to be adjusted. This allows the height of the pedestrian walkway, in one example, to be adjusted or moved to a user selectable height.

Preferably the adjustment means or mechanism includes any or any combination of threaded means, one or more screw threads, one or more screws, nuts and bolts, inter-engaging members, protruding means or members which are locatable in one of one or more apertures, recesses and/or channels, telescopic means or members and/ or the like.

In one embodiment the at least first frame member is slidably and/or rotatably adjustable in use.

In one embodiment the at least first frame member includes a first portion that is slidably, hingedly and/ or rotatably movable relative to at least a second portion.

In one embodiment the at least first frame member includes a first portion teles copically mounted in at least a second portion. Preferably the at least first frame member includes a roof or roof support means or portion, and said roof or roof support means or portion is provided at or adjacent a second end of the at least first frame member and is transverse, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the at least first frame member.

In one embodiment the frame means or roof support means includes at least a second or roof frame member that is transverse, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first frame member.

In one embodiment the roof, roof support portion, second member and/or roof frame member is arranged to be horizontal or substantially horizontal with respect to at least first frame member in use.

In one embodiment the first frame member has a first end integral, detached or detachably attached to the at least one barrier member, and a second end that is integral with, detached or detachably attached to the second frame member, roof frame member, transverse, horizontal or substantially horizontal frame member.

Preferably the second frame member, roof frame member, transverse, horizontal or substantially horizontal frame member protrudes outwardly from a side and/or second end of the first frame member in use.

In one embodiment the roof support means or portion of the first frame member, or the second or roof frame member includes a channel, tray or sleeve member for the location of a roof element or roof joining element in use.

Preferably the roof joining element is an element to which a roof element or panel can be joined to in use.

Preferably the frame means includes at least one further frame member which is locatable a spaced distance apart from and opposite or substantially opposite a first frame member and/ or a barrier member in use.

Preferably the at least one further frame member is parallel or substantially parallel to a first frame member in use to form a frame member pair. Preferably the first frame member of each frame member pair is provided on or associated with the barrier member and the further frame member of each frame member pair is provided on or associated with a ground, road or floor surface in use.

In one embodiment the first frame member and further frame member or each frame member pair are joined together at the top or at the second ends thereof via a horizontal or transverse frame members or portions, via a joining element, via roof support means, via a cover element, roof element, structural element and/or the like.

Preferably the frame members of the frame member pair can have any or any combination of the features mentioned herein. Thus, for example, the frame first member could be adjustable in height and the further frame member could be of a fixed height, or vice versa. Alternatively, both frame members could be adjustable in height or both frame members could be of a fixed length/ height.

Preferably the at least one further frame member has a first end that is locatable directly or indirecdy on a ground, road or floor surface on which the barrier system is to be provided in use, and a second end that is a spaced distance apart above the ground, road or floor surface at or adjacent the required location of the roof of the barrier system in use.

Preferably the at least one further frame member is of such a length or height to extend between a floor, road or ground surface and the position of a roof of the barrier system.

Preferably the at least one further frame member has a longitudinal axis and said axis is arranged to be transverse, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the ground, road or floor surface on which the barrier system is to be located in use.

In one embodiment the at least one further frame member includes or consists of a roof or roof support means or portion, and said roof or roof support means or portion is provided at or adjacent a second end of the at least one further frame member and is transverse, perpendicular, substantially perpendicular to the at least one further frame member.

In one embodiment at least one roof frame member is provided on or associated with the at least one further frame member, and preferably with a second end of the at least one further frame member. Preferably the at least one roof frame member is transverse, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the at least one further frame member.

In one embodiment the roof support means or portion of the first frame member and/or the at least one further frame member, the second frame member and/or one or more roof frame members are telescopic in form and/or adjustable in length via adjustment means or mechanism to allow the width of the barrier system, the roof and/or the distance between the first frame member and the further frame member of the pair of the frame members to be adjustable in use. Preferably the adjustment means or mechanism includes any or any combination of telescopic means or mechanism, screw threaded means or mechanism, one or more screws, nuts and bolts, inter-engaging members, and/or one or more protruding means or members which are locatable in one or more apertures, recesses and/or channels.

In one embodiment the at least one further frame member is adjustable in length via adjustment means or mechanism.

Preferably the at least one further frame member is slidably and/or rotatably adjustable in length in use.

In one embodiment the at least one further frame member includes a first portion that is slidably, hingedly and/or rotatably movable relative to at least a second portion to allow adjustment of the length of the same. Preferably the at least one further frame member has a first portion that is teles copically mounted in at least a second ortion.

Preferably the adjustment means or mechanism of the at least one further frame member is any or any combination of elements already mentioned in this application.

In one embodiment bracing means are provided between adjacent first frame members, between adjacent further frame members, between the first frame member and the roof or roof element portion, between the further frame member and the roof or roof element portion, between the first and second or roof frame member and/ or between the further frame member and the roof frame member to provide strength and rigidity to the frame means in use.

Preferably the bracing means includes one or more bracing members.

In one embodiment the bracing means or one or more bracing members are provided diagonally with respect to adjacent first frame members or between adjacent further frame members. Thus, for example, a bracing member can be provided between a top or upper part of one first frame member and a base or lower part of an adjacent first frame member.

In one embodiment two or more bracing means or bracing members are provided diagonally between adjacent first frame members or between adjacent further frame members. Preferably the two or more bracing members are orientated in different directions. Thus, for example, a first bracing member can be provided between a top or upper part of a first frame member and a base or lower part of an adjacent first frame member, and a second bracing member can be provided between a base or lower part of the first frame member and a top or upper part of the adjacent first frame member. This forms an "X" configuration. In one embodiment the bracing means or one or more bracing members can be adjustable in length using adjustment means. The adjustment means can be any as previously described.

In one embodiment strengthening means can be provided between an upright, vertical or substantially vertical frame member and a transverse, horizontal or substantially horizontal frame member if required.

Preferably the strengthening means can include any or any combination of one or more posts, rib members, bracket members and/or the like.

Preferably frame member pairs are provided in a spaced apart manner in the barrier system. Further preferably the space between frame member pairs is equal to or substantially equal.

Preferably foot means or a foot member is provided on or associated with the first end of the at least one further frame member that is provided on or associated with the ground, road or floor surface to support the same in use.

In one embodiment the foot means or member includes a plate, sheet, plate like or sheet like member with location means provided thereon for location at the first end of the further frame members in use.

Preferably a roof joining element is provided to join the first frame member and the further frame member, the roof element portions of the first and further frame members and/ or the roof frame members together in use.

Preferably the roof joining element is adjustable in length to allow adjustment of the width of the roof in use.

Preferably the barrier system is used to provide a pedestrian walkway with a roof, ceiling and/or cover.

Preferably the barrier system is used to provide a temporary pedestrian walkway with a roof, ceiling and/or cover. In one embodiment fastening means are provided on or associated with the frame means or any of the frame members or portions for allowing the fastening of one or more cover panels or elements, roof panels or elements and/ or other structural panels or elements thereto in use.

For example, side wall panels or elements could be provided on the barrier system as well as, or instead of, one or more roof panels or elements. The side wall panels or elements are preferably transverse, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the roof elements or panels in use.

Preferably the one or more cover panels or elements, roof panels or elements and/or other structural panels or elements are sheet, sheet like, plate or plate like members.

Preferably the fastening means includes any or any combination of one or more channel members, sleeve members, nails, screws, nuts and bolts, clips, inter- engaging members, adhesive, welding and/ or the like.

In one embodiment the cover elements, roof elements or other structural elements are located directly with or in the one or more channel or sleeve members. Alternatively, one or more joining members can be located in or with the one or more channel or sleeve members and the one or more cover, roof or other structural panels or elements can be joined to the joining members.

Preferably the one or more joining members are made from or include wood.

Preferably the frame means or one or more frame members is made from or includes metal.

Preferably the one or more cover panels or elements, roof panels or elements and/ or other structural panels or elements are made from or include wood.

The components of the barrier system can be erected and dismantled as many times as required, and can be used at different sites for different size, shape and/ or designs of pedestrian walkways and/ or for other uses. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of constructing a barrier system, said barrier system including at least one barrier member, said method including the steps of locating the at least one barrier member on a floor, ground or road surface on which the barrier system is to be provided, providing or locating frame means on or with said at least one barrier member, providing a roof or roof support means capable of supporting a roof element.

Preferably the height or length of the further frame means is equal to or substantially equal to the total height of the barrier member and the first frame member attached to the same. However, if the barrier system is being used on non-level ground and/ or the roof or cover is required to be sloping, the height of the further frame member can be different to the total height of the barrier member and the first frame member attached to the same.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a pedestrian walkway including or consisting of a barrier system.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using or constructing a pedestrian walkway using a barrier system.

The present invention provides a pedestrian walkway with a cover which is mounted on top of a barrier, such as a steel barrier.

The present invention provides a pedestrian walkway including a barrier system that can be joined together via a quick connect system.

The present invention provides a pedestrian walkway including a barrier system, the frame means of which can be adjustable in use, thereby allowing the components of the barrier system to be used to provide a universal pedestrian walkway.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein: Figures la- II show the different components of the barrier system according to one embodiment of the present invention, in particularly, the components are:

Figure la is a base support means;

Figure lb is a bracket for engagement with the base support means; Figure lc is a foot base for one of the frame means; Figure Id is a joining bar for the transverse frame members; Figure le is a roof element;

Figure If is a frame means for location on the barrier means in use; Figure lg is a frame means for location on a floor or ground surface in use; Figure lh is a threaded bar; Figure II is a bracing member;

Figures 2a-2d show a first step in the construction of the barrier system according to an embodiment of the present invention, with figure 2a showing an exploded view of the barrier means with base support means and bracket, figure 2b is an enlarged exploded view of part A of the barrier means with base support means and bracket in figure 2a, figure 2c is a side view of the barrier means fitted with the base support means and bracket, and figure 2d is a perspective view of the barrier means fitted with the base support means and bracket;

Figures 3a-3c show a second step in the construction of the barrier system according to an embodiment of the present invention, with figure 3a showing an exploded view of the barrier means and first frame means, figure 3b showing an enlarged exploded view of part B of the barrier means and first frame means in figure 3a, and figure 3c showing a perspective view of the first frame means fitted to the barrier means; Figures 4a-4f show a third step in the construction of the barrier system according to an embodiment of the present invention, with figure 4a showing an exploded view of the first frame means being connected to a second frame means, figure 4b showing an enlarged exploded view of part C in figure 4a, figure 4c showing an enlarged exploded view of part D in figure 4a, figure 4d showing a perspective view of the second frame means connected to the first frame means, figure 4e showing an end view of the second frame means connected to the first frame means, figure 4f showing an enlarged view of part E in figure 4e;

Figures 5a-5c show a fourth step in the construction of the barrier system according to an embodiment of the present invention, with figure 5a showing an exploded view of the roof element being attached to the first and second frame means, figure 5b showing an enlarged exploded view of part F in figure 5a, figure 5c showing a perspective view of the roof element attached to the first and second frame means;

Figures 6a-6f show a fifth step in the construction of the barrier system according to an embodiment of the present invention, with figure 6a showing an exploded view of bracing members being attached to the frame means, figure 6b showing an enlarged exploded view of part G of figure 6a, figure 6c showing a perspective view of the bracing members attached to the frame means, figure 6d showing an enlarged view of part H of figure 6c, figure 6e showing an enlarged view of part J of figure 6d, figure 6f showing an enlarged view of part K of figure 6d; and

Figures 7a-7c shows a sixth step in the construction of the barrier system according to an embodiment of the present invention, with figure 7a showing a perspective view with construction elements of the pedestrian walkway fitted, figure 7b showing an end view with construction elements of the pedestrian walkway fitted, and figure 7c showing a side view with construction elements of the pedestrian walkway fitted respectively. Referring to the figures, there is illustrated the steps involved in the construction of a barrier system used to make a temporary pedestrian walkway.

The barrier system comprises a base support means 2 for location on a barrier member 4 in use. A bracket 6 is provided for engagement with the base support means 2 to engage the base support means to the barrier member 4. A first frame means 8 is provided for engagement with the base support means 2 in use. A second frame means 10 is provided for location opposite and a spaced distance apart to the first frame means 8 in use. A foot base 12 is provided for supporting a base 14 of the second frame means 10 in use. Adjustment means in the form of a joining bar 16 is provided for joining a top of the first and second frame means 8, 10 together and for adjusting the spaced distance between the upright portions of the frame means 8, 10 in use. Adjustment means in the form of a threaded bar 18 is provided for allowing adjustment of the height of the second frame means 10. A bracing member 20 is provided for location between two adjacent and spaced apart second frame means 10, 10' in use. A roof element 22 is provided for location on the transverse portions of the first and second frame means 8, 10.

The barrier member 4 is an elongate steel member having a top surface 24, and first and second side walls 26, 28 which diverge outwardly from top surface 24 towards a base 30. A cavity is defined in barrier member 4. Connection means in the form of upwardly protruding pins 32 are provided at a first end 34 of barrier member 4 for location in apertures 36 provided at a second end 38 of an adjacent barrier member. The connection means allows a plurality of barrier members to be joined together in an end to end manner.

A plurality of spaced apart slots 40 are defined in top surface 24 to allow engagement of the base support means 2 and the bracket 6 to the barrier member 4. In particular, the base support means 2 comprises a base plate 42 with an upwardly protruding sleeve member 44. The sleeve member is of similar shape and of slightly larger dimensions than the base 46 of frame means 8 to allow the same to be located together in use. Apertures 48, 50 and provided on the sleeve member 44 and a first frame member 52 of the first frame means 8 to allow a bolt 54 to pass through the same and engage the frame member 52 to the base support means. A nut 56 can then be used to secure the bolt 54 to the sleeve member 44 and frame member 52. Washers 58 can be provided with the nut and bolt, as shown in figure 3b.

The base plate 42 includes a slot 58 and two apertures 60, each aperture 60 located either side of slot 58, as shown in figure la. Bracket 6 includes a plate member 62 with two apertures 64 located the same or similar spaced distance apart as apertures 60 on base plate 42. A rotatable member 66 which is elongate or rectangular in form is provided between apertures 64.

In order to fit the base support means 2 to the bracket 6 and the barrier member 4, the base plate 42 is placed on top wall 24 of barrier member, such that the slot 58 of base plate 42 is aligned or substantially aligned with a slot 40 of the barrier member. The bracket 6 is placed inside the hollow cavity of the barrier member 4 and aligned with the slot 40 of the barrier member, such that the rotatable member 66 protrudes through slot 40. A longitudinal axis of rotatable member 66 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of slot 40, and is typically transverse to the longitudinal axis of the plate member 62, when being located through slot 40. The rotatable member 66 is then rotated such that the longitudinal axis of the rotatable member is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate member 62 and top surface 24 of the barrier member 4, thereby engaging member 66 against the upper surface of base plate 42. Bolts 68 are located through the apertures 60, 64 of the base support means 2, the bracket 6 and the slot 40 of the barrier means to engage the same together, as shown in figures 2a-2d. With the base support means 2 engaged to the top surface 24 of barrier member 4, the sleeve member 44 protrudes upwardly from the top surface 24 of the barrier. A plurality of base support means 2 are located at spaced apart intervals along the top surface of the barrier to allow a plurality of first frame means 8 to be located with the same. First frame means 8 includes a first upright frame member 52 and a second frame member 70 provided perpendicular thereto at a second end 72 of frame member 52. A strengthening rib 74 is provided between an upper part of frame member 52 and a free end 76 of second frame member 70. The second frame member 70 is hollow so as to allow one end 78 of the joining bar 16 to be located therein in use, as shown in figure 4a. The second frame member is of the same or similar shape as joining bar 16 and has slightly larger dimensions to allow engagement of the same together. Adjustment means in the form of apertures defined in second frame member, apertures 80 defined in a spaced apart manner along the length of joining bar 16 and nuts 82 and bolts 84 are used to join the joining bar 16 to the first frame means 8 and to allow adjustment of the position of the joining bar 16 with respect to the first frame means.

The first upright frame member 52 is provided with channel members 86 protruding outwardly from a side of the same. The opening of the channel faces outwardly of the frame member 52, and preferably faces towards the roadside of the structure in use. The channel members 86 allows an upright joining timber member 88 to be secured to the same in use using securing means, such as screws, nails, nuts and bolts and/or the like. A single channel member can be provided or a plurality of channel members can be provided and arranged in a spaced apart manner. A further channel member 90 can be provided on an upper surface of second frame member 70. The opening of the channel typically faces upwardly of the frame member 70. One end 92 of joining timber 22 is located in channel member 90 in use, as shown in figure 5a.

The second frame means 10 is similar in construction to first frame means 8 and the same reference numerals have been used to describe the same features. The second frame means is for location on a floor or ground surface in use and so is longer than the first frame means which is designed to be located on top of the barrier member. The base end 14 of the upright frame member 94 of the second frame means 10 is provided with the threaded bar 18 to allow the height of the upright frame member to be adjusted in use. This allows the second frame means to be moved to the same or substantially the same height as the combination of the barrier member and the first frame means. One end 96 of the threaded bar 18 is located inside the hollow frame member 94 and the other end 98 is located in an upright sleeve member 100 that is located on a plate member 102 of base foot 12. Rotation of a threaded bolt 104 on the threaded bar 96 allows adjustment of the length of the threaded bar 18 that protrudes from the base end 14 of upright frame member 94.

A second end 105 of joining bar 16 is located in end 76 of second frame member 70 of second frame means 10 in a similar manner to that of end 78 in first frame means 8. In addition, a second end 106 of joining timber 22 is located in the channel member 90 of second frame member 10 in a similar manner to that described for attachment to the first frame member 8.

Thus, on constructing the temporary pedestrian walkway using the barrier system of the present invention, the barrier means are placed in an end to end manner in a required position to form a barrier between the vehicle carriageway on the road and the pedestrian walkway. The base support means 2 and bracket 6 are then fitted to the top surface of the barrier member 4 as shown in figures 2a-2d. Next, the first frame means 8 are located with the base support means as shown in figures 3a-3c. A second frame means 10 is then placed opposite to the first frame means 8 at a spacing required for the width of the pedestrian walkway, as shown in figures 4a-4e. Adjustment of the width of space between the first and second frame means 8, 10 can be made by adjusting the position of the joining bar 16 relative to the first and second frame means. In order to ensure the joining bar is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first and second frame means 8, 10, the height of the upright frame member 94 of the second frame means 10 with respect to the foot base 12 can be adjusted by rotating bolt 104 on threaded bar 18. This process is carried out for a plurality of pairs of first and second frame means provided a spaced distance apart along the length of the barrier member 4. Next, a joining timber 22 is placed in the channels 90 of the first and second frame means 8, 10, as shown in figures 5a-5c. Timber 22 can be secured in place using screws 108 located through apertures 110 on opposite side walls of channels 90, as shown in figure 5b.

Bracing members 20 are then located between adjacent frame means 10, as shown in figures 6a-6f. Pins 112 are provided on upright frame member 94 of second frame means 10 that protrude inwardly of the pedestrian walkway. One pair of pins 112 is provided either side of upright frame member 94 adjacent end 72 and one pair of pins 112 is provided either side of upright frame member 94 towards lower end 14.

Bracing member 20 has a first end 114, and a second end 116. At each end 114, 116 there is a slot 118. The slots 118 are located over a pin 112 on the upright frame member 94. In particular, second end 116 of bracing member 20 is located over a pin 112 adjacent top end 72 of first upright frame member 94' and first end 114 is located over a pin 112 adjacent a lower end 14 of an adjacent upright frame member 94, thereby orientating the bracing member 20 diagonally between the two spaced apart second frame means 10, 10'. A further bracing member can be provided in an opposite diagonal orientation to the first bracing member between the frame means 10, 10', thereby forming an 'X' arrangement. A nut 120 can be used to secure the bracing member 20 to a pin 112. The bracing member provide strength and rigidity to the structure.

With all the joining timbers in place on the frame means, further structural elements can then be easily and quickly fitted and joined to the joining timbers to create a cover for the covered pedestrian walkway. The further structural elements can be made from wood, board material or any other suitable material. In particular, wooden roof panels 122 are fitted between the horizontally arranged joining timbers 22. Side panels 124 are fitted between the vertically arranged joining timbers 88, as shown in figures 7a-7c. The sides of the walkway may only be partially covered to allow light to filter into the walkway and provide visibility for users of the walkway.

Thus, it can be seen that the barrier system of the present invention can be used to form a temporary pedestrian walkway. The barrier members are typically arranged to face the vehicles or roadway and the second frame means are provided on the side furthest from the vehicle or roadway.