A BARRIER SYSTEM

•FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to barrier assembly. In particular this the invention relates to a simplistic, aesthetic and sturdy barrier system constructable without the requirement of fastening fixtures such as nails, screws, staples and the like. The invention a so relates to a kit therefor and method for assembling the same barrier assembley.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Generally in the prior art barrier systems include upright members such as posts or pickets which are joined by rails that extend between them. The posts and rails may be made from wood, metal, plastic or other materials. Alternatively, the fence may consist of iron or fibreglass sheets fixed to posts.

Nonetheless these conventional fences require skilled workmanship in construction and design, as the use of nails, screws, staples and the like demand that correct alignment end arrangement between the rails and the uprights be maintained. Once fixed by the fasteners means re-defining the barrier system or in fact dismantling the arrangement because anything by a simplistic task.

It is an object of the present invention therefore to provide an alternative barrier system which does not require skilled workmanship and knowledge to assemble, of which once assembled can then also be readily dismantled by virtue of the lack of purposely included fasteners such as nails, screws, staples and the like.

A further object of the invention is provide the barrier system in the form of a kit so it can be assembly and dismantled in various location.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly in one form of the invention there is provided a barrier system having:

a plurality of slats;

a plurality of retaining members each providing a channel for receiving slat ends; and

a plurality of interposing members, each being positionable between adjacent slats;

wherein the interposing members are configured to achieve a desired angle of the slats and act as a support for a subsequent slat such that when the barrier is assembled the separation of interposing members by the slats provides for a series of slots that fixes the slats in place within the channel without the requirement of fastening fixtures of nails, screws or staples.

Advantageously, the fence is constructed without specialist knowledge or fastening fixtures, making the arrangement most suitable for quick assembly and dismantling situations.

All that is required is to put the retaining members in position. As the retaining members include a channel, the channel can receive the interposing member and the barrier system can be constructed in either lateral or vertical directions, depending on the required orientation of the slats.

Once received in the channel the interposing member provides the base to which a slat can rest, once rested on the interposing member, the next interposing member can be added, and so forth as the slats are positioned along the retaining member channels. T ¹ ^e abutment of the interposing members with the slats in a sense defines a slot which retains the slat in position, and once in the confines of the channel of tie retaining member, the slats are then fully fixed in place.

The retaining members may be substantially vertical (e.g. post) members or substantially horizontal (e.g. rail) members. In the former arrangement, the slats extend horizontally, whereas in the latter arrangement, the slats extend vertically, although it is to be understood that the present invention is amenable to both configurations.

Thus, interposing members which are configured to achieve a desired angle of each of the adjacent slats enable the barrier system to provide a horizontal (traditional) or vertical louvre-style barrier system such as a fence, screen or the like.

The interposing members may be located anywhere along the length of a slat to achieve the desired angulation of slats.

In a preferred embodiment, the interposing members are retained within the channels of the retaining members. This provides a more robust barrier system where the interposing members are precluded from sliding along the slats. Also, retaining the interposing members within the channel in abutment with the ends of the slats enables the slats to be retained more securely since movement of the slat ends is restricted.

Preferably, two interposing members are positioned between adjacent slats, with one interposing member toward one slat-end and another interposing member toward the other slat-end.

However, it is to be understood that more than two interposing members could be used. Alternatively, it is possible that just one interposing member could be used centrally of tie slats although this arrangement is not particularly stable. In this arrangemert, the interposing members must be retained, for example, by pins or flanges engaging with each adjacent slat. The number and location of the interposing member(s) along the slats can be used to achieve a particular visual

effect as wall as adding strength to the barrier system. That is, providing one or more intermediate interposing members mid way between the ends of adjacent slats can strengthen the barrier system by preventing the slats from bowing if they are long.

Whilst the interposing members are shaped to achieve a desired angle of the slats in the barrier system, they may also be shaped to achieve a desired amount of overlap of adjacent slats. In one embodiment, the interposing members may allow adjacent slats lo' overlap slightly to prevent visibility, wind and/or sun access from one side of the barrier system.

Alternatively, the interposing members may be shaped to achieve a desired amount of separation of adjacent slats, i.e. no overlap at all with a gap between adjacent slats. This enables more sunlight and wind to pass through the barrier system whilst marking a boundary and providing a degree of privacy.

In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent slats of an assembled barrier may be adjustable.

In a simple form, the interposing members may be provided in the form of a triangular wedge. The wedge may be a right angled triangle or have any other internal angles which, when used in combination with slats of different thicknesses and widths, can achieve a range of different slat angles and visual effects embodied in the barrier.

Alternatively, the interposing members may be spacers having an L-shaped cross section or an H-shaped cross section. In other forms, the interposing members may include stepped spacers which are configured to permit partial overlap of adjacent slats, or configured to prevent overlap of adjacent slats.

The interposing members may be made from a range of different materials which may be selected for various reasons such as durability, appearance, colour, price,

weight and ease of manufacture. Such materials include but are not limited to wood, plastic and other polymers, metal and metal alloys such as aluminium and steel, glass (shatterproof) and ceramics.

Preferably, the barrier system further includes a plurality of caps. Each cap is affixable for terminating a channel of the barrier system. This prevents easy removal of the slats from the channel. Preferably, the caps are affixable to the end of a retaining member. In one embodiment, the channel is defined by a substantially U-shaped sectional profile, in the retaining members, or in a member (such as a metal extrusion) attached to the retaining members. .

For retaining members that are at the end of the barrier system (e.g. at the end of a fence or sceen), the retaining member may have only one U-shaped sectional profile.

For retaining members which have slats extending in 2 or more directions, 2 or more channels will be required. These may be provided by 2 or more U-shaped sectional profile channels arranged back-to-back. As an alternative to providing U- shaped chsππels in back to back arrangement, an H-shaped profile which defines two channels in which slat ends are retained may be used. As a further alternative, the retaining members may provide U-shaped channels which are arranged at an angle (e.g. a right angle) to form a corner in the barrier.

As mentioned above, the barrier system provides slats in a louvre-style arrangement. Whilst the traditional louvre style provides horizontal slats, it is to be understood that within the scope of the present invention, slats of the barrier system may be arranged substantially horizontally, substantially vertically or even on an incline, or a combination of these.

Similarly, application of the present invention is not to be limited to use with slats which are straight or substantially straight although straight slats are likely to

provide the most popular form of barrier. Embodiments are also amenable to use with slats which are curved for forming a curved barrier section and slats having an elbow for forming a corner in a section of a barrier.

Embodiments of the barrier system of the present invention are suitable for installation on an inclined surface (e.g. a hill). This can be done by spacing the vertical retaining members at distances along the incline so as to incrementally increase or decrease the height of a section of the barrier.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a barrier system in which the slats and interposing members are capable of assembly without use of adhesive or fastening members. Thus, embodiments of the barrier system also provide slats and interposing members which are readily demountable to create a thoroughfare. This is advantageous where a barrier, a section of a barrier or fence requires temporary removal to permit once-off or short term access across the barrier by vehicle, wheelbarrow, pedestrians etc.

In one embodiment, the barrier system further includes one or more portable base units for receiving ends of retaining members. The base units preferably include means for receiving ends of retaining members such as a notch or depression in the top surface of the unit. Adjacent base units may be arranged end-to-end to form a straight barrier section, or at an angle/T-section to form a comer in a barrier. Adjacent bε.se units may also be releasably interconnectable by way of latches or the like to prevent the base units from moving apart.

Another aspect of the present invention provides an interposing member for use between adjacent slats of a barrier system. The interposing member is locatable between slats of the barrier system and is shaped to achieve a desired angle of the slats in the barrier system.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for

assembling a barrier system. The method includes the steps of:

providing a plurality of spaced apart retaining members, each providing one or more channels for receiving slat ends;

arranging adjacent slats in the barrier system with opposing ends retained in facing channels; and

arranging the interposing members between adjacent slats, wherein the interposing members are configured to achieve a desired angle of the slats and act as a support for a subsequent slat such that when the barrier is assembled the separation of interposing members by the slats provides for a series of slots that fixes the slats in place within the channel without the requirement of fastening fixtures of nails, screws or staples.

Preferably, the step of arranging the interposing members includes sliding the slat ends and interposing members down a channel associated with a retaining member.

In a preferred embodiment, the method also includes applying a cap to an open end of a channel to terminate the channel, thereby preventing easy removal of the slats and interposing members.

In another aspect stilJ, the present invention provides a kit for a barrier system, the kit including :

a plurality of slats;

a plurality of interposing members positionable between adjacent slats;

and

instructional material providing information on how to assemble the barrier system;

wherein the interposing members are configured to achieve a desired angle of the slats and act as a support for a subsequent slat such that when the barrier is assembled the separation of interposing members by the slats provides for a series of slots that fixes the slats in place within the channel without the requirement of fastening fixtures of nails, screws or staples.

Preferably, the kit further includes a plurality of retaining members or attachments therefore, each providing one or more channels for receiving ends of slats. The one or more channels may also receive the interposing members when the barrier system is assembled. It is to be understood that the variations, preferments and other adaptations on the barrier system described previously are also applicable in respect of the kit for the barrier system.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a toy barrier system including:

a plurality of slats;

a plurality of retaining members each providing a channel for receiving ends of slats; and

a plurality of interposing members, each being positionable between adjacent slats;

wherein the interposing members are configured to achieve a desired angle of the slats and act as a support for a subsequent slat such that when the barrier is assembled the separation of interposing members by the slats provides for a series of slots that fixes the slats in place within the channel without the requirement of fastening fixtures of nails, screws or staples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the particularity of the

accompanying drawings does not supersede the generality of the preceding description of the invention.

Figure 1 illustrates an assembled barrier system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is an enlarged view of part of part of the assembled barrier system of Figure 1 showing in particular part of a post, slats and interposing members.

Figure 3 illustrates the barrier system of Figure 1 showing a slat being inserted in an incomplete section of the barrier system.

Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of the invention, wherein the barrier system utilises horizontal retaining members and vertical slats.

Figures 5 A to 5E illustrate different examples of interposing members, according to embodiments of the invention.

Figu'e 6 illustrates a further embodiment of ah interposing member according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figures 7A to 7C illustrate different examples of an assembled barrier system, according to embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates a barrier system according to another embodiment of the present invention in which the angle of the slats is adjustable.

Figure 9 illustrates how the interposing members can be arranged to present different arrangement of angles and openings between adjacent slats.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a barrier system in its assembled form shown generally at 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The barrier system has

a plurality of slats 102 and a plurality of retaining members in the form of posts 104 between which the slats extend.

Each of the retaining members provides a channel 106 in which the ends of the slats are r&ceived and retained when the barrier is assembled. Also included in the barrier system is a plurality of interposing members 108 (Figure 2).

In the assembled barrier shown, two interposing members are positioned between adjacent slats, one at each end of the slats. Utilising the interposing members in this way, the slats are retained at an angle, providing a "louvre" style fence. As an alternative to using vertical retaining members, horizontal retaining members could be employed with vertical slats as illustrated in Figure 4. This provides a non- traditional "louvre" style fence.

In the barrier systems illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, each of the interposing members 108 is provided in the form of a triangular wedge. This is a relatively simple form of interposing member which can be manufactured easily and in a range of different materials. Other examples of interposing members are illustrated in Figures 5A to 5E and Figure 6 discussed below.

In one embodiment, the slats may be provided by lengths of timber such as jarrah, with the interposing membersλriangular wedges also cut from timber, this provides an aesthetically pleasing barrier system which may be particularly desirable for fencing or screening off an area of a garden or plant nursery, for example. Of course, it iε to be understood that a range of other materials may be used, and depends on the use and location of the barrier system, and also the available budget. These materials may include, for example, plastic and other polymers, metal and metal alloys such as aluminium and steel, as well as glass and ceramics. The same applies to the retaining members.

In the embodiments illustrated, the interposing members 108 are retained within

the channeJ 106 which in this instance, is incorporated into the retaining member 104 being a metal post having a substantially H-shaped cross sectional profile. The enlarged view of Figure 2 shows retaining member 104 with an H-shaped sectional profile defining two opposing chaπnelsi 06a, 106b in which the slats and interposing members are received.

Alternatively, channel 106 may have a substantially Oshaped sectional profile (like either of channels 106a or 106b in Figure 2) and may be provided by a separate extrusion or other means which can be fastened to a simple (e.g. existing) post by bolts or the like. When the channel is provided by a separate extrusion or other means, the inventive barrier system can be retro-fitted, utilising existing fence posts to which the channels may be fastened.

Caps 1 10 nay also be provided. A cap can be affixed to the open end of each of the channels 106 to prevent the slats and the interposing members from being removed from the barrier system, and also to complete the appearance of the barrier system. The caps may be plain or decorative and can be fixed in position using any means which would be found suitable by a person skilled in the relevant art. In one form, the cap is retained by a friction fitting, a bayonet fitting or by clipping on. This is particularly desirable where the barrier is to be assembled with minimal tools and is also advantageous in settings where occasional disassembly of the barrier or sections thereof is necessitated.

However, it may be desirable for the caps to be affixed more permanently in which case they may be screwed, bolted or otherwise fixed into place. Thus, it may be desirable for the caps to be pre-drilled with holes suitable for receiving a screw, bolt or the like.

It can be also be seen from Figures 1 and 3 that the barrier system can be staggered in sections, to accommodate an incline or fall in the ground surface on which the system is installed. This is achieved by spacing the vertical retaining

members 104 along the ground as shown, with a height differential between adjacent sections (defined between pairs of retaining members) of the assembled barrier. In Figure 3, these sections are identified at A, B and C with a height differential between sections B and C. A concrete or other base may also be provided below the slats to fill any gap between the bottom slat and the inclined ground surface.

Figure 3 shows a barrier system during assembly. Once the retaining members having channels are secured in position (e.g. in ground, cement, paving, using a balcony post, etc.), assembly of the body of the barrier is easy and can be performed by an unskilled person and in various embodiments, without use of tools. Thus, the inventive barrier system and provision of a kit therefore enables individuals to construct a barrier without hiring a fencing contractor or other tradesperson, and without the complications so often experienced with other do-it- yourself and home improvement projects.

In addition to the barrier system being quick and easy to construct, with the main , body (slats and interposing members) being assemblage without use of tools, it is also easy to disassemble sections of the barrier body by removing the caps and sliding the slats and interposing members out. This enables access across the barrier e.g. for pedestrians, vehicles, wheelbarrows and the like, and also makes re-conditioning, replacement, recolouring and repair of slats and interposing members very easy. Re-erecting a section of the barrier which has been disassembled is also quick and easy.

An alternative embodiment of the inventive barrier system is illustrated in Figure 4 which provides a vertical louvre-style barrier. In this embodiment, the horizontal retaining member 204 has a U-shaped sectional profile defining a single channel 206 which receives ends of slats 202 and triangular wedge interposing members 208. To ensure that the angle of each vertical slat is maintained, triangular interposing members abutting both slat faces (front and rear) are required.

Alternatively, each interposing member maybe shaped (e.g. trapezoidal) in such a way that each vertical slat is retained at the desired angle, or may include retaining means such as a pin or flange which holds each slat in place.

A further retaining member having either a U- or H-shaped sectional profile may be affixed to the upper, free ends of the slats. A U-shaped profile would not permit the barrier height to be extended any further, whereas an H-shaped sectional profile would permit further slats and interposing members to be applied above. In this vertical loui/re arrangement, downward facing channels require interposing members to be fixed in position by adhesive or other fastening means to counter the effects of gravity.

A kit for the barrier system includes slats and interposing members plus instructionεil material providing information on how to assemble the barrier system. Preferably, the instructional material includes step-by-step illustrations. In one form, the kit may also include retaining members, although it is to be understood that the barrier could be assembled using existing posts that may have been installed for an old barrier which has had the railings removed, for replacement with a barrier system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The kit may include metal extrusions which may be fixed to existing posts to provide the channels in which the slat ends are received.

Figures 5A to 5E and Figure 6 show different types of interposing members which may be incorporated into the barrier system, although it is to be understood that these exarr pies do not limit the scope or application of the invention and that interposing members having a range of other physical appearances may be used within the scope of the present invention. Referring now to Figure 5A, a perspective view of an interposing member being a triangular wedge is shown.

Figure 5B illustrates an interposing member in the form of spacer having an L- shaped cross section. A cross section of a. slat adjacent to the spacer is shown in

broken lines- This form of interposing member can be made easily from a range of different materials including for example, plastic, steel, aluminium, ceramic and the like. This interposing member may also be elongated to extend between adjacent retaining members and placed at the lowest level of a barrier section to form a "gutter" which retains the lowest slat in the system. When drainage holes are provided in the "gutter ^*1 , the base slat is protected against wetness from the ground or barrier foundation.

The interposing members illustrated in Figures 5C, 5D and 5E are spacers having a substantially H-shaped cross section. Again, slats adjacent to the spacers are shown in cross section in broken lines. Using the spacer of Figure 5C,. slats adjacent to the interposing member do not overlap.

In fact the arrangement which can be achieved using this interposing member enables adjacent slat edges to be at substantially the same height. This is advantageous where a louvre barrier system is required in which wind and sun can pass through the barrier in one direction but not the other due to the angle of the slats, whils: providing privacy by preventing visibility through the barrier.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 5D and 5E, the interposing members are "stepped" to achieve an amount of overlap (Figure 5D) or separation (Figure 5E) of adjacent slats. Adjacent slats which overlap provide a more robust form of barrier permitting I ttle or no wind or sunlight to pass through the barrier, and providing privacy by generally preventing visibility across the barrier. Wind and sun may still pass through the barrier although this is limited because of the angle and overlap in slats. An arrangement in which adjacent slats are spaced apart as in Figure 5E can be advantageous in applications where a solid barrier is not required and it is acceptable or desirable for there to be an amount of visibility through the barrier and for limited sunlight and wind to pass through the barrier.

Figure 6 illustrates yet another example of an interposing member which may be

incorporated into the barrier system. In this embodiment, the interposing member is in the shape of a parallelogram with flanges 601 which are configured to retain edges of slats which are adjacent either side of the interposing member. An interposing member of this kind need not be retained within a channel provided by a retaining member.

Rather, the interposing member can be positioned anywhere along the slats. The flanges ho d the interposing member in position, and the shape of the interposing member supports the slats at the desired angle. However, it is to be understood that the interposing member need not use flanges for retaining adjacent slats. Any other suitable retaining means may be employed including, for example, incorporating a dowel or protrusion on an interposing member which fits into a corresponding hole/notch in a slat to form a dowel joint. Clearly, the basic shape of the interposing member may be modified to achieve different angles and amounts of overlap or separation of adjacent slats.

In one embodiment of the present invention, one or more than one of the parallelogram-style members illustrated in Figure 6 could be located between each pair of adjacent slats.

Alternatively, the parallelogram-style of interposing member could be used in addition to any of the other style of interposing members described previously and which are intended to be used in a channel of a retaining member. Combining the interposing members in this way may be useful for barrier systems in which the slats are particularly long and support mid-way along the slats strengthens the barrier and reduces or prevents bowing of the slats. The interposing member of Figure 6 could be solid or hollow, and formed of plastic, metal, rolled metal or other material.

It is to be understood that various modifications, additions and/or alterations may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the ambit of the

present invention as defined in the claims. For example in figure 7A ₁ the barrier system 702 has the upright retaining members 704 inclined. Hence the retaining members 704 when positioning the slats 706 need not be perfectly or even substantially vertical. Rather, retaining members could be provided at an angle of say 70 degrees or 110 degrees (or more or less) to the ground or surface to which the barrier system is being applied. An illustration of a barrier system in this style is provided in Figure 7A.

Similarly, i1 is to be understood that the slats need not be straight slats. Slats in all or some sections of the barrier, i.e. between pairs of posts, may be curved as for the barrier system 708 wherein the slats 712 joined at the ends of retaining members 710 in Figure 7B, or include an elbow as illustrated in Figure 7C for the barrier sys-.em 714, wherein the slats 718 are supported in the retaining members 716 and join as a corner.

In another arrangement, the angle at which the stats are retained by the interposing members may be adjustable. This may apply to all of the slats in a section of a barrier, or to just a portion of the slats. For example, the top third of the slats may be adjustable while the angle of the remaining two-thirds of the slats is fixed or vies versa. Adjustability of the slat angle may be achieved using any suitable means.

In one embodiment, each of the slats having adjustable angle are interconnected by a cord σr cable threaded through a hole in each of the slats, and fixed to each of the slats using a staple, knot or other anchor means. The angle of the slats may then be adjusted by drawing or releasing the cord. The cord may then be tied or mounted tc an anchor to hold the slats at the desired angle. This enables the interconnected slats to rest at the horizontal, for example, providing an "open" section of slats.

Alternatively, the slats may be attached to rod which can then be manipulated up

and down to adjust the slat angle. In this arrangement, the slats pivot about the stat edge resting on the adjacent interposing member.

In another, more robust arrangement illustrated in Figure 8, each of the slats 802 having adjustable angle includes a dowel, peg or other protrusion 812 extending from its end face. The dowel engages with a corresponding notch 828 or hole in an interposing member 808. In this arrangement, the slats pivot about the dowel. The interposing members 808 may have a substantially square, rectangular or other shape cross section and rest on top of one another within the channel of the retaining member.

A rod 830 connected to each of the adjustable slats, e.g. by way of a hook and eye or the like, can be shifted up or down to adjust the angle of the slats and then held in position when the desired slat angle is achieved using any suitable means. As an alternative to a rod, a cord, cable or the like in communication with each of the adjustable slats may be used.

In one arrangement, the angle of the slats may be controlled remotely using a handheld wireless transmitter which sends signals to a receiver located near the fence. Control signals received by the receiver are used to drive a motor or other mechanical device which in turn moves rod 830 or withdraws/releases a cord, cable or the like to adjust time angle of the slats in communication therewith. In this arrangement, it is preferred that the rod is located near a retaining member (e g post) to which a mechanical driver is attached. The mechanical driver also may incorporate means for retaining the slats at the desired angle (e.g. open or closed position).

In figure 9 it is illustrated how the slats 905 can be inclined if varying configurations depending on how the interposing members 907 are slotted or stacked into the channel 903 of the retaining member 901.

Embodiments of the inventive barrier system provide numerous advantages and improvements over prior art barrier systems. The inventive system is easy to assemble. The body (i.e. slats and interposing members) of the barrier system can be held in place without use of nails, adhesive or other fixation means. Only minimal fixing means may be required to fix a channel to an existing fence post or to fix a cap over the end of a channel-

Importantly, the fencing system is also easy to disassemble either temporarily or permanently. Temporary disassembly of the barrier or sections of it may be necessary so that one or more slats or interposing members can be replaced or repaired if damaged due to, for example, impact or wear and tear. Maintenance is made less fiddly by enabling the slats to be removed prior to painting or treating. Because the slats and interposing members can be removed and replaced so easily, the inventive barrier system is well suited to gardens and the like where, from time to time, it may be necessary to permit foot traffic, a vehicle, wheelbarrow or the like to cross a boundary previously defined using the inventive barrier.

The inventive barrier system may be used in a range of different applications. Whilst its main use may be in the area of boundary fencing, it may also be used as a screen cr divider, a barrier for a deck or balcony, a pool fence, or to provide walls of a compost area, to name a few. In one example, the inventive barrier system could be used in a plant nursery or other environment where it may be necessary, from time :o time, to move stock in and out of different areas and to reconfigure areas defined by the barriers. This can be made easy using embodiments of the inventive barrier system in which complete sections of barrier can be dismantled using portable base units. A miniature version may also be used as a toy by children.

Thus in ore embodiment, the barrier system further includes portable base units which may be used to assemble a fully portable barrier system. The base units preferably include notches, depressions, a collar or other means for receiving ends

of retaining members between which the slats extend. Such base units may be arranged f?πd-to-eπd for a straight boundary, or they may be positioned at an angle or in a "T-section" to form a corner. Each base unit may also include a clasp or latch arrangement with which adjacent base units can be releasably interconnected to prevent sections of the barrier (including the base units) from moving apart.

Preferably, the base units are, or can be made to be, sufficiently heavy to hold the retaining members, interposing members and slats of the barrier upright. The base units may be manufactured from cement/concrete or other heavy material, or they may be hollow (of plastic) and tillable with a heavy substance such as water or sand for weighing down. If necessary, the substance can be emptied from the base ^• units prior being moved to reduce their weight.

The slats τiay be of various widths, lengths and thicknesses and may be manufactured from a range of materials in any desirable colour or colour combination. The slats of the barrier system may be made from a range of different materials as has been mentioned previously. In one embodiment, the slats may be transparent and made from glass.

Perspex cr a transparent, shatterproof material. Slats of this kind may be used where visibility across the barrier is desirable. For example, in a balustrade or barrier on a balcony or decking at a beach house where it is undesirable to obstruct ocean views. Transparent slats may also be desirable for use in barriers around swimming pools so that visibility can be maintained from a distance, as well as for garden screens or walls where glass slats can be used to create a "hot-house" effect.

In another form, the slats may be made from card, cardboard or other lightweight and inexpensive material. Slats of this kind can be useful in setting barriers around trade displays or the like at expositions or in shopping centres and the like. The slats may be coloured to attract attention, or even printed with images, a company

name or logo, or with advertisements.

The distarce between adjacent posts may be varied depending on the use, Also, by reversing the interposing members when assembling/reassembling the barrier, the slats can be made to rest at a reverse angle which may, in some instances, be desirable Thus, a range of different barrier designs can be developed utilising the present invention, from very simple designs to very complex ones.

In addition to the aesthetic appeal of barriers which are assembled in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the inventive barrier system also has the capacity to impart special functionality to a barrier. Depending on the design, a barrier may allow filtered sunlight to pass through, whilst providing privacy from neighbors who, depending on the angle of the slats, may not have visibility through the barrier.

This may be particularly suitable for a boundary around areas where a solid fencing construction would not be appropriate (e g adjacent a flower bed or vegetable patch). The barrier system may permit varying degrees of light and sound penetration. Further, in many embodiments the barrier is capable of breaking the force of winds. Thus, rather than being deflected, wind gusts can pass through the slats.