LANDFILL DEBRIS BARRIER SYSTEM

Abstract

A landfill debris barrier system includes a plurality of upstanding columns. The columns are arranged in a row in which adjacent ones of the columns define a pair of columns, each pair of columns defining a space therebetween. A plurality of barrier assemblies are included with each barrier assembly being associated with one of the pairs of columns. Each barrier assembly includes a barrier extending between and in the space defined by said associated pair of columns. The barrier is movable between an operative position and a retracted position. In the operative position, the barrier has a first height and a first width that substantially corresponds to a height and a width of the space to substantially fill the space between the associated pair of columns such that opposite front and rear faces of the barrier block the space between the associated pair of columns to obstruct passage through the space defined by the associated pair of columns. In the retracted position, the barrier has a second height that is less than the first height to permit a human operator to reach an upper portion of the barrier to perform maintenance on the upper portion of the barrier.

Claims

1. A landfill debris barrier system comprising: a plurality of upstanding columns, the columns arranged in a row in which adjacent ones of the columns define a pair of columns, each pair of columns defining a space therebetween; a plurality of barrier assemblies, each barrier assembly associated with one of the pairs of columns, each barrier assembly including a barrier extending between and in the space defined by said associated pair of columns, the barrier movable between an operative position and a retracted position, wherein in the operative position the barrier has a first height and a first width that substantially corresponds to a height and a width of the space to substantially fill the space between the associated pair of columns such that opposite front and rear faces of the barrier block the space between the associated pair of columns to obstruct passage through the space defined by the associated pair of columns, and wherein in the retracted position the barrier has a second height that is less than the first height to permit a human operator to reach an upper portion of the barrier to perform maintenance on the upper portion of the barrier.

2. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 1, wherein each barrier assembly includes at least one elevator operatively coupled to the barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly and configured to move the barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly between the operative and retracted positions.

3. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 2, wherein the at least one elevator comprises a first side elevator operatively coupled to a first side of the barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly and a second side elevator operatively coupled to a second side of the barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly that is opposite the first side.

4. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 3, wherein the first and second side elevators raise the barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly toward the operative position and lower the barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly toward the retracted position.

5. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 2, wherein each elevator includes an actuator for operating the respective elevator to move the barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly between the operative and retracted positions.

6. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 5, wherein the actuator comprises a handle configured to be manually moved by the operator.

7. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 5, wherein the actuator comprises a rotary linkage configured to be operatively coupled to a prime mover to rotate the rotary linkage and operate the respective elevator.

8. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 2, wherein the at least one elevator comprises a winch.

9. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 2, wherein each barrier assembly includes a support beam supporting the barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly, the support beam of the corresponding barrier assembly being operatively coupled to the at least one elevator of the corresponding barrier assembly, the at least one elevator of the corresponding barrier assembly configured to move the support beam of the corresponding barrier assembly to move the barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly between the operative and retracted positions.

10. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 2, wherein each barrier assembly includes at least one prime mover, each prime mover operatively coupled to a respective one of the at least one elevator of the corresponding barrier assembly for operating said respective elevator of the corresponding barrier assembly to move the barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly between the operative and retracted positions.

11. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 10, further comprising a user interface communicatively coupled to the at least one prime mover of each barrier assembly, the user interface configured to operate the at least one prime mover of each barrier assembly to move the barrier of each barrier assembly between the operative and retracted positions.

12. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 11, wherein the user interface comprises an application for a portable smart device.

13. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 1, wherein each barrier assembly includes a first side guide supported by one column of the associated pair of columns and a second side guide supported by the other column of the associated pair of columns, the first side guide connected to a first side of the barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly for guiding the first side of the barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly as the barrier moves between the operative and retracted positions, and the second side guide connected to a second side of the barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly that is opposite the first side for guiding the second side of the barrier as the barrier moves between the operative and retracted positions.

14. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 13, wherein each barrier assembly includes at least one elevator operatively coupled to the barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly and configured to raise the barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly toward the operative position and lower the barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly toward the retracted position.

15. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 14, wherein each barrier assembly includes a support beam attached to the upper end of the barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly, the support beam of the corresponding barrier assembly being operatively coupled to the at least one elevator of the corresponding barrier assembly, the at least one elevator of the corresponding barrier assembly configured to raise and lower the support beam of the corresponding barrier assembly to move the barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly between the operative and retracted positions.

16. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 15, wherein the at least one elevator of each barrier assembly comprises a winch.

17. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 16, wherein winch of each barrier assembly comprises a rotary linkage configured to be operatively coupled to a prime mover to rotate the rotary linkage and operate the respective winch.

18. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 17, wherein the first and second side guides each comprise a cable extending along the respective columns of the pair of columns, the barrier including a first set of followers along the first side of the barrier and a second set of followers along the second side of the barrier, the first set of followers coupled to the cable of the first side guide and the second set of followers coupled to the cable of the second side guide, the first and second sets of followers configured to move along their respective cables of the first and second side guides when the corresponding barrier is moved between the operative and retracted positions.

19. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 1, wherein each barrier assembly includes an anchor connected to a lower end of the barrier, the anchor configured to hold the lower end of the barrier adjacent to lower ends of the corresponding adjacent two columns.

20. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 1, wherein in the retracted position the second height of the barrier is less than ten feet.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is a rightward looking image of a portion of a landfill debris barrier system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with barriers of the landfill debris barrier system in an operative position;

[0006] FIG. 2 is a leftward looking image of another portion of the landfill debris barrier system;

[0007] FIG. 3 is an image of the landfill debris barrier system with a barrier in a retracted position;

[0008] FIG. 4 is an image of a lower portion of a barrier assembly of the landfill debris barrier system;

[0009] FIG. 5 is an image of a portion of an elevator of the barrier assembly;

[0010] FIG. 6 is an image of an upper portion of the barrier assembly;

[0011] FIG. 7 is an image of an upper portion of the barrier, the barrier in the retracted position;

[0012] FIG. 8 is an upwardly looking image along a fence post of the landfill debris barrier system;

[0013] FIG. 9 is an image of a lower end of the fence post; and

[0014] FIG. 10 is a schematic of the operational components of the barrier assembly.

[0015] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The present disclosure relates to a landfill debris barrier system that includes barriers that can be raised and lowered. Lowering the barrier allows maintenance to be performed and for any debris that may become trapped in the barrier to be easily removed, instead of using a lift as is conventionally done.

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, one embodiment of a landfill debris barrier system (“system”) according to the present disclosure is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The component parts (assembled or unassembled) of the system 10 may also be herein referred to as a kit. The system 10 includes a plurality of upstanding fence posts 12 (broadly, “columns”). In the illustrated embodiment, the fence posts 12 are wooden poles (e.g., wooden telephone poles) with lower ends thereof extending into the ground. Other configurations of the fence posts (e.g., other types of columns) are within the scope of the present disclosure. The fence posts 12 are arranged in a row to surround (e.g., enclose) a landfill or other area. The fence posts 12 may be arranged to completely enclose a given area or may be arranged along only a portion of the given area. Generally, the fence posts 12 will be arranged along a perimeter of the landfill or given area. The system 10 can include as many fence posts 12 as need or desired. Adjacent ones of the fence posts 12 define a pair of fence posts 14. It is understood that generally, each fence post 12 will be part of two pairs of fence posts 14. Each pair of fence posts 14 defines a space 16 therebetween (FIG. 3). The space 16 has a height H and a width W defined by the pair of fence posts 14. Desirably, the fence posts 12 are spaced apart evenly and have similar heights such that the width W and height of each space 16 of the system 10 is about the same, although in other embodiments the width and/or height of the spaces may vary. For example, the width W can be 10 to 50 feet (or more), such as at least 10 feet, and more desirably at least 20 feet. The height H can be 10 to 60 feet (or more), such as at least 20 feet, and more desirably at least 30 feet. Dimensions can vary based on the design criteria for a particular application.

[0018] The system 10 includes one or more barrier assemblies 18. Each barrier assembly 18 is associated with one of the pairs of fence posts 14. Accordingly, the system 10 can include as many barrier assemblies 18 as pairs of fence posts 14. The barrier assemblies 18 are all generally identical, except for being associated with different fence posts 12 and/or having different dimensions, and thus one barrier assembly will now be described with the understanding that the description applies to all the barrier assemblies of the system 10.

[0019] The barrier assembly 18 includes a barrier 20. The barrier 20 extends between, and is in the space 16 defined by, the two fence posts 12 of the pair of fence posts 14. The barrier 20 is moveable between an operative position (FIGS. 1 and 2) and a retracted position (FIG. 3). In the operative position, the barrier 20 is arranged to substantially obstruct the space 16 between the pair of fence posts 14. The barrier 20, in the operative position, has a first height H1 (FIG. 1) and a first width W1 (FIG. 3) that substantially correspond to the height H and the width W of the space 16 (e.g., having the same values as H and W explained above). Accordingly, in the operative position, the barrier 20 substantially fills the space 20 between the pair of fence posts 14. In particular, opposite front and rear faces of the barrier 20 block the space 16 between the pair of fence posts 14 to obstruct passage through the space defined by the pair of fence posts. In other words, the barrier 20 generally extends between the two fence posts 12 of the pair of fence posts 14 and between an upper end of the fence posts and a lower end of the fence posts when the barrier is in the operative position. Desirably, the barrier 20 is made of a flexible material. For example, the barrier 20 can be a net, as illustrated, although other materials and constructions are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] In the retracted position, the barrier 20 has a second height H2 (FIG. 3) that is less than the first height H1. The second height H2 of the barrier 20 in the retracted position is such that an upper end of the barrier is within manual reach of an operator standing at the bottom of the barrier (e.g., on the ground or other surface from which the columns extend upward). This allows the operator to perform maintenance on portions of the barrier 20 that are out of reach when the barrier is in the operational position. For example, the operator can fix or patch any holes in the barrier 20 and/or remove any debris, such as garbage or sticks, that may have become stuck in the barrier. Lowering the barrier 20 to the retracted position makes it easier and faster to perform maintenance on the barrier over conventional methods, which typically involve the use of lifts to raise the human operator upward into position to perform any maintenance. Desirably, the second height H2 of the barrier 20 in the retracted position is less than about ten feet, more desirably less than about 7 feet, and more desirably less than about 5 feet. However, it is understood the barrier 20 could be positioned lower in the retracted position. For example, the barrier 20 can be completely lowered onto the ground such that the second height H2 is nearly zero or has a negligible second height. In the illustrated embodiment, the barrier 20 is a net that can (e.g., be configured to) fold back on itself as the net is lowered into the retracted position (see FIG. 3). In the illustrated embodiment, the first width W1 of the barrier 20 does not change between the operative and retracted positions.

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the barrier assembly 18 includes at least one elevator 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the barrier assembly 18 includes two elevators 22 (e.g., a first side elevator, a second side elevator), one for each side of the barrier 20. The two elevators 22 are generally identical. Each elevator 22 is operatively coupled to the barrier 22 of the barrier assembly 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side elevator 22 is operatively coupled to a first or left side of the barrier 20 and the second side elevator 22 is operatively coupled to a second or right side of the barrier that is opposite the first side of the barrier. Each elevator 22 is configured to move the barrier 20 between the operative and retracted positions. Each elevator 22 is configured to raise the barrier 20 toward the operative position (e.g., into the operative position from the retracted position) and to lower the barrier toward the retracted position (e.g., into the retracted position from the operative position). In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second side elevators 22 raise the barrier 20 toward the operative position and lower the barrier toward the retracted position. The first and second side elevators 22 can be operated to raise and lower the barrier 20 simultaneously or alternately. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second side elevator 22 operate independently of each other, however in other embodiments, the first and second side elevators may operate concurrently with each other. Moreover, it will be appreciated that one elevator may be operatively connected to the barrier to raise/lower both sides of the respective barrier.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, each elevator 22 comprises a winch 24. Each winch 24 is mounted (e.g., fastened) to one of the fence posts 12 of the pair of fence posts 14. The winch 24 of the first side elevator 22 is mounted to the first or left side fence post 12 of the pair of fence posts 14 and the winch of the second side elevator 22 is mounted to the second or right side fence post of the pair of fence posts. Thus, generally each fence post 12 of the system 10 will have two winches 24 mounted to it, one for each barrier system 18 on either side of the fence post. In the illustrated embodiment, the winches 24 are mounted adjacent to the lower end of the fence posts 12 so that they are accessible to the operator. Each winch 24 includes a cable 26 operatively coupled to the barrier 20. The cable 26 extends upward from the winch 24, around a pulley 28 (FIG. 6) adjacent the upper end of the fence post 12 and then down towards the barrier 20. Accordingly, rotating the winch 24 in one direction (e.g., clockwise) retracts the cable 26, thereby raising the barrier 20 toward the operative position. Rotating the winch 24 in the opposite direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) extends the cable 26, thereby lowering the barrier 20 toward the retracted position.

[0023] The barrier assembly 18 may include at least one prime mover 34 (FIG. 10), such as an electric motor. In this embodiment, each prime mover 34 is operatively coupled to one of the elevators 22 of the barrier assembly 18 for operating said elevator to move the barrier 20 between the operative and retracted positions. The system 10 may also include a user interface 38 (FIG. 10) for controlling one or more of the prime movers 34. The user interface 38 is communicatively coupled (wired or wirelessly) to one or more of the prime movers 34 and is configured to operate the one or more prime movers to move the barrier 20 between the operative and retracted positions. The system 10 can include a single user interface 38 for every prime mover 34 or individual user interfaces for each prime mover. In one embodiment, the user interface 38 may include physical controls such as buttons and/or switches (e.g., a start button/switch, a stop button/switch, a directionality button(s)/switch(es)) for controlling the one or more prime movers 34. In one embodiment, the user interface 38 may comprise an application for a portable smart device, such as a cellphone or tablet computer, which may be wirelessly coupled to the one or more prime moves 34 via a wireless network, such as a cell phone network. In this embodiment, the application may include controls for starting and stopping the prime mover 34 and controlling the direction of movement (e.g., rotation) of the prime mover. Other configurations of the user interface 38 are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] Each elevator 22 (e.g., winch 24) includes at least one actuator for operating the elevator (e.g., rotating the winch) to move the barrier 20 between the operative and retracted positions. In the illustrated embodiment, each elevator 22 includes two actuators. One actuator of each elevator 22 comprises a handle 30 (FIG. 5). The handle 30 is configured to be manually moved (e.g., turned, rotated) by the operator to move the barrier 20. The other actuator of each elevator 22 comprises a rotary linkage 32 (FIG. 5). The rotary linkage 32 is configured to be operatively coupled to the prime mover 34 to rotate the rotary linkage and operate the elevator 22 (e.g., winch 24) to move the barrier 20. This is shown schematically in FIG. 10 for one elevator 22, however it is understood that this schematic would generally be repeated for each elevator 22, prime mover 34 and rotary linkage 32 of the system 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotary linkage 32 comprises a nut 36 (broadly, “tool connector”), although other configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure. The nut 36 may be attached to the prime mover 34, such as a handheld drill or other tool, to operatively connect the prime mover to the winch 24.

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the barrier assembly 18 includes a support beam 40. The support beam 40 supports the barrier 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the support beam 40 is attached to the upper end of the barrier 20 and extends generally the entire first width W1 of the barrier. The barrier 20 hangs from the support beam 40. The support beam 40 is operatively coupled to the elevators 22 (broadly, at least one elevator). Specifically, the end of each cable 26 opposite the winch 24 is attached to the support beam 40 (e.g., one end of the support beam). The elevators 22 are configured to move the support beam 40 to move the barrier 20 between the operative and retracted position. Thus, the support beam 40 is raised and lowered to raise/lower the barrier 20.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 8, the barrier assembly 18 includes a right side guide 42 supported by one fence post 12 (e.g., the right fence post). It will be appreciated that a corresponding left side guide is provided on the left fence post 14 of the pair. Generally each fence post 12 of the system 10 will have two side guides 42 mounted to it, one for each barrier system 18 on either side of the fence post. The first side guide 42 of the barrier system 18 is connected to the first or left side of the barrier 20 for guiding the first side of the barrier as the barrier moves between the operative and retracted positions. Likewise, the second side guide 42 of the barrier system 18 is connected to the second or right side of the barrier 20 (opposite the first or left side of the barrier) for guiding the second side of the barrier as the barrier moves between the operative and retracted positions. In other words, the first and second guides 42 generally maintain the first width W1 of the barrier 20 as the barrier is raised and lowered. The guides 42 maintain the sides of the barrier 20 adjacent the fence posts 12 to limit passage of debris between the barrier and fence posts. The first and second side guides 42 are generally identical (and only one (e.g., a right) side guide is clearly visible in FIG. 8 with the fence post 12 obscuring the other (e.g., a left) side guide). Each side guide 42 comprises a cable 44 extending along its respective fence post 12 of the pair of fence posts 14. Each cable 44 generally extends vertically from the upper end of its respective fence post 12 to the lower end of its respective fence post.

[0027] The barrier 20 includes a first set of shackles 46 (broadly, “followers”) along the first side of the barrier and a second set of shackles 46 along the second side of the barrier. Each set of shackles 46 is generally spaced apart vertically along their respective side of the barrier 20. In the illustrated embodiment, each shackle 46 comprises a carabineer or quick link, although other configurations of the shackles are within the scope of the present disclosure. The first set of shackles 46 is coupled to the cable 44 of the first side guide 42. The first set of shackles 46 moves along the cable 44 of the first side guide 42 when the barrier 20 is moved between the operative and retracted positions. Likewise, the second set of shackles 46 is coupled to the cable 44 of the second side guide 42. The second set of shackles 46 moves along the cable 44 of the second side guide 42 when the barrier 20 is moved between the operative and retracted positions. As the barrier 20 is lowered, the vertical spacing between adjacent shackles 46 near the ground is reduced as the barrier folds upon itself.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 9, the barrier system 18 includes an anchor 48. The anchor 48 is connected to the lower end of the barrier 20. The anchor 48 holds the lower end of the barrier 20 adjacent to the lower ends of the two fence posts 12 of the pair of fence posts 14. In other words, the anchor 48 holds the lower end of the barrier 20 adjacent to (e.g., close to or at) the ground. In the illustrated embodiment, the anchor 48 comprises a cable 50. The cable 50 is attached to the lower end of the barrier 20 (e.g., by zip ties, wires, quick links, or other connectors) and extends between the fence posts 12 of the pair of fence posts 14. Thus, the cable 50 generally extends the entire first width W1 of the barrier 20.

[0029] Having described one barrier assembly 18 of the system 10, it is understood the other barrier assemblies have essentially the same construction.

[0030] In one embodiment, the system 10 may come as a kit that includes the fence posts and one or more barrier assemblies 18 (and associated components, such the barrier 20). This way, the end user can install and erect the system 10 around a given landfill or other area. Although the system 10 is described with respect to installation at a landfill, it will be appreciated that such a system could be used in other contexts, such as at a landfill garbage transfer station where garbage is transferred to be hauled to a landfill (and may still be referred to as a landfill debris barrier in such contexts). The system 10 could be deployed in other scenarios without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described to explain the principles of the disclosure and example practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0032] It will be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosure described herein can be modified without departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example, features may be omitted or have other forms without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0034] As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.