Abstract
A retractable barrier system and method for inhibiting access to designated private and public areas both indoors and outdoor, including retail and warehouse aisles and the like, includes a flexible screen retractable and extensible from a rotatable rod coupled to a mounting member, the mounting member having an attachment mechanism for coupling with a receiving member such as storage rack assembly support post or bracket or the like.
Claims
1. A retractable barrier system for inhibiting access to designated areas, comprising: a rotatable rod having a first attachment mechanism for coupling with a first receiving member; a flexible screen having a leading edge and a trailing edge, the trailing edge coupled to the rotatable rod, and the leading edge having a leading edge attachment mechanism for coupling with a second receiving member; and a winding mechanism coupled to the rotatable rod for retractably receiving and extending the flexible screen.
2. A retractable barrier system as in claim 1, wherein the leading edge attachment mechanism provides bridged attachment over intervening objects near the leading edge of the screen.
3. A retractable barrier system as in claim 1, wherein the leading edge attachment mechanism is adjustable.
4. A retractable barrier system as in claim 1, further comprising a standoff portion coupled to the rotatable rod and the first attachment mechanism to provide bridged attachment over intervening objects near the rotatable rod.
5. A retractable barrier system as in claim 2, wherein the leading edge attachment mechanism comprises a bar arm coupled to the leading edge of the flexible screen, the bar arm rotatable in a vertical reference plane and/or horizontal reference plane about the leading edge and having a bar arm attachment mechanism for coupling with the second receiving member.
6. A retractable barrier system as in claim 1, wherein the winding mechanism comprises a spring mechanism for applying rotational tension on the rotatable rod.
7. A retractable barrier system as in claim 6, wherein the spring mechanism comprises a torsion spring.
8. A retractable barrier system as in claim 1, wherein the flexible screen includes printing on at least one side.
9. A retractable barrier system for inhibiting access to designated areas, comprising: a mounting member having a stand-off portion extending from a vertical reference plane of the mounting member, the stand-off portion including a first attachment mechanism for coupling with a corresponding first receiving member to provide bridging over intervening objects near the mounting member; a rotatable rod coupled to the mounting member; a flexible screen having a leading edge and a trailing edge, the trailing edge coupled to the rotatable rod, and the leading edge having a second attachment mechanism for coupling with a corresponding second receiving member; and a winding mechanism coupled to the rotatable rod for retractably receiving and extending the flexible screen.
10. A retractable barrier system as in claim 9, wherein the winding mechanism comprises a spring mechanism for applying rotational tension on the rotatable rod.
11. A retractable barrier system as in claim 10, wherein the spring mechanism comprises a torsion spring.
12. A retractable barrier system, comprising: a housing having a first end and a second end, a mounting side wall, and at least a supplemental sidewall having an elongate opening, the mounting sidewall and supplemental sidewall extending between the first and second housing ends; a rotatable rod disposed within the housing and coupled thereto; a flexible screen having a leading edge and a trailing edge, the trailing edge coupled to the rotatable rod, and the leading edge having an edge attachment mechanism for coupling with a corresponding leading edge receiving member; a winding mechanism coupled to the rotatable rod for retractably receiving and extending the flexible screen through the elongate opening of the supplemental sidewall; and at least one end cap affixed to the housing and the rotatable rod, the end cap having a standoff portion extending therefrom, the standoff portion having a standoff attachment mechanism for coupling with a corresponding standoff portion receiving member to provide bridging over intervening objects near the mounting sidewall.
13. A retractable barrier system as in claim 12, wherein the winding mechanism comprises a spring mechanism for applying rotational tension on the rotatable rod.
14. A retractable barrier system as in claim 13, wherein the spring mechanism comprises a torsion spring.
15. A method for inhibiting access to designated areas, comprising: providing a rotatable rod coupled to a standoff portion, a flexible and retractable screen, and a winding mechanism; applying rotational tension to the rotatable rod through the winding mechanism; and coupling the standoff portion to a receiving member; wherein the standoff portion provides bridging over intervening objects located near the rotatable rod.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of a conventional pallet rack system as implemented in a retail or warehouse environment and shown defining a corresponding storage and/or shopping aisle;
[0025] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective diagram of the pallet rack system of FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view showing the detail of the area designated by reference numeral 3 in FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram of a prior art accordion gate shown affixed to the pallet rack system of FIG. 1 in a retracted storage position as implemented in a retail or warehouse environment;
[0028] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective diagram of the accordion gate of FIG. 4;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a perspective diagram of FIGS. 4-5 shown in an extended position as implemented in a retail or warehouse environment to prevent access to a corresponding entryway or aisle;
[0030] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective diagram of the general components of the retractable barrier system in a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIGS. 8-13 are detailed perspective diagrams of respective components of the retractable barrier of FIG. 7;
[0032] FIG. 14 is a perspective diagram of a second preferred embodiment of the retractable barrier system of the present invention shown disengaged from receiving posts and illustrating the extension path of the corresponding flexible screen;
[0033] FIGS. 15-16 are partial perspective diagrams of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 13 illustrating in detail the adjustable attachment mechanism provided therein;
[0034] FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the retractable barrier system of FIGS. 14-16 shown engaged with and extended between opposing receiving posts of a pallet rack assembly;
[0035] FIG. 18 is a partial perspective diagram of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention providing a set-off portion for bridging intervening objects including one or more rack beams or bolts as may be present in a conventional pallet rack system as implemented in a retail or warehouse environment;
[0036] FIG. 19 is a partial perspective diagram of a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the set-off portion of FIG. 18 further includes an adjustable attachment mechanism for laterally extending and retracting a corresponding hook member;
[0037] FIGS. 20-22 are partial perspective diagrams of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 19 illustrating in detail the adjustable attachment mechanism therein;
[0038] FIG. 23 is a perspective diagram of the preferred embodiment of the retractable barrier system of FIGS. 19-22 shown disengaged from receiving posts and illustrating the extension path of the corresponding flexible screen;
[0039] FIGS. 24-26 are partial side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the retractable barrier system of FIGS. 19-23 shown engaged with a first receiving post of a pallet rack assembly and illustrating in detail the coupling and bridging effect provided by the set-off portion with regard to intervening objects such as installed rack members, shelving units, and fasteners;
[0040] FIG. 27 is a flow diagram of representative method steps of the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0041] With reference to FIGS. 1-2 of the drawings, there is provided perspective diagrams of a conventional pallet rack shelving system or assembly 10 suitable for use with the present invention to block and inhibit access to private and public designated areas both indoors and outdoors including retail and warehouse aisles and the like. As those skilled in the art will recognize, assembly 10 includes a plurality of support posts 12 for receiving corresponding horizontal connecting lengths (not shown) and vertically spaced horizontal rack beams 14. Each support post 12 generally comprises a single piece of metal having an outwardly faced post section or margin 16, parallel side post sections or margins 18, and an opposed terminal end section or margin 20 defining a substantially square or rectangular post cross section 22.
[0042] As shown more fully in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 2, the outwardly facing post sections 16 and parallel post sections 18 are each typically provided with at least a row of vertically spaced stamped apertures such as keyhole slots 24 and preferably, but not necessarily, two rows thereof defining horizontally spaced aperture or slot pairs 24a and 24b. The slots 24 in each slot pair (24a, 24b) may be angularly related to one another to allow a better fit for components being attached to the rack 10, including the above referenced rack beams 14. The support posts 12 are secured together in any suitable relation by the horizontal connecting lengths, as referenced above, as well as a series of corresponding truss legs or the like (not shown).
[0043] Characteristically, the connecting lengths are affixed to opposing terminal post end sections 20 and/or parallel side post sections 18 by threading and securing one or more fasteners such as bolts 26 (including but not limited to hex bolts, carriage bolts, flange bolts, and the like) through the corresponding apertures 24. A plurality of vertically spaced horizontal rack beams 14 are affixed to opposing parallel side post sections 18 (and often the corresponding outwardly faced post sections 16 as well thus occupying multiple keyholes 24 in at least one vertical row) by similarly threading and securing one or more bolts 26 through the corresponding post section apertures 24. Each horizontal rack beam 14 is typically comprised of sheet metal having a ledge or lip (not shown) for receiving and supporting a wooden plank or other suitable shelving material 28 such as sheet metal decking or the like, which in turn receives and supports product for storage and display. The placement of opposing pallet rack assemblies 10 in such retail and warehouse environments defines corresponding and generally parallel aisles 30 in relation thereto as shown in
[0044] FIG. 1.
[0045] Turning now to FIGS. 4-6 of the drawings, there is shown perspective diagrams of a prior art accordion or “scissor-style” retractable gate 32 as implemented in an aisle of opposing conventional pallet rack assemblies 10. As discussed above, accordion gate 32 comprises a plurality of accordion elements or members 34 interconnected and movable about pivot points 36. Accordion members 34 cooperate together to permit gate 32 to be unitarily extensible and retractable, as limited only by the number and length of such elements 34. As shown, accordion gate 32 is typically mounted in an aisle 30 at its trailing gate end 38 to receiving outwardly facing post sections 16 by threading one or more fasteners such as bolts 26 through corresponding receiving keyholes or apertures 24 stamped in the respective components. When not required for use, gate 32 is typically, but not necessarily, secured to receiving posts 12 in a substantially (but no completely) retracted storage position, limited by the number and width of extensible accordion elements 34, using chains, flexible cord, or other suitable retention devices (not shown). When it is subsequently desirable to block and inhibit access to a corresponding entryway or aisle 30, the retention device is removed or disabled, whereupon the gate 32 may be extended and secured at its leading end 40 to a corresponding opposing and receiving outwardly facing post section 16 of a receiving post 12 in the same or similar manner using one or more fasteners such as bolts 26 threaded through receiving keyholes or apertures 24.
[0046] As readily seen, the multiple movable accordion elements 34 increase the size, weight, and complexity of the corresponding gate 32, which in turn, correspondingly increases the associated costs of manufacture, shipping, maintenance and repair of the same. As also indicated above, the foregoing installation common to such accordion gates, namely securing the same at trailing edges 38 in retracted storage positions with chains and flexible cord, may result in decreased visibility of products or signage stored or displayed in proximity to the gate, particularly at or near pallet end caps or shelving units. Still further, accordion gate 32 may extend or otherwise protrude, even in a stored and secured position, an undesirable distance into corresponding aisles 30 thus creating potential obstructions for shopping carts and machinery that may result in damage to the same and/or gate 32.
[0047] Turning now to FIGS. 7-13 of the drawings, there is provided exploded perspective diagrams and detailed views of the basic components of a first preferred embodiment of the retractable and flexible barrier system 50 of the present invention. As discussed above, system 50 is provided for use with a conventional pallet rack system or assembly 10 or posts or brackets (not shown) having the same or similar functionality thereof including receiving apertures 24 and preferably, but not necessarily aperture rows defining aperture row pairs 24a and 24b. Barrier system 50 is thus provided for use in inhibiting access to private and public designated areas both indoors and outdoors such as the above referenced retail and warehouse aisles 30 and the like.
[0048] System 50 in a first preferred embodiment, thus includes at least a rotatable elongate mounting rod 52 that may be directly or indirectly affixed to a trailing edge 56 of a flexible screen 54 and a corresponding receiving member such as an outward facing post section 16 or side post section 18 of a conventional pallet post 12 or other suitable bracket through corresponding receiving apertures such as keyhole slots 24. Mounting rod 52 may comprise any suitable material including, but not limited to, extruded aluminum. The referenced trailing edge 56 of flexible screen 54 may be affixed to mounting rod 52 in any suitable manner. In the preferred embodiment shown, mounting rod 52 is provided with an elongate annular notch 58 that spans a sufficient vertical length of mounting rod 52 such that a concave portion 60 thereof may receive a mounting tube 62 affixed to the trailing edge of flexible screen 54. Mounting tube 62 similarly spans a sufficient vertical length of flexible screen 54 and may be affixed thereto by any suitable means including adhesive. As shown, mounting tube 62 may be inserted into the concave notch portion 60 of mounting rod 52 to secure flexible screen 54 to mounting rod 52. Screen 54 may thereafter be wound about mounting rod 52 as will be discussed in further detail below. Again, mounting tube 62 may comprise any suitable material and may be affixed to the trailing edge 56 of flexible screen 54 in any suitable manner including, but not limited to, mechanical attachment, adhesive, or melting/fusing the components together. In the latter case, mounting tube 52 may be comprised of plastic or other material capable of being adhered to flexible screen 54 by applying heat and/or pressure, or the like.
[0049] Flexible screen 54 may comprise or include any suitable material or fiber including cloth, canvas, plastic, wire, paper, netting, and the like, or any combination thereof that may be readily and easily retracted about mounting rod 52 when the barrier 50 is disengaged, and extended therefrom when the barrier 50 is intended to be engaged as necessary to span an entryway or other designated private or public area 30 whether indoor or outdoor. Flexible screen 54, by nature of its unitary, flexible, and retractable design, is also amenable to having pre-printed wording or signage placed thereon including of any suitable nature and provided for display at a plurality of extension or recoil positions. For example, such wording or signage may be placed at or near a leading edge 64 for intended display when screen 54 is partially extended, at or near trailing end 56 for intended display when screen 54 is fully extended, or anywhere therein between. Such wording or signage may also be printed on opposing sides of the screen 54 and positioned thereon at any suitable location to prevent ink seepage or message interference, depending on the translucency and type of barrier material being used.
[0050] Still referring to FIGS. 7-13, flexible screen 54 is further provided with an attachment mechanism 66 operative to couple a leading edge 64 thereof to an outward facing post section 16 or side post section 18 of one or more pallet posts 12 or other suitable brackets or bracket sections. Attachment mechanism 66 may comprise one or more hook brackets that may be affixed at top and/or bottom ends 68 and 70 of the leading edge 64 of screen 54 or any other suitable position there between. For example, hook brackets 66 may be affixed near the center or midpoint between the respective top and bottom ends 68 and 70 to provide quicker and easier connection and disconnection by a user. Hook brackets 66 may also be, but are not required to be, rotationally movable about a vertical axis thereof to permit easy connection with any suitable outward facing post section 16 or side post section 18 of a corresponding pallet post 12 or bracket depending upon the installation. As shown, hook brackets 66 may be affixed to respective ends of an attachment rod or pull member 72. Pull member 72 is further affixed to leading edge 64 of flexible screen 54 by any suitable means, including adhesive. It is understood, however, that pull member 72 is provided in a preferred embodiment only, and may be eliminated without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention herein described.
[0051] A winding mechanism such as a conventional spring or, more preferably, but not necessarily, a torsion spring 74, is further provided as shown in the referenced FIGS. 7-13. As those skilled in the art will recognize, torsion springs are typically helical springs that function to exert a torque or rotary force. When twisted, a torsion spring thus exerts a force, actually torque, in the opposite direction that is proportional to the amount (angle) it is twisted. Characteristically, the respective ends of a torsion spring are attached to other components, and when those components rotate around the center of the spring, the spring exerts a counter-force in attempt to push the components back to their original position. While the name implies otherwise, so-called torsion springs are actually subjected to bending stress rather than torsional stress. In operation, such springs function to store and subsequently release substantial angular energy (mechanical energy) or statically hold a mechanism in place by deflecting the legs about a body centerline axis.
[0052] In the preferred embodiment shown, torsion spring 74 is affixed at a top end 76 thereof to a shaft 78 and more particularly to a shaft slot 80. It is understood, however, that torsion spring 74 may of course be affixed and secured to shaft 78 by any suitable means including, but not limited to, the above-described shaft slot 78. Torsion spring 74 is further affixed at a bottom end 86 thereof to a bottom key or winding key 88. In keeping with the invention and the preferred embodiment shown and described, bottom key 88 freely rotates about the center axis of shaft 78 and functions to wind or “pre-load” torque onto torsion spring 74 prior to insertion into mounting rod (and wound barrier screen 54) as will be described in further detail below. There is also provided a top key 90 positioned at and affixed to the top end 76 of shaft 78. Like bottom key 88, top key 90 freely rotates about shaft 78, and more particularly, about top end 76 of shaft 78. Top key 90 is secured from removal from shaft 78 by roll pin 82 received within corresponding shaft apertures 84. Again, it is understood that any suitable means may be used to secure top key 90 from removal. Notably, top key 90 is not affixed to torsion spring 78. Rather, top key 90 includes an annular notch 92 that functions to guide the assembly (torsion spring 74 and shaft 78) into mounting rod 52. More specifically, concave portion 94 of top key annular notch 92 is received by convex portion 96 of mounting rod annular notch 58, as will be described in further detail below.
[0053] Still referring to FIGS. 7-13, the preferred embodiment shown and described includes top and bottom caps 98 and 100, respectively, and a housing 102. Again, the foregoing may comprise any suitable material including plastic, molded one piece aluminum, cast aluminum, extruded aluminum, and the like. In the preferred embodiment shown, top and bottom caps 98 and 100, also called top and bottom base caps, comprise cast aluminum and housing 102 comprises extruded aluminum. Bottom base cap 100 is affixed to shaft 78 in any suitable manner, including, for example by receiving shaft 78 within a receiving notch, aperture, or extension portion 101 affixed to or molded within bottom cap 100 and securing the same with a roll pin (not shown) so that shaft 78 is secured and oriented so it can't move. Once secured, bottom base cap 100 will rotate with shaft 78. Accordingly, once torsion spring 74 (affixed to shaft 78) is preloaded with torque to store mechanical energy, bottom cap 100 must be secured in place to prevent release of such energy. Housing 102 further includes a mounting sidewall 103 which is preferably, but not necessarily, substantially flat and coplanar along both its length and width, and at least a supplemental side wall 105 extending between housing first and second ends 106 and 108, respectively, to define an internal cavity. Housing 102 also includes an elongate vertically disposed opening (not shown) or slot for receiving and extending barrier screen 54 through the housing once assembled. As illustrated, in this preferred embodiment supplemental sidewall 105 is substantially rounded extending contiguously from opposing vertical edges 107 and 109 of mounting sidewall 103 about substantially a ninety-degree radius thereof. It is understood, however, that any suitable configuration and number of additional sidewalls, including no sidewalls, may be utilized without departing from the spirit, scope and functionality of the disclosed invention.
[0054] Referring specifically to FIGS. 10 and 11, the steps for preloading spring 74 with torque and assembling the components of the referenced first preferred embodiment of the invention are described. Spring tension is first applied by rotating or winding base key (winding key) 88. While holding base cap 100 securely in place (as it is affixed to shaft 78), the entire assembly is inserted into mounting rod 52 using top key 90 and more particularly top key notch 94 as a guide for receipt by annular notch 52 and more particularly convex portion 96 thereof. Winding key 88 is thereafter secured in place similarly by mating adjacent ridges 102 with the same convex portion 96 of annular notch 52. Thereafter, bottom cap 100 is secured to bottom end 106 of housing 102 using any suitable fastener or fasteners such as screws or the like. Top cap 98 is similarly secured to top end 108 of housing 102 in like manner. As shown, top cap 98 includes guide 111 having an annular notch 113. Guide 111 functions to freely rotate within top cap 98. Specifically, annular notch 113 receives and mates with corresponding mounting rod notch 60 and even more specifically convex portion 96 thereof. Accordingly, mounting rod 52 may freely rotate within housing 102 about top and bottom caps 98 and 100. More specifically, top end of mounting rod 52 rotates about guide 11 and bottom end of mounting rod 52 rotates about bottom key 88 with preloaded torque applied thereto. In keeping with the invention, top and/or bottom caps 98 and 100 are further provided with lugs 110 or other suitable hook type or other mechanism for attachment to receiving apertures 24 of pallet rack posts 12 or brackets having the same or similar functionality. The assembled flexible barrier system 50 of the first preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 14 also includes an adjustable gate attachment mechanism of a second preferred embodiment as described below.
[0055] With reference to FIGS. 14-16, in a second preferred embodiment, flexible screen 54 may include a cutout section 112 disposed at any suitable location defining a cutout handle 114 bounded by the flexible screen 54 and if provided, pull member 72. System 50 may further include an adjustable gate attachment member 116. Gate attachment member 116 may comprise any suitable element operative to bridge intervening objects or provide temporary coupling to a suitable receiving aperture of a support post 12 or corresponding bracket having the same or similar functionality. For example, gate attachment member 116 may comprise a tethered or retractable arm or member (for example comprising elastic cord or cable and disposed within and extensible from pull member 72) as well as any rigid or flexible arm or extensible member affixed to the leading edge 64 of flexible screen 54.
[0056] In the preferred embodiment shown in detail in FIGS. 15-16, gate attachment member 116 comprises a bar arm 118 affixed to pull member 72 by sleeve 120 at any suitable location, including within cutout section 112 or affixed to handle 114. Sleeve 120 (and bar arm 118 affixed thereto) may together function to vertically slide on pull bar 72 to provide adjustable attachment of flexible screen 54 to a receiving post 12 and more particularly, by attachment of bar arm attachment member 124 (itself affixed to bar arm 118) to a corresponding aperture 24 of an outward facing post section 16 or side post section 18. Sleeve 120 may also function to horizontally pivot about pull member 72 to similarly provide adjustable attachment thereof to a corresponding aperture 24 of an outward facing post section 16 or side post section 18. Bar arm 118 may also vertically pivot about pivot point 122 to provide adjustable attachment thereof to a corresponding aperture 24 of an outward facing post section 16 or side post section 18. Bar arm 118, and more particularly bar arm attachment member 124 may therefore be affixed at a multitude of orientations to a receiving member such as an aperture 24 of a receiving post member 12 to accommodate a variety of intervening objects as well as potentially occupied receiving apertures 24. In this preferred embodiment, handle cutout 112 is also disposed slightly above center of the vertical length of pull bar 72 for optimum leverage. In the preferred embodiment shown, bar arm 118 includes a suitable attachment mechanism or member such as hook bracket 124 having a width W that is less than a distance D hook bracket or brackets 66 extend from a vertical reference plane of leading edge 64 of flexible screen 54. Accordingly, bar arm 118 may be rotated downward (or upward) into a disengaged position when not required or desired for use without interfering with or precluding use of hook bracket or brackets 66 as shown, for example, in FIG. 25. It is understood that the foregoing components, along with hook brackets 66, are illustrated as preferred embodiments only and are not intended to and do not limit the scope of the claimed invention as a variety of suitable attachment mechanisms may be used in addition to or in place of the foregoing. The assembled flexible barrier system 50 of this preferred embodiment as installed in a conventional pallet rack system or assembly is shown in FIG. 17.
[0057] Turning now to FIG. 18, a third preferred embodiment of the flexible barrier system of the present invention is hereinafter described. As shown in FIG. 18, a least one “standoff” portion 126 is directly or indirectly affixed to and extendable from rotatable mounting rod 52 and more preferably, but not necessarily, housing 102 or top or bottom caps 98 or 100, respectively. Stand-off portion 126 further includes a first attachment mechanism such as a lug or hook bracket 110 that may be affixed thereto for coupling barrier system or assembly 50 at its trailing end to a corresponding first receiving member such as a keyhole slot 24 of a an outward facing post section 16 or side post section 18 of a pallet post 12. The foregoing standoff portion 126 and attachment mechanism 110 function independently and collectively to provide “bridging” over intervening objects such as rack beams 14 and/or fasteners 26 or displayed product or machinery or the like which may be positioned on or near racking system 10 and extend into aisle or entryway 30 within the span of the top and bottom ends (e.g. top and bottom ends of housing 102) of barrier system 50 generally and mounting rod 52, specifically. Standoff portion or portions 126 and attachment mechanism or mechanisms 110 further permit attachment to the aforementioned pallet rack assembly posts 12 (including outward facing post sections 16 and/or side post sections 18) in the event one or more keyhole slots 24a in a given vertical row are occupied leaving the corresponding horizontal pairs 24b available, and vice versa.
[0058] In a further preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 19-22, the attachment mechanism 110 may include an adjustment mechanism 128 for adjusting a distance the mechanism (e.g. a hook bracket 110) extends therefrom substantially in a horizontal direction such as, for example, from a corresponding vertical plane 129 of the referenced standoff portion or portions 126. As shown, adjustment mechanism may comprise an adjustment wheel 130 affixed to screw pin or threaded shaft 132 that is similarly affixed to hook member 110. Wheel 130 is threaded through anchor 134 which biases and anchors hook member 110. Upon turning wheel 130, screw pin is received within or retracted out of anchor 134 and hook member horizontally extends or retracts accordingly from vertical plane 129. More specifically, shaft 132 is disposed within and extends through a cutout formed in top cap 98 that also functions, in conjunction with anchor 134, to provide anchoring to wheel 130. By rotating wheel 130 in a forward or reverse direction, threaded shaft 132 correspondingly moves hook member through the referenced cutout portion in a substantially horizontal direction to extend or retract hook barrier in relation to a vertical plane of standoff portion 126 thereby providing additional adjustment capability for “hooking” and coupling the respective cap and thus the housing 102 to the referenced receiving posts (namely outward facing post sections 16 and/or side post sections 18). Similar functionality may, of course, be provided at the leading gate end and incorporated with hook brackets 66 and/or pull bar 72. The assembled barrier system 50 of this preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 23 and further includes the attachment mechanism of the previously discussed preferred embodiment.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 24-26, the standoff portions 48 and attachment mechanisms 50 function to provide “bridging” at the trailing gate end 56 over intervening objects such as the above referenced rack beams 14 and fasteners 26, as well as displayed product and machinery. As referenced above, standoff portions 126 and hook brackets 110 (with or without adjustment means 128) further permit attachment to the aforementioned pallet rack assembly posts 12 (including outward facing post sections 16 and side post sections 18) in the event one or more keyhole slots 24a in a given vertical row are occupied leaving the corresponding horizontal pair 24b available. Although shown and described as single piece top and bottom caps 98 and 100, each respective may comprise multiple pieces. For example, each cap may be a two-piece cap affixed to one another by screws or other suitable fastening means.
[0060] In keeping with the invention, there is further provided a method for inhibiting access to retail and warehouse aisles and the like as shown in the flow diagram of FIG. 27. The method comprises providing 150 a standoff portion extending from a vertical plane of a mounting member, wherein the mounting member is affixed to a rotatable rod and a trailing edge of a flexible screen, respectively. The method further comprises coupling 152 the mounting member to a corresponding first receiving member whereby the standoff portion provides bridging over intervening objects. Lastly, the method comprises coupling 154 a leading edge of the flexible screen to a corresponding second receiving member whereby the screen will be extended and secured to inhibit access to a corresponding area.
[0061] While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made and equivalent structures, features and functions may be provided without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
