Modular temorary barrier system

Abstract

A modular temporary barrier system includes a plurality of panel members having adjoining edges. Each panel member comprises a foam core and exterior sheathing disposed thereon. Connecting structure associated with the panels is constructed and arranged to removably connect adjoining edges of adjacent panel members to one another. Each panel member includes joint structure forming an aperture extending vertically between an upper periphery of each panel member and a lower periphery of each panel member that is configured to receive the connecting structure.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part and claims benefit of Dunks, U.S. application Ser. No. 09/667,206, filed on Sep. 21, 2000, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated into the present application by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates generally to modular barrier systems for obstructing view of a selected area and, more specifically, to the erection of modular temporary barrier systems for obstructing view of a selected area.

[0004] 2. Related Information

[0005] Typical conventional barrier systems including panel members connected together by wood or metal studs are erected for specific applications such as obstructing view of selected construction areas or reducing sound travel through the barrier system. For example, when building a new store or remodeling a preexisting one within an indoor shopping mall or other commercial structure, a conventional modular barrier system can be erected to substantially cover the store-front region.

[0006] Conventional barrier systems are typically scrapped after only one use. In addition to being wasteful of resources, this makes them somewhat costly, despite use of inexpensive materials. This also means that for each use, new material must be transported to the site. In a shopping mall, where several construction projects may go on over time, it is wasteful to bring new materials for each project.

[0007] In some conventional systems, plywood-sheeting panels are nailed to frames made from wood or metal studs to erect such barrier systems. However, plywood panels do not have an appealing aesthetic appearance and sound can travel through plywood barrier systems relatively easily, which can disrupt shoppers on the other side of the plywood barrier system. In addition, plywood is a heavy material making plywood barrier systems relatively expensive and less cost-effective. Moreover, these types of panels are not adapted for reuse.

[0008] In some instances, dry wall panels have been used to erect barrier systems. These systems are generally framed on site, whereby the dry wall panels are positioned spaced from one another and plaster and/or tape is used to fill the space between the dry wall panels in order to make a relatively smooth surface. Typically, dry wall panels can be connected together by wood or metal studs and cut to the desired size. However, this process can be extremely messy, as dry wall installation generally requires plaster and tape at the seams between panels. Moreover, even when painted over, dry wall seams may show, detracting from the aesthetic appeal of such barrier systems. In addition, the dry wall material is relatively soft and vulnerable to damage. Further, dry wall or plywood typically allow excessive levels of sound to travel through the barrier system, and are not adapted for reuse.

[0009] Fiber reinforced polyester (FRP board) has also been used to form panel members used in barrier systems. In these instances, edges of FRP board panels tend to conform to the wood or metal studs connecting them together, thus creating a FRP board barrier system having a wavy surface and low aesthetic appeal. The wavy surface of the FRP board makes it difficult to adhere or position decals such as the store name, store logo or any other form of advertisement on an exterior surface of the barrier system. FRP board barrier systems are also not well-adapted for reuse.

[0010] Consequently, there exists a need for a reusable modular barrier system that provides a relatively quieter, cleaner and more conducive shopping environment for consumers and, more specifically, a reusable modular barrier system that covers the store-front region of a store and is cost-effective and aesthetically appealing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An object of the present invention is to fulfill the need outlined above. In accordance with the principles of the invention, this objective is achieved by providing a modular temporary barrier system which includes a plurality of panel members having adjoining edges. Each panel member comprises a foam core and exterior sheathing disposed thereon. Connecting structure associated with the panels is constructed and arranged to removably connect adjoining edges of adjacent panel members to one another.

[0012] In embodiments of the invention, each panel of the modular barrier system comprises joint structure extending from an upper periphery of the panel member to a lower periphery of the panel member. The joint structure is constructed and arranged to removably receive the connecting structure.

[0013] In other embodiments of the invention, the modular barrier system includes a plurality of panel members having adjoining edges. Each panel member comprises a foam core and exterior sheathing disposed thereon. Connecting structure associated with the panels is constructed and arranged to removably connect adjoining edges of adjacent panel members to one another. The connected panel members together form a wall. Each of two corner members is constructed and arranged to be removably connected to a respective end of the wall.

[0014] In yet other embodiments of the invention, the modular barrier system further includes two side panel members. Each side panel member is connected to a respective end of the wall such that the wall is self-supporting.

[0015] In still other embodiments of the invention, each panel of the modular barrier system comprises an aperture extending from an upper periphery of the panel to a lower periphery thereof.

[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, a method of using a barrier system in a construction area. The barrier system uses a plurality of panel members having adjoining edges, each panel member comprising a foam core and exterior sheathing disposed thereon. Each panel of the barrier system includes a first U-shaped portion and a second U-shaped portion, each of which being configured to receive connecting structure and having an open portion facing outward when the panel member is disposed vertically. The connecting structure is associated with the panels and the first and second U-shaped portions and is constructed and arranged to removably connect adjoining edges of adjacent panel members to one another. The method comprises, in order, assembling the panel members by connecting the adjoining edges with said connecting structure to create a wall at least partially blocking a view of the construction area from trafficked areas thereof. The panel members are disassembled by separating the adjoining edges at the connecting structure and reassembled at a second construction area by connecting the adjoining edges with the same connecting structure employed in the assembling, at least partially blocking a view of the second construction area from trafficked areas thereof.

[0017] Other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention are provided from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0018] The invention will be described in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements and wherein:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular temporary barrier system according to the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a front view of the modular temporary barrier system shown in FIG. 1 with certain portions broken away to show the connecting structure thereof;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the modular temporary barrier system shown in FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the modular temporary barrier system shown in FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a left side view of the modular temporary barrier system shown in FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 2 showing a lower periphery of the modular temporary barrier system shown in FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 2 showing an upper periphery of the modular temporary barrier system shown in FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 2 showing a joint structure of the modular temporary barrier system shown in FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 9 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of one of the panel members of the modular temporary barrier system shown in FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 10 is a front view of another alternative embodiment of one of the panel members of the modular temporary barrier system shown in FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 11 a front view of yet another alternative embodiment of one of the panel members of the modular temporary barrier system shown in FIG. 1; and

[0030] FIG. 12 is a front view of another alternative embodiment of the panel member shown in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Referring now more particularly to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a modular temporary barrier system (“barrier system”) according to the invention. As illustrated, the barrier system, generally indicated at 10, is erected over a region 12, such as a store-front region, of a residential or commercial structure, such as a store or shop which is being constructed or remodeled within an indoor shopping mall or at a construction site, for example. The barrier system 10 substantially covers the region 12 and is on the order of 6 to 15 feet high, for example. The barrier system 10 extends approximately 2-6 feet from the region 12 and into a hallway of the residential or commercial structure, for example.

[0032] The barrier system 10 is constructed from a plurality of generally flat panel members 14, two side panel members 15, and two (or more, depending on the specific location and desired configuration of the barrier system 10) of curved corner panel members 16. The various panel members 14, 15, 16 are connected together (as described in greater detail below) and supported by base member 18, which rests on the floor 20 of the residential or commercial structure. Each of the various panel members 14, 15, 16 include an upper periphery 21 and a lower periphery 23. The base member 18 can extend along the lower periphery 23 of the various panel members 14, 15, 16 for support.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of panel members 14 are disposed within the same plane, whereby the panel members 14 are removably connected at their adjoining edges 22, 24, respectively by a plurality of connecting members 26 to form a wall. As illustrated, the panel members 14 are precisely positioned and aligned relative to each other in all lateral directions about the horizontal axes of the connecting members 26. At the same time, relative lateral movement to either side is minimal by the close tolerance in those directions. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many other arrangements in addition to that shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are possible using panel members, which can be removably connected together.

[0034] As best illustrated in FIGS. 2-5, each corner panel member 16 has adjoining edges 28, 30 removably connected to the edges 22, 24, respectively, of the outermost panel members 14 and to adjoining edges 32, 34 of the side panel members 15 by the connecting members 26. The edge 30 of the corner panel member 16 (shown on the left side of FIG. 3) is removably connected to the edge 22 of the leftmost panel member 14. The opposite edge 26 of that corner panel member is removably connected to the edge 34 of the side panel member 15. As illustrated, the side panel member 15 will be disposed at a general right angle relative to the plurality of panel members 14.

[0035] Similarly, the edge 28 of the corner panel member 16 (shown on the right side of FIG. 3) is removably connected to the edge 24 of the rightmost panel member 14. The opposite edge 30 of that corner panel member is removably connected to the edge 32 of the other edge panel member 15. As illustrated, the side panel member 15 will be disposed at a general right angle relative to the plurality of panel members 14. With the two side panels 15 disposed at general right angles relative to the plurality of panel members 14, the barrier system 10 is self-supporting.

[0036] Each connecting member 26 can be made of plywood or any other strong, but resilient material in the form of a rectangular peg, or spline of solid rectangular configuration. Each connecting member 26 is received within each of vertically extending and oppositely facing apertures 40 (FIGS. 6 and 8) formed between adjacent panel members 14, 15, 16. A first portion 59 of the connecting member 26 is received within the aperture 40 within a first of the panel members 14, 15, 16 to be joined. A second portion 60 of the connecting member 26 is received within the aperture 40 within a second of the panel members 14, 15, 16 to be joined. The first portion 59 is shown separated from the second portion 60 by a dashed line 61 (FIGS. 6 and 8), which divides the connecting member 26 along a middle portion thereof.

[0037] Each connecting member 26 is configured and positioned to hold any two adjoining panel members 14, 15, 16 together with a friction interference fit having a desired amount of friction force, which must be overcome in order to separate the panel members 14, 15, 16. However, any other suitable removably connecting means may be implemented to hold the panel members 14, 15, 16 together.

[0038] Each connecting member 26 has a length that is substantially equal to the length of each panel member 14, 15, 16. For example, the length of the each connecting member 26 is substantially the same size as a distance between the upper and lower peripheries 21, 23 of each panel member 14, 15, 16.

[0039] The panel members 14, 15 have the same structure as the corner panel members 16 except that the corner panel members 16 are curved, whereas the panel members 14, 15 are flat. Since the panel members 14, 15, 16 are the same in construction and operation, a description of the panel member 14 will suffice to provide an understanding of all panel members 14, 15, 16.

[0040] As best shown in FIGS. 6-8, one panel member 14 is formed of a pair of relatively thin, generally planar foam core panel components 36. The panel components 36 can be made from a thin, wood laminate material such as, for example, plywood veneer, and press fit together so as to capture an inner core of foam material 37 such as polystyrene therebetween. The foam material 37 provides additional strength to the panel components 36 and significantly reduces sound travel through the panel components 36.

[0041] The foam material 37 can be adhesively bonded to the panel components 36 by contact cement, glue or any other sufficient adhesive or bonding material. The foam material 37 can be sandwiched between two ⅛″ plywood veneer panels 36 and can be secured with contact cement and 18 gauge staples. If desired, and most commonly for indoor uses, one or both of the plywood panels 36 may be replaced by a ⅛″ layer of “mud”, for example FOAM COAT® from Hamilton Materials, Inc. If mud is used, it is applied, allowed to dry and then may be painted.

[0042] Alternatively, the foam material 37 could be injected between the panel components 36 via a foam injection process.

[0043] A waterproof paper serves as an exterior sheathing 39 for the panel components 36 so as to give the front and rear faces 41 of the panel member 14 an attractive finished appearance. The panel member 14 may be colored, printed or otherwise decorated as desired on the front or rear face 41. Each panel member 14 can have an attractive finished appearance on both faces 41 thereof so that the panel members 14 can be reversibly erected with either face 41 exposed for viewing, as for example facing a mall hallway or another region of any other residential or commercial structure. Decals such as store name, store logo or any other form of advertisement can be positioned on the front or rear face 41 as well.

[0044] The panel components 36 are spaced from one another by a connecting structure 38 disposed within each panel member 14, which defines a plurality of aligned apertures 40 through each of the various panel members 14, 15, 16. The aligned apertures 40 extend vertically from the upper periphery 21 of each panel to the lower periphery 23 thereof.

[0045] As illustrated, the connecting structure 38 includes a pair of top and bottom U-shaped portions 43, 44 and a pair elongated edge joint structures 46. The edge joint structures 46 extend vertically along the sides of the panel member 14 and between the pair of panel components 36 to transversely space them from one another. The top and bottom U-shaped portions 43, 44 extend between the opposite ends of the edge joint structures 46 along the upper and lower peripheries 21, 23 of the panel member 14 to define the basic size of the panel member 14. The connecting structure 38 can be press fit so as to remain secured together between the panel components 36. Additionally, fasteners such as staples secure the connecting structure 38 between the panel components 36. However, other types of fasteners such as nuts, screws, nails or any other suitable manner known in the art may also be used to do the same.

[0046] FIGS. 6 and 7 show the panel member 14 disposed vertically, wherein the top and bottom U-shaped portions 43, 44, for example of plywood, are disposed between the panel components 36. Specifically, the top U-shaped portion 43 has an open portion 51 facing upward and the bottom U-shaped portion 44 has an open portion 52 facing downward.

[0047] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, each U-shaped portion 43, 44 may include a pair of elongated end support members 48 positioned on opposite sides of a central support member 50 to define the respective open portions 51, 52 therebetween. The support members 48, 50 could be press fit so as to remain secured together between the panel components 36. Alternatively, the support members 48, 50 could be secured together by adhesives, bonding material, fasteners such as nuts, screws, or nails and any suitable manner known in the art. Other structure may be provided to form the open portions 51, 52 of the U-shaped portions 43, 44, respectively.

[0048] As best shown in FIG. 6, the base member 18 is formed of a relatively rigid material such as wood, steel or a composite material to continuously extend across the floor 20 of the residential or commercial structure (or any other substantially flat surface, such as the ground at a construction site). The base member 18 is arranged in an identical configuration as the top U-shaped portion 43 and forms an open portion 53 therein. The open portion 53 faces upwardly to correspond to the downwardly facing open portion 52 formed by the U-shaped portion 44 disposed on the lower periphery 23 of the panel member 14. The oppositely facing pair of open portions 52, 53 cooperate to form one of the apertures 40, which extends in a horizontal direction from one edge of the panel member 14 to the opposite edge thereof. The aperture 40 receives first and second portions 59, 60 of a connecting member 26 so that the base member 18 can help support the panel member 14.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 7, a protective cap 54 formed from a rugged material, such as 20 gauge sheet metal, for example, is configured into a generally U-shape so as to fit over the top U-shaped portion 43 and the panel components 36, the exterior sheathing 39, and the front and rear faces 41. The protective cap 54 extends transversely across the top U-shaped portion 43 to cover the open portion 51 thereof along the upper periphery 21 of the panel member 14 so that water, dirt or other possible harmful agents cannot penetrate the panel member 14.

[0050] FIGS. 2, 4 and 8 show the joint structures 46, which together with the top and bottom U-shaped portions 43, 44, separate the adjacent foam core panel components 36 to frame the foam material 37. Each joint structure 46 includes a first U-shaped portion 55 of a first panel member 14 (the leftmost panel shown in FIG. 8) and a second U-shaped portion 56 of a second panel member 14 (the rightmost panel shown in FIG. 8). Each of the first and second U-shaped portions 55, 56 extends between the two adjoining edges 22, 24 of the first and second panel members 14, as illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0051] More specifically, each of the first and second U-shaped portions 55, 56 form a respective open portion 57, 58, which face outwardly when the panel 14 is disposed vertically. Each U-shaped portion 55, 56 could include the end support members 48, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, positioned on opposite sides of the central support member 50, also shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, to define the respective open portions 57, 58 therebetween. The U-shaped portions 55, 56 and open portions 57, 58 are substantially identical in configuration as the U-shaped portions 43, 44 and the open portions 51, 52, respectively so that connecting members 26 of the same size can be used without the need for different connecting members of different sizes.

[0052] The U-shaped portions 55, 56 extend through the panel members 14 from the upper periphery 21 thereof to the lower periphery 23 thereof to define one of the apertures 40. The U-shaped portions 55, 56 could be made of an appropriate hard material such as plywood, a composite material or the like so that the panel components 36 remain rigid and of a fixed shape when receiving the first and second portions 59, 60 of each connecting member 26.

[0053] The individual panel members 14, 15, 16 can range from 60 inches to 144 inches in height, from 12 inches to 52 inches in width and are approximately 3 inches thick. The panel members 14, 15, 16 can be constructed in these and other various widths and heights so as to provide greater adaptability for substantially covering residential or commercial regions having varying sizes. In unique circumstances, the panel members 14, 15, 16 may be constructed in any width, height or thickness depending on marketplace requirements.

Operation

[0054] The barrier system 10 may include any combination of the above described panel members 14, 15, 16. The panel members 14, 15, 16 are held together by the connecting members 26 in such a way that they are readily separated from one another but preferably upon the application of a predetermined amount of force. The connecting members 26 and apertures 40 advantageously complement one another to provide for relatively easy connecting and separation while at the same time providing a sturdy, rigid structure when any combination of the panel members 14, 15, 16 are removably connected in self-supporting relation to substantially cover the region 12.

[0055] Laterally connecting the panel members 14, 15, 16 together is easily effected by starting the connecting members 26 into the outwardly facing open portions 57, 58 of the U-shaped members 55, 56 of two adjacent panel members 14, 15, 16. Then, applying a force or striking one of the panel members 14, 15, 16 to drive the opposite halves (the first and second portions 59, 60) of each connecting member 26 into one of the outwardly facing open portions 57, 58 of the other panel member. As shown in FIG. 8, the first portion 59 is positioned in the open portion 57 and the second portion 60 is positioned in the open portion 58.

[0056] Alternatively, two adjacent panels 14, 15, 16 can be positioned together so that an outwardly facing open area 57 of a U-shaped portion 55 of a first panel 14 corresponds with an outwardly facing open area 58 of a U-shaped portion 56 of a second panel 14 to form one of the vertically extending apertures 40. Then, a connecting member 26 could be started into the aperture formed between the adjacent panels 14. Application of force or striking the connecting member 26 could drive opposite ends of the connecting member 26 through the aperture 40.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the connecting members could be integral with the panel members. In this alternative configuration, the connecting members would connect the panel members in essentially the same way as described above, except that only one half (the first portion 59, for example) of the connecting member 26 could be driven into the open area 57 of an adjacent panel because the other half (the second portion 60, for example) would be integral with the panel member.

[0058] The panel members 14, 15, 16 may also be removably connected vertically so as to provide an extended height. To obtain the extended height, a vertical connecting member, (not shown) is started into the open portion 52 of the bottom U-shaped portion 44 of a first panel member 14, 15, 16 and into the open portion 51 of the top U-shaped portion 43 of a second panel member 14, 15, 16. Then by applying a force or striking one of the panel members 14, 15, 16, the opposite ends of the vertical connecting member are driven into the open portions 51, 52 of the first and second panel members 14, 15, 16.

[0059] The vertical connecting member is the same in configuration and operation as the connecting member 26 shown in FIG. 8, but the vertical connecting member may have a length substantially the same size as a distance extending between opposite edges of each panel. The vertical connecting member could be any other configuration so as to removably connect the panel members 14, 15, 16 vertically so as to provide an extended height.

[0060] Separation is effected by applying the required force to one of the panel members 14, 15, 16 so as to overcome the friction force of the friction interference fitting of the connecting members 26. Once the friction force is overcome, the connecting members 26 can be pulled out of the open areas 57, 58. As a practical matter, this can be accomplished by inserting the blade of a screw driver between the joined panel members or corner panel members and prying them apart to effect an initial separation. Then, a simple pulling motion on the panel members 14, 15, 16 while holding the other adjoined panel member 14, 15, 16 in place is usually sufficient to effect complete separation thereof.

[0061] The panels can be assembled in the above described manner to create a wall at least partially blocking a view of the construction area from customer trafficked areas of the residential or commercial structure, such as a shopping center, for example. After the construction of that area ceases, the panel members could then be disassembled and stored at a location local to the shopping center. When another store within a shopping center undergoes construction and it is desired to partially block a view of the other construction area from customer trafficked areas of the shopping center, the panel members can be easily retrieved from their local location and reassembled to create the desired wall.

[0062] While the barrier system 10 is described above as being assembled for use in indoor construction areas, the barrier system 10 can be embodied in any construction area. For example, the barrier system 10 may be assembled for use in a hotel where the construction area may either be an indoor and/or outdoor construction area.

[0063] While the principles of the invention have been made clear in the illustrative embodiments set forth above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the structure, arrangement, proportion, elements, materials, and components used in the practice of the invention.

[0064] For example, FIG. 9 shows an alternative panel member 112, which allows viewing of a selected area such as a store of a commercial structure being constructed or remodeled. The panel member 112 is identical in construction and operation as panel member 12, except that panel member 112 could be formed with a pair of ports 162 extending transversely through the panel components 136. The ports 162 may be disposed in offset relation to one another.

[0065] Clear acrylic windows could be disposed within the ports 162. That way, the clear acrylic windows could allow people of different heights to view through the ports 162 while precluding the people from reaching through the panel member 112.

[0066] The ports 162 may be annular having diameters of approximately 12 inches, however, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that many other configurations and positions for ports 162 in addition to that shown in FIG. 9 are possible.

[0067] FIG. 10 shows panel member 214 as another alternative to the panel member 12. The panel member 214 could be identical in construction and operation as panel member 12, except that panel member 214 could include a display box 264 therein. The display box 264 could be positioned between horizontally extending joint structures 246, which could be constructed to be similar in construction to the vertically extending joint structures 46 shown in FIG. 8, and could separate the shortened panel components 236. Alternatively, the horizontally extending joint structures could be formed from a box comprising four identical support members having a construction similar to the support members 48, for example.

[0068] The display box 264 could be pivotally attached to the panel member 214 by a hinge structure (not shown). For example, a series of aligned journaling members could extend from the panel member 214 and the display box 264. A pin-type axle member could pass through the journaling members and could be retained therein by suitable securing means. That way, the display box 264 could be opened to allow items to be placed therein and then closed again to reform the barrier system. The display box 264 could also have a transparent portion (not shown) so that it could be used to display products therein while the store is being constructed or remodeled. That way, potential consumers could view displayed products through the transparent portion of the display box.

[0069] Alternatively, the display box could also be positioned within an opening (not shown) formed in the panel member by a friction interference fit. The display box could then be displaced from the opening to allow items to be placed therein for display and then be replaced within the opening to reform the barrier system.

[0070] FIG. 11 shows panel member 314 as an another option to the panel member 12, wherein the panel member 314 could provide a door for passage through the barrier system. The panel member 314 could be identical in construction and operation as panel member 12, except that panel member 314 could include a door portion 366 having a manual engageable handle 368 extending therefrom. The panel component 236 could be displaced above the door portion 366. The door portion 366 of panel 314 could be pivotally attached to the panel member 314 by a hinge structure (not shown) such that the door portion 366 could open inwardly (opposite of the mall hallway) to become flush against an adjacent panel member. For example, the hinge structure could include a series of aligned journaling members extending from panel member 314 and the door portion 366. A pin-type axle member could pass through the journaling members and be retained therein by suitable securing means. With a hinge structure, the door portion 366 could be pivoted open to where it could be flush against an adjacent panel member to allow passage through the barrier system and then closed to reform the barrier system.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 12, a panel member 414 could supplement panel member 314 by providing an opposite door portion 466 having a manual engageable handle 468 extending therefrom and a panel component 236. The door portion 466 could be pivotally attached to the panel member 414 by the hinge structure described above to allow passage through the barrier system 10. The panel member 414 could be of mirror image construction and identical in operation to panel member 314 so as to cooperatively form a doorway portion 470 with the panel member 314. With the hinge structure described above, the door portions 366, 466 of doorway portion 470 could be pivoted open to so that they would be flush against panel members being adjacent thereto. Once opened, the doorway portion 470 would allow passage through the barrier system and the door portions 366, 466 of doorway portion 470 could then be closed to reform the barrier system.

[0072] It will thus be seen that the objects, aspects and features of this invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. It will be realized, however, that the foregoing preferred specific embodiments have been shown and described for the purpose of illustrating the functional and structural principles of this invention and are subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A modular temporary barrier system, comprising:

a plurality of panel members, said panel members having adjoining edges, each panel member comprising a foam core and exterior sheathing disposed on opposite sides thereof; and

connecting structure associated with said panel members and constructed and arranged to removably connect said adjoining edges of adjacent panel members to one another by friction fit to form a wall,

each panel member including joint structure extending along the adjoining edges of each panel member and being configured to removably receive the connecting structure.

2. A modular temporary barrier system as in claim 1, further comprising:

two side panel members, each side panel member being constructed and arranged to be connected to a respective end of the wall, such that the wall is self-supporting.

3. A modular temporary barrier system as in claim 1, wherein the connecting structure comprises:

a plurality of pegs, each peg being constructed and arranged to be at least partially inserted into apertures formed by the joint structure to removably connect adjacent panel members to one another, wherein the apertures extend vertically through a portion of each panel member from an upper periphery of the panel member to the lower periphery thereof.

4. A modular temporary barrier system as in claim 1, wherein the connecting structure is integral with one adjoining edge of one panel member and is configured to removably connect to an adjoining edge of an adjacent panel member.

5. A modular temporary barrier system as in claim 1, wherein the joint structure comprises a first U-shaped portion configured to receive said connecting structure and having an open portion facing outward when said panel member is disposed vertically and a second U-shaped portion being configured to receive said connecting structure and having an open portion facing outward when said panel member is disposed vertically.

6. A modular temporary barrier system as in claim 5, wherein one of the first and second U-shaped portions at least partially defines an aperture, and wherein connecting structure associated with a panel is at least partially inserted into an aperture of an adjacent panel member to removably connect to said adjacent panel member by friction interference fit.

7. A modular temporary barrier system as in claim 1, wherein each of the panel members further comprises a foam core panel component.

8. A modular temporary barrier system as in claim 1, wherein each of the panel members further comprises:

a top U-shaped portion having an open portion facing upward when said panel member is disposed vertically; and

a bottom U-shaped portion having an open portion facing downward when said panel member is disposed vertically, and

the barrier system further comprises a vertical connecting member constructed and arranged to removably connect a top U-shaped portion of a first panel member to a bottom U-shaped portion of a second panel member such that the first and second panel members are joined vertically to provide an extended height.

9. A modular temporary barrier system as in claim 1, further comprising:

a bottom U-shaped portion having an open portion facing downward when said panel member is disposed vertically; and

a U-shaped base member, having an open portion facing upward such that said bottom U-shaped portion may be removably connected to the base member.

10. A modular temporary barrier system as in claim 1, further comprising:

a top U-shaped portion having an open portion facing upward when said panel member is disposed vertically; and

a protective cap disposed covering the top U-shaped portion.

11. A modular temporary barrier system as in claim 1, further comprising two one-piece corner members, each corner member comprising an integrally formed, corner shaped foam core and exterior sheathing disposed on opposite sides thereof, each corner member being constructed and arranged to be removably connected to a respective end of the wall.

12. A modular temporary barrier system as in claim 11, wherein the connecting structure comprises a plurality of connecting members.

13. A modular temporary barrier system as in claim 11, further comprising two side panel members, each side panel member being constructed and arranged to be connected to a respective end of the wall, such that the wall is self-supporting.

14. A modular temporary barrier system as in claim 13, wherein each corner member is constructed and arranged to connect a respective end of the wall to a respective side panel member.

15. A modular temporary barrier system as in claim 11, wherein the foam core comprises polystyrene and the exterior sheathing comprises a wood laminate material.

16. A method of using a barrier system in a construction area using a plurality of panel members having adjoining edges, each panel member comprising a foam core and exterior sheathing disposed thereon, each of the panels including a first U-shaped portion and a second U-shaped portion, each of which being configured to receive connecting structure and having an open portion facing outward when the panel member is disposed vertically and connecting structure associated with the panels and the first and second U-shaped portions and being constructed and arranged to removably connect adjoining edges of adjacent panel members to one another, comprising, in order:

assembling the panel members by connecting said adjoining edges with said connecting structure to create a wall at least partially blocking a view of the construction area from trafficked areas thereof;

disassembling the panel members by separating said adjoining edges at said connecting structure;

reassembling the panel members at a second construction area by connecting said adjoining edges with the same connecting structure employed in said assembling, at least partially blocking a view of the second construction area from trafficked areas thereof.

17. A method as in claim 16, wherein the first and second construction areas are in an indoor shopping center and the trafficked areas thereof are trafficked by customers of the shopping center.

18. A method as in claim 17, wherein the disassembled panel members are stored at a location local to the shopping center prior to reassembling.

19. A method as in claim 16, wherein the disassembling comprises storing the connecting structure within one or more panel members.

20. A modular temporary barrier system, comprising:

a plurality of panel members, said panel members having adjoining edges, each panel member comprising a foam core and exterior sheathing disposed on opposite sides thereof; and

connecting structure associated with said panels and constructed and arranged to removably connect said adjoining edges of adjacent panel members to one another,

each panel member having an aperture formed therein that extends along the adjoining edges of the panel member.

21. A modular temporary barrier system as in claim 20, wherein the connecting structure comprises:

a plurality of pegs, each peg being constructed and arranged to be at least partially inserted into the apertures to removably connect adjacent panel members to one another, wherein each peg has a length that is substantially the same size as a distance extending between an upper periphery of each panel member and a lower periphery of each panel member.