Retractable Cord Queue Barrier System

摘要

A retractable cord queue barrier system uses a spring-biased pulley refraction mechanism acting on a stretchable cord. A constant-force coiled metal spring is used, such that the retraction force on the cord does not increase as the cord is extended—as it would for a helical spring governed by Hooke's Law. The use of a constant-force spring avoids abrupt snap-back of the extended cord when released, as well as the need for excessive pulling force on the cord as it approaches full extension, which tends to cause the stanchion to tip over. Dynamic balance between the contractive force of the stretchable cord and the retractive force of the constant-force spring achieves a taut but not unyielding tension in the interconnecting cords between stanchions.

主权项

1. A queue barrier system comprising:
multiple upright tubular stanchions, each stanchion supported by a weighted base or a floor socket, wherein each stanchion has one or more cord apertures and one or more cord connectors; within each of the stanchions, one or more cord retraction mechanisms, each cord retraction mechanism comprising one or more pairs of opposing pulleys, wherein each pair of opposing pulleys comprises a fixed pulley and a movable pulley and a constant-force spring, wherein the spring resists movement of each movable pulley toward the opposing fixed pulley with a constant retractive force; within and extendable from each of the stanchions, one or more elastic cords, each cord having a fixed proximal end within the stanchion and an extendable distal end projecting through one of the cord apertures of the stanchion, wherein each cord helically winds around one of the pairs of opposing pulleys, with the proximal end of the cord attached to the fixed pulley, such that, when the distal end of the cord is pulled, the movable pulley draws closer to the fixed pulley against the retractive force of the spring, and the cord can be extended outward from the stanchion; and wherein a first stanchion is releasably connectable to a second stanchion and a third stanchion by extending the cord(s) of the first stanchion to engage the cord connector(s) of the second stanchion and extending the cord(s) the third stanchion to engage the cord connector(s) of the first stanchion, such that the first, second and third stanchions form a queue barrier, which can be further extended by consecutive connections of fourth, fifth and subsequent stanchions.