US20130313499A1

US20130313499A1 - Multi-Length Barrier Panel

Info

Publication number: US20130313499A1
Application number: US13/480,417
Authority: US
Inventors: Kurt Krauss; Eddie K. Mosttler
Original assignee: Krauss Craft Inc
Current assignee: Krauss Craft Inc
Priority date: 2012-05-24
Filing date: 2012-05-24
Publication date: 2013-11-28

Abstract

A multi-length barrier panel for use in a play area comprises a front panel, a rear panel, and extendable panels. The multi-length barrier panel further comprises attachment collars and adapter brackets for attaching the multi-length barrier panel to play area equipment. Recesses in the front and rear panel allow for the attachment collars and adapter brackets to fit within the front and rear panels when the multi-length barrier panel is in a retracted configuration. The extendable panels can be extended or retracted as needed to fit between the play area equipment.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to panels, barriers, or walls used with play area equipment to prevent falls, the use of faulty equipment, or as a general barrier to prevent entry into hazardous areas.
2. Description of the Related Art
Play area equipment has become commonplace at most schools and parks across the world. This equipment has many panels and interactive features placed between support members which are usually spaced forty to forty-eight inches apart. These features can be, but are not limited to, slides, bridges, and interactive games. In the event of failure, vandalism, or maintenance, these features must be removed or blocked off with a barrier to prevent individuals from using defective features, or falling from the equipment.
Plywood barriers are often used to temporarily replace the missing panel, but rarely meet national safety standards, and present an otherwise colorful play area with a sense of disrepair. Due to the differing manufacturers and styles of play area equipment, other user-installable pre-manufactured panels may not correctly fit the width in need or the width of the support members, and as such, will fail to meet safety standards. Pre-manufactured panels also require varying sizes of panels to be stocked by the institution in order to fit the many different widths offered by manufacturers. Once the width is determined, and the correct panel is presented, many tools must be used or purchased to assemble the unit, and considerable time will be spent assembling the panel unit.
Retractable barriers have a fence-like material coiled within a canister that may be able to fit the width between support members. Due to the flexible nature of the coiled fencing material, it may not possess the rigidity required to prevent a fall, and rarely appear familiar on play area equipment.
The present invention requires very few tools, fewer additional components, and less assembly time, yet maintains the durable construction needed for the application. The present invention adjusts beyond virtually all manufacturer dimensions and support member widths making it unnecessary to stock varying sizes of panels. Once the width is determined, the present invention simply adjusts to the width and securely maintains a rigid structure that meets safety standards. The present invention can have interactive games on the main panel, making it perfect as a barrier panel for play area equipment. The present invention is reusable. It may be used repeatedly in multiple play areas. Reuse of the present invention lessens the costs and waste associated with single use or one-time only temporary barrier panels.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Temporary barrier systems provide many of the advantages of permanent barrier systems, but suffer from several disadvantages. By way of example, temporary barrier systems are usually of a universal design and are not intended for specific use in a play area. They may be susceptible to toppling due to a play area's uneven terrain, could pose a risk of injury to children at play because of the materials used in the systems, and may be visually conspicuous or unsightly in a play area application. Furthermore, many temporary barrier systems do not possess features that encourage children to interact with them as a child would interact with a play area toy. In addition, temporary barrier systems often present entanglement or entrapment hazards to children using a play area. Finally, temporary barrier systems are often heavy, difficult to install, and difficult to remove. To address these concerns, an improved play area multi-length barrier panel is provided herein. The multi-length barrier panel meets the height, width, and other dimensional requirements for playground barrier panels.
The invention generally relates to a multi-length barrier panel for protecting children in a play area. The barrier panel may comprise at least two panel sections that extend from the sides of the barrier panel and two panel sections that form the front and back of the barrier panel. The extendable panel sections may be shaped so as to fit between the front and back panel sections when the barrier panel is retracted. The front and back panel sections may be designed to provide entertainment by way of games or images, or may provide information by way of words or phrases.
The extendable panel sections may further comprise attachment collars located along the outer edge of the extendable panel sections that attach the multi-length barrier panel to support poles. The attachment collars may have a first portion that encompasses a support pole and a second portion that attaches the first portion to the extendable panel sections. The first portion may remain affixed to the support pole by way of friction and pressure along with fasteners, such as bolts or screws, penetrating through the support pole. The second portion may be an adapter bracket that attaches the first section to the extendable panel sections. The second portion may attach to the extendable panel sections near the top and bottom corners to provide the multi-length barrier panel with structural rigidity. The front and back panel sections may possess recesses to accommodate the attachment collars when the multi-length barrier panel is in a fully refracted configuration.
The panel sections of the multi-length barrier panel may be fastened together by bolts or screws. The bolts or screws may be positioned in a manner that allows for the extendable panel sections to extend or retract free of hindrance. Where bolts or screws connecting the front and rear panels traverse through the extendable panels, the extendable panels may have elongated cuts through which the bolts or screws may pass so that they will not interfere with the extension or retraction of the extendable panels.
An interior connecting means may be pivotally attached to the front and rear panel sections with pins fitting in connecting means notches along the edges of the extendable panel sections. The connecting means may ensure that the extendable panel sections extend and retract in equidistance so that the multi-length barrier panel maintains a uniform appearance in any configuration. The connecting means and connecting means notches of the extendable panel sections may be completely contained within the body of the multi-length barrier panel so that children are not exposed to moving parts.
The multi-length barrier panel described in this brief summary is not limited to the features set forth herein. The teachings of this brief summary are not intended to limit the invention to the mentioned embodiment, but are merely set forth to illustrate how the multi-length barrier panel may be used in a particular setting. It is understood that those skilled in the art may use the multi-length barrier panel for purposes other than those mentioned in this section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-length barrier panel in an extended configuration as according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a multi-length barrier panel in an extended configuration as according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a multi-length barrier panel in an extended configuration as according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a multi-length barrier panel in an extended configuration as according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a multi-length barrier panel in a retracted configuration as according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a multi-length barrier panel in a retracted configuration as according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a rear view of a multi-length barrier panel in a retracted configuration as according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a multi-length barrier panel in a retracted configuration as according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a multi-length barrier panel as according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a connecting means that is used in a multi-length barrier panel as according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a bottom separator plate that is used in a multi-length barrier panel as according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a top separator plate that is used in a multi-length barrier panel as according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a right extension panel that is used in a multi-length barrier panel as according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a left extension panel that is used in a multi-length barrier panel as according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a front view of a multi-length barrier panel in an extended configuration as according to one embodiment of the present invention.

A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the illustrations of the accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated embodiment is merely exemplary of methods for carrying out the present invention, both the organization and method of operation of the invention, in general, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood by reference to the drawings and the following description. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that the various embodiments of the invention, although different, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein in connection with one embodiment may be implemented within other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the location or arrangement of individual elements within each disclosed embodiment may be modified without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, appropriately interpreted, along with the full range of equivalents to which the claims are entitled. In the drawings, like numerals refer to the same or similar functionality throughout the several views.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the terms “embodiment(s) of the invention”, “alternative embodiment(s)”, and “exemplary embodiment(s)” do not require that all embodiments of the method, system, and apparatus include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. The following description of the preferred embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or use.
The terms “multi-length barrier panel”, “barrier panel”, and “invention” may be used interchangeably herein to refer to the present invention. Although the following description and claims may refer to components of the invention in the singular, it is understood that the references may also include components of the system in the multiple.
Several preferred embodiments of the multi-length barrier panel are discussed in this section. However, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. A multi-length barrier panel is any combination of panels, separator plates, and connecting means that provide an extendable barrier panel for use in a play area setting. The multi-length barrier panel is not limited in method of operation, dimensions of components, attachment means for connecting the multi-length barrier panel to existing play area equipment, or size of the area in which the multi-length barrier panel is installed.
As set forth in this description and the attached images and claims, an improved multi-length barrier panel has been developed that improves upon conventional play area barrier panels. The various embodiments of the improved multi-length barrier panel described herein can be used in a wide variety of applications. For example, certain embodiments are particularly well-adapted for use as a barrier panel in schools or parks, and/or as a barrier that can be mounted directly to existing play area equipment.
An exemplary embodiment of a multi-length barrier panel in an extended configuration is illustrated in FIG. 1. The multi-length barrier panel may include multiple panels that form the body of the multi-length barrier panel. The body may include a front panel (104), a rear panel (106), a left extendable panel (105), and a right extendable panel (103). The left (105) and right (103) extendable panels can be extended to attach to existing play area equipment such as support poles (101). Often the support poles (101) are covered by a pole cap (100) for decorative or protective purposes. The left (105) and right (103) extendable panels may attach to support poles (101) by using attachment collars (102) which encompass the support poles (101) and terminate in an adapter bracket (107). The attachment collars (102) may be secured to the support poles (101) by a combination of one or more of friction, pressure, or fasteners that penetrate through the support poles. The adapter brackets (107) may attach directly to the extendable panels (103), (105) using bolts or other appropriate fasteners.
FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a multi-length barrier panel in an extended configuration from a front view. The front panel (104) of the multi-length barrier panel may have an image or game (109) section that stimulates the interest of children and encourages them to interact with the barrier panel. The image or game (109) area of the front panel (104) is intended to enhance a child's enjoyment while playing in the play area thereby resulting in a more favorable experience for the child. Information such as a manufacturer identification, safety message, or equipment replacement notification may be included in an information section (110) of the front panel (104).
The front view of FIG. 2 also shows recesses (108) in the front panel (104) that may accommodate the adapter brackets (107) when the extendable panels (103), (105) are refracted. A plurality of recesses (108) are included in the front panel (104) to provide for variable mounting positions of the adapter brackets (107) and attachment collars (102).
FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a multi-length barrier panel in an extended configuration from a rear view. The rear panel (106) can be seen which may include a second information section (110) and additional recesses (108) for accommodating the adapter brackets (107) and attachment collars (102) when the barrier panel is in a retracted configuration.
FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a multi-length barrier panel in an extended configuration from a top view. The front (104) and rear (106) panels can be seen between which the left (105) and right (103) extendable panels may be retracted when the barrier panel is in a retracted configuration. The attachment collars (102) may completely encompass the support poles (101) and terminate in the adapter brackets (107) which, in turn, are attached to the left (105) and right (103) extendable panels. From this view, top separator plates (114) can be seen. Top separator plates (114) may be used to separate the front (104) and rear (106) panels to create an interior void so that the extendable panels (103), (105) may have sufficient clearance to be retracted into the body of the barrier panel. The top separator plates (114) may also be used to create a void in which the connecting means (112), described below, resides.
An exemplary embodiment of a multi-length barrier panel in a retracted configuration is illustrated in FIG. 5. The barrier panel may be required to be retracted when existing play area equipment, such as support poles (101), are spaced relatively close together. Similar to the exemplary barrier panel in an extended configuration as shown in FIG. 1, the barrier panel in a retracted configuration may include multiple panels that form the body of the barrier panel. The body may include a front panel (104), a rear panel (106), a left extendable panel (105), and a right extendable panel (103). However, in a retracted configuration the left (105) and right (103) extendable panels have been retracted between the front (104) and rear (106) panels and are not visible. In a retracted configuration, the adapter brackets (107) may be positioned in the recesses (108) of the front (104) and rear (106) panels. The recesses (108) may allow the extendable panels (105), (103) to retract further into the body of the barrier panel than would otherwise be possible without the recesses (108).
FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a multi-length barrier panel in a retracted configuration from a front view. The left (105) and right (103) extendable panels may have been retracted into the body of the barrier panel and may not be visible. The front panel (104) of the multi-length barrier panel may have an image or game (109) section that stimulates the interest of children and encourages them to interact with the barrier panel. The image or game (109) area of the front panel (104) is intended to enhance a child's enjoyment while playing in the play area thereby resulting in a more favorable experience for the child. Information such as a manufacturer identification, safety message, or equipment replacement notification may be included in an information section (110) of the front panel (104).
The front view of FIG. 6 also shows the adapter brackets (107) positioned in the recesses (108) of the front panel (104). The positioning of the adapter brackets (107) in this FIG. 6 and all other figures is exemplary in nature only. The position and number of depicted adapter brackets (107) is not limited to the location and number as shown in any of the attached images. It may be necessary to use more or less adapter brackets (107) and to attach them in varying positions as required by the circumstances of the play area into which the barrier panel is installed.
FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a multi-length barrier panel in a retracted configuration from a rear view. The left (105) and right (103) extendable panels may have been retracted into the body of the barrier panel and may not be visible. The rear panel (106) may include a second information section (110) and additional recesses (108) for accommodating the adapter brackets (107) and attachment collars (102) when the barrier panel is in a retracted configuration.
FIG. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of a multi-length barrier panel in a retracted configuration from a top view. The front (104) and rear (106) panels can be seen between which the left (105) and right (103) extendable panels may have been retracted and are not visible. The attachment collars (102) may completely encompass the support poles (101) and terminate in the adapter brackets (107) which, in turn, are attached to the left (105) and right (103) extendable panels. From this view, the top separator plates (114) can be seen. The top separator plates (114) may be used to separate the front (104) and rear (106) panels to create an interior void so that the extendable panels (103), (105) may have sufficient clearance to reside between the front (104) and rear (106) panels. The top separator plates (114) may also be used to create a void in which the connecting means (112), described below, resides.
FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a multi-length barrier panel. Horizontal notches (111) on the left (105) and right (103) extendable panels can be seen which may allow fastening bolts connecting the front (104) and rear (106) panels to traverse the left (105) and right (103) extendable panels without interfering with their movement. Connecting means notches (118) can be seen on the extendable panels (105), (103) that may allow for the pins (116) of the connecting means (112) to move vertically as the extendable panels (105), (103) are extended or retracted. Top (114) and bottom (115) separator plates may be used to separate the front (104) from rear (106) panels so that the extendable panels (105), (103) and connecting means (112) may reside within the body of the barrier panel.
FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a connecting means (112) of an exemplary embodiment of a multi-length barrier panel. The connecting means (112) may have pins (116) at either end that may fit into the connecting means notches (118) of the extendable panels (105), (103). The connecting means (112) may also have a pivot point (117) through which a bolt or other connector passes thereby allowing the connecting means (112) to pivot as the extendable panels (105), (103) are extended or retracted. As the extendable panels (105), (103) are extended or retracted, the pins (116) may travel within the connecting means notches (118) of the extendable panels (105), (103) thereby causing the connecting means (112) to pivot around the pivot point (117). The resultant mechanical action of the connecting means (112) results in the extendable panels (105), (103) maintaining equidistance as they are extended or retracted.
FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a bottom separator plate (115) of an exemplary embodiment of a multi-length barrier panel. The bottom separator plate (115) may have a plurality of fastener holes (113) through which bolts or other fasteners may pass. The bottom separator plate (115) may be used in the single or in the multiple to create a void between the front (104) and rear (106) panels so that the connecting means (112) and extendable panels (105), (103) may reside within the body of the barrier panel.
FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a top separator plate (114) of an exemplary embodiment of a multi-length barrier panel. The top separator plate (114) may have a plurality of fastener holes (113) through which bolts or other fasteners may pass. The top separator plate (114) may be used in the single or in the multiple to create a void between the front (104) and rear (106) panels so that the connecting means (112) and extendable panels (105), (103) may reside within the body of the barrier panel.
FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a right extendable panel (103) of an exemplary embodiment of a multi-length barrier panel. The right extendable panel (103) may have horizontal notches (111) which may allow fasteners connecting the front (104) and rear (106) panels to extend into the horizontal notches (111) so that the fasteners do not interfere with the movement of the right extendable panel (103) as it is extended or retracted. The right extendable panel (103) may have connecting means notches (118) that may allow for the pins (116) of the connecting means (112) to move vertically as the right extendable panel (103) is extended or retracted.
FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a left extendable panel (105) of an exemplary embodiment of a multi-length barrier panel. The left extendable panel (105) may have horizontal notches (111) which may allow fasteners connecting the front (104) and rear (106) panels to extend into the horizontal notches (111) so that the fasteners do not interfere with the movement of the left extendable panel (105) as it is extended or refracted. The left extendable panel (105) may have connecting means notches (118) that may allow for the pins (116) of the connecting means (112) to move vertically as the left extendable panel (105) is extended or retracted.
FIG. 15 shows an exemplary embodiment of a multi-length barrier panel in an extended configuration from a front view. The left extendable panel (105) of the multi-length barrier panel may be movably connected to a right extendable panel (103) via a plurality of connecting means (112). The connecting means (112) may slide in connecting means notches (118) that are contained within one of the extendable panel sections. The connecting means (112) may be allocated so that there is only one connecting means (112) per connecting means slot (118), or may be allocated so that there are multiple connecting means (112) per connecting means slot (118). Although not shown, there may be images or games on one or more of the extendable panel sections (105), (103) that stimulates the interest of children and encourages them to interact with the barrier panel. The image or games are intended to enhance a child's enjoyment while playing in the play area thereby resulting in a more favorable experience for the child. Alternatively, or in in addition to, information such as a manufacturer identification, safety message, or equipment replacement notification may be included on one or more of the extendable panel sections (105), (103).
FIG. 15 shows an exemplary embodiment of a multi-length barrier panel with two panel sections (105), (103). The present invention is not limited to the number of panel sections, the number of connecting means, or the orientation of the components within the multi-length barrier panel. Instead, it is understood that an embodiment of a multi-length barrier panel may consist of a plurality of panel sections and connecting means as is appropriate for the particular play area application. Furthermore, the location of the connecting means and connecting means notches (118) is not limited to the locations shown in FIG. 15 or any other accompanying image or description. The location of the connecting means (112) and connecting means notches (118) may be located as is appropriate for the particular play area application.
The attached figures depict either a multi-length barrier panel or components of a multi-length barrier panel. For those figures that depict only the components of a multi-length barrier panel, the figures are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the depicted component. It is implied that the figures depicting a component of a multi-length barrier panel are merely showing a portion of a complete embodiment of a multi-length barrier panel in an effort to clarify the nature of the invention.
Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the components of the multi-length barrier panel, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and the manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the images and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the multi-length barrier panel.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the multi-length barrier panel. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the multi-length barrier panel to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the multi-length barrier panel. While the above description describes various embodiments of the present invention, it will be clear that the present invention may be otherwise easily adapted to fit any configuration where a multi-length barrier panel is desired or required.
As various changes could be made in the above methods, functions, features, components, and abilities without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the present invention. It is important, therefore, that this description be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Directional terms such as “front”, “back”, “in”, “out”, “downward”, “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “top”, “bottom”, and the like may have been used in the description. These terms are applicable to the embodiments shown and described in conjunction with the images. These terms are merely used for the purpose of description in connection with the images and do not necessarily apply to the position in which the components of the multi-length barrier panel may be configured.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A multi-length barrier panel comprising:

a plurality of extendable panels, a front panel, a rear panel, a connecting means wherein the connecting means is pivotally attached to the front and rear panels, a plurality of pins on the connecting means that attach to the extendable panels, and attachment means for attaching the multi-length barrier panel to play area equipment.

2. The multi-length barrier panel of claim 1, wherein the extendable panels contain horizontal notches that allow fasteners to pass through them.

3. The multi-length barrier panel of claim 1, wherein the extendable panels contain connecting means notches in which the pins of the connecting means slide when the extendable panels are extended or retracted.

4. The multi-length barrier panel of claim 1, wherein the front panel or rear panel include an information area, games, or images.

5. The multi-length barrier panel of claim 1, wherein the front panel or rear panel include recesses for receiving the attachment means when the multi-length barrier panel is in a retracted configuration.

6. The multi-length barrier panel of claim 1, wherein the front and rear panels are separated by separator plates.

7. The multi-length barrier panel of claim 1, wherein the attachment means includes an attachment collar for attaching the multi-length barrier panel to posts within a play area.

8. The multi-length barrier panel of claim 7, wherein the attachment means further includes an adapter bracket for connecting the attachment collar to the extendable panel.

9. A method for barricading a part of a play area comprising:

providing a multi-length barrier panel that contains extendable panels for extending the multi-length barrier panel to an appropriate width; providing a connecting means that causes the extendable panels to extend or retract in equidistance; and attaching the multi-length barrier panel to play area equipment.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein a front or a rear panel contains images, games, or information.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the play area equipment is round poles.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the connecting means pivots around a central pivot point.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the connecting means resides within the body of the multi-length barrier panel.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the front and rear panels are separated so that the extendable panels may reside between the front and rear panels when the multi-length barrier panel is in a refracted configuration.

15. An apparatus comprising:

a body that includes at least two extendable panels that are movably connected by connecting means; wherein the extendable panels extend or retract from the sides of the body; wherein the connecting means travel in connecting means notches as the extendable panels are extended or retracted; and attachment means for connecting the apparatus to play area equipment.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the extendable panels contain notches that allow fasteners to pass through them.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein an information area, games, or images is provided on the front or rear panel.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the front panel or rear panel includes recesses for receiving the attachment means when the extendable panels are retracted.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the attachment means includes an attachment collar for attaching to posts.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the attachment means further includes an adapter bracket for connecting the attachment collar to the extendable panel.

21. A multi-length barrier panel comprising:

a left extendable panel, a right extendable panel, a connecting means wherein the connecting means movably connect the left extendable panel and the right extendable panel, and attachment means for attaching the multi-length barrier panel to play area equipment.

22. The multi-length barrier panel of claim 21, wherein the left extendable panel, the right extendable panel, or both the right and left extendable panels include games, images, or information.

23. The multi-length barrier panel of claim 21, wherein the attachment means includes an attachment collar for attaching the multi-length barrier panel to posts within a play area.

24. The multi-length barrier panel of claim 23, wherein the attachment means further includes an adapter bracket for connecting the attachment collar to the extendable panel.

25. The multi-length barrier panel of claim 21, wherein the connecting means move along connecting means notches when the left extendable panel or right extendable panel are extended or retracted.

26. The multi-length barrier panel of claim 25, wherein there are one or more connecting means per connecting means notches.