AU2012101377A4 - Safety barricade system - Google Patents

Abstract

SAFETY BARRICADE AND/OR GUARDING SYSTEM Abstract A mounting clip for a barricade and/or machine guarding system comprising: at least one clip 5 having a first engagement formation adapted to secure the clip to a fixed structure, the clip further having a second engagement formation; a joiner element having a third engagement formation located on a first side, and a fourth engagement formation located on an opposing second, the third engagement formation being adapted to engage the second engagement formation to secure the joiner element to the clip; and a stopper element having a fifth 10 engagement formation, the fifth engagement formation being engageable with the fourth engagement formation to secure the stopper element to the joiner element. C:\oftepSPC-92797.docx 131 10 102, 104 102, 105

Description

1 P/00/009A Section 29 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 INNOVATION PATENT SPECIFICATION Invention Title: SAFETY BARRICADE SYSTEM Applicant: BLH Safety Solutions Pty Ltd The invention is described in the following statement: 7019 2 SAFETY BARRICADE AND/OR GUARDING SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a mounting clip and a safety barricade and/or 5 guarding system using that mounting clip. More specifically, the present invention can be used as part of a safety barricade system that is installed around the perimeter of a building or structure and used during or after construction in order to prevent objects from falling from the building or structure. The present invention can be used in guarding applications to protect operators from moving components and other hazards of machinery and equipment, .0 in particular industrial machinery and equipment. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not .5 an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application. [0003] Scaffolding is required in many construction scenarios. Scaffolding significantly reduces the risk of workers falling from height. However, scaffolding usually consists of .0 interconnected horizontal and vertical rails, and there is still significant spacing between the scaffold rails. Accordingly, there are many instances where tools or building materials fall to a lower level or the ground, which endangers works on the site. [0004] Shade cloth is used on some construction and mining sites to reduce direct sunlight, 5 and reduce the likelihood of objects falling or being blown from the site by high winds. A disadvantage with existing shade cloth is that it is often time consuming to install, and may not be sufficiently strong to withstand forces generated by some falling objects. [0005] Another problem with existing shade cloth and other temporary construction 30 screening is that they can be difficult and/or time consuming to install on non linear, curved surfaces, or areas and surfaces having abnormal geometry. (0006] A number of safety barricade systems have been previously proposed: 35 [0007] United States Patent Publication No. 24 2006/0180390 (Thaler) discloses a roof fall protection apparatus that comprises several components that can be easily assembled and disassembled on site and that are adaptable to various building geometries. However, the 3 apparatus requires at least two support members in order to assemble the apparatus thereon, and does not rely upon existing structures. [0008] United States Patent No. 4,129,197 (Preston) discloses a safety-catch scaffolding 5 system adaptable to the progressive growth of a building during construction having a series of spaced uprights, each having a plurality of vertically disposed slots for the sliding engagement of the edges of a plurality of frames. [0009] United States Patent No. 3,480,069 (Handwerker) discloses a temporary wall .0 construction for a building site. However, the wall requires grommets to secure a panel to an exterior surface of a building, and is not adaptive to secure a mesh panel to other objects. [0010] United States Patent No. 4,838,382 (Nusbaum) discloses a safety net that is raised during construction of a multi-floor building without the use of tracks vertically attached to the .5 outer building face. The safety net extends from a surface of a building away therefrom. [0011] United States Patent No. 5,182,889 (Johnson) discloses a barrier system that is lightweight and exceeds existing safety regulations. The barrier system employs the use of a plurality of rod-like, elongated bodies to support the mesh. t0 [0012] It would therefore be desirable to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or to provide a useful alternative. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 25 [0013] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a mounting clip for a barricade and/or machine guarding system, the mounting clip comprising: at least one clip having a first engagement formation adapted to secure the clip to a fixed structure, the clip further having a second engagement formation; a joiner element having a third engagement formation located on a first side, and a 30 fourth engagement formation located on an opposing second, the third engagement formation being adapted to engage the second engagement formation to secure the joiner element to the clip; and a stopper element having a fifth engagement formation, the fifth engagement formation being engageable with the fourth engagement formation to secure the stopper 35 element to the joiner element. [0014] In some embodiments, the third engagement formation is rotatable relative to the second engagement formation. The fourth engagement formation is also preferably 4 eccentric relative to the third engagement formation. The fourth engagement formation can therefore rotate relative to the third engagement formation around an arc or circle. This provides an element of adjustability which, in use, facilitates alignment of the fourth engagement formation with another element, such as an aperture of a mesh panel. 5 [0015] The second engagement formation preferably includes a first aperture, and the third engagement formation includes a first projection having a flange adapted to engage with the first aperture. The fourth engagement formation preferably includes a second projection, having a flange adapted to engage with a stopper element aperture formed in the stopper 0 element. [0016] The first projection and the second projection are preferably generally parallel and offset relative to each other. 5 [0017] In one embodiment, the first engagement formation can include one or more channels including angled teeth. The angled teeth can be directed toward a base region of the channel, and presented at an angle such that upon insertion of an object therein, the angled teeth inhibit removal of said object from the channel. .0 [0018] The second engagement formation preferably includes a plurality of said first apertures permitting the first projection to be mounted in multiple locations. [0019] In another embodiment, the first engagement formation can include a tubular clip having two spaced apart arms between which a portion of the fixed structure is received. .5 The two arms preferably define a generally cylindrical opening adapted to receive a cylindrical object. The tubular clip preferably comprises a clevis shaped body. However, it should be appreciated that the opening could be configured to fit any shaped object, such as square, oval, triangular, star shaped or the like. 30 [0020] Both of the arms preferably include a pin hole that enables the insertion of a pin to enclose the cylindrical opening. The pin is preferably loosely seated within the arms of the clevis shape body acting as a tamper prevention device to prevent unintentional removal of the first engagement formation from the cylindrical object. 35 [0021] Some embodiments of the clip may include a notch located at the base of and in between the two arms. The notch enables the insertion of a removal tool between the clip and the cylindrical object.

5 [0022] The stopper element is preferably a generally circular body and the fifth engagement formation, preferably an aperture, is located in a central region of the body. In some embodiments, the generally circular body can comprise a disc. 5 [0023] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a barricade and/or guarding system comprising: at least one mounting clip according to the first aspect of the invention; at least one mesh panel; wherein in use, a portion of the mesh panel is located between the stopper element .0 and the joiner element. [0024] The barricade system further preferably comprising a joiner assembly to secure adjacent sections of said mesh panel to one another. .5 [0025] The joiner assembly preferably includes a body having a first longitudinally extending joiner channel and a second longitudinally extending joiner channel, the first and second longitudinally extending joiner channels each being adapted to receive an edge portion of said mesh panel. 0 [0026] In some embodiments, the joiner assembly includes angled teeth located in the first and second longitudinally extending joiner channels. The angled teeth can be directed toward a base of the first and second longitudinally extending joiner channels, and presented at an angle such that upon insertion of a mesh panel therein, the angled teeth inhibit removal of said mesh panel. 25 [0027] In other embodiments, the joiner assembly includes a series of ribs located in the first and second longitudinally extending joiner channels. [0028] Each of the first and second longitudinally extending joiner channels is preferably 30 located between two longitudinally extending members. Some embodiments of the joiner assembly can include at least one fastener which extends through at least one section of two longitudinally extending members and a section of the edge portion of said mesh panel positioned within the respective first or second longitudinally extending joiner channels. The fastener fixes the mesh panel within the respective longitudinally extending joiner channels. 35 The fastener can comprise a screw, pin, bolt or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the fastener comprises a pin including a series of resilient ribs or ridges sized to releasably 6 engage within an opening located in the respective longitudinally extending members of the joiner assembly. [0029] Some embodiments of the joiner assembly include a cap configured to fit over the 5 ends of the longitudinally extending members. The cap may include openings for receiving the fastener. The cap can be releasably fitted to and over the ends of the joiner assembly using any suitable means. In one embodiment, the cap includes snap fit tabs which are received within complementary channels located in a corresponding face of the longitudinally extending members. .0 [0030] The first and second joiner channels can be constructed at any desired angle to one another to fit a particular geometry. In some embodiments, the joiner channels are coplanar to interconnect coplanar edges of adjacent mesh panels. In other embodiments, the joiner channels are preferably angularly inclined relative to each other. Exemplary angles include .5 30, 45, 60 and 90 degrees. [0031] The joiner element may have any suitable configuration. In one embodiment, the joiner element has a generally oval shaped body. .0 [0032] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of installing a barricade and/or guarding system to a fixed structure, the method including the steps of: engaging a first engagement formation formed on a clip to the fixed structure; engaging a second engagement formation formed on the clip to a third engagement formation formed on a joiner element; .5 placing a mesh panel adjacent to the joiner element; rotating a body portion of the joiner element so that a fourth engagement formation formed on an opposing side of the joiner element relative to the third engagement formation becomes aligned with an aperture formed in the mesh panel; and securing a fifth engagement formation located on a stopper element to the fourth 30 engagement formation to sandwich a portion of the mesh panel between the joiner element and the stopper element. [0033] The barricade and/or guarding system to a fixed structure installed according to the third aspect of the present invention preferably comprises a system according to the second 35 aspect of the present invention.

7 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0034] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of specific examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a safety barricade system according to the 5 present invention in which a mesh panel is secured to an existing stanchion and handrail via two uniquely defined clips; FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of multiple adjacent sections of mesh panels that are secured to one another using a first embodiment of joiner assemblies; FIG. 2A and 2B illustrates a perspective view of multiple adjacent sections of mesh .0 panels that are secured to one another using a second embodiment of joiner assemblies; FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a uniquely defined clip that includes the eccentric pin joiner and mesh clip button exploded therefrom as well as a tamper proof pin, and which is ideally used with objects having circular cross-sections; FIG. 3A and 3B illustrates perspective views of another embodiment of the clip L5 shown in Figure 3 that includes an alternate tamper proof pin embodiment; FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another uniquely defined clip that includes a plurality of cavities thereon and which can engage either the mesh panel directly or an elongated surface; FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a first form of joiner assembly in which a cap !0 is exploded therefrom and in which is ideally suited for securing adjacent mesh panels at a 180-degree orientation; FIG. 5A and 5B illustrates a perspective view of a second form of joiner assembly in which a cap is exploded therefrom and in which is ideally suited for securing adjacent mesh panels at a 180-degree orientation; 25 FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a first form of joiner assembly in which a cap is exploded therefrom and in which is ideally suited for securing adjacent mesh panels at a 90-degree orientation; FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of a second form of joiner assembly in which a cap is exploded therefrom and in which is ideally suited for securing adjacent mesh panels at 30 a 90-degree orientation; FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a first form of joiner assembly in which is cap is exploded therefrom and in which is ideally suited for securing adjacent mesh panels at an obtuse angular orientation; FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a second form of joiner assembly in which is 35 cap is exploded therefrom and in which is ideally suited for securing adjacent mesh panels at an obtuse angular orientation; 8 FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the uniquely defined clip depicted in FIG. 3, and in which a first form of removal tool is inserted therein; FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of the uniquely defined clip depicted in FIG. 3A, and in which a second form removal tool is inserted therein; 5 FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the uniquely defined clip along line 9-9 in FIG. 8, and providing a rotational arrow indicating rotation of the removal tool thereby disengaging the respective clip from the tubular surface; FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of the uniquely defined clip along line 9A-9A in FIG. 8A, and providing a rotational arrow indicating rotation of the removal tool thereby .0 disengaging the respective clip from the tubular surface; and FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the safety barricading system installed upon a handrail of an elevated platform and stairway. DETAILED DESCRIPTION ,5 [0035] Detailed reference will now be made to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 10. [0036] A safety barricade and/or guard system 100 includes at least one mesh panel 101 and a plurality of mounting clips 102. The mounting clips 102 secure the panel 101 to a .0 support structure such as a scaffold post, the flange of a scaffold kick plate, or a support post, leg or arm of an industrial machine or equipment. [0037] As depicted in FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B and 5 to 7A, the safety barricade and/or guard 100 may include a joiner assembly 103 to enable the joining of abutting of adjacent sections of !5 the mesh panel 101. Two different embodiments are shown of the joining assembly 103. FIGS. 2, 5, 6 and 7 show a first embodiment. FIGS. 2A, 2B, 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B show a second embodiment. [0038] The mesh panel 101 may be manufactured in a variety of sizes. In the embodiment 30 shown in the drawings, the mesh panel 101 includes a grid matrix pattern therein, which prevents objects larger than the spacing of the matrix from falling off of an elevated surface or structure when installed. The mesh panel 101 is light weight, approximately 1 to 3, and in some embodiments about 2.6 kg per metre attached. The mesh panel 101 is manufactured as modular plastic components preferably consisting of, Geloy HRA222F/HRA170D and 35 PVCU. [0039] The clips 102 are provided in two different mounting configurations. A tubular clip 105, 205 as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 3A is used to secure the mesh panel 101 to a tubular 9 element such as a scaffold rail or post. In contrast, a kick rail clip 104 is depicted in FIG. 4 and used for securing a mesh panel 101 to a flange or other edge such as a kick rail. By using a combination of tubular clips 105, 204 and rail clips 104, the mesh panel 101 can be secured to a wide range of fixed structural elements on a construction site. The clips 102 5 and components thereof are manufactured using a resilient material, such as a plastic material. In a preferred embodiment, the clips 102 comprise plastic components consisting of a PVC compound. In some embodiments the clips 102 comprise plastic components consisting of, Geloy HRA222F/HRA170D and PVCU. .0 [0040] Referring to FIG. 4, the kick rail clip 104 includes a first engagement formation in the form of a plurality of cavities or slots 104A that are generally parallel with one another. The slots 104A each include angled teeth 104B therein. The angled teeth 104B are presented at an angle such that upon insertion of a panel or board-like object 130 therein, the angled teeth 104B will engage said object therein, and inhibit removal of the object from the .5 respective slot 104A. [0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the kick rail clip 104 is ideally used to grip onto a rail or other such object 130, such as a kick plate, but may be secured to any other plate like structure. !0 [0042] The kick rail clip 104 includes one or more second engagement formations defined by holes 104C, which are located to enable attachment of an eccentric pin joiner 106 thereon. The eccentric pin joiner 106 includes a third engagement formation defined by a first projection 106A that extends perpendicularly with respect to the body of the eccentric pin joiner 106. !5 [0043] The eccentric pin joiner 106 also includes a fourth engagement formation defined by second projection 106B, which extends perpendicularly with respect to the body of the eccentric pin joiner 106, and more particularly, the second projection 106B extends in an opposing direction with respect to the first projection 106A. The first projection 106A is 30 generally parallel with respect to the second projection 106B. The first projection 106A is offset with respect to the second projection 106B, such that the first projection 106A is not aligned with the second projection 106B. The orientations of the two projections 106A and 106B is depicted in the cross sectional view of FIG. 9. The body of the eccentric pin joiner 106 has generally oval shaped profile. 35 [0044] By rotating the eccentric pin joiner 106 about the first projection 106A, the second projection 106B translates around a circle, which is generally coplanar with the mesh panel 101.

10 [0045] Both the first projection 106A and the second projection 106B each include a circumferentially extending flange 106C for securement with the holes 104C of the kick rail clip 104 or with a stopper element, depicted in the form of a mesh clip button 107. The 5 flanges 106C are defined by one or more frustoconical portions, or a flared, barbed head located at or near the end of the projections 106A, 106B. The flanges 106C enable the two parts to snap together, but inhibit subsequent separation of the two parts. [0046] An alternate embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 9A include a similar .0 configuration to that shown and described in relation to FIGS. 8 and 9. In this embodiment, both the first projection 206A and the second projection 206B also each include a circumferentially extending flange 206C. However, in this instance the projections 206A and 206B include a cross shaped split through the center to enable greater resilient compression of those flanges 206C when secured in or through the respective cooperative opening in the .5 clip 104 or stopper. [0047] The mesh clip button 107 is a generally circular disc having a fifth engagement formation defined by a centrally formed hole 107A, which is used to attach the mesh clip button 107 onto either the first projection 106A or the second projection 106B of the .0 eccentric pin joiner 106. [0048] The mesh clip button 107 and the eccentric pin joiner 106 are used to sandwich and secure a portion of a mesh panel 101 there between, and to attach to the clip 102. t5 [0049] Referring to FIG. 3, the tubular clip 105 is designed to secure the mesh panel 101 against a tubular surface 131, such as a handrail (see FIGS. 1 and 8 to 10). The tubular clip 105 has a generally clevis shaped body including a first engagement formation, depicted here as two arms 105A. The two arms 105A mirror one another, and form an opening 105B into which a tubular surface 131 such as a handrail is inserted when in use. It shall be noted 30 that the tubular clip 105 and the cylindrical opening 105B may be scaled up or down to accommodate differently sized tubular surfaces 131. In use, both arms 105 function to resiliently fit/clip around the respective tubular surface 131. The clip 105 functions like a resilient peg, with each arm enclosing around the adjacent tubular surface 131. In some embodiments, the arms resiliently engage the adjacent tubular surface 131. 35 [0050] Both of the arms 105A include a hole 105C that enables a pin 105D to be inserted there between and enclose the tubular surface 131 therein. The pin 105D includes circular flanges 105E that are analogous to the circular flanges 106C of the first projection 106A and 11 the second projection 106B of the eccentric pin joiner 106. The pin 105D includes a shoulder 105F, which works with the circular flanges 105E to secure the pin 105D to the two arms 105A. The pin 105D functions as a tamper proof stop to prevent unintentional or unwanted release of the tubular clip 105 from around the tubular surface 131 on which that clip 105 is 5 mounted. The pin 105D does not function to clamp or otherwise move the arms 105A together. The pin 105D sits loosely between the arms 105A acting as a tamper proof stop. [0051] The tubular clip 105 also includes a second engagement formation, depicted here as a hole 105G, which works in the same manner as the hole 104C of the kick rail clip 104 in .0 order to secure the eccentric pin joiner 106 thereon. [0052] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate another embodiment of the tubular clip 205. This embodiment has essentially the same features as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3. Accordingly, the like features in FIGS. 3A and 3B have been given the same reference .5 numeral as like features in FIG. 3 PLUS 100. Again, the tubular clip 205 is designed to secure the mesh panel 101 against a tubular surface 131 and includes a generally clevis shaped body including a first engagement formation, depicted here as two arms 205A forming an opening 205B. Both of the arms 205A include a hole 205C that enables a pin 205D to be inserted therebetween and enclose the tubular surface 131 therein. .0 [0053] In this embodiment, the pin 105D includes on two opposing sides a series of angled ribs or ridges 205E which can be resiliently pushed through each of the holes 205C to fix the pin through each of the arms 205A. Once again, the pin 205D functions as a tamper proof stop to prevent unintentional or unwanted release of the tubular clip 205 from around the .5 tubular surface 131 on which that clip 205 is mounted. The pin 205D does not function to clamp or otherwise move the arms 205A together. The pin 205D sits loosely between the arms 205A acting as a tamper proof stop. [0054] As described earlier, the safety barricade and/or guard 100 may include joiner 30 assemblies 103 to secure adjacent sections of the mesh panels 101 together. [00551 A first embodiment of the joiner assemblies 103 is illustrated in FIGS. 2, 5, 6 and 7. [0056] FIGS. 2 and 5 illustrate a vertical joiner assembly 110 include two cavities or 35 channels 111 that extend in generally opposing directions relative to one another. The vertical joiner assembly 110 is of an undefined length, and in which the two cavities 111 span said undefined length. The cavities 111 include angled teeth 112 therein, which are oriented at an angle in order to grab and secure an edge 101A of the mesh panel 101 12 therein. The teeth 112 work in a manner consistent with the angled teeth 104B of the kick rail clip 104 described above. The vertical joiner assembly 110 includes a cap 113 that clips onto an end of the vertical joiner assembly 110 so as to enclose the side profiled openings of the cavities 111. 5 [0057] Referring to FIG. 6, the invention 100 may employ the use of a corner joiner assembly 115, which is of an undefined length and features a 90-degree angle 116 that is formed between two cavities 117. The cavities 117 feature the angled teeth 112 described above in regards to the vertical joiner assembly 110. The corner joiner assembly 115 0 includes a cap 118, which works in the same manner as the cap 113 described above. [0058] Referring to FIG. 7, the invention 100 may employ the use of an obtuse joiner assembly 120, which is of an undefined length and features an obtuse angle 121 that is formed between two cavities 122. The cavities 122 feature the angled teeth 112 described 5 above in regards to the vertical joiner assembly 110. The obtuse joiner assembly 120 includes a cap 123, which works in the same manner as the cap 113 described above. [0059] A second embodiment of the joiner assemblies 103 is illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 5A, 5B, 6A and 7A. 0 [0060] FIGS. 2A, 5A and 5B illustrate a vertical joiner assembly 210 includes two cavities or channels 211 that extend in generally opposing directions relative to one another. Again, the vertical joiner assembly 210 is of an undefined length, and in which the two cavities 211 span said undefined length. The cavities 211 are set between two spaced apart elongate 5 members 211A which provide the front and rear face of the joiner assembly 210. The cavities 211 include a series of longitudinal ribs 211 which are configured to add texture or grip to the distal surface edges in the cavities 211. Each of the elongate members 211A includes openings 304 configured to receive a ribbed or ridged fastening pin 305. When an edge portion of a mesh panel 101 is received in channels 211, the fastening pin 305 can be 30 inserted into the openings 304, through an aligned aperture of the mesh panel to fasten that edge portion between the elongate members 21 1A. In some embodiments, the fastening pin 305 can be used to compress or clamp the elongate members 21 1A together. [0061] A cap 213 is provided that clips onto an end of the vertical joiner assembly 210 so as 35 to enclose the side profiled openings of the cavities 211. The cap 213 also includes openings 302 and 303 which are aligned with the openings 304 in the elongate members 21 1A, and also receive the fastening pin 305. The cap 213 includes a snap fit arrangement 13 including four tabs 312 which snap fasten into two channels 315 formed in the face of the elongate members 211 A. [0062] Referring to FIG. 6A, the joiner assemblies 103 also include a corner joiner assembly 5 215, which is of an undefined length and features a 90-degree angle 216 that is formed between two cavities 217. The cavities 217 feature the longitudinal ribs 211 and fastening pin 305 arrangement described above in regards to the vertical joiner assembly 210. The corner joiner assembly 215 includes a cap 218, which works in the same manner as the cap 213 described above. .0 [0063] Referring to FIG. 7, the joiner assemblies 103 also include an obtuse joiner assembly 220, which is of an undefined length and features an obtuse angle 221 that is formed between two cavities 222. The cavities 222 feature the longitudinal ribs 211 and fastening pin 305 arrangement described above in regards to the vertical joiner assembly 210. The .5 obtuse joiner assembly 220 includes a cap 223, which works in the same manner as the cap 213 described above. [0064] The joiner assemblies 103 (the vertical joiner assembly 110, 210, the corner joiner assembly 115, 215, and the obtuse joiner assembly 120, 220) all provide the same function .0 which is to secure adjacent sections of the mesh panels 101 together, but differ with respect to one another in the angles formed between the respective cavities. It will be appreciated that the joiner assembly 103 may be made to accommodate other angles, including an acute angle less than 90 degrees. 25 [0065] The joiner assemblies 103 and components thereof, including vertical joiner assembly 110, 210, corner joiner assembly 115, 215 and obtuse joiner assembly 120, 220 are manufactured using a resilient material, such as a plastic material, and more preferably comprise plastic components a PVC compound, and/or Geloy HRA222F/HRA170D and PVCU. 30 [0066] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 28, an elongate end cap 201B can be fixed over the edge portions 101A of the mesh panels 101. Each of the end caps 201B include a series of fastening openings (not illustrated) allowing the end caps 201B to be fixed over and to the edge portion 101A of the mesh panels 101 using a fastening pin 310 having a similar 35 configuration to fastening pin 305 described in relation to the second embodiment of the joining assemblies 103.

14 [0067] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the tubular clip 105 includes a notch 105H that is located at the base of the two arms 105A, and more importantly, is located between the two arms 105A. The notch 105H enables a removal tool 125 to be inserted therein, to pry loose the tubular clip 105 form the tubular surface 131. 5 [0068] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 9A, another embodiment of the tubular clip 205 is shown which also includes a notch 205H that is located at the base of the two arms 205A, and between the two arms 205A. The notch 205H enables a removal tool 225 to be inserted therein, to pry loose the tubular clip 205 form the tubular surface 231. In this instance, the 0 removal tool 225 includes a stop face 330 which limits the depth the removal tool 225 can be inserted into the notch 205H. [0069] With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the various components of the safety barricade and/or guard .5 100, 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 drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the invention 100. .0 [0070] The safety barricade and/or guard 100 includes at least one mesh panel 101 that is secured against an existing surface, object, or structure via a plurality of the clips 102. The safety barricade and/or guard 100 is designed to adaptively attach onto a building or structure in a temporary or permanent basis, and prevent objects from falling there from. The safety barricade and/or guard 100 includes tools that remove the clips 102 after use as well 25 as joiner assemblies that abut adjacent sections of mesh panels 101 at varying angles. The clips 102 each include an eccentric pin joiner and mesh clip button that attach to one another as well as onto the respective clip 102, and sandwich the mesh panel there between so as to secure the mesh panel 101 to the respective clip 102. 30 [0071] The operation of the safety barricade and/or guard 100 will now be described. When a mesh panel 101 is to be mounted on a construction site, machine guarding position, or other location, a plurality of tubular clips 105 or kick rail clips 104 are initially located as required and fastened to kick rails or tubes as described above. 35 [0072] The eccentric pin joiner 106 is placed against the tubular clips 105 and kick rail clips 104, and the eccentric pin joiner 106 is snapped into engagement such that the first projection 106A positively engages with one of the holes 104C, 105G. The mesh panel 101 15 is then placed against the eccentric pin joiners 106. If the apertures on the mesh panel 101 do not line up with the second projections 106B, one or more of the eccentric pin joiners 106 may be manually rotated. On account of the eccentric nature of the eccentric pin joiner 106, by rotating the eccentric pin joiner 106 about the first projection 106A, the location of the 5 second projection 106B translates around an arc. When a suitable position is reached such that the second projection 106B lines up with openings in the matrix of the mesh screen 101, the mesh screen 101 is pushed into place, and the clip button 107 is snapped into engagement with the second projections 106B. The length and width of the apertures in the mesh panel 101 is smaller than the diameter of the clip button 107, so the mesh panel 101 is .0 unable to be unintentionally removed. [0073] In the embodiment depicted in the drawings, the clip button 107 connects to the first projection 106A on account of the flared barb like head or flanges 106C, as described above. However, it will be appreciated that the first projection 106A and clip button 107 may .5 be connected with a set screw, grub screw or other fastener. [0074] Advantageously, the safety barricade and/or guard 100 includes a plurality of joiner assemblies that enable abutting sections of mesh panels to be secured to one another at a plurality of angles. .0 [0075] The safety barricade and/or guard 100 provides a removal tool that aids in removing the clips 102 from a tubular surface. [0076] Advantageously, the barricade system can be used on platforms, stairways, stair -5 risers, scaffolding, machine guarding as well as barricading and many more applications. [0077] Advantageously, the barricade system is fast and easy to install, minimising disruptions onsite. There is no onsite design or fabrication required. 30 [0078] Advantageously, the barricade system is non heat conductive, anti-static, anti corrosive, fire resistant, impact resistant, chemical resistant, UV Stabilised, non-conductive, light weight (approx between 1 to 3 kg per metre attached). [0079] Advantageously the barricade system is reusable, and suits permanent or temporary 35 installations.

16 [0080] Advantageously the safety barricade provides eccentric pin joiners and mesh clip buttons that sandwich a small portion of the mesh panel and also secure the mesh panel to the respective uniquely defined clip. 5 [0081] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. [0082] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is .0 susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. [0083] Where the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising" are used in .5 this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other feature, integer, step, component or group thereof. .0

Claims (5)

1. A mounting clip for a barricade and/or guarding system, the mounting clip comprising: at least one clip having a first engagement formation adapted to secure the clip to a 5 fixed structure, the clip further having a second engagement formation; a joiner element having a third engagement formation located on a first side, and a fourth engagement formation located on an opposing second, the third engagement formation being adapted to engage the second engagement formation to secure the joiner element to the clip; and 0 a stopper element having a fifth engagement formation, the fifth engagement formation being engageable with the fourth engagement formation to secure the stopper element to the joiner element.

2. The mounting clip of claim 1, wherein the second engagement formation is pivotally 5 engaged with the third engagement formation, and the fourth engagement formation is eccentric relative to the third engagement formation.

3. The mounting clip of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first engagement formation includes at least one of: .0 at least one channel including angled teeth, the angled teeth being directed toward a base region of the channel, and presented at an angle such that upon insertion of an object therein, the angled teeth inhibit removal of said object from the channel; or at least one tubular clip having two spaced apart arms between which a portion of the fixed structure is received. 25

4. A barricade and/or guarding system comprising: at least one mounting clip according to any one claims 1 to 3; and at least one mesh panel; wherein in use, a portion of the mesh panel is located between the stopper element 30 and the joiner element.

5. The barricade system as described in claim 4, further comprising a joiner assembly to secure adjacent sections of said mesh panel to one another.