AU2013206716A1 - Handrail Support Device - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A handrail support device (10) comprising a base plate (22) and first and second tube members (24 and 28). The first tube member (24) is connected 5 to a first side (26) of the base plate (22) having a longitudinal opening (25) oriented perpendicular to the plane of the base plate (22). The second tube member (28) is connected to the first side (26) of the base plate (22) having a longitudinal opening (29) oriented parallel to the plane of the base plate (22). The longitudinal openings (25, 29) of the first and second tube members (24, 10 28) are provided for receiving elongate members (20) of a handrail structure (12) and a clamping means (30) is provided to clamp onto an element of a building structure to support the handrail support device (10). C Co CoY

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention title: "Handrail Support Device" Applicant: Westoz Roofing Pty Ltd Associated provisional applications: Number 2012902910 filed 9 July 2013 The following statement is a full description of the invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 2 "Handrail Support Device" Field of the Invention [001] The present invention relates to a device for supporting railings around an elevated structure. Background to the Invention [002] When performing construction or maintenance work around elevated structures such as buildings, it is generally required to provide a suitable edge protection system to prevent workers from falling. Temporary handrails are therefore often provided around the perimeter of the structure formed from connected tubing. [003] Such scaffolding type handrail systems must be supported from the building structure and a variety of means have been used to connect the railing system to the building. As the available locations to which such a structure can be mounted vary from building to building, it is often required to have different types of connecting devices to allow connection of the edge protection system on these various structures. [004] The present invention relates to a handrail support device provided to connect edge protection railings to building structures. The handrail support device of the present invention aims to provide an improved configuration for utility in a variety of different situations. Summary of the Invention [005] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a handrail support device comprising: a base plate; a first tube member connected to a first side of the base plate having a longitudinal opening oriented perpendicular to the plane of the base plate; 3 a second tube member connected to the first side of the base plate having a longitudinal opening oriented parallel to the plane of the base plate; and a clamping means secured to the base plate; wherein the longitudinal openings of the first and second tube members are provided for receiving elongate members of a handrail structure and the clamping means is provided to clamp onto an element of a building structure to support the handrail support device. [006] Preferably the base plate includes an aperture aligned with the opening in the first tube member such that an elongate member received in the first tube member can extend outwardly from both the first side and an opposed second side of the base plate. [007] Preferably the first tube member extends outwardly from adjacent a midpoint of the base plate. [008] In a preferred embodiment, the second tube member is secured to the base plate such that a midpoint thereof is located adjacent a proximal end of the first tube member. [009] In one embodiment, the clamping means comprises: a plate member extending perpendicular to the base plate and parallel to the second tube member; and one or more clamping screws received in threaded holes in the plate member; wherein the clamping screws extend into a recess defined between the plate member and the second tube member. [010] Preferably the plate member is located on a side of the second tube member opposite the first tube member. [011] A transverse lip is preferably provided extending from a distal edge of the plate member such that the transverse lip is oriented parallel to the base plate. [012] In a preferred embodiment, the first tube member includes a first clamping screw extending through a side wall thereof such that tightening the 4 first clamping screw extends an inner end thereof into the opening to clamp against an elongate member received therein. [013] In a preferred embodiment, the second tube member includes a second clamping screw extending through a side wall thereof such that tightening the second clamping screw extends an inner end thereof into the opening to clamp against an elongate member received therein. [014] Preferably the base plate is provided with holes therein for receiving suitable securing bolts to secure the handrail support device to a slab. [015] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided support bracket for supporting handrails, the support bracket comprising: a first side member comprising a tube such that vertical elongate members of a handrail structure may be received into the first side member; a second side member oriented parallel to the first side member; an upper member extending between upper ends of the first and second side members; and a transverse member secured to the first side member; wherein the support bracket is to be placed over the upper edge of a slab such that the upper member rests on the upper edge of the slab and the first and second side members extend down opposed vertical sides of the slab and wherein the transverse member extends in a direction parallel to the plane defined by the first, second and upper members such that the transverse member can receive an elongate member of the handrail structure. [016] Preferably a first clamping screw is provided passing through the first side member towards the second member to clamp the support bracket to an element of a building structure. [017] Preferably the transverse member includes a second clamping screw passing through the transverse member to engage with and secure an elongate member received therein.

5 Brief Description of the Drawings [018] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings in which: [019] Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of a handrail support device in accordance with the present invention; [020] Figure 2 is a lower perspective view of the handrail support device of Figure 1; [021] Figure 3 is a first upper perspective of handrail support devices of Figure 1 connected to purlins of a building structure for supporting handrails of an edge protection system; [022] Figure 4 is a second upper perspective view of the edge protection system of Figure 3; [023] Figure 5 is a third upper perspective view of the edge protection system of Figure 3; [024] Figure 6 is a first side view of the edge protection system of Figure 3; [025] Figure 7 is a second side view of the edge protection system of Figure 3. [026] Figure 8 is a close up side view of a handrail support device of the edge protection system of Figure 3; [027] Figure 9 is a first upper perspective view of handrail support devices of Figure 1 connected to purlins of a building structure having a vertical side slab; [028] Figure 10 is a second upper perspective view of the edge protection system of Figure 9; [029] Figure 11 is a side view of the edge protection system of Figure 9; [030] Figure 12 is a close up side view of a handrail support device of the edge protection system of Figure 9; [031] Figure 13 is an upper perspective view of a pair of handrail support devices used for supporting a handrail from a purlin; [032] Figure 14 is a side view of the configuration of Figure 13; 6 [033] Figure 15 is an upper perspective view of handrail support devices secured to a side surface of a vertical slab for supporting handrails of an edge protection system. [034] Figure 16 is a support bracket in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention; [035] Figure 17 is a first upper perspective view of the support bracket of Figure 16 supporting handrails of an edge protection system; [036] Figure 18 is a second upper perspective view of the edge protection system of Figure 17; [037] Figure 19 is a side view of the edge protection system of Figure 17; and [038] Figure 20 is the first upper perspective view of the edge protection system of Figure 17 shown supporting a further vertical rail member from an elongate member engaged through the support brackets. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments [039] Referring to Figures, there is shown a handrail support device 10 for use supporting handrails 12 of an edge protection system. The handrails 12 comprise generally a plurality of vertical rail members 14 located at intervals around the perimeter of a building structure and a plurality of horizontal rail members 15 extending between the vertical rail members 14. The vertical and horizontal rail members 14 and 15 are secured together by clamping brackets 16 provided on the vertical rail members 14. The horizontal rail members 15 are received through the clamping brackets 16 and secured by tightening the clamping brackets 16. [040] The vertical rail members 14 include transverse end portions 18 located adjacent lower ends thereof. The transverse end portions 18 comprise tube segments having a longitudinal opening. The handrail support devices 10 are provided to secure to the building structure and to support one or more elongate members 20. The elongate members 20 extend horizontally away from the handrail support devices 10 and pass through the openings in the transverse end portions 18 to support the handrails 12 from the building structure.

7 [041] The handrail support device 10 comprises a base plate 22 of suitable material. The base plate 22 is expected to be constructed of metal and in the embodiment shown comprises a rectangular plate. The handrail support device 10 includes a first tube member 24 secured to a first side 26 of the base plate 22. The first tube member 24 includes a longitudinal opening 25 and extends outwardly from the first side 26 of the base plate 22 such that the first tube member 24 is oriented perpendicular to the plane of the base plate 22. In the embodiment shown, the first tube member 24 extends outwardly from adjacent a midpoint of the base plate 22. [042] The first tube member 24 is provided for receiving one of the elongate members 20 of the handrail 12. In the embodiment shown, the elongate members 20 have a square transverse cross section and so the first tube member 24 comprises a tube of square cross section to receive the elongate members 20. The first tube member 24 includes a first clamping screw 34 extending through a side wall thereof. The first clamping screw 34 is provided such that tightening the first clamping screw 34 extends an inner end thereof into the opening 25 to clamp against an elongate member 20 received therein. [043] The base plate 22 also includes an aperture therein aligned with the opening 25 in the first tube member 24. An elongate member 20 received in the first tube member 24 can therefore pass through the base plate 22 such that the elongate member 20 extends outwardly from both the first side 26 and an opposed second side 27 of the base plate 22. [044] The handrail support device 10 includes also a second tube member 28 secured to the first side 26 of the base plate 22. The first tube member 24 includes a longitudinal opening 29 and is secured to the base plate 22 such that the second tube member 28 is oriented parallel to the plane of the base plate 22. In the embodiment shown, the second tube member 28 is secured to the base plate 22 such that a midpoint thereof is located adjacent a proximal end of the first tube member 24.

8 [045] The second tube member 28 is also provided for receiving one of the elongate members 20 of the handrail 12. The second tube member 28 in the embodiment shown also has a square transverse cross section. [046] The second tube member 28 includes a second clamping screw 38 extending through a side wall thereof. The second clamping screw 38 is provided such that tightening the second clamping screw 38 extends an inner end thereof into the opening 29 to clamp against an elongate member 20 received therein. [047] The handrail support device 10 is provided also with a clamping means 30. The clamping means 30 is provided on the first side 26 of the base plate 22 and is provided to secure the handrail support device 10 to a portion of the building structure. The clamping means 30 comprises a plate member 32 extending perpendicular to the base plate 22 and parallel to the second tube member 28. The plate member 32 is located adjacent an edge of the base plate 22 on a side of the second tube member 28 opposite the first tube member 24. The plate member 32 thereby defines a recess between itself and the second tube member 28 for receiving an element of the building structure. [048] The clamping means 30 includes also third clamping screws 36 received in threaded holes in the plate member 32 to extend into the recess between the plate member 32 and the second tube member 28. In the embodiment shown, there is provided a pair of third clamping screws 36. Tightening the clamping screws 36 thereby clamps an element of the building structure against a side wall of the second tube member 28. The width of the recess is such that a further elongate member 20 may also be received and clamped therein. A transverse lip 40 is provided extending from a distal edge of the plate member 32. The transverse lip 40 is oriented parallel to the base plate 22 and serves to further retain the element of the building structure or elongate member 20 in the recess. [049] The handrail support device 10 can be used to support handrails 12 in a variety of different configurations from various building structures. In the embodiment of Figures 3 to 8, the handrail support devices 10 are arranged 9 such that lower horizontal flanges of purlins 42 are received in the recesses of the clamping means 30. The handrail support devices 10 are thereby secured to the purlins 42 with the base plates 22 oriented vertically. The first tube members 24 can therefore be used to receive elongate members 20 extending outwardly in one direction and the second tube members 28 can be used to receive elongate members 20 extending outwardly in a second perpendicular direction. As can be seen, this allows handrails 12 to be supported around perpendicular sides of the structure. Also, the aperture in the base plate 22 allows elongate members 20 received through the first tube members 24 to pass under multiple purlins 42 and to be supported by more than one handrail support device 10. [050] Figures 9 to 12 show a second configuration of an edge protection system of handrails 12 in which the purlins 42 extend above a vertical slab 44. In this embodiment, elongate members 20 are received between the plate member 32 of the clamping means 30 and the second tube members 28 along with the purlin 42, rather than through the second tube members 28 under the purlins 42. This allows these elongate members 20 to extend above and over the upper edge of the slab 44 as can be seen. [051] Figures 13 and 14 show a further configuration being similar to that of Figures 3 to 8. In the configuration of Figures 13 and 14, a pair of handrail support devices 10 are clamped to lower and upper flanges of the purlin 42 to provide additional support for the vertical rail member 14. [052] The handrail support devices 10 may also be simply bolted to the side surface of the slab 44 if required. The base plate 22 is provided with holes 62 therein for receiving suitable securing bolts to secure the handrail support devices 10 to the slab 44 as shown in Figure 15. [053] Figure 16 shows a support bracket 50 for use with the handrail support device 10 of the present invention. The support bracket 50 is provided to extend over an upper edge of the slab 44 to allow the handrails to be supported directly from the slab 44. The support bracket 50 comprises a first side member 52, a second side member 54 and an upper member 53. The 10 first and second side members 52 and 54 are elongate and to be oriented generally vertically in use. The upper member 53 is also elongate and extends between upper ends of the first and second side members 52 and 54. In use, the support bracket 50 is placed over the upper edge of the slab 44 such that the upper member 53 rests on the upper edge of the slab 44 and the first and second side members 52 and 54 extend down opposed vertical sides of the slab 44. The support bracket 50 includes a clamping screw 58 passing through the first side member 52 towards the second member 54 to clamp the support bracket 50 to the slab 44. [054] The support bracket 50 may be used to support vertical rail members 14 of the handrails 12 directly as shown in Figures 17 and 18. The first side members 52 of the support brackets 50 comprise tube members such that the vertical rail members 14 may be received directly into the first side members 52 and clamped thereto by a first clamping screw 60 provided in the first side member 52. [055] The first side member 52 is provided with a transverse member 56 secured generally adjacent a midpoint thereof. The transverse member 56 extends in a direction parallel to the plane defined by the first, second and upper members 52, 54 and 53. The transverse member 56 therefore extends in use horizontally adjacent a side surface of the slab 44 (as can be seen in Figure 17). The transverse member 56 comprises a tube that can receive an elongate member 20 therein (as shown in Figure 20) such that the elongate member 20 is located adjacent and parallel to the slab 44 as shown. Further vertical rail members 14 may then be supported from the elongate member 20 as shown. The transverse member 56 includes a second clamping screw 61 passing through the transverse member 56 to engage with and secure an elongate member 20 received therein. [056] It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention.

Claims (13)

1. A handrail support device comprising: a base plate; a first tube member connected to a first side of the base plate having a longitudinal opening oriented perpendicular to the plane of the base plate; a second tube member connected to the first side of the base plate having a longitudinal opening oriented parallel to the plane of the base plate; and a clamping means secured to the base plate; wherein the longitudinal openings of the first and second tube members are provided for receiving elongate members of a handrail structure and the clamping means is provided to clamp onto an element of a building structure to support the handrail support device.

2. A handrail support device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the base plate includes an aperture aligned with the opening in the first tube member such that an elongate member received in the first tube member can extend outwardly from both the first side and an opposed second side of the base plate.

3. A handrail support device in accordance with claim 1 or 2, wherein the first tube member extends outwardly from adjacent a midpoint of the base plate.

4. A handrail support device in accordance with claim 3, wherein the second tube member is secured to the base plate such that a midpoint thereof is located adjacent a proximal end of the first tube member.

5. A handrail support device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping means comprises: a plate member extending perpendicular to the base plate and parallel to the second tube member; and 12 one or more clamping screws received in threaded holes in the plate member; wherein the clamping screws extend into a recess defined between the plate member and the second tube member.

6. A handrail support device in accordance with claim 5, wherein the plate member is located on a side of the second tube member opposite the first tube member.

7. A handrail support device in accordance with claim 6, wherein a transverse lip is provided extending from a distal edge of the plate member such that the transverse lip is oriented parallel to the base plate.

8. A handrail support device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first tube member includes a first clamping screw extending through a side wall thereof such that tightening the first clamping screw extends an inner end thereof into the opening to clamp against an elongate member received therein.

9. A handrail support device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the second tube member includes a second clamping screw extending through a side wall thereof such that tightening the second clamping screw extends an inner end thereof into the opening to clamp against an elongate member received therein.

10. A handrail support device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate is provided with holes therein for receiving suitable securing bolts to secure the handrail support device to a slab.

11. A support bracket for supporting handrails, the support bracket comprising: a first side member comprising a tube such that vertical elongate members of a handrail structure may be received into the first side member; a second side member oriented parallel to the first side member; an upper member extending between upper ends of the first and second side members; and a transverse member secured to the first side member; 13 wherein the support bracket is to be placed over the upper edge of a slab such that the upper member rests on the upper edge of the slab and the first and second side members extend down opposed vertical sides of the slab and wherein the transverse member extends in a direction parallel to the plane defined by the first, second and upper members such that the transverse member can receive an elongate member of the handrail structure.

12. A support bracket in accordance with claim 11, wherein a first clamping screw is provided passing through the first side member towards the second member to clamp the support bracket to an element of a building structure.

13. A support bracket in accordance with claim 12, wherein the transverse member includes a second clamping screw passing through the transverse member to engage with and secure an elongate member received therein. Westoz Roofing Pty Ltd by its Patent Attorneys Armour IP