AU2020210177A1 - Apparatus and method for installing a kerb rail on an access ramp - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for installing a kerb rail, hand rail or the like on an access ramp comprising at least one post extending generally vertically from the ramp. The apparatus comprises at least one bracket attachable to the post and being adapted for retaining an end of the kerb rail, hand rail or the like in the at least one bracket. 1/7 40 2Ycf43 15 Fig.21Z4

Description

1/7

40 2Ycf43

Fig.21Z4

"Apparatus and method for installing a kerb rail on an access ramp"

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for installing a kerb rail, hand rail or the like on an access ramp. The invention also relates to a method of installing a kerb rail, hand rail or the like on an access ramp.

Background

[0002] Many buildings have entrances that are raised above ground level and require a person to climb a short flight of stairs to enter the building. Access ramps are typically installed at the entrance to allow wheelchair or disabled access to the building. The access ramp typically includes a sloped ramp section from ground level to the building entrance level, and a landing that may include a 90 degree change of direction depending on the orientation of the ramp relative to the building entrance. The access ramp usually has a hand rail, supported by vertical posts spaced along the access ramp. A kerb rail is also required for the safety of wheelchair users. The kerb rail is a section or sections of metal plate installed at the edge of the ramp section and landing to prevent wheelchairs from inadvertently falling off the edge of the access ramp.

[0003] Most kerb rails presently in use on access ramps are made of either stainless steel or galvanised metal and are traditionally installed onto the posts of the access ramp by welding. The welding takes place on-site at the building and requires associated pre-welding cleaning and post-welding polishing operations. The installation of the kerb rail therefore requires specialist skill, is labour intensive and, consequently, expensive.

[0004] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to overcome or alleviate one or more of the above problems or at least to provide a useful alternative.

Summary

[0006] According to some embodiments, there is disclosed an apparatus for installing a kerb rail, hand rail or the like on an access ramp, the access ramp comprising at least one post extending generally vertically from the ramp, the apparatus comprising a bracket attachable to the post and being adapted for retaining an end of the kerb rail, hand rail or the like in the bracket.

[0007] The use of the brackets to receive and retain the kerb rail removes the need for site welding and the kerb rail can be installed using only fastening devices and tools that do not require specialised labour, such as allen (hex) keys, countersunk (socket head) screws etc. The system is substantially more efficient in installation time, cost and labour, in particular as on-site welding is no longer required.

[0008] In embodiments, the bracket includes a bracket body having an upper flange and a lower flange defining a rail receiving channel there between, and a clamping member adapted for clamping the end of the kerb rail, hand rail or the like within the rail receiving portion.

[0009] In embodiments, the apparatus includes a fastening device adapted for retaining the end portion of the rail into the rail receiving channel and fastening together the clamping member and the bracket body.

[0010] In embodiments, the end portion of the rail includes an aperture there through, wherein the fastening device includes a shaft portion defining an axis and being adapted to extend through the aperture and through a pair of corresponding apertures in the rail receiving portion of the bracket and the clamping member such that the rail is pivotable about the shaft axis within the rail receiving channel. This allows the angle of the kerb rail to be adjusted on the shaft in the rail receiving portion before the fastening member tightens the clamping member against it and the bracket body to retain the end of the kerb rail at the desired orientation.

[0011] In embodiments, the apparatus includes a post fastener adapted for affixing the bracket onto the post. This ensures that the bracket, and the kerb rail, are robustly installed at the desired height and can withstand increased loading without being displaced on the bracket.

[0012] In embodiments, the bracket body and the clamping member are hingedly attached to one another. This type of bracket may be used at an end post of the access ramp.

[0013] The apparatus may include at least first and second brackets. A first bracket of the plurality of brackets is adapted for receiving a first end of the kerb rail, hand rail or the like, and wherein a second bracket of the plurality of brackets is adapted for receiving a second end of the kerb rail, hand rail or the like.

[0014] In an embodiment, there is provided a method of installing a kerb rail, hand rail or the like on an access ramp, the access ramp including at least a first post extending vertically therefrom, the method including attaching a first bracket according to any preceding claim to the first post, inserting a first end of a kerb rail, hand rail or the like into a rail receiving channel of a bracket body of the first bracket, and clamping a clamping member of the first bracket onto the kerb rail, hand rail or the like.

[0015] In some embodiments, the method further comprises retaining the first end of the kerb rail, hand rail or the like into the rail receiving channel of the first bracket and adjusting the angle of the kerb rail, hand rail or the like in the rail receiving channel.

[0016] In some embodiments, the access ramp includes a second post vertically extending therefrom, the method comprising inserting a second end of the kerb rail, hand rail or the like into a rail receiving channel of a second bracket and clamping a clamping member of the second bracket onto the kerb rail, hand rail or the like.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method further comprises retaining the second end of the kerb rail, hand rail or the like into the rail receiving channel of the second bracket, and adjusting the angle of the kerb rail, hand rail or the like in the rail receiving channel.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0018] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described byway of specific example(s) with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an access ramp embodying an apparatus according to the invention;

[0020] Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the access ramp of Fig. 1;

[0021] Fig. 3a is a perspective view of an end bracket of an apparatus in accordance with the invention, in an open configuration;

[0022] Fig. 3b is a perspective view of the end bracket of Fig. 3a in accordance with the invention, in a closed configuration;

[0023] Fig. 3c is a front perspective view of the end bracket of Fig. 3b including a fastening device;

[0024] Fig. 3d is a rear perspective view of the end bracket of Fig. 3c;

[0025] Fig. 3e is a rear view of the end bracket of Fig. 3a;

[0026] Fig. 3f is a side view of the end bracket of Fig. 3a;

[0027] Fig. 3g is a plan view of the end bracket of Fig. 3a;

[0028] Fig. 4a is a front perspective view of an intermediate bracket of an apparatus in accordance with the invention;

[0029] Fig. 4b is a rear perspective view of the intermediate bracket of Fig. 4a including fastening devices;

[0030] Fig. 4c is a rear view of the intermediate bracket of Fig. 4a;

[0031] Fig. 4d is aside view of the intermediate bracket of Fig. 4a;

[0032] Fig. 4e is a plan view of the intermediate bracket of Fig. 4a;

[0033] Fig. 5a is a rear perspective view of a corner bracket of an apparatus in accordance with the invention;

[0034] Fig. 5b is a front view of the corner bracket of Fig. 5a;

[0035] Fig. 5c is a side view of the corner bracket of Fig. 5a;

[0036] Fig. 5d is a plan view of the corner bracket of Fig. 5a;

[0037] Fig. 5e is a front perspective view of the corner bracket of Fig. 5a;

[0038] Figs. 5f to 5i are views of the bracket body of the corner bracket of Fig. 5a;

[0039] Figs. 5j to 5m are views of the clamping member of the corner bracket of Fig. a; and

[0040] Fig. 6 is a schematic view of a kerb rail for use with an apparatus according to the invention.

Description of Embodiments

[0041] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a schematic view of an access ramp 1 of the type typically in use at the entrance of a building for providing disabled access to the building from ground level. The access ramp 1 avoids the need for disabled users, in particular but not exclusively wheelchair users, to negotiate steps that may otherwise provide the only other access to the building entrance. The access ramp 1 has an entrance/exit 5 at ground level, a lower ramp section 10 and a flat landing section 15 at the top of the ramp section 10, the flat landing section 15 having an exit/entrance 20 that in use adjoins the building entrance. The access ramp 1 includes a number of vertically extending posts 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e, that are equi-spaced along an outer edge of each of the ramp section 10 and the flat landing section 15, typically at a distance of 1500mm between post centres. A kerb rail 30 is installed on the access ramp 1. The kerb rail 30 comprises of multiple sections 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d of kerb rail, each kerb rail 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d consisting of an elongate steel plate of rectangular hollow section (RHS) that extends between two of the posts 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e. Each kerb rail 30 includes an aperture 32 at either end thereof for receiving a fastening device 60. Together, the kerb rails 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d extend along an outer edge of the ramp section 10 and the flat section 15 to prevent a wheelchair user from inadvertently falling off the side of the access ramp 1. The access ramp 1 and the kerb rail 30 are standard supply components.

[0042] The kerb rail 30 is shown in Figs. 1 and 2 installed at a specific height on the posts according to one or more standards, in particular Australian Standard 1428.1 (AS1428.1). An apparatus for installing the kerb rail 30 on the posts 25 includes a bracket 40; 140; 240 that is attachable to a post 25 and which is adapted for retaining an end of the kerb rail 30 in the bracket 40;140;240. The bracket may be one of three different types - an end bracket 40, an intermediate bracket 140 or a corner bracket 240, depending on the location on the access ramp 1 at which it is required as will be described further below. Each of the brackets has a bracket body 45 having an upper flange 47 and a lower flange 49 defining a rail receiving channel 51 in the space there between, and a clamping member 50 adapted for clamping the end of the kerb rail 30 within the rail receiving channel 51. At least one fastening device 60 is adapted for retaining the end portion of the rail 30 into the rail receiving channel 51 and fastening together the clamping member 50 and the bracket body 45.

[0043] Each of the bracket types is described in turn below.

End bracket

[0044] The end bracket 40 shown in Figs. 3a to 3g is used to install the kerb rail 30 onto the post 25a at the entrance/exit 5 of the access ramp 1 and onto the post 25e at the exit/entrance 20 to the access ramp 1. The bracket body 45 comprises a flat rectangular plate portion 44 having a height dimension that is slightly larger than the height dimension of the kerb rail 30. The upper flange 47 and lower flange 49 extend perpendicularly to the plane of the flat plate portion 44, towards an interior of the bracket 40 such that the three surfaces 47, 49 and 44 define the rail receiving channel 51. Adjacent the flat plate portion 44, the bracket body 45 has a curved plate portion 46 with a semi-circular profile as best seen in Fig. 3g. An inner diameter of the semi circular profile is sized to receive the post 25 with a close fit. The clamping member also has a flat plate portion 54 and a curved plate portion 56 of similar but slightly shorter dimensions to the corresponding parts of the bracket body 45. The flat plate portion 54 of the clamping member 50 is of a height dimension that is slightly shorter than the flat plate portion 44 of the bracket body 45 so as to fit between the upper flange 47 and the lower flange 49 of the bracket body 45 when the clamping member is tightened into the bracket body 45.

[0045] The end bracket 40 is designed as a single component that clamps onto the post 25. Accordingly, elongate edges of the curved plate portions 46, 56 of the bracket body 45 and clamping member 50 respectively are connected by a hinge 48 formed along elongate edges of the curved plate portions 46, 56. An elongate edge of the curved plate portion 46 of the bracket body 45 includes a shallow recess that hingedly receives a corresponding shallow protrusion that extends long the elongate edge of the curved portion 56 of the clamping member 50. Lugs in opposing ends of the protrusion are received in corresponding holes in the recess to hingedly attach the curved plate portion 46 to the curved plate portion 56. In use, the hinge 48 allows the curved portions 46, 56 of the end bracket 40 to be fitted to the post 25 and the kerb rail 30 whilst in an open configuration as shown in Fig. 3a and then the hinge closed around the post 25 as shown schematically in Fig. 3b. The kerb rail 30 is fitted into the rail receiving channel 51 as described below. The clamping plate 50 can then be closed into the bracket body 45. The end bracket 40 sits on the post 25 and clamps around it, holding it in position. One or more optional post fastening devices 70 can be fitted through one or more clearance holes 72 pre-drilled into the curved portion 56 of the clamping member 50 and into the post 25 to ensure the bracket 40 does not slip down on the post 25 when abnormal load is applied to the kerb rail 30, for example by someone jumping on it. The post fastening device 70 may be a wafer screw or similar.

[0046] The flat plate portion 44 of the bracket body 45 includes an aperture 75 that is countersunk at an exterior surface of the flat plate portion 44 that faces away from the rail receiving channel 51. A corresponding aperture 77 (not countersunk) is drilled into the opposing flat plate portion 54 of the clamping member 50. The fastening member of the end bracket 40 is a countersunk socket head screw that is fastened with a dome nut. To install the kerb rail 30 into the bracket 40, an end of the kerb rail 30 is inserted into the rail receiving channel 51. A shaft of the countersunk socket head screw 60 is passed through the aperture 75 in the bracket body 45, the aperture 32 in the end of the kerb rail 30 and through the aperture 77 in the clamping member. The dome nut fastens onto the shaft portion of the countersunk socket head screw 60 to clamp the kerb rail 30 into the bracket 40 and to tighten the end bracket 40 onto the post 25. The shaft of the socket head screw acts as a pivot axis, allowing the angle of the kerb rail 30 to be adjusted within the bracket 40 to match the angle of the lower ramp section 10 and/or flat landing section 15 of the access ramp 1, prior to final tightening of the dome nut. The fastening of the dome nut fully clamps the kerb rail 30 between the flat plate portion 56 of the clamping member 50 and the flat plate portion 44 of the bracket body 45 to keep the kerb rail 30 in position at the required angle.

Intermediate bracket

[0047] The intermediate bracket 140 shown in Figs. 4a to 4e is used to install continuous kerb rail 30 runs in the same direction either side of a post 25, for example at the posts 25b and 25c, part way along the length of the access ramp 1. The intermediate bracket 140 clamps two sections of kerb rail 30 on the same plane, whilst allowing the angle of each kerb rail 30 to be adjusted independently. The intermediate bracket 140 is designed as a two-piece bracket that clamps onto a post 25. The bracket body 145 has a height dimension that is slightly larger than the height dimension of the kerb rail 30 and comprises a pair of flat rectangular plate portions 144a, 144b arranged either side of a central curved portion 146. The flat plate portions 144a, 144b each have an upper flange 147 and a lower flange 149 extending perpendicularly to the plane of the flat plate portions 144a, 144b such that the flanges 147, 149 and the flat rectangular plate portions 144a, 144b define a pair of rail receiving channels 151a, lb. Between the flat plate portions 144a, 144b, the curved plate portion 146 has a semi-circular profile as best seen in Figs. 4b and 4e. An inner diameter of the semi circular profile is sized to receive the post 25 with a close fit. The clamping member 150 also has a pair of flat plate portions 154a, 154b and a central curved plate portion 156of similar but slightly shorter dimensions to the bracket body 145. The flat plate portions 154a, 154b of the clamping member 150 are of a height dimension that is slightly shorter than the flat plate portions of the bracket body 145 so as to fit between the upper flanges 147 and the lower flanges 149 of the bracket body in order to fasten the clamping member 150 onto the bracket body 145.

[0048] As with the end bracket 40, one or more optional post fastening devices 70 can be fitted through one or more clearance holes 172 drilled into the curved plate portion 156 of the clamping member 150, and into the post 25 to ensure the bracket 140 does not slip down on the post 25 when abnormal load is applied to the kerb rail 30, for example by someone jumping on it. The post fastening device 70 may be a wafer screw or similar.

[0049] The flat plate portions 144a, 144b of the bracket body 145 each include an aperture 175 that is countersunk at an exterior surface of the flat plate portions that faces away from the rail receiving channels 15la, 15lb. A corresponding aperture 177

(not countersunk) is drilled into each of the opposing flat plate portions 144a, 144b of the clamping member 150. The intermediate bracket 140 requires two fastening devices 60 to fasten the bracket body 145 and the clamping member 150 together. The ends of two separate kerb rails 30 can be installed on the bracket 140, one kerb rail 30 into each of the rail receiving channels 151a, 15lb. An end of the kerb rail 30 is inserted into each of the rail receiving channels 15la, 151b, a shaft of a countersunk socket head screw 60 is passed through each of the apertures 175 in the bracket body 145, the apertures 32 in the ends of the kerb rails 30 and through the apertures 77 in the clamping member 150. The dome nut of the fasting device 60 fastens onto the shaft portion of each countersunk socket head screw 60 to clamp the kerb rail 30 into the bracket 140 and to tighten the intermediate bracket 140 onto the post 25. The shaft of the socket head screw on each side of the intermediate bracket 140 acts as a pivot axis, allowing the angle of the respective kerb rails 30 to be adjusted independently of one another to match the angle of the lower ramp section 10 and/or flat landing section 15 of the access ramp 1, prior to final tightening of the dome nut. The final fastening of the dome nut fully clamps the kerb rail 30 between the flat plate portion 154a, 154b of the clamping member 150 and the flat plate portion 144a, 144b of the bracket body 145 to keep the kerb rail 30 in position at the required angle.

Corner bracket

[0050] The corner bracket 240 is used for changes in direction of the kerb rail 30 on the access ramp, for example at post 25d of Figs 1 and 2. The corner bracket 240 is shown in Figs. 5a to 5m and is designed as a two-piece bracket that clamps onto the post 25. The bracket body 245 has a height dimension that is slightly larger than the height dimension of the kerb rail 30 and comprises a pair of flat rectangular plate portions 244a, 244b arranged at 90 degrees to each other either side of a small central curved portion 246. The flat plate portions 244a, 244b each have an upper flange 247a, 247b and a lower flange 249a, 249b extending perpendicularly to the plane of the flat plate portions 244a, 244b towards an exterior of the bracket 240 such that the flanges 247, 249 and the flat rectangular plate portions 244a, 244b define a pair of rail receiving channels 251a, 251b angled at 90 degrees to one another. The upper flanges

247a, 247b are joined together at an apex of the bracket body 245 by a curved edge 248 having a radius that is the same as that of the semi-circular profile of the brackets 40, 140, as best seen in Figs. 4d and 4e. The radiused edge 248 is sized to receive the post with a close fit. The clamping member 250 has a pair of flat plate portions 254a, 254b and a central curved plate portion 256 comprising a semi-circular profile sized to receive the post 25 there inside. The semi-circular profile graduates into the flat plate portions 254a, 254b either side of the central curved portion 256 such that the flat plate portions 254a, 254b are arranged at 90 degrees to one another. The dimensions of the clamping member 250 are similar to but slightly shorter than the dimensions to the bracket body 245. The flat plate portions 254a, 254b of the clamping member 250 are of a height dimension that is slightly shorter than the flat plate portions of the bracket body 245 so as to fit between the upper flanges 247 and the lower flanges 249 of the bracket body 245 in order to fasten the clamping member 250 onto the bracket body 245.

[0051] As with the end bracket 40, one or more optional post fastening devices 70 can be fitted through one or more clearance holes 272 drilled into the curved plate portion 256 of the clamping member 250, and into the post 25 to ensure the bracket 240 does not slip down on the post 25 when abnormal load is applied to the kerb rail 30, for example by someone jumping on it. The post fastening device 70 may be a wafer screw or similar.

[0052] The flat plate portions 244a, 244b of the bracket body 245 each include an aperture 275 that is countersunk at an exterior surface of the flat plate portions that faces away from the rail receiving channels 251a, 251b. A corresponding aperture 277 (not countersunk) is drilled into each of the opposing flat plate portions 244a, 244b of the clamping member 250. The corner bracket 240 requires two fastening devices 60 to fasten the bracket body 245 and the clamping member 250 together. The ends of two separate kerb rails 30 can be installed on the bracket 240, one kerb rail 30 into each of the rail receiving channels 251a, 251b. An end of the kerb rail 30 is inserted into each of the rail receiving channels 251a, 251b, a shaft of a countersunk socket head screw 60 is passed through each of the apertures 275 in the bracket body 245, the apertures 32 in the ends of the kerb rails 30 and through the apertures 277 in the clamping member 250. The dome nut of the fasting device 60 fastens onto the shaft portion of each countersunk socket head screw 60 to clamp the kerb rail 30 into the bracket 240 and to tighten the corner bracket 240 onto the post 25. The shaft of the socket head screw on each side of the corner bracket 240 acts as a pivot axis, allowing the angle of the respective kerb rails 30 to be adjusted independently of one another to match the angle of the lower ramp section 10 and/or flat landing section 15 of the access ramp 1, prior to final tightening of the dome nut. The final fastening of the dome nut fully clamps the kerb rail 30 between the flat plate portion 254a, 254b of the clamping member 250 and the flat plate portion 244a, 244b of the bracket body 245 to keep the kerb rail 30 in position at the required angle.

[0053] Each of the end bracket 40, the intermediate bracket 140 and the corner bracket 240 are designed to be fully compliant with Australian Standard 1428.1 (AS1428.1) as at the date of filing. The brackets of the apparatus described above can be manufactured (e.g. moulded or cast) from any metal product, carbon fibre or other robust material that complies with AS1428.1. Typical materials include stainless steel (316 or 304) or galvanised steel.

[0054] All brackets allow for adjustment of the kerb rail 30 to inclines at up to double the currently maximum allowable angle for access ramps, hence the brackets will support all installations that comply with AS1428.1.

[0055] Installation of the kerb rail on the access ramp using the brackets and fastening devices of the apparatus disclosed herein is as follows.

[0056] A first bracket is fitted to a first post. AS1428.1 requires that the base of the kerb rail be positioned between 65mm and 75mm above the ramp or landing level therefore the bracket 40, 140 or 240 is fitted around the post 25 at the desired height to achieve this. Once the bracket is place in the correct position, a hole can be drilled into the post 25 through the bracket clamping member 50, 150, 250 and then fastened with the wafer screw 70. The hole can be drilled into the post 25 through the clearance hole

72, 172, 272 in the clamping plate, allowing the wafer screw 70 to be installed through the clamping member 50; 150; 250 and into the post 25, to prevent any vertical movement and retain compliance for correct height/clearances according to AS1428.1 or other applicable standard.

[0057] A first end of a kerb rail 30 is then inserted into a rail receiving channel of the bracket body of the first bracket. The first end of the kerb rail is fastened into the rail receiving channel using the fastening device 60 inserted through the apertures in the bracket body, kerb rail and clamping member to retain the kerb rail in the rail receiving channel. The countersunk screw 60 is tightened using an allen (hex) key. The angle of the kerb rail 30 can be adjusted about the shaft of the countersunk screw 60. The post centres, nominally at 1500mm distance from one another, will allow the kerb rail 30 to fit between two brackets and allow a kerb rail angle adjustment through the range permitted by AS1428.1 (currently 1:14 or 4). The clamping member 50, 150, 250 is clamped onto the kerb rail to hold it in position.

[0058] The above process is repeated to install the second end of the kerb rail 30 onto a second post on the access ramp. The first end of the kerb rail can be adjusted and tightened in the first bracket before, after or at the same time as the second end of the kerb rail is adjusted and clamped in the second bracket to align the kerb rail at the desired angle relative to the ramp or landing as required.

[0059] The brackets and fastening devices of the apparatus provide an efficient and cost effective means of installing the kerb rail onto an access ramp without the need for it to be welded onto the posts. The use of fastening devices such as countersunk screws, wafer screws means the installation does not require specialist skill to perform. Furthermore, the brackets and fastening devices of the apparatus allow the independent adjustment of each end of each kerb rail for ease of installation of the kerb rail onto the posts.

[0060] The skilled person will appreciate that although described in terms of installing a kerb rail onto an access ramp, the apparatus according to the invention described above can be applied equally to a hand rail or the like as well or instead of to a kerb rail. In this case the apparatus applies to other ramps or walkways in addition to disabled or access ramps.

[0061] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0062] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (15)

CLAIMS:

1. An apparatus for installing a kerb rail, hand rail or the like on an access ramp, the access ramp comprising at least one post extending generally vertically from the ramp, the apparatus comprising at least one bracket attachable to the post and being adapted for retaining an end of the kerb rail, hand rail or the like in the at least one bracket.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one bracket includes a bracket body having an upper flange and a lower flange defining a rail receiving channel there between, and a clamping member adapted for clamping the end of the kerb rail, hand rail or the like within the rail receiving channel.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, including a fastening device adapted for retaining the end of the kerb rail, hand rail or the like in the rail receiving channel and clamping together the clamping member and the bracket body.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the fastening device includes a shaft portion, wherein the bracket body and the clamping member include a pair of corresponding apertures for receiving the shaft portion there through such that the shaft portion extends through the rail receiving channel in an orientation parallel to the upper flange and the lower flange, whereby the shaft portion defines a pivot axis adapted for adjustably retaining the end of the kerb rail, hand rail or the like in the rail receiving channel.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, further including a post fastener adapted for affixing the at least one bracket onto the at least one post.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the at least one bracket is adapted for use in installing the kerb rail, hand rail or the like at an end of the access ramp.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the bracket body and the clamping member are hingedly attached to one another.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one bracket is adapted for use in installing two kerb rails at an angle relative to each other at a corner of the access ramp.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one bracket is adapted for use in installing two kerb rails in the same plane as each other on the access ramp.

10. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims Ito 9, wherein the at least one bracket comprises a first bracket and a second bracket, wherein the first bracket is adapted for receiving a first end of the kerb rail, hand rail or the like, and wherein the second bracket is adapted for receiving a second end of the kerb rail, hand rail or the like.

11. A kit of parts, comprising two or more apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

12. A method of installing a kerb rail, hand rail or the like on an access ramp, the access ramp including at least a first post extending vertically therefrom, the method including attaching a first bracket according to any preceding claim to the first post, inserting a first end of a kerb rail, hand rail or the like into a rail receiving channel of a bracket body of the first bracket, and clamping a clamping member of the first bracket onto the kerb rail, hand rail or the like.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising retaining the first end of the kerb rail, hand rail or the like into the rail receiving channel of the first bracket and adjusting the angle of the kerb rail, hand rail or the like in the rail receiving channel.

14. A method as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the access ramp includes a second post vertically extending therefrom, the method comprising inserting a second end of the kerb rail, hand rail or the like into a rail receiving channel of a second bracket according to any of claims 1 to 9, and clamping a clamping member of the second bracket onto the kerb rail, hand rail or the like.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14, further comprising retaining the second end of the kerb rail, hand rail or the like into the rail receiving channel of the second bracket, and adjusting the angle of the kerb rail, hand rail or the like in the rail receiving channel.