AU2022271500A1 - Safety barrier system - Google Patents

Abstract

A barrier system includes at least two posts (10) and panels (100) for securement to the post (10). The is a perforated metal sheet having a thickness at its edges and defining an array of circular apertures (104). Each post defines a foot portion (12) which defines a series of apertures (16) for attaching the post to a concrete floor or the like and an elongate shaft (14) projecting upwards from the foot portion. The post defines two pairs of opposed flanges (40, 42) extending from opposite sides of the post transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft defining a channel (36, 38) therebetween. The opposed flanges (40, 42) are angled to taper towards each other towards the open end of the channel and the open end of the channel is at least as wide as the thickness of the panel at the edges of the panel. An aperture (44) is defined in the free end of each flange and the edge of the panel may be slid between the opposed flanges of two spaced apart posts (10) in use to define a barrier and secured to the post by passing a fastener (150) through the apertures in the flanges and in the panel. The panel may be secured to the post in a variety of positions and angles relative to the central axis of the channel.

Description

Safety Barrier System

Cross reference to related applications

[0001] This invention claims priority from Australian provisional application No. 2022900488 the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a safety barrier system, particularly for edge protection, particularly, but not exclusively, for cranes.

Background

[0003] Safety barrier systems are used on construction sites as edge protection on the floors of high rise buildings. It is also important to provide edge protection for site pits which are typically dug prior to starting constructions and are typically 10m deep or more. Also, although cranes are almost always located outside the floor plan of a building, high rise constructions will typically include underground or basement levels through which the crane extends and it is necessary to provide a barrier around the crane to prevent workers falling through any gaps in basement or sub-surface floors through which the crane passes. It is also necessary to prevent unauthorised access to the crane itself. In contrast with some barriers, a safety barrier system for cranes ideally also has to provide a means for a crane driver to access the crane on at least one of the levels.

[0004] At present, various ad hoc systems are provided for providing a barrier of sorts around the crane, ranging from upstanding rebar rods covered in end caps to wooden structures made of plywood or the like. The former are unsafe, and the latter have to be custom made, are time consuming to construct and install, and are wasteful of materials.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a re-usable safety barrier system that is suitable for edge protection for cranes and alleviates or at least addresses at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art discussed above.

[0006] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.

Summary

[0007] According to the present invention there is provided a barrier system including:

at least two support posts; and

a panel for securement to the post

wherein each post defines a foot portion which defines a series of apertures for attaching the post to a concrete floor or the like, an elongate shaft projecting upwards from the foot portion and wherein the post defines two opposed flanges extending from one side of the post transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft defining a channel therebetween wherein the edge of the panel may be slid into the channel between the opposed flanges of two spaced apart posts in use to define a barrier.

[0008] It is preferred that the opposed flanges are not parallel to each other but are arranged in vertical planes which taper gradually towards each other away from the shaft so that the channel narrows towards its open end.

[0009] Typically, two opposed flanges extend from opposed sides of the shaft.

[0010] It is preferred that the flanges define holes for receiving locking pins for locking a panel to the support post.

[0011] Typically, the shaft of the support post has a hollow square cross-section.

[0012] Ina preferred embodiment, the system further includes a post extension for locating on the support post for increasing its height.

[0013] The barrier system may further include a door comprising a panel defining a series of depending hooks along one side edge and a door post for mounting in the channels of the support post, the door post defining door support elements for receiving and supporting the hooks and allowing the door to be supported by the door post, and to pivot.

[0014] Typically, the panels comprise perforated metal sheets, typically aluminium, defining an array of holes and optionally carrying advertising or other images.

[0015] It is preferred that the barrier system further includes a return bracket for forming corners, the return bracket having hooks or the like for attachment to the flanges of a post and defining a channel for receiving the edge of a panel.

[0016] The barrier system may further include a bracket for mounting to the side edge of a slab, using fasteners such as bolts and defining a channel for receiving the base of a support post.

[0017] A related aspect of the invention provides a support post for use with a barrier system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the support post defining a foot portion which defines a series of apertures for attaching the post to a concrete floor or the like, an elongate shaft projecting upwards from the foot portion and wherein the post defines two opposed flanges extending from one side of the post transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft defining a channel therebetween, wherein the edge of a panel may be slid between the opposed flanges of two spaced apart posts in use to define a barrier.

[0018] The invention also embraces crane enclosures and slab edge and other barriers formed using the barrier system.

[0019] Ina particular aspect, the invention provides a barrier system including:

at least two posts; and

a panel for securement to the post wherein the panel comprises a perforated metal sheet having a thickness at its edges and defining an array of apertures;

wherein each post defines a foot portion which defines a series of apertures for attaching the post to a concrete floor or the like, an elongate shaft projecting upwards from the foot portion and wherein the post defines two pairs of opposed flanges extending from opposite sides of the post transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft defining a channel therebetween, wherein the opposed flanges are angled to taper towards each other towards the open end of the channel and wherein the open end of the channel is at least as wide as the thickness of the panel at the edges of the panel, and wherein an aperture is defined in the free end of each flange, wherein the edge of the panel may be slid between the opposed flanges of two spaced apart posts in use to define a barrier and secured to the post by passing a fastener through the apertures in the flanges and in the panel, the arrangement being such that the panel may be secured to the post in a variety of positions and angles relative to the central axis of the channel.

[0020] Typically the panel maybe secured to the post in a range of up to about 10, preferably at least 20°, relative to the axis of the channel on each side of the channel.

[0021] 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.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0022] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view illustrating a barrier system assembled around a crane;

Figure 2 is an isometric view illustrating a barrier system protecting a site pit;

Figure 3 is an isometric view illustrating a barrier system protecting slab edges

Figure 4 is an isometric view illustrating part of a slab edge protection system;

Figure 5 shows an isometric view of a support post for use with the system;

Figure 6 shows an enlarged view of the base of the post of Figure 5;

Figure 7 shows a top plan view of the post of Figure 5;

Figure 8 shows the engagement of the post with a panel;

Figure 9 shows an extension post;

Figure 10 shows a return bracket;

Figure 11 shows the return bracket of Figure 10 attached to the support post of Figure ;

Figure 12 shows a panel for use with the barrier system;

Figure 13 shows a door for use with the barrier system;

Figure 14 shows a handrail;

Figure 15 shows the attachment of the handrail of Figure 14 to the top of a support post

Figure 16 shows a bracket for use in attaching the support post to a side edge of a concrete slab;

Figure 17 shows the bracket of Figure 16 in use, supporting a post;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of a component for a door frame;

Figure 19 is an end view of the component of Figure 18;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of a further component for a door frame;

Figure 21 is an end view of the component of Figure 20;

Figure 22 shows part of a door assembly for the crane barrier shown in Figure 1;

Figure 23 is a top plan view of one side of the frame for the door of Figure 22;

Figure 24 is a top plan view of the other side of the frame for the door of Figure 22;

Figure 25 shows part of a 2m high barrier system

Figure 26 shows part of a Im high barrier system

Figure 27 shows an alternative sized support post which is 1.5m high; and

Figure 28 shows a barrier formed using the support post of Figure 29.

Description of Embodiments

[0023] Referring to the drawings, Figures 1 to 4 illustrate the use of the system and Figures 5 to 30 show various of the components and sub-assemblies of the system.

[0024] The first component is the support post 10 shown separately in Figures 5 to 8. The support post has a foot portion in the form of a square base plate 12 which defines an array of five holes 16, 18. An elongate shaft 14 extends up from the centre of the base plate 12. The shaft 14 is tubular having a square cross section. The four holes 16 which are visible in Figures 5 and 6 are for attaching the base plate 12 to a concrete slab or the like, using bolts or other suitable fasteners (not shown). There is a fifth hole 18 in the centre of the plate which allows for drainage of rainwater and the like.

[0025] The post/shaft is 1.2m high/long, although other lengths could be used. 1.2m is chosen as it works well with the panel size (discussed below) and is a good size for transporting the system to and from construction sites. An extension can be provided (also discussed below) where a taller post is needed.

[0026] As is best seen in Figure 6, a plate 20 is welded to the base of the shaft and the base plate which defines a hole 22 for attachment of a rope and safety harness system using a karabiner or the like (not shown).

[0027] With reference to Figures 5 to 7, three pairs of rectangular plates or flanges are mounted on opposite sides of the post, one pair 30 close to the base, one pair 32 at the top and one pair 34 about 20cm from the top. The plates define channels 36, 38 for receiving panels on opposite sides of the post 10. As is best seen in Figures 7 and 8, the plates are not parallel to one another but taper towards each other away from the shaft so as to define a channel for receiving a panel with the sides 40, 42 of the channel tapering towards each other at the free (open) end. The gap between the plates at their free end is a little wider than the width of a panel. This arrangement allows the panel 100 (also shown in Figure 12) to extend away from the post at a range of angles, up to about 200on each side as well as allowing some leeway in terms of the degree of insertion of the sides of the panel into the slot 38, 36, so there is considerable flexibility in the location of the posts in the barrier system to cope with areas where there may be a problem with fixing the post to the slab, for example, as well as making the system easier to use by less skilled operators given the tolerances. This is illustrated in Figure 8. Note in particular that the panel may be fully inserted in the channel 36, 38 with the panel edge touching the post 14 or only partly inserted with the panel edge spaced from the post, and locked in position due to the use of a perforated panel (100).

[0028] Each of the sides 40 and 42 defines an aperture 44 close to the top of the distal free end of the sides. The middle pair of flanges has a second hole 46 close to the bottom of the distal free end of the sides.

[0029] Figure 9 shows an extension post 50. The extension post includes an elongate shaft 52 with a square tubular cross section. The lower part 54 of the shaft has a narrower cross-section so that it can locate inside the hollow shaft of the support post 10. The main part 52 of the shaft is about 800 mm long so that when part 54 is inserted into shaft of the support post 10, the total post height is about 2m. A pair of rectangular plates or flanges 56 and 58 are mounted on opposite sides of the post about 20 cm from the top of the post, having the same shape as the plates 30 to 34. One of the flanges 58 is removeably attached using a fastener such as a bolt 60, so that a panel 100 can be easily mounted against the fixed flange 56 without having to slide the panel 100 between the flanges 56, 58.

[0030] Figure 10 shows a return bracket 80 for use with the support post 10 to create a 900 corner. The return bracket 80 defines two generally parallel spaced plates 82 extending from a rear plate 84 and two depending hooks 86. The distance between the plates is slightly greater than the width of a panel 100. Figure 11 shows the return bracket mounted on a flange 30 of a support post 10, ready to receive a panel to create a ° corner.

[0031] Figure 12 shows a panel 100 for use with the system which comprises a perforated aluminium 102 plate defining an array of circular apertures 104 typically having a diameter of about 11mm or up to 15mm or more, and an external frame 106 and bracing elements 108. The panel size can be varied but in the described embodiment is about 985 mm high by about 1970mm long with reasonable production tolerances.

[0032] While a perforated Aluminium plate is preferred for its strength and weight characteristics and ease of handling, it will be appreciated that the panels may be constructed of other materials such as perforated steel or even a mesh with an external frame. Plastic panels, including transparent plastic panels could be used, or plastic panels having an external metal frame which would be light and easy to handle could be used.

[0033] Figure 13 shows a door panel 120 for use with the system which is similar to the panel 100. The panel includes a plate 122 defining an array of circular apertures 124 and an external frame 126. The panel is about 1970mm high and about 985 mm wide. One side of the door panel defines three spaced apart depending hooks 128.

[0034] In certain applications, such as is shown in Figure 2, a handrail is provided. Figure 14 shows a handrail 140 for use in barriers where a handrail is required as shown in Figure 2. An elongate hole 142 is provided at each end of the rail. The elongate hole provides flexibility when mounting the handrail

[0035] Figure 15 illustrates the handrail attached to the top flange 32 of a support post with a locking pin 150 extending through the holes 44 in the plates 40, 42 and passing though the elongate hole 142 in the rail 140. The locking pin typically has a mm diameter. Locking pins 150 can also be used to attach the flanges to the panels.

[0036] Figures 16 and 17 show a bracket 160 for mounting a post to the side of a concrete slab or the like where mounting on top of the slab is not possible. The bracket is L-shaped including a first plate 162 defining three holes 164 for mounting the bracket to the side of a slab or the like using fasteners, such as bolts. The perpendicular top plate 165 of the bracket, as oriented in Figures 16 and 17 defines a wide slot 166 with a central slit 168 for receiving the base of a support post 10. The top of the bracket defines four fasteners 170 which can be used to lock the base to the bracket 160, using the holes 16 in the base.

[0037] Figures 18 to 24 illustrate the components used to form a door for the crane enclosure shown in Figure 1, in addition to the components described above. Figures 18 and 19 show a post 200 to which the door is mounted. The post includes a hollow tubular shaft 202 having a rectangular cross-section. Three door support elements in the form of tubular cylinders 204 are welded to one side of the post, one near each end and one near the middle of the post. Three pairs of plates 206 extend away from the opposite side of the post and define a tab 208 at each distal end projecting away from the shaft 202.

[0038] Figures 20 and 21 show a post 200A to which the free ends of the door closes which is identical to post 200, except for the omission of the tubular cylinders 204.

[0039] Figures 1 and 22 to 24 illustrate the formation of a crane enclosure 300 including an access door for the crane enclosure. As discussed in the introduction, in the majority of constructions the crane inevitably passes through one or more basement levels. Access to the crane on those levels needs to be blocked so that only authorised people are able to gain access to the crane. All the levels providing access need to be protected including the lowest ground crane area.

[0040] Four support posts 10 are mounted to the slab around the hole in the slab through which the crane (not shown) extends. The posts are spaced about 2m apart as that is the length of the panels 100. One the front side 302 which provides the door, a further support post 10 is fixed midway between the comer posts. The posts are fixed by drilling holes in the slab and using fasteners such as bolts 16a in the holes 16 in the bases of the support posts 10.

[0041] A panel 100 is slotted in between the opposed posts along the rear wall 304. The post will be retained in the channels, although locking pins may also be used to lock the panels to one or more of the plates/flanges 30, 34. An extension post 50 is then fixed on top of each of the support posts. A further panel 100 is then slid into the channels with the option of removal of the plate 58 if sliding the panel down from above 2m high is too difficult.

[0042] The side walls 306, 308 are assembled in a similar way, except that in this case the return brackets 80, shown in Figures 10 and 11 have to be attached to one of the plates 40 or 42 of the flanges of each of the opposed corner posts 10, so as to provide channels for receiving the panels 100. Again, locking pins 150 can be used to lock the panels 100 in place, if required.

[0043] With the front wall 302 again extension posts 50 are used to raise the height of the posts to about 2m and between two of the posts a 985mm by 1970mm panel 100 is slid or two smaller panels can be used.

[0044] It will be appreciated that the order of the construction is flexible and can be changed. For example just one post 10 could be installed first, a panel 100 installed in the channel and then a second post 10 may be located engaged with the panel and then fixed to the slab, and so on.

[0045] Figure 22 and 23 illustrate the mounting of the door. In this case the door post 200 is slid into the channels defines by the post 10 and extension post 50, as shown. The door 120 is then attached to the door post 200 by inserting the hooks 128 into the cylinders 204. The door can then pivot about the post 200 for opening and closing.

[0046] Figure 24 shows the opposite door post 200A slid into the channels defined by the post 10 and extension post 50, as shown.

[0047] The above describes a 2m by 2m enclosure suitable for smaller cranes e.g. 1.3m by 1.3m. For larger cranes the size of the enclosure can be increased for example to 3m x 3m.

[0048] Figure 25 shows a section of barrier about 2m high which can be used to protect the edge of a slab. Figure 26 shows a section of barrier about Im high without a rail. Figure 2 shows a section of about 1.2m barrier around a site pit, which is typically dug 10m below ground, which includes a top rail 140.

[0049] Figure 26 shows an example of slab edge protection on a high rise construction providing barrier which is about 2m high on a lower floor and an about 1.2m high barrier including a rail 140 on a top floor.

[0050] Figures 27 and 28 show a variant of the support post 10A which is 1.5m high and includes four pairs of opposed flanges 30, 32, 34, 35, forming channels. As shown in Figure 28, the posts 10A can be used with a panel 100 and a half size panel 400 to create a 1.5m barrier using the same construction principles.

[0051] Thus the present invention provides a reusable barrier system that can be used for multiple different applications including crane towers, pits and slab edges. With the described components the barriers can be created for about 1.2m, about 1.5m and about 2m high, although it will be appreciated that the size of the support posts and panels may be varied to create different barrier heights.

[0052] Importantly as illustrated in Figure 8, the channels 36 and 38 allow for the easy assembly of the barrier by simply sliding the panels between opposed channels. The return bracket allows for the formation of corners. The converging flanges allows some flexibility in the orientation of the panels relative to the posts 10 typically up to 200each side, and in the location of the posts which makes installation easier and allows one to avoid areas where it is not possible to mount the post. Note also that using a perforated panel with multiple holes allows the panel to be fastened to the post in many different positions. The brackets 160 provide further flexibility in locating the support posts 10 on the side of a slab.

[0053] 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 (13)

CLAIMS:

1. A barrier system including:

at least two posts; and

a panel for securement to the post

wherein each post defines a foot portion which defines a series of apertures for attaching the post to a concrete floor or the like, an elongate shaft projecting upwards from the foot portion and wherein the post defines two opposed flanges extending from one side of the post transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft defining a channel therebetween, wherein the edge of the panel may be slid between the opposed flanges of two spaced apart posts in use to define a barrier.

2. A barrier system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the opposed flanges are not parallel to each other but are arranged in vertical planes which taper gradually towards each other away from the shaft.

3. A barrier system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein two opposed flanges extend from opposed sides of the shaft.

4. A barrier system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the flanges define holes for receiving locking pins for locking a panel to the post.

5. A barrier system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the shaft has a hollow square cross-section.

6. A barrier system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 further including a post extension for locating on the support post for increasing its height.

7. A barrier system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 further including a door comprising a panel defining a series of depending hooks along one side edge and a door post for mounting in the channels of the support post, the door post defining door support elements, typically in the form of rings or tubes, for receiving and supporting the hooks and allowing the door to be supported and to pivot.

8. A barrier system as claimed in any one of claims I to 7 wherein the panels include perforated metal sheets, typically aluminium, defining an array of holes and optionally carrying advertising or other images.

9. A barrier system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 further including a return bracket having hooks or the like for attachment to the flanges of a post and defining a channel for receiving the edge of a panel.

10. A barrier system as claimed in any one of claims I to 9 further including a bracket for mounting to the side edge of a slab, using fasteners such as bolts and defining a channel for receiving the base of a support post.

11. A support post for use with a barrier system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the support post defining a foot portion which defines a series of apertures for attaching the post to a concrete floor or the like, an elongate shaft projecting upwards from the foot portion and wherein the post defines two opposed flanges extending from one side of the post transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft defining a channel therebetween, wherein the edge of a panel may be slid between the opposed flanges of two spaced apart posts in use to define a barrier.

12. A barrier system including:

at least two posts; and

a panel for securement to the post wherein the panel comprises a perforated metal sheet having a thickness at its edges and defining an array of apertures;

wherein each post defines a foot portion which defines a series of apertures for attaching the post to a concrete floor or the like, an elongate shaft projecting upwards from the foot portion and wherein the post defines two pairs of opposed flanges extending from opposite sides of the post transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft defining a channel therebetween, wherein the opposed flanges are angled to taper towards each other towards the open end of the channel and wherein the open end of the channel is at least as wide as the thickness of the panel at the edges of the panel, and wherein an aperture is defined in the free end of each flange, wherein the edge of the panel may be slid between the opposed flanges of two spaced apart posts in use to define a barrier and secured to the post by passing a fastener through the apertures in the flanges and in the panel, the arrangement being such that the panel may be secured to the post in a variety of positions and angles relative to the central axis of the channel.

13. A barrier system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the panel may be secured to the post in a range of up to about 10, preferably at least 20°, relative to the axis of the channel on each side of the channel.