AU663413B2

AU663413B2 - Support structure

Info

Publication number: AU663413B2
Application number: AU48798/93A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Donald William Hayman
Original assignee: ROOF SAFE Pty Ltd
Current assignee: ROOF SAFE Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1992-04-10
Filing date: 1993-10-01
Publication date: 1995-10-05
Anticipated expiration: 2013-04-08
Also published as: AU4879893A

Description

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AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 6"3 421 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION PATENT OF ADDITION

ORIGINAL

TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): ROOF SAFE PTY LTD DONALD WILLIAM HAYMAN Address for Service: WRAY ASSOCIATES, Primary Industry House, 239 Adelaide Terrace, Perth, Western Australia, 6000.

Attorney code: WR Invention Title: "SUPPORT STRUCTURE" Details of Associated Provisional Applications: Nos: 36849/93 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- -1-

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k, b THIS INVENTION relates to a support structure for a safety barrier which is particularly, although not exclusively, suited for use as in a guard or safety rail system.

To enhance safety on building sites, it is common to use guard rails at the perimeter of a working area, particularly when the working area is elevated.

Conventional guard rail systems comprise a hand rail, a knee rail, and on occasion, a kick board. Normally, these guard rail systems are supported from stanchions which in turn are fixed to the building.

The present invention will seek to provide a support structure for removably fixing post members used in the erection of guard rail systems. The present invention has application in supporting rail systems on the perimeter of roofs, balconies, stairways or any other part of a building which is elevated and/or which requires the provision of safety rails.

In one form the invention resides in a support structure for a safety barrier for a building structure comprising an attachment bracket for releasably attaching a post member to the building structure, the attachment bracket comprising a first portion adapted to be secured to the building structure and a second portion adapted to support a bottom end of the post member, whereby in addition to supporting the post member the second portion is provided with a locating portion to allow positive engagement between it and a complimentary locating means provided on the post member, a securing means further being provided to releasably secure the post member to the second portion by application of pressure urging same together and urging positive engagement of the locating portion and locating means provided on the second portion and post member respectively.

Preferably when the support structure is attached to the building structure the second portion is disposed horizontally with respect to the building structure.

I imm~ r -2a- I The second portion of the attachment bracket may incorporate a locating portion i i I for receiving locating means provided on the bottom end of the post member, and i 1 i

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L I ___ii Fl -3 wherein there is provided securing means for releasably securing the post member to the bracket for restraining withdrawal of the locating means from the locating portion.

Preferably the locating portion comprises a locating hole and the locating means comprises a locating spigot.

The releasable securing means may comprise a retaining element mounted on the post member and adapted to extend around the second portion of the bracket. The retaining element may comprise a U bolt in which the arms of the U bolt are received within sleeves mounted on the post member and the central space within the U bolt is adapted to receive the second portion of the bracket.

Preferably the first and second portions are located at the ends of the attachment bracket. An intermediate portion may be provided to extend between the first and second portions.

This invention is particularly useful in providing a support structure for post members that are used to erect a safety rail or barrier system around the perimeter of a roof either of the pitched or flat type, balcony or flight of stairs or any other building structure that is elevated and/or requires the provision of a safety barrier or rails.

The invention can be utilised during the construction stages of building structures or can be left permanently in place with or without the safety barrier in permanent position if required. In the event that only the support structure is left permanently in position in case a safety barrier may be needed to be erected in the future, construction material such as roofing material, bricks, or any additional building material may be at least partially installed over the first portion and/or intermediate portion of the support structure.

The support structure may take the form of a number of embodiments designed for particular building applications.

-4- A number of embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a support structure according to the first embodiment in position on a roof frame structure; Figure 2 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a support structure according to the first embodiment left in position after installation of roof material on the roof frame structure; Figure 3 is a side view of the support structure according to the first embodiment in use; Figure 4 is a side view of the support structure according to a second embodiment; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the support structure according to a second embodiment; Figure 6 is a side view of the support structure according to a third embodiment; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the support structure according to the second embodiment; Figure 8 is a side view of the support structure according to a fourth embodiment; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the support structure according to a fourth embodiment; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the support structure according to a fifth embodiment in one application; i i Figure 11 is a side view of the support structure according to a fifth i embodiment in one application; and Figure 12 is a side view of the support structure according to a fifth embodiment in a second application.

The first embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 is directed to a support structure 10 for use in erecting a safety arrie, vhich is adapted to be installed around the perimeter of a pitched roof. The roof construction comprises a roof frame structure having a plurality of pitched rafters 13 and transverse members extending across the rafters 13. The roof frame structure provides support for roof sheeting material 16 which covers the roof although any suitable roofing material may be utilised. Each support structure 10 is positioned at a location corresponding to one of the rafters 13. The support structure 10 can be used during construction 2f the roof and optionally can be left insitu after any safety rails and post members 17 have been removed and roofing material at least Si 15 partially installed over the support structure 10 in case the need for a safety barrier arises in the future.

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The safety barrier would usually comprise one or more safety rails (not shown) i and post members 17 which are supported by a series of the support structures according to the embodiment positioned at spaced intervals around the perimeter of the roofing construction.

The support structure 10 comprises an attachment bracket 21 having a first portion 45 which is adapted for attachment to the rafter 13 and a second portion 47 which is adapted to support the bottom end of a post member 17. The first and second portions, 45 and 47 respectively are located at the ends of the bracket 21 and there is provided an intermediate portion 49 therebetween. The intermediate portion 49 is configured to extend over a transverse member 15, as best shown in Figure 3 of the drawings.

I I LI -6- The first portion 45 is provided with a pair of mounting holes (not shown) through which fixing elements 51 pass to secure the attachment bracket 21 to the rafter 13. The second portion 47 of the attachment bracket 21 is provided with a locating hole (not shown) which receives a complimentary locating means, for example a locating spigot 53 provided on the bottom end of the post member 17.

Securing means 57 is provided on the post member 17 for releasably securing li the post member 17 to the bracket 21 for the purpose of restraining thie locating spigot 53 against withdrawal from the locating hole. The releasable securing means 57 comprises a U bolt 59, the arms 61 of which are slidably received in sleeves 63 positioned on opposed sides of the post member 17. The arms 61 i project beyond the upper ends of the sleeves 63 and have nuts 65 threadly mounted thereon. An internal space 67 is defined within the U bolt 59 whereby the second portion 47 of the attachment bracket 21 is receivable in the internal space 67. The U bolt 59 clampingly engages the second portion 47 of the attachment bracket 21 upon tightening of the nuts 65 so as to secure the post member 17 to the bracket 21.

The post member 17 is also connected to a brace member 19 by way of a sleeve 23 which is pivotally mounted onto the post member 17. The sleeve 23 is adapted to receive the upper end of the brace member 19, as best seen in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings. A locking device 25 is provided for securing the S. brace member 19 in position in the sleeve 23.

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The brace member 19 comprises a strut 27 and a base 29 pivotally mounted onto the strut 27 at pivot point 31 The base 29 comprises a plate 33 and a pair of engaging portions 35 on tho under side of the plate 33 in spaced apart relationship to define a gap 37 therebetween. In this embodiment, each engaging portion 35 is defined by a length of tubular material of circular crosssection. An apertur, 39 is provided in the plate 33 for receiving a fixing element 41 which extends through t:e plate 33 and is embedded in the transverse member 15 on which the basp .9 is located.

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-7- It should be appreciated that the brace member 19 is not essential for the present invention to operate and alternative brace members may also be employed if required.

The support structure 10 is initially installed on the roof frame structure in the manner shown in Figure 1 of the drawings and the post members 17 secured thereon so that the safety barrier can be erected. The safety barrier provides protection to workers whilst constructing the roof. At a later stage when roof sheeting material is installed the attachment bracket 21 maybe accommodated within the crest of the roof sheeting material 16 as depicted in Figure 2. The second portion 47 of the bracket extends beyond the point corresponding to the edge of the roof sheeting material 16 so that the bottom end of the post member 17 is at a location in which it does not impede installation of the roof sheeting material 16. The bracket 21 then remains permanently in place.

The presence of the second portion 47 projecting beyond the edge of the roof sheeting material 16 neither presents problems nor detracts from the appearance of the roof as it is normally hidden by guttering. There is in fact a benefit in leaving the bracket 21 in place in that it provides a mounting if it is later necessary to reposition the safety barrier during maintenance of the roof.

When the safety barrier is no longer required, it is merely necessary to remove the brace member 19 and the post member 17. The brace member V9 is removed simply by withdrawing the fixing element 41 and replacing it with an anchoring element of conventional form. The post member 17 is removed by loosening the nuts 65 on the U bolt 59 so as to sufficiently slacken the U bolt 59 to allow the locating spigot 53 on the bottom of the post member 17 to be withdrawn from the locating hole in the second portion 47 of the bracket member 21. The post member 17 can then be moved sidewardly to slide the U bolt 59 from around the second portion 47 of the bracket 21.

Figures 4 to 12 depict other embodiments of the support structure used in other applications of building construction.

-8i Figures 4 and 5 depict a second embodiment of a support structure 10a for utilisation on a pitched roof construction. This support structure 10a can be utilised on a roof construction without need for a transverse member 15 as required in the support structure 10 of the first embodiment illustrate in Figures 1 to3.

I The second embodiment may be utilised at any desired location on a rafter 13 i and a plurality of support structures 10a may be located at spaced intervals around the perimeter of the roof where a safety barrier is reai ;red.

The support structure 10a comprises an attachment bracket 70 having a first portion 72 which is adapted to be attached to the rafter 13 and a second portion 74 which is adapted to support the bottom end of a post member 17. The first and second portions 72 and 74 are located at the ends of the bracket 70 and an intermediate portion 76 is provided to extend therebetween. The intermediate i portion 76 is inclined upwardly from the first portion 72 so that the second portion 13 74 is disposed above the first portion 72. The under surface of the intermediate i portion 76 is supported by brace member 78.

ii f ,The first portion 7? comprises a saddle member 80 which is configured to fit over the top and side surfaces of the rafter 13. The saddle member 80 is secured to the rafter 13 by means of releasable receiving means, for example a securing chain 82 attached to a plate 84 which exterds transversely across the width of saddle member 80. The chain 82 is able to be looped around the rafter 13 and is able to be secured to plate 84 by moans of an attaching pin 86 and securing nut 88.

i The brace member 78 is provided to extend generally vertically between the 4.25 saddle member 80 and the intermediate portion 76.

The post member 17 is secured to the second portion 74 in the same manner as described above in relation to the first embodiment.

h_ ml -9- K Figures 6 and 7 depict a third embodiment of the support structure 10b for utilisation on a metal section 98 which may be used as transverse members in i the construction of roofing for pitched roofs. The metal sections 98 may also be i usea in other building construction applications where a safety barrier may be required.

i In this embodiment the metal section 98 is composed of two opposing side walls 100 and a transverse wall 102. The metal section 98 is provided with a pair of flanges 104 which extend inwardly from the side walls 100. In use the metal section 98 is positioned on an inclined transverse beam 106 of the roof.

j 10 A number of support structures O10b may be utilised at desired locations on the Smetal section 98 where a safety barrier is required to be erected.

The support structure 10b comprises an attachment bracket 90 having a first portion 92 which is adapted to be attachd to the metal section 98 and a second portion 94 which is adapted to support the bottom end of a post member 17.

The first ana second portions 92 and 94 are located at the ends of the bracket and an intermediate portion 96 is provided to extend therebetween. The ,I intermediate portion 96 is incline downwardly from the first portion 92 so that the second portion 94 is disposed at a position below the first portion 92.

The first portion 92 comprises a clip member 108 which is adapted to be attached to the flange 104 which is uppermost when the metal section 98 is in use. The clip member 108 clips around the uppermost flange 104 and adjacent side wall 100 of the metal section 98 such that the intermediate portion 96 bears against the side wall 100. Thus at least part of the weight of the support structure and post member 17 is supported by the metal section 98.

The post member 17 is secured to the second portion 94 in the same manner as described earlier in relation to the first embcdiment. In Figure 7 the described locating hole in the second portion 94 is depicted at 110.

ii I L_~ Figures 8 and 9 depict a fourth embodiment of the support structure 10c for Si utilisation on a pitched roof. A plurality of support structures 1 Oc can be located I at spaced intervals around the perimeter of the roof requiring a safety barrier to be erected.

The support structure 10c comprises an attachment bracket 120 having a first portion 122 which is adapted to be attached to a pitched rafter 13 at a location Sinwardly adjacent a transverse member and a second portion 124 which is i adapted to support the bottom end of a post member 17.

i The first and second portions 122 and 124 are located at the ends of the bracket 10 120 and an intermediate portion 126 is provided to extend therebetween.

The intermediate portion 126 is inclined upwardly from the first portion 122 such that the second portion 124 is disposed above the first portion 122. The intermediate portion 126 is supported by a brace member 128 which is located on the under portion of the intermediate portion 126.

4i,, i 15 The first portion 122 is providc-d with a pair of mounting holes 130 through which S fixing elements 132 pass to secure the bracket 120 to the rafter 13.

The second portion 124 is provided with a locating pole (not shown) which is able to receive a locating spigot 53 provided on the bottom end of the post member 17.

The means for securing the post member 17 to the second portion 124 is the same as described above in relation to the first embodiment.

The brace member 128 is provided with an upper face 134 and a side face 136 which are disposed at right angles to each other forming an L-shaped configuration. The brace member 128 is attached to the under surface of the intermediate portion 126 by welding although any other suitable fixing means may be used. The brace member 128 is adapted to be located against a transverse member 15 such that the side face 136 is located against an inner side of the

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transverse member 15. The brace member 128 ensures that at least some of the weight of support structure 10c and post member 17 is borne by the transverse member Figures 10, 11 and 12 depict a fifth embodiment of the invention which is intended for situations where a safety barrier is required to be erected from a i horizontal surface or from a vertical surface.

SFigures 10 and 11 show the support structure 10Od being t :ilised on a horizontal surface 148 and can be used in the construction of safety barriers around balconies or flights of stairs etc. Figure 12 shows the support structure 10Od being utilised in relation to a vertical surface 150.

j In Figures 10 and 11 the support structure 10 Od comprises an attachment bracket 140 having a first portion generally depicted at 142 which is adapted to be Sattached to a horizontal surface 148 and a second portion 144 which is adapted to support the bottom end of a post member 17.

An intermediate portion 146 is provided adjacent the first and second portions 142 and 144. The intermediate portion 146 is an extenscn of the second portion 144. The under surface of the intermediate portion 146 is affixed by welding or I other suitable means to the first portion 142.

:i In this embodiment the first portion 142 comprises a clamping arrangement 152 which enables the support structure 10d to be clampingly attached to the horizontal surface 148. Any suitable clamping arrangement may be utilised.

V The second portion 144 is provided with a locating hole (not shown) which is able to receive a locating spigot 53 provided at the bottom end of the post member 17.

The means for securing the post member 17 to the second portion 144 is the same as described above in relation to the first embodiment.

The support structure 10d shown in Figure 12 is identical to that of Figures and 11 except that the clamping arrangement 152 is disposed such that it is able r

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~1U*9 I~ -12to be clamped to a vertical surface 150 in order to permit post members 17 to be mounted thereon and a safety barrier to be erected.

It should be appreciated, however, that the support structure according to the embodiment can be used as part of a safety barrier on various building constructions which are elevated and/or which require a safety barrier to be B constructed.

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Claims

1. A support structure for a safety barrier for a building structure comprising an attachment bracket for releasably attaching a post member to the building structure; the attachment bracket comprising a first portion adapted to be secured to the building structure and a second portion adapted to support a bottom end of the post member, whereby in addition to supporting the post member the second portion is provided with a locating portion to allow positive engagement between it and a complimentary locating means provided on the post member, a securing means further being provided to releasably secure the post member to the second portion by application of pressure urging same together and urging positive engagement of the locating portion and locating means provided on the second portion and post member respectively.

2. A support structure according to claim 1, wherein the locating portion of the second portion of the bracket is provided in the form of a locating hole therethrough.

3. A support structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locating means of the post member is provided in the form of a locating spigot extending from the bottom end thereof.

4. A support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the securing means comprises at least in part a retaining element receivable on the post member and adapted to extend around the second portion of the bracket such that tightening of the retaining element urges positive engagement of the locating portions of the second portion and the post member. A support structure according to claim 4, wherein the retaining element comprises a U bolt having two arms and defining a space therein whereby the second portion of the bracket is receivable within the space defined by the arms. f 13a- I 6. A support structure according to claim 5, wherein the arms of the U bolt are receivable in sleeves attached to the post member and tightening of nuts it r i t i SI 1 1 r jti r;r i j' -14- provided about ends of the arms acts to pull the arms through the sleeves thereby clampingly engaging the second portion of the bracket.

7. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second portions of the bracket are provided at remote ends of the bracket.

8. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an intermediate portion is provided between the first and second portions of the bracket.

9. A support structure according to claim 8, wherein the intermediate portion is adapted to engage or rest upon a transverse member of the building structure. A support structure according to claim 8, wherein the intermediate portion has provided thereon a brace member extending transversely with relation to the bracket, the brace member being adapted to receive therein the transverse member of the building structure.

11. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion of the bracket has provided thereon a releasable securing means for securing same to the building structure.

12. A support structure according to claim 11, wherein the releasable securing means comprises a chain attached to the first portion and which is able to loop around a rafter of the building structure and be tightened thereabout.

13. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion of the bracket comprises a saddle member configured to fit over the top and side surfaces of a rafter of the building structure.

14. A support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first portion is adapted to be releasably secured to a transverse member of the building structure. I i iii..- 4 9p A support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first i portion is adapted to clampingly engage the building structure. S16. A support structure according to claim 15, wherein the attachment bracket has provided thereon two second portions arranged at a substantially right angle to each other on the bracket, whereby the first portion can clampingly engage the i building structure in at least two orientations separated by a substantially right angle change in position, whichever orientation of the bracket being required i governing which second portion is utilised to support the bottom end of the post i member.

17. A support structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 4 and 5, 6 and 7, 8 and 9 or 11 to 12. K 18. A support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3 with reference to iSFigures 1 to 3. SDATED this TWENTY-THIRD day of MAY 1995 ROOF SAFE PTY LTD Applicant- Wray Associates Perth, Western Australia Patent Attorneys for the Applicant i A' k .for particular building appli cations. i>,V 'V a IIullinl ui cllljuullltIlL; Utralylti. for particular building applications, ii: ABSTRACT A support structure for a safety barrier for a building structure comprising an attachment bracket for releasably attaching a post member to the building structure. The attachment bracket comprises a first portion which is adapted to be secured to the building structure and a second portion for releasably securing the bottom end of the post member.