GB2430004A

GB2430004A - Mounting bracket for a temporary barrier

Info

Publication number: GB2430004A
Application number: GB0607585A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Knowles
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-08-09
Filing date: 2006-04-13
Publication date: 2007-03-14
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-13
Also published as: GB0516320D0; GB201008647D0; GB2467688A; GB2467688B; GB2430004B; GB0607585D0

Abstract

A mounting apparatus 1 for mounting a temporary barrier on a platform. The apparatus 1 comprises a base member 9 and a clamping member 11. The clamping member 11 is movably mounted on a threaded member 17 and a rotatable element 21 is provided for moving the clamping member 11 relative to the base member 9. In use, the base member 9 locates on an upper surface of the platform and the clamping member contracts an underside of the platform. Also disclosed is an apparatus 101 for mounting a temporary barrier on a staircase A. This may include an adjustable clamping member (111 Figure 9) pivotable about a horizontal axis (157).

Description

I

APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING A TEMPORARY BARRIER

The present invention relates to apparatus for mounting a temporary barrier. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus for mounting a temporary barrier along an upper edge of a platform or on a staircase.

There is a continuing need for improved safety within the construction industry to help ensure the safety of builders on a construction site and passers-by The present application is particularly concerned with the provision of temporary barriers along the edge of platforms or on staircases.

The platforms may, for example, define a floor of a building before internal or external walls have been built to provide a permanent edge protection.

There is clearly a need to provide a barrier that can be erected to prevent individuals accidentally falling from unprotected platforms. Moreover, a barrier to prevent objects, such as tools and construction items, falling over the edge of the platform is also desirable to reduce the likelihood of someone below the platform being injured. The barriers should be temporary to allow them to be erected and dismantled as required during the building process.

A typical temporary barrier system is the KGaurd edge protection guardrail, produced by KGuard Limited, Unit 6, Arlesey Business Park, Mill Lane, Arlesey, Bedfordshire, SG15 6RF, United Kingdom. The KGuard barrier assembly comprises a mesh guardrail mounted on support pillars located along an edge of a platform. The support pillars are removably mounted in sockets held in place by clamps The clamps comprise a support member locatable on the upper surface of the platform and a clamp member for engaging the underside of the platform. The clamp member is provided with a threaded rod, which is located in a vertical channel connected to the support member A wing nut is provided on the threaded rod to allow the clamp member to be raised relative to the support member and thereby to clamp the assembly to the platform. The support pillars are then located in the sockets and a mesh barrier mounted between them A similar system is the Extraguard barrier system supplied by the SGB Group,

I

Harsco House, Regent Park, 299 Kingston Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 7SG, United Kingdom.

There are, however, certain limitations associated with known barrier systems. For example, the ability to separate the support member and the clamp member is potentially hazardous since the clamp member may inadvertently fall if the wing nut is unscrewed, for example when the clamp is being installed or dismantled. This may result in a serious injury to someone below.

Moreover, to provide a wide range of movement of the clamp member relative to the support member (for example to accommodate different platform thicknesses) the threaded rod is located outwardly of the platform edge. This is undesirable since the person installing or removing the clamp must reach over the edge of the platform. Since this step is necessarily completed without a barrier installed, it presents a safety hazard.

Furthermore, the support pillars are typically removable to enable them to be used for a range of applications. It will be appreciated that the improper alignment or location of the pillars in their respective socket when they are installed may result in a potential weakness in the erected barrier.

The clamp assembly may also fall if the support pillar disengages from its socket, for example when it is being installed or removed.

The present application at least in preferred embodiments sets out to ameliorate or overcome the problems associated with known barrier systems.

Viewed from a first aspect, the present invention relates to apparatus for mounting a temporary barrier along an upper edge of a platform, the apparatus comprising a base member for locating on an upper surface of the platform and a clamping member for contacting an underside of the platform, wherein the clamping member is movably mounted on a threaded member and a rotatable element is provided on the threaded member for moving the clamping member relative to said base member.

Advantageously, mounting the clamp member on a threaded member, rather than providing the clamp with a threaded member, enables the threaded member and the associated rotatable element to be displaced

F

inwardly from the edge of the platform. Thus, it is not necessary for someone installing the apparatus to lean out over the edge of the platform.

Moreover, by movably mounting the clamp member on the threaded member, the clamping member may be permanently attached to the support member to ensure that it does not accidentally fall when the apparatus is being installed or removed. The threaded member is preferably fixedly mounted on the base member The clamping member is preferably slidable relative to the threaded member. The clamping member preferably comprises a sleeve that is provided around the threaded member The sleeve is preferably cylindrical and extends around the circumference of the threaded member.

The rotatable element preferably engages an underside of the sleeve. This arrangement is desirable since it provides a clear visual indication that the rotatable element supports the clamping member. The likelihood of the rotatable element being inadvertently unscrewed is thereby reduced.

Preferably, means are provided for preventing the rotatable element being unscrewed from the threaded member. For example, an end-piece may be provided on the threaded member. More preferably, the threaded member is mounted on the base member and the rotatable element is provided between the base member and the sleeve.

The apparatus preferably further comprises an operatively upright pillar for mounting a rail and/or mesh barrier and/or toe board. Although the apparatus may be provided with a socket for removably receiving the pillar, the pillar is preferably permanently attached to the base member For example, the pillar may be welded to the base member.

At least one mounting element is preferably provided on the operatively upright pillar for mounting the rail and/or mesh barrier and/or toe board. The or each mounting element may be fixed in position, but is preferably rotatable relative to the operatively upright pillar This allows the orientation of the or each mounting element to be adjusted, for example to define a corner in the temporary barrier. The apparatus preferably comprises a first mounting element and a second mounting element, the first mounting element being rotatable independently of the second mounting element The threaded member may be formed separately from the pillar. In this arrangement, the threaded member is preferably substantially parallel to the pillar The threaded member is preferably mounted on said base member.

Preferably, the threaded member is perpendicular to said base member.

A support member is preferably provided to connect a top end of the threaded member to the pillar. Although the support member may be removably located in position, for example using bolts or other mechanical fasteners, the support member is preferably permanently attached, for example by welding. The provision of a support member advantageously increases the rigidity of the pillar and enables more lightweight materials to be used during construction. The cost of manufacturing the apparatus may thereby be reduced. Moreover, the use of more lightweight materials may result in the apparatus weighing less than prior art apparatus, thereby allowing it to be handled more readily.

When the apparatus is installed on an edge of a platform, a first side of the pillar usually faces the edge of the platform and a second side of the pillar usually faces away from the platform edge. The threaded member may be located on said first side of the pillar such that, in use, the threaded member is located between the pillar and the edge of the platform.

Alternatively, the threaded member may be located on said second side of the pillar such that, in use, the pillar is provided between the threaded member and the edge of the platform. In an alternative arrangement, a portion of the pillar may be provided with an external thread to define said threaded member. Thus, the pillar and the threaded member may be coaxial. Although the threaded portion may extend over a mid-portion of the pillar, it is preferably provided proximal the base member. This arrangement simplifies the manufacture of the apparatus. The threaded portion extends over a length of the pillar sufficient to provide the desired range of movement of the clamping member relative to the base member. The threaded portion may be 5mm to 600mm in length to accommodate a range of platform thickness, for example between 5mm and 550mm. Of course, the threaded portion may be longer than 600mm to suit particular applications To allow a continuous toe guard to be provided along the edge of the platform, a guard member is preferably provided around the threaded portion of the pillar. The guard member may, for example, be a U- shaped channel having vertical sidewalls. Alternatively, the threaded portion of the pillar may be located 150mm, 200mm, 250mm or higher above the base member to allow the toe guard to be attached to the pillar without interfering with the mounting of the clamping member.

The threaded portion of the pillar is preferably substantially perpendicular to the base member. This is desirable as it helps to ensure that the base member and the clamp member remain substantially parallel throughout their range of movements relative to each other.

The clamping member may advantageously be permanently movably attached to the threaded member by mounting the threaded member on the base member and providing a support member at the top of the threaded member The base member is preferably a plate for locating against the upper surface of the platform. This help to improve the stability of the apparatus once it is installed. The threaded member is preferably substantially perpendicular to said base plate.

A'though the rotatable element may be a standard nut, it preferably has one or more projections to enable it to be operated by hand. The rotatable member is preferably a wing nut or butterfly nut.

For ease of access, the threaded member is preferably above the base member. Thus, in use, the threaded member is provided above the upper surface of the platform This arrangement also allows the threaded member and the associated rotatable element to be inset from the edge of the platform Viewed from a further aspect, the present invention relates to apparatus for mounting a temporary barrier on a platform, the apparatus comprising a pillar and a movable clamping member for contacting an underside of the platform, the clamping member being permanently movably attached to the pillar, means being provided for adjusting the position of the clamping member relative to the pillar Since the clamping member is permanently attached to the pillar, it is less likely inadvertently to be dropped.

Viewed from a yet further aspect, the present application relates to apparatus for mounting a temporary barrier at an edge of a platform, the apparatus comprising a pillar, a base member for locating on an upper surface of the platform and a clamping member for contacting an underside of the platform, the clamping member being mounted on an arm connected to a mechanism for adjusting the height of the clamping member relative to the base member; wherein, when the apparatus is installed on a platform, the arm projects beyond the edge of the platform and said heightadjustment mechanism is displaced inwardly from said edge. This arrangement is advantageous since it allows an individual to install the apparatus without leaning over the edge of the platform. The pillar is preferably inset from the edge of the platform by at least 300mm and may be 500mm or more.

The arm is preferably generally C-shaped. The arm may thereby extend around the edge of the platform. An upper portion of the arm preferably extends inwardly, towards the pillar. Thus, when installed over the edge of a platform, the upper portion of the arm extends inwardly from the edge of the platform.

The height-adjustment mechanism preferably comprises an operatively vertical threaded member. The arm typically has a sleeve or collar provided around the threaded member and a wing nut or other rotatable member is provided for adjusting the vertical position of the arm.

Thus, varying the position of the rotatable member adjusts the height of the clamping member.

The height-adjustment mechanism may be inset from the pillar.

Thus, when the apparatus is installed, the pillar may be located between the edge of the platform and the height-adjustment mechanism. An aperture may be provided in a guard member, such as a toe board, or a mounting member to allow the arm to be connected to the height-adjustment mechanism.

Viewed from a yet still further aspect, the present invention relates to apparatus for mounting a temporary barrier along an upper edge of a platform, the apparatus comprising a pillar, a base member for locating on an upper surface of the platform, and a clamping member for engaging an underside of the platform; wherein the base member is movable relative to the pillar to facilitate clamping of the apparatus onto a platform. The position of the clamping member is fixed relative to the pillar in this arrangement, but the base member is moveable, preferably in a linear direction, relative to the pillar The pillar may, for example, be provided with an internal thread cooperable with an external thread provided on the base member. In this arrangement, the height of the pillar above the platform will vary depending on the thickness of the platform so an adjustable mounting bracket for a toe guard or other barrier system may be required Viewed from a further aspect, the present invention relates to apparatus for mounting a temporary barrier on a platform, the apparatus comprising a pillar, a base member for locating on an upper surface of the platform and a movable clamping member for contacting an underside of the platform, means being provided for adjusting the position of the clamping member relative to the pillar, wherein the pillar is integral with the base member Viewed from a broad aspect, the present invention relates to apparatus for mounting a temporary barrier on a platform, the apparatus comprising a pillar and an integral clamping device Viewed from a still further aspect, the present application relates to a pillar for erecting a temporary barrier, the pillar comprising at least one mounting element for mounting a rail and/or mesh barrier and/or toe board; wherein the or each mounting element is rotatable relative to the pillar. The or each mounting element is preferably rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the pillar. The pillar preferab'y comprises a first mounting element and a second mounting element, the first mounting element being rotatable independently of the second mounting element. The pillar preferably comprises a plurality of independently rotatable mounting elements. The pillar may be locatable in a socket to fix it in position or it may be permanently attached to mounting means.

Viewed from a yet further aspect, the present application relates to a temporary barrier comprising apparatus as described herein, the temporary barrier further comprising a mesh barrier and/or a rail barrier and/or a toe board.

The inventor has recognised that a problem also exists when providing a temporary barrier on a staircase. Conventional pillar assemblies do not lend themselves to providing a secure base for mounting rail barriers or the like The problems are compounded by the varying stair angles 13 depending on the application (the angle is typically between 350 and 42 for private homes; between 310 and 48 for semi-private staircases; and between 27 and 33 for public staircases).

Viewed from a further aspect, the present invention relates to apparatus for mounting a temporary barrier on a staircase, the apparatus comprising a base locatable on a step in the staircase and a clamp for engaging an underside of the staircase; the clamp being movably mounted on a threaded member; a rotatable element being provided on the threaded member for moving the clamp relative to said base; wherein, when the apparatus is installed on a staircase, the threaded member is inclined at an angle relative to the top of said step.

The staircase is typically a pre-formed structure, for example made out of concrete. Although a series of steps are defined on the top of the staircase, the underside may be generally planar When the apparatus is installed, the clamp and/or the threaded member is/are preferably arranged substantially perpendicular to the underside of the staircase.

In alternative applications, the underside of the staircase may also be stepped. The clamp may be provided with a bracket for engaging adjacent horizontal and vertical surfaces on the underside of the staircase to locate the apparatus in position The bracket may, for example, have first and second members arranged substantially perpendicular to each other.

When the apparatus is installed on a staircase, the threaded member is preferably inclined relative to the top of said step at an angle of between 20 and 70 ; and, more preferably, at an angle between 30 and 60 . Most preferably, the threaded member is inclined relative to the top of said step at an angle of approximately 53 when the apparatus is installed on a staircase.

The clamp is preferably movable along a longitudinal axis of the threaded member to clamp the apparatus in position.

The threaded member may be rotatable about a transverse axis.

This is desirable since it enables the threaded member, at least in preferred embodiments, to be maintained substantially perpendicular to the underside of the staircase when the apparatus is installed. The rotation of the threaded member about its transverse axis allows the apparatus to be used on staircases having different pitches.

The apparatus may further comprise a pillar for mounting the temporary barrier. When the apparatus is installed, the pillar is preferably substantially perpendicular to the top of said step (i.e. the pillar is operatively vertical). To ensure that the pillar is substantially vertical in use, the longitudinal axis of the pillar is preferably angularly offset from the longitudinal axis of the threaded member.

The pillar may be formed integrally with the threaded member or it may be removable.

Viewed from a still further aspect, the present invention relates to apparatus for mounting a temporary barrier on a staircase, the apparatus comprising a base locatable on a step in the staircase and a clamp, the clamp having a clamping member for engaging the underside of the staircase, wherein the clamp is movable along a first axis to clamp the apparatus in position and the clamping member is rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to said first axis. The rotation of the clamping member is advantageous since it enables the apparatus to be installed on staircases inclined at different angles. When the apparatus is installed on a staircase, the second axis is preferably substantially perpendicular to the edge of the staircase The clamping member is preferably rotatable through between 50 and 450 Preferably, the clamping member is rotatable through approximately 30 The clamping member is preferably rotatable through 10 ; 150; or 20 The apparatus may also comprise a pillar for mounting the temporary barrier. The pillar may be integrally formed or may be removable. When the apparatus is installed on a staircase, the pillar is preferably arranged substantially perpendicular to the top of said step.

The base preferably comprises a first member locatable on top of the step Furthermore, the base preferably also comprises a second member locatable against an upright portion of an adjacent step The first and second members are preferably substantially perpendicular to each other.

Viewed from a yet further aspect, the present invention relates to apparatus for mounting a temporary barrier on a staircase, the apparatus comprising a base locatable on a step in the staircase and a clamping member for engaging an underside of the staircase; wherein the base comprises a first member locatable on a horizontal surface of the staircase and a second member for abutting a vertical surface of the staircase.

The clamping member is typically movably mounted on a threaded member and a rotatable element, such as a wing-nut, is provided for moving the clamping member relative to said base.

The first and second members may cooperate with the same step; or may cooperate with adjacent steps. The first and second members are typically substantially perpendicular to each other.

Viewed from a further aspect, the present invention relates to apparatus for mounting a temporary barrier on a staircase, the apparatus comprising a base locatable on a step in the staircase, a clamping member for engaging an underside of the staircase, and a pillar; the clamping member being movably mounted on a threaded member; a rotatable element being provided on the threaded member for moving the clamping member relative to said base; wherein the pillar defines a first longitudinal axis and the threaded member defines a second longitudinal axis, the first and second longitudinal axes being inclined at an angle relative to each other Viewed from a still further aspect, the present invention relates to apparatus for mounting a temporary barrier on a staircase, the apparatus comprising a base locatable on a step in the staircase and a clamping member for engaging an underside of the staircase, the clamping member being movably mounted on a threaded member; a rotatable element being provided on the threaded member for moving the clamping member relative to said base; wherein, when the apparatus is installed on a staircase, the threaded member is arranged substantially perpendicular to the underside of the staircase.The temporary barrier described herein may equally be referred to as an edge protection or a guardrail system.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which.

Figure 1 shows a pillar assembly in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a mesh barrier, rail barrier and toe board mounted on a series of pillar assemblies in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a pillar assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 shows a rail guard and toe board mounted on a series of pillar assemblies in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 shows a pillar assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a pillar assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a pillar assembly in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 shows a side view of the pillar assembly shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 shows a plan view of the base and clamp of the pillar assembly according to the fifth embodiment; and Figure 10 shows a temporary barrier mounted on first and second pillar assemblies according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

A pillar assembly 1 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 1. The pillar assembly 1 comprises a pillar 3 and a clamp assembly 5 for temporarily mounting the pillar assembly 1 on a platform 7, as shown in Figure 2 The illustrated platform 7 is made up of concrete slabs, for example used to construct the floor of a building, but it will be appreciated that the pillar assembly 1 is not limited to this particular application.

The clamp assembly 5 comprises a base plate 9 for locating on the upper surface of the platform 7 and a clamping plate 11 for locating under the platform 7 The base plate 9 is fixed relative to the pillar 3. The clamping plate 11 is mounted on a C-shaped arm 13 and a sleeve 15 is provided on the end of the arm 13 distal from the clamping plate 11. The sleeve 15 is provided around a threaded rod 17 mounted on the base plate 9 and enables vertical displacement of the clamping plate 9 relative to the pillar 3.

The threaded rod 17 is substantially perpendicular to the base plate 9. A cross member 19 is provided at the upper end of the threaded rod 17 to attach it to the pillar 3. The cross member 19 provides additional support for the threaded rod 17 and the pillar 3.

The sleeve 15 is sized to allow it to travel freely up and down the threaded rod 17 whilst retaining the base plate 9 substantially parallel to the clamping plate 11. A wing nut 21 is provided on the threaded rod 17 between the base plate 9 and the sleeve 15 for engaging the bottom of the sleeve 15 The rotation of the wing nut 21 adjusts the vertical height of the arm 13 and hence the clamping plate 11. Thus, rotating the wing nut 21 moves the clamping plate 11 relative to the base plate 9.

The base of the pillar 3 is provided with first and second toe guard mounting plates 23, 25. First, second, third and fourth mounting elements 27, 29, 31 and 33 are provided on brackets at the middle and at the top of the pillar 3 for mounting a rail barrier 35 and/or a mesh barrier 37, as shown in Figure 2 The mounting elements 27, 29, 31 and 33 are substantially parallel to the base plate 9 and, in use, project inwardly from the edge of the platform 7. A slot is provided in each of the mounting elements 27, 29, 31 and 33 for receiving a bolt, a pin or other mechanical fastener to secure the barriers in place. A temporary barrier system in accordance with the present invention is installed by erecting a series of the pillar assemblies 1 along the edge of the platform 7. To install each pillar assembly 1, the wing nut 21 is first rotated to lower the clamping plate 11 to ensure that the space between the base plate 9 and the clamping plate 11 is greater than the thickness of the platform 7. The clamping plate 11 is then located under the platform 7 and the base plate 9 placed on the upper surface of the platform 7 The base plate 9 is preferably arranged so that its sides are perpendicular to the edge of the platform 7. The wing nut 21 is then rotated to raise the clamping plate 11 until it contacts the underside of the platform 7 and then tightened to provide a clamping force. The clamping force retains the pillar assembly I in position.

The rail barrier 35 or the mesh barrier 37 may then be mounted between adjacent pillar assemblies I The barriers are secured in place by inserting a bolt through the slot in each of the mounting elements 27, 29, 31 and 33 A toe guard 39 is mounted on the first and second mounting plates 23, 25 and extends between adjacent pillar assemblies 1. The lower edge of the toe guard 39 contacts the surface of the platform 7. The toe guard 39 provides a continuous guard around the edge of the platform 7 to prevent tools and building materials falling over the edge of the platform 7. The toe guard preferably has a height of at least 150mm or 200mm.

To dismantle the barrier system, the rail barrier 35, the mesh barrier 37 and the toe guard 39 are first removed. The wing nut 21 is then loosened to release the clamping plate 11. The pillar assembly 1 is then removed from the platform 7 in a single integral unit.

Although the first and second mounting plates 23, 25 are illustrated as being co-planar, it will be appreciated that they can be angularly offset relative to each other, for example by 900 to define a corner in the toe board 39. Similarly, the mounting elements 27, 29, 31 and 33 may be angularly offset relative to each other to define a corner in the rail barrier 35 or the mesh barrier 37.

A pillar assembly 40 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 3 The second embodiment of the pillarassembly 40 is similar to the first embodiment and like reference numerals have been used for like components The main difference between the first and second embodiments is that the threaded rod 17 in the second embodiment is formed integrally with the pillar 3. This arrangement simplifies the manufacture of the clamping assembly 5. The sleeve 15 and the wing nut 21 are provided between the base plate 9 and the unthreaded portion of the pillar 3. This arrangement again ensures that the clamping plate 11 cannot be detached and that it remains integral with the rest of the pillar assembly 40.

The toe guard mounting plates 23, 25 are replaced in this embodiment by first and second channels 41, 43 arranged parallel to the threaded rod 17 A guard member (not shown) may be provided around the threaded rod 17 to ensure that the toe guard 39 is continuous along the length of the temporary barrier.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus according to the second embodiment is erected and dismantled in much the same was as the apparatus according to the first embodiment. A rail barrier 35 and toe board 39 mounted on a series of pillar assemblies 40 according to the second embodiment of the present invention are shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4 also shows first and second modified pillar assemblies 40' and 40" for forming corners in the temporary barrier. In the modified pillar assemblies 40' and 40" the first and third mounting elements 27, 31 and the first channel 41 provided on a first side of the pillar 3 are offset by 90 relative to the second and fourth mounting elements 29, 33 and the second channel 43 respectively provided on a second side of the pillar 3 The arm 13 in the first modified pillar assembly 40' is located externally of the 90 angle defined by the first and second channels 41, 43.

The pillar assembly 40' is typically used to define a corner in the rail barrier where the included angle defined by two edges of the platform 7 is acute.

Conversely, the arm 13 in the second modified pillar assembly 40" is located within the 90 angle defined by the first and second channels 41, 43.

The pillar assembly 40" is typically used to define a corner in the rail barrier where the included angle defined by two edges of the platform 7 is obtuse or reflex.

A third embodiment of the pillar assembly 45 is shown in Figure 5.

Like reference numerals have again been used for like components.

The pillar assembly 45 corresponds generally to the pillar assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention. However, the first and second channels 41, 43 have been replaced by first and second mounting plates 47, 49 for mounting the toe board 39. The first and second mounting plates 47, 49 are independently rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the threaded rod 17, as illustrated by the arrow A. This arrangement is particular advantageous as it allows the pillar assembly to define corners of varying angles in the temporary barrier The ability to rotate the first and second mounting plates 47, 49 also provides additional access to the wing nut 21.

The mounting elements 27, 29, 31 and 33 are also rotatable independently. This enables the pillar assembly 45 also to define a corner for the rail barrier 35 and/or the mesh barrier 37.

The pillar assembly 45 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is erected and dismantled in the same way as the assemblies according to the first and second embodiments.

A pillar assembly 50 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 6. Again, like reference numerals have been used for like components.

The threaded rod 17 in the pillar assembly 50 is inset to provide improved access to the wing nut 21. The pillar 3 is fixedly mounted on top of a fixed plate 51. The sleeve 15 provided on the arm 13 is slidably mounted on the threaded rod 17. An upper cross member 55 of the arm 13 extends through a vertical slot 53 formed in the fixed plate 51 The first and second mounting plates 23, 25 for mounting the toe board 39 are formed integrally with the fixed plate 51 The pillar assembly 50 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is erected and dismantled in the same way as the assemblies according to the other embodiments described herein However, since the threaded rod 17 is inset, the pillar assembly 50 can be installed without the user having to reach over the edge of the platform.

Although the mounting elements 27, 29, 31 and 33 and the mounting plates 23, 25 are shown as being fixed in Figure 6, it will be appreciated that they could be rotatable. For example the mounting elements 27, 29, 31 and 33 could each be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the pillar 3 in the same way as those in the third embodiment of the present invention Similarly, rotatable members (not shown) could be provided in place of each of the mounting plates 23, 25.

A pillar assembly 101 mountable on a pre-formed concrete staircase A in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 7 to 10. The components of the pillar assembly 101 according to this embodiment correspond generally to those of the first embodiment. The reference numerals used herein for corresponding components have been incremented by 100 for the sake of clarity.

The pillar assembly 101 comprises a pillar 103 and a clamp assembly 105 for temporarily mounting the pillar assembly 101 on the staircase A, as shown in Figures 7 and 8 The clamp assembly 101 comprises a clamping plate 111 mounted on a C-shaped arm 113.

The clamping assembly 105 is provided with a sleeve 115 slidably mounted on a threaded rod 117 The threaded rod 117 is mounted on a base plate 109 which, in use, is located on a top surface B of a step C in the staircase A. The threaded rod 117 allows the clamping assembly 105 to accommodate thicknesses in the range 125mm to 300mm.

The threaded rod 117 is inclined at an acute angle a relative to the base plate 109. The angle a is preferably approximately 530* An upright member 155 is provided along an edge of the base plate 109 to abut a vertical surface D of the staircase A when the pillar assembly 101 is installed.

The pillar 103 is mounted on top of the threaded rod 117. The longitudinal axis X of the pillar 103 is inclined at an angle relative to that the longitudinal axis Y of the threaded rod 117 such that it is substantially vertical once the clamping assembly has been installed, It will be appreciated that the pillar 103 could, for example, be mounted directly on the base plate 109 rather than on top of the threaded rod 117.

A wing nut 121, which engages the sleeve 115, is provided for clamping the pillar assembly 101 in position. The wing nut 115 may be tightened by hand or using a suitable spanner.

Unlike the first embodiment in which the clamping plate 111 is rigidly mounted on the arm 113, the clamping plate 111 in this embodiment is pivotally mounted on a pivot pin or bolt 157, as shown in Figure 9 The pivot pin 157 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the axis along which the arm 113 is movable to clamp the pillar assembly 101 in position This arrangement is desirable since it allows the orientation of the clamping plate ill to vary to match different stair angles 13.

The rotation of the clamping plate 111 relative to the arm 113 is preferably limited to 150 This helps to ensure that the orientation of the clamping plate 113 is generally correct when it is first located under the staircase B. The installation of the pillar assembly 101 will now be described with reference to Figure 10.

The base plate 109 is located on a top surface B of a first step C in the staircase A and the upright member 155 located against the vertical surface D of an adjacent step E. The arm 113 extends around the side of the step and the clamping plate 111 located under the staircase A. The wing nut 121 is then rotated to raise the arm 113 and to bring the clamping plate 111 into contact with the underside of the staircase A. The continued rotation of the wing nut 121 aligns the clamping plate 11 with the underside of the staircase A and draws the base plate 109 and the upright member 155 into the apex defined by the horizontal and vertical surfaces B, D. Once the clamp assembly 105 is secured in position, the pillar 103 is generally vertical This process is then repeated for a second pillar assembly 101 and so on One or more rail barriers 135 are then provided between adjacent pillars 103.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications may be made to the pillar assembly 101 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. For example, base plate 109 and the upright member 155 may be arranged such that they locate over the edge of a step A, C rather than against the horizontal and vertical surfaces B, D of adjacent steps.

The threaded rod 117 may be inset from the pillar 103 (i e. displaced away from the edge of the staircase A) to reduce further the risk of the individual falling over the edge of the staircase A when the pillar assembly 101 is installed.

Furthermore, a pivot point may be provided along the length of the arm 113, for example in the cross-member on which the sleeve 115 is mounted, to enable the orientation of the clamping plate 111 to be varied.

This pivot point may be in addition to or instead of the pivot pin 157.

Although the temporary barrier systems have been described herein with reference to construction sites, it will be appreciated that they may be used in a range of applications.

Claims

CLAlMS 1 Apparatus for mounting a temporary barrier along an upper edge of

a platform, the apparatus comprising a base member for locating on an upper surface of the platform and a clamping member for contacting an underside of the platform; wherein the clamping member is movably mounted on a threaded member and a rotatable element is provided on the threaded member for moving the clamping member relative to said base member
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clamping member comprises a sleeve and said sleeve is provided around the threaded member to mount the clamping member
3 Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rotatable element engages an underside of the sleeve.
4 Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the rotatable element is provided between said base member and the sleeve.
5. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 further comprising an operatively upright pillar for mounting a rail and/or mesh barrier and/or toe board.
6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least one mounting element is provided on the operatively upright pillar for mounting the rail and/or mesh barrier and/or toe board.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the or each mounting element is rotatable relative to the operatively upright pillar.
8 Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 comprising a first mounting element and a second mounting element, wherein the first mounting element is rotatable independently of the second mounting element.
9 Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the pillar is permanently attached to said base member.
10. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the threaded member is substantially parallel to the pillar.
11 Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the threaded member is mounted on said base member
12 Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, wherein a support member is provided to connect a top end of the threaded member to the pillar.
13. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein, when the apparatus is installed on an edge of a platform, a first side of the pillar faces the edge of the platform and the threaded member is located on said first side of the pillar.
14. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein, when the apparatus is installed on an edge of a platform, a second side of the pillar faces away from the edge of the platform and the threaded member is located on said second side of the pillar.
15. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein a portion of said pillar is provided with an external thread to define said threaded member.
16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the threaded portion of the pillar is provided proximal said base member.
17 Apparatus as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16 further comprising a guard member provided around the threaded portion of the pillar
18. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 15, 16 or 17, wherein at least the threaded portion of the pillar is substantially perpendicular to the base member
19. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 further comprising a socket for receiving a removable pillar.
20. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base member is a base plate for locating against the upper surface of the platform.
21. Apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the threaded member is substantially perpendicular to said base plate.
22 Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotatable element is a wing nut.
23. Apparatus for mounting a temporary barrier on a platform, the apparatus comprising a pillar and a movable clamping member for contacting an underside of the plafform, the clamping member being permanently movably attached to the pillar, means being provided for adjusting the position of the clamping member relative to the pillar.
24. Apparatus for mounting a temporary barrier at an edge of a platform, the apparatus comprising a pillar, a base member for locating on an upper surface of the platform and a clamping member for contacting an underside of the platform, the clamping member being mounted on an arm connected to a mechanism for adjusting the height of the clamping member relative to the base member; wherein, when the apparatus is installed on a platform, the arm projects beyond the edge of the platform and said heightadjustment mechanism is displaced inwardly from said edge.
25. Apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein said arm is generally Cshaped.
26. Apparatus for mounting a temporary barrier along an upper edge of a platform, the apparatus comprising a pillar, a base member for locating on an upper surface of the platform, a clamping member for engaging an underside of the platform; wherein the base member is movable relative to the pillar to facilitate clamping of the apparatus onto a platform.
27. A temporary barrier comprising apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the temporary barrier further comprising a mesh barrier and/or a rail barrier and/or a toe board.
28. A pillar for erecting a temporary barrier, the pillar comprising at least one mounting element for mounting a rail and/or mesh barrier and/or toe board; wherein the or each mounting element is rotatable relative to the pillar.
29. Apparatus for mounting a temporary barrier on a staircase, the apparatus comprising a base locatable on a step in the staircase and a clamp for engaging an underside of the staircase; the clamp being movably mounted on a threaded member; a rotatable element being provided on the threaded member for moving the clamp relative to said base; wherein, when the apparatus is installed on a staircase, the threaded member is inclined at an angle relative to the top of said step.
30. Apparatus as claimed in claim 29, wherein, when the apparatus is installed on a staircase, the threaded member is inclined relative to the top of said step at an angle of between 30 and 70 .
31 Apparatus as claimed in claim 29 or claim 30, wherein, when the apparatus is installed on a staircase, the threaded member is inclined relative to the top of said step at an angle of approximately 53 .
32. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 29, 30 or 31, wherein the clamp is movable along a longitudinal axis of the threaded member
33. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the threaded member is rotatable about a transverse axis.
34. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 32 further comprising a pillar for mounting the barrier; wherein, when the apparatus is installed on a staircase, the pillar is substantially perpendicular to the top of said step.
35. Apparatus as claimed in claim 34, wherein the longitudinal axis of the pillar is angularly offset from the longitudinal axis of the threaded member
36. Apparatus as claimed in claim 34 or claim 35, wherein the pillar is removable.
37. Apparatus for mounting a temporary barrier on a staircase, the apparatus comprising a base locatable on a step in the staircase and a clamp comprising a clamping member for engaging the underside of the staircase; wherein the clamp is movable along a first axis to clamp the apparatus in position and the clamping member is rotatable about a second axis substantially perpendicular to said first axis.
38. Apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein said clamping member is rotatable through between 5 and 45
39. Apparatus as claimed in claim 37 or claim 38, wherein the base is rotatable through approximately 30 .
40. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 39 further comprising a pillar for mounting the temporary barrier.
41. Apparatus as claimed in claim 40, wherein, when the apparatus is installed on a staircase, the pillar is arranged substantially perpendicular to the top of said step
42 Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 41, wherein the base comprises a first member locatable on a horizontal portion of a step.
43. Apparatus as claimed in claim 42, wherein the base further comprises a second member for abutting a vertical portion of a step.
44. Apparatus as claimed in claim 43, wherein the first and second members cooperate with the same step; or cooperate with adjacent steps.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 42, 43 or 44, wherein the first and second members are substantially perpendicular to each other.
46 Apparatus for mounting a temporary barrier on a staircase, the apparatus comprising a base locatable on a step in the staircase and a clamping member for engaging an underside of the staircase; wherein the base comprises a first member for locating on a horizontal surface on the staircase and a second member for abutting a vertical surface of the staircase.
47 Apparatus as claimed in claim 46, wherein the first and second members cooperate with the same step, or cooperate with adjacent steps.
48 A pillar assembly substantially as herein described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.
49. A clamping assembly substantially as herein described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings
50. A temporary barrier substantially as herein described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.