GB2464469A

GB2464469A - Flatbed Safety System

Info

Publication number: GB2464469A
Application number: GB0818837A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Hope
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-10-14
Filing date: 2008-10-14
Publication date: 2010-04-21
Also published as: GB0818837D0

Abstract

A safety system is provided for use with a flat bed vehicle 1 to prevent an operator falling from the vehicle when working on the flat bed 2. The system comprises a flexible barrier, a barrier housing 9 in which the flexible barrier 6 is retractably contained, and removable barrier material guides 4, which engage with the vehicle bed 2. The flexible barrier and removable barrier material guides cooperate to form a secure barrier around the periphery of the vehicle, which may be quickly and conveniently dismantled when not in use. The safety system may be provided with two individual barrier housings (9a,9b, figure 5). The barrier housing may be provided with a spring loaded retractable wheel. The safety system may be provided with two barriers, at least one for forming the left hand barrier , and at least one for forming the right hand barrier. The left and right hand side barrier may each comprise two lengths of flexible barrier material. The free ends of the flexible barrier material may be provided with a rigid connector.

Description

Safety System Frequently, for example during loading and unloading, operators need to climb on to the flat bed sections of trailers and lorries. During such actMty, the operators are at risk from falls, as they are at a considerable height above the ground.

Several safety systems have been proposed to address this problem.

GB2,442,283 discloses a barrier for protecting workers on a lorry or trailer bed which rests on the ground and extends upwardly beyond the bed.

The present invention seeks to overcome problems associated with prior art safety systems.

Summary of Invention

In one aspect, the Invention relates to a vehicle bed safety system comprising a vehicle bed, flexible baffler material, baffler material housing adapted to rotractably retain the baffler material, and removable baffler material guides adapted to removably engage with the vehicle bed and project therefrom, wherein when engaged, the removable baffler material guides cooperate with the flexible barriertodefinea baffler around at least part of the peripheryof the vehicle bed.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a baffler material guide for use in a vehicle bed safety system as described above.

Thevehiclebedlsanysectlonofavehlclelntendedtocarryaload,and Includes the beds of flatbed trailers, flatbed lorries and the like.

According to a third aspect, there Is provided a vehicle trailer comprising a vehicle bed safety system according to the Invention.

The barrier material is selected from materials suitably flexible to form a barrier in one configuration, and be withdrawn into the barrier housing for stowage. Preferred barrier materials are rope, chain, wire and webbing.

Highly preferred is plastic coated steel cord.

The system may comprise one, or more than one individual lengths of flexible barrier material. Preferably, the system comprises at least one length of flexible barrier material for each side of the vehicle bed to be protected (usually, two). More preferably, the system comprises at least two lengths of flexible barrier material for each side of the vehicle bed to be protected. Most preferably, the system comprises two lengths of flexible barrier material for each side of the vehicle bed to be protected. Preferably, the two lengths of flexible barrier material engage with the removable barrier material guides at two different points to form a more secure barrier.

Preferably, each length of flexible barrier material terminates in a stop. The stop engages with the removable barrier material guides to secure the barrier in position. The stop may be a knot which prevents the flexible barrier being pulled through a hook on the removable barrier material guide. Alternatively, the stop may be a spring clip or carabiner adapted to engage with a ring or other aperture provide on the removable barrier material guides. Alternatively, the stop may be a loop or ring which engages with a spring clip mounted on the removable barrier material guides.

Preferably, in embodiments where there are at least two lengths of flexible barrier material for each side of the vehicle bed, the separate lengths may be connected together by a rigid connector, enabling them to be drawn out from the barrier material housing simultaneously. The connector may be a rod, tube or the like. Preferably, the connector holds the lengths of flexible barrier material apart at a distance appropriate for defining the barrier.

The removable barrier material guides are adapted to engage with the vehicle bed. In engagement, they form a secure connection therewith such that the barrier has some structural integrity. A variety of adaptations are suitable to achieve this purpose.

Preferably, the vehicle bed comprises recesses adapted to receive one end of the removable barrier material guides. The recesses are generally disposed along the periphery of the vehicle bed. The advantage of this embodiment is that conventional flat bed vehicles frequently have such recesses in order to receive support members for e.g. tarpaulin sides of a lorry.

Although the recesses may be of any shape or size, they are preferably substantially square or rectangular in cross section. Alternatively, the recesses may be circular in cross section, with an internal thread adapted to engage with an external thread provided on the removable barrier material guides.

The recesses are spaced so as to enable the removable barrier material guides, when engaged with the vehicle bed, to provide even support for the barrier material. Generally, the recesses are evenly and symmetrically spaced along the sides of the vehicle bed.

Optionally, the recesses may be provided with a locking system to more securely retain the removable barrier material guides. Sliding bolts and snap fittings are suitable.

Alternatively, the vehicle bed may feature adaptations wherein a plurality of recesses which engage with corresponding projections provided on the removable barrier material guides.

Alternatively, the removable barrier material guides may feature a recess or a plurality of recess which engage with corresponding projections provided on the vehicle bed.

In an alternative embodiment, the vehicle bed is not provided with recesses, but instead the removable barrier material guides are provided with clamps which permit the removable barrier material guides to engage with the edge of the vehicle bed. Any known type of clamp is suitable.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the vehicle bed is provided with clamps which engage the removable barrier material guides.

The number of removable barrier material guides will depend on the length of the vehicle bed. Generally, the number is sufficient to provide even support to the barrier material without excessive sagging. For a short vehicle bed one support per side may be sufficient; however, preferably two or three per side are employed.

The removable barrier material guides, as explained above, are adapted to engage with the vehicle bed in one configuration and to provide support to the flexible barrier material. The removable barrier material guides are accordingly preferably provided with receiving elements to receive the flexible barrier material. Suitable means include eyelets, hooks, grooves, snap-fit attachments and carabiner type closures.

Particularly preferred is a snap hook type element. Optionally, locking means are provided.

In those embodiments comprising more than one length of flexible barrier material per side of the vehicle bed, each removable barrier material guide will have a corresponding number of receiving elements. Preferably, the receiving elements will be disposed evenly along the length of the removable barrier material guide.

The length of the removable barrier material guides, and the placement of the receiving elements along them, is such to form a barrier of sufficient height and integrity so as to render more difficult falls from the vehicle bed.

The removable barrier material guides may al be substantially identical.

However, in a preferred embodiment, there are two different types of barrier material guide. The first type is adapted to guide and support the barrier material in the middle of a run of flexible barrier material. The second type is adapted to releasably engage with the end of a length of flexible barrier material. In those embodiments having a connector, the second type of removable barrier material guides may engage with the connector, rather than directly with the flexible barrier material.

The barrier material housing is adapted to store the flexible barrier material when it is not in use as a barrier. The barrier material housing may comprise a single housing adapted to receive all of the lengths of flexible barrier material. In an alternative embodiment, the barrier material housing may comprise a separate housing for each length of flexible barrier material. In a preferred embodiment, the barrier material housing is a reel. Alternatively, and preferably, the barrier material housing comprises a spring loaded retractable reel, so that when not in use the flexible barrier material is withdrawn automatically within the housing.

In yet another, preferred, alternative the barrier material housing comprises two individual housings, one for the left side of the vehicle bed, and the other for the right side of the vehicle bed. Preferably, each individual housing contains the individual lengths of barrier housing material for the respective side of the vehicle, enabling them to be drawn from the housing simultaneously as required.

In a very highly preferred embodiment, the barrier material housing comprises two individual spring loaded retractable reels, each of which contains two separate lengths of flexible barrier material.

In a highly preferred embodiment, the vehicle bed comprises a headboard, to which the barrier material housing is affixed. The headboard may further comprise guides (e.g. pulley wheels) over which the flexible barrier material may pass.

Optionally, the safety system may be provided with a further barrier for completing a barrier encircling the vehicle bed. A further length of barrier material may be used.

Preferably, the flexible barrier material is provided with a blocking element, and passes through a guide aperture, the blocking element being so positioned along the length of the barrier material such that when the flexible barrier material is fully withdrawn from the barrier material housing, the blocking element abuts the guide tube, and prevents the passage of further flexible barrier material therethrough. Such an arrangement permits the assembled barrier to be tensioned without placing strain on the barrier material housing, which could cause damage.

The system of the invention can further comprise one or more tensioners for placing the barrier under tension. Various tensioning devices are known to those skilled in the art, and include windlasses, guy wires and the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the barrier is defined at the front of the vehicle bed by the headboard, along the left and right hand sides by lengths of flexible barrier material supported by the removable barrier material guides, and across the back by a length of chain. In this embodiment, an operative is protected from falls from all sides of the vehicle bed.

The system according to the invention has two configurations. In the first configuration, the removable barrier material guides are engaged with the vehicle bed, and project upwardly from it. Flexible barrier material is released from the barrier material housing, and cooperates with the guides to form a temporary barrier around at least part of the periphery of the vehicle bed. This provides a fence-like physical barrier preventing an operator on the vehicle bed from falling.

When in this configuration, the height of the barrier is preferably appropriate to effectively prevent operator falls. Preferably, the barrier is at least 50 cm above the vehicle bed. More preferably, the barrier is at least I m above the vehicle bed.

In a second configuration, the flexible barrier material is drawn within the barrier material housing, and the removable barrier material guides are disengaged from the vehicle bed for stowage, either on the vehicle bed or elsewhere. The vehicle bed in this configuration presents a level, unimpeded surface suitable for loading/unloading with e.g. a forklift truck.

To erect the safety system of the invention, the operator engages the removable barrier material guides along the periphery of the vehicle bed, and then extends the flexible barrier material to form a safety barrier together with the barrier material guides. The flexible barrier material stops (where present) engage with a removable barrier material guide to secure the barrier in position. Tensioning means may be provided in order to tension the flexible barrier material.

To dismantle the barrier, the operator releases the flexible barrier material stop, frees the flexible barrier material from the removable barrier material guides, retracts the flexible barrier material within the housing, and disengages the removable barrier material guides from the vehicle bed.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows a vehicle bed safety system of the invention in the working configuration Figure 2 shows a vehicle bed safety system of the invention in the stowed configuration Figure 3 shows an alternative vehicle bed safety system of the invention.

Figure 4 shows a removable barrier material guide of the invention Figure 5 shows an alternative vehicle bed safety system of the invention.

Description of the preferred embodiments

As illustrated in Figure 1, a safety system according to the invention comprises a trailer (1) having a bed (2) and headboard (3). Bed (2) is provided with recesses (not visible) which engage with first (4a) and second (4b) pairs of removable barrier material guides, which project substantially perpendicularly from the working surface of the bed (2). Removable barrier material guides (4) are disposed along the edges (5) of bed (2).

Upper (6) and lower (7) wires emerge from reel (9) affixed to the outer face of headboard (3). The wires pass over pulleys (10) affixed to the edges of the headboard (3). Upper wires (6) pass through upper apertures (8) in the first pair of removable barrier material guides (4a). Lower wires (7) pass through lower apertures (8) in the first pair removable barrier material guides (4a).

Upper wires (6) terminate in spring clips (11) which engage with upper apertures (8) in the second pair of removable barrier material guides (4b).

Lower wires (7) terminate in spring clips (11) which engage with lower apertures (8) in the second pair of removable barrier material guides (4b).

Reel (9) features a ratchet mechanism which enables upper (6) and lower (7) wires to be tensioned, providing a secure working environment for an operator on the vehicle bed.

Figure 2 shows the safety system of Figure 1, in the configuration with the barrier dismantled. Upper (6) and lower (7) wires are substantially completely withdrawn into reel (9). First (4a) and second (4b) pairs of removable barrier material guides (not shown) are removed from recesses (12).

Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, headboard (3) is provided with four spring loaded retractable reels (13), each housing a web belt (14). In this embodiment, the system comprises a pair of barrier material guides (4).

Figure 4 shows an alternative removable barrier material guide according to the invention. End (15) is adapted to releasably engage with a recess provided in bed (2). Lower (16) and upper (17) hooks receive flexible barrier material when appropriately positioned.

Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention. First (4a) and second (4b) pairs of removable barrier material guides, which project substantially perpendicularly from the working surface of the bed (2).

Removable barrier material guides (4) are disposed along the left (5a) and right (5b) edges of bed (2).

Upper (6) and lower (7) wires emerge from left (9a) and right (9b) spring loaded reels affixed to the outer face of headboard (3). The wires pass through guide tubes (18), over pulleys (10) affixed to the edges of the headboard (3). Upper wires (6) pass through spring clips (8) in the first pair of removable barrier material guides (4a). Lower wires (7) pass through lower spring clips (8) in the first pair removable barrier material guides (4a). Upper (6) and lower (7) wires are connected to lengths of rigid tube (19), which enables upper (6) and lower (7) wires to be withdrawn simultaneously.

Terminal posts (4b) are provided with pins (20) and collars (21). In order to engage the rigid tube (19) with the terminal post (4b), the upper end of tube (19) is passed upwardly through the collar (21), and the lower end located above pin (20). The tube (19) is then lowered onto the pin (20) to form a secure connection.

Wires (6) and (7) are provided with stops (22) at appropriate points along their lengths. Stops (22) abut guide tubes (18) and enable wires (6) and (7) to be tensioned without placing strain on spring loaded reels (9a) and (9b).

The inner face (23) of headboard (3) is provided with a pin and collar arrangement similar to that provided on the terminal posts (4b). This enables tubes (19)to be stored securely when not in use.

Chains (24) connect terminal posts (4b) and provide a completely enclosed Figure 6 shows in detail terminal post (4b). Pin (20) projects upwardly from support plate (25). Collar (21) is positioned above the support plate (25) and is substantially coaxial with it.

Figure 7 shows rigid support tube (19), connected to upper (6) and lower (7) wires, being passed upwardly and at a slight angle to terminal post (4b).

Figure 8 shows the support tube (19) engaged with terminal post (4b).

Support tube (19) is brought substantially parallel with terminal post (4b), and the bottom end is lowered onto pin (20). -Il -

Claims

CLAIMS1. A vehicle bed safety system comprising a vehicle bed, flexible barrier material, barrier material housing adapted to retractably retain the barrier material, and removable barrier material guides adapted to removably engage with the vehicle bed and project therefrom, wherein when engaged, the removable barrier material guides cooperate with the flexible barrier to define a barrier around at least part of the periphery of the vehicle bed.
2. A vehicle bed safety system according to claim I comprising two individual barrier material housings.
3. A vehicle bed safety system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the barrier material housing is at least one spring loaded retractable reel.
4. A vehicle bed safety system according to any preceding claim comprising at least two lengths of flexible barrier material, at least one for forming a left hand barrier, and at least one for forming a right hand barrier.
5. A vehicle bed safety system according to claim 4 comprising at least two lengths of flexible barrier material for forming a right hand barrier, and at least two lengths of flexible barrier material for forming a left hand barrier.
6. A vehicle bed safety system according to claim 5 wherein the free ends of the at least two lengths of flexible barrier material for forming a right hand barrier are connected by a rigid connector, and the free ends of the at least two lengths of flexible barrier material for forming a left hand barrier are connected by a rigid connector.
7. A vehicle bed safety system according to any preceding claim comprising a first type of removable barrier material guides adapted to guide and support the flexible barrier material in the middle of a run; and a second type of removable barrier material guides is adapted to releasably engage with the end of a length of flexible barrier material.
8. A vehicle barrier safety system according to any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle bed has features adapted to removably engage with corresponding features provided on the removable barrier material guides.
9. A removable barrier material guide for use in a vehicle barrier safety system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10.
10. A vehicle comprising a vehicle bed safety system as claimed in any oneofclaimslto9.
11. A vehicle trailer comprising a vehicle bed safety system as claimed in any one of claims I to 9.
12. A vehicle bed safety system substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.
13. A vehicle bed substantially as defined herein with reference to any one of the drawings.