GB2483106A

GB2483106A - Buttress support for a fall protection fence

Info

Publication number: GB2483106A
Application number: GB1014326.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William John Aitken
Original assignee: GALLIFORD TRY INFRASTRUCTURE Ltd
Current assignee: GALLIFORD TRY INFRASTRUCTURE Ltd
Priority date: 2010-08-27
Filing date: 2010-08-27
Publication date: 2012-02-29
Also published as: GB201014326D0

Abstract

Buttress supports 100 for supporting fence panels 12 above foot blocks 14 in an edge protection system are disclosed. Each buttress support includes a base section 102 having engagement means 108 (figure 3a) for engaging the foot block, and fence panel support means 114 for supporting the fence panel in an elevated position above the foot block. The buttress support also includes a frame section 104 having a lower part connected or connectable to the base section, and an upper part that is releasably attachable to the fence panel at a position approximately vertically above the support means so as to secure the fence panel in a generally upright position. The lower part of the frame section is spaced from the support means in a direction substantially perpendicular to the fence panel, in use, such that the frame section guards against toppling of the fence panel. The fence panels and foot blocks may be of conventional types, for example of the types used in temporary fencing systems for construction sites.

Description

FALL PREVENTION SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS THEREFOR

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a fall prevention system. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an edge protection system for preventing falls from elevated platforms, such as vehicle trailer beds, and to components for use in such a system.

Background to the invention

In the UK, employers and other persons who control the work of others have a legal duty, for example under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, to do all that is reasonably practicable to prevent a fall occurring from any place from which a fall could result in injury.

In many circumstances, and particularly in the construction industry, working at height is unavoidable. In such cases, it is necessary to provide suitable safety equipment for preventing, as far as is reasonably practicable, a fall occurring from a place of work at height.

One example of a place of work at height is an elevated platform, upon which personnel must walk in order to carry out tasks. Left unguarded, there is a risk that personnel could accidentally step, slip or otherwise fall over the edge of the platform.

In some cases, it is relatively easy and convenient to provide a permanent barrier, fence or guard rail around the periphery of the platform, so as to guard against personnel falling from the edge.

In other cases, it is not appropriate to provide a permanent edge protection barrier, fence or guard rail. For example, construction materials and equipment are often transported to construction sites using flat-bed trucks or lorries, which comprise a flat platform or bed onto which goods can be loaded. One advantage of such flat-bed vehicles is that they are versatile and adaptable to carry a wide range of payloads, and can be loaded and unloaded in a multitude of different ways.

Accordingly, permanent edge protection systems are not commonly installed on flat-bed vehicles, since they would reduce the versatility of the vehicle. For example, an edge protection system would impede the loading and unloading of goods, such as by fork-lift truck or other mechanical handling equipment. However, in other circumstances, such as when goods are loaded or unloaded from the vehicle by crane, there is a high fall risk for personnel working on the vehicle bed.

The risk of fall from a vehicle bed exists only for a small fraction of the total operating time of the vehicle. The risk of fall is present only during certain loading and unloading operations of the vehicle, and is not present between these events, while the vehicle is in motion. Consequently, the cost of providing and installing an edge protection system for each individual vehicle could be considered disproportionate in comparison to the benefit from use of the system on that particular vehicle. Additionally, having an edge protection system in place when the vehicle is moving would undesirably increase fuel consumption due to the extra weight and aerodynamic drag of the system.

For the above reasons, it has been recognised in the art that it would be desirable to provide a fall prevention system for reducing the risk of falls from vehicle beds, which can be installed on a temporary basis when required, but which is removable when there is no fall risk. Furthermore, it has been recognised that it is advantageous to provide such a system that is adaptable for use with several different vehicles, so that one set of components can be used on multiple vehicles.

For example, one existing system, manufactured under the registered trade mark "KGUARD", is suitable for use on vehicle beds of a type that comprises relatively thin metal or wooden deck panels supported on a square-section steel frame. The frame extends around the periphery of the bed to support the outermost edges of the deck panels, and, depending on the size of the bed, the size of the panels and the load capacity of the vehicle, may also include cross members and other members to provide additional support for the deck panels.

The system comprises a plurality of clamp fittings that can be securely fitted to the bed, by embracing a portion of the frame and by clamping a portion of a deck panel. The clamp fittings are adjustable so that they can be fitted to most vehicle beds of the above-described type, irrespective of the exact shape, size and configuration of the bed. Each clamp fitting includes a socket that receives a post. In use, the clamp fittings are fitted to the bed at intervals around its edge, and a post extends vertically upwards from each fitting. Horizontal link bars or rails are then attached to the posts, so as to span the gaps between the posts. In this way, a temporary edge protection system for the vehicle bed is provided One disadvantage with such a system is that fitment and removal of the edge protection system to the vehicle can be time-consuming, labour-intensive and inconvenient. The system has a large component count, and each component must be carefully secured during installation. For example, to fit each clamp fitting to the vehicle bed, at least one bolt must be fastened to achieve the necessary clamping action, and each clamp fitting may need further adjustment to fit the vehicle bed. Similarly, each of the posts and rails must be attached using bolts or similar fasteners. For these reasons, the use of such a system can add significantly to the time that a vehicle must spend on a construction site for the purposes of unloading materials or equipment.

Against this background, it would be desirable to provide a fall prevention system for preventing falls from raised vehicle beds and other raised platforms that can be deployed and removed more rapidly and more conveniently than currently-known systems.

Summary of the invention

From a first aspect, the present invention provides a buttress support for supporting a fence panel above a foot block in an edge protection system. The buttress support includes a base section having engagement means for engaging the foot block, and fence panel support means for supporting the fence panel in an elevated position above the foot block. The buttress support also includes a frame section having a lower part connected or connectable to the base section and an upper part that is releasably attachable to the fence panel at a position approximately vertically above the support means so as to secure the fence panel in a generally upright position. The lower part of the frame section is spaced from the fence panel support means in a direction substantially perpendicular to the fence panel, in use, such that the frame section guards against toppling of the fence panel.

The buttress support is particularly suitable for use with conventional fence panels and foot blocks used in known temporary fencing systems, as often found on construction sites. The buttress supports of the invention can support the fence panels in an elevated or raised position above the foot blocks, so that the top of the fence panels is at a higher level than would otherwise be the case. This renders conventional fence panels suitable for use in an edge protection system for preventing falls from a raised platform, such as a vehicle bed, by ensuring that the top of the panel extends to a sufficient height above the level of the platform to act as an effective fall barrier. Without the buttress support, the fence panels would be too short for this purpose.

Additionally, the frame section is attachable to the fence panel at a position above the support means, where the bottom of the fence panel is supported by the fence panel support means of the base section. This provides an additional bracing or retaining point for the fence panels, compared to a conventional temporary fencing system in which the fence panels are supported only at their bases. Furthermore, since the lower part of the frame section is spaced along the base section from the fence panel support means, the frame section stands off from the bottom of the fence panels. In this way, the frame section acts as a buttress that guards against toppling of the fence panel.

In one embodiment, the fence panel support means is adapted to support the fence panel in any of a plurality of elevated positions above the foot block, so as to allow vertical adjustment of the fence panel relative to the foot block, in use. In this way, the height of the top of the fence panel can be adjusted so that the fence provides an effective fall prevention barrier with the correct height above the raised platform. This adaptability facilitates the use of the buttress support with platforms of different heights, as is typical for vehicle applications, as well as fence panels of different heights.

The fence panel support means may be adapted to receive a downwardly-extending leg member of the fence panel, and to support the leg member in an elevated position above the foot block. For example, the fence panel support means may include an upwardly-extending fence panel support tube for receiving the leg member.

In one embodiment, the fence panel support tube includes a pin member that extends substantially horizontally through the tube, such that the leg member rests on the pin member in use. Furthermore, when vertical adjustment of the fence panel is required, the fence panel support tube may include a plurality of pairs of holes situated at a plurality of vertical positions, so that the pin member is receivable in any one of the pairs of holes so as to support the fence panel in a selected one of the plurality of elevated positions above the foot block. In this way, adjustment of the vertical position of the fence panel can be achieved by moving the pin from one pair of holes to another pair of holes at a higher or lower position.

The lower part of the frame section may include first and second vertical members. The first vertical member may be shorter than the second vertical member, and the upper part of the frame section may include an inclined member that extends between uppermost ends of the first and second members and beyond the second member.

An uppermost end of the inclined member may include attachment means for releasably attaching the frame section to the fence panel. In one example, the attachment means includes a clamp for releasably clamping a frame of the fence panel. The clamp may include a wing nut or similar fastening, so as to allow convenient attachment and removal of the clamp.

The frame section may be attached directly to, or formed integrally with, the base section. The base section may include a plate to which the engagement means, fence panel support means and frame section are attached.

The frame section and base sections may be formed as separate components. In this case, the base section may include frame section support means for receiving the lower part of the frame section. The base section may include a plate to which the engagement means, fence panel support means and frame section support means are attached or attachable.

The frame section support means may be adaptable to support the frame section in any of a plurality of vertical positions, so as to allow adjustment of the vertical position of the frame section relative to the foot block, in use. In this way, the position at which the frame section attaches to the fence panel can be adjusted. For example, it may be beneficial to raise the position of the attachment point to increase the buttressing effect of the buttress support, or to adjust the position of the attachment point so that the frame section does not foul or otherwise interfere with other components, such as an edge of a vehicle bed.

The frame section support means may include one or more upwardly-extending frame support tubes. The or each frame support tube may be arranged to receive a downwardly-extending frame member of the frame section. The or each frame support tube may include a pin member that extends substantially horizontally through the tube, such that the respective frame member rests on the pin member, in use.

When adjustment of the vertical position of the frame section is required, the or each tube may include at least two pairs of holes for receiving the pin member therethrough, the pairs of holes being arranged at a plurality of vertical positions. The pin member may be receivable in any of the pairs of holes to support the frame section in any of the plurality of vertical positions. In this way, adjustment of the vertical position of the frame section can be achieved by moving the pin from one pair of holes to another pair of holes at a higher or lower position.

Preferably, the fence panel support means is situated towards a first end of the base section and the frame section support means is situated, at least in part, towards a second, opposite end of the base section. This means that at least a part of the frame section is spaced from the bottom of the fence panel, in use, to achieve the buttressing effect of the frame section.

The engagement means for engaging the foot block may include a plurality of downwardly-extending elements, for example in the form of tubular or cylindrical posts or members, arranged to be receivable in a corresponding plurality of recesses in the foot block.

The arrangement of elements may correspond to the arrangement of recesses in a conventional foot block from a temporary fencing system. The position of at least one of the elements may be adjustable so as to allow the plurality of elements to be aligned with the plurality of recesses in the foot block, thereby allowing the base section to be adapted for use with foot blocks of different designs. For example, when the base section includes a plate, each element may include a mounting shaft that is receivable in a mounting aperture in the plate and securable by a nut or similar device. The mounting aperture may be an elongate slot, so as to allow adjustment of the position of the element along the slot. In another example, an axis of the mounting shaft is offset from a central axis of the element, such that rotation of the element about the axis of the mounting shaft provides adjustment of the position of the element with respect to the plate.

Two or more elements may be attached to an intermediate plate, and the intermediate plate may include a mounting shaft that is mountable to the plate of the base section by way of a mounting aperture. When the mounting aperture is a slot, this arrangement allows simultaneous adjustment of a group of elements.

The fence panel support means may be adapted to support two fence panels in elevated positions above the foot block in a side-by-side configuration, in which case the upper part of the frame section may be attachable to both fence panels. In this way, by providing a plurality of buttress supports according to the invention, a plurality of fence panels can be supported to provide an edge protection barrier of extended length. In this arrangement, each fence panel is supported by two buttress supports, one at each end of the fence panel, and neighbouring pair of fence panels meet at and are supported in part by one of the buttress supports.

The present invention also extends, in a second aspect, to a base section for a buttress support for supporting a fence panel above a foot block in an edge protection system.

The base section includes engagement means for releasably engaging a foot block, fence panel support means for supporting a fence panel in an elevated position above the foot block, and frame section support means for receiving a frame section of the buttress support. The fence panel support means is preferably situated towards a first end of the base section and at least a part of the frame section support means is situated towards a second, opposite end of the base section. The base section of the second aspect of the invention may form a part of the buttress support of the first aspect of the invention.

In a third aspect, a frame section for a buttress support for supporting a fence panel above a foot block in an edge protection system is provided. The frame section includes a first, relatively short vertical member and a second, relatively long vertical member, an inclined member that extends between uppermost ends of the first and second members and beyond the second member, and attachment means at an uppermost end of the inclined member to attach the frame section to the fence panel. The frame section of the third aspect of the invention may be receivable in the base section of the second aspect of the invention, and/or may form a part of the buttress support of the first aspect of the invention.

A fourth aspect of the invention resides in an edge protection system for guarding against falls from an elevated platform. The system includes a plurality of buttress supports according the first aspect of the invention, or a plurality of buttress supports each including a base section according to the second aspect of the invention, and/or a frame section according to the third aspect of the invention. The system also includes a plurality offence panels and a plurality of foot blocks. Each buttress support is releasably engageable with a respective one of the foot blocks, and each fence panel is releasably attachable to one or more of the buttress supports, such that, in use, each of the fence panels is supported in an elevated position above the foot blocks and the buttress supports guard against toppling of the fence panel.

Preferred and/or optional features of each aspect of the invention may also be used, alone or in appropriate combination, in the other aspects of the invention also.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference signs are used for like components, and in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a buttress support according to an embodiment of the present invention, in use in an edge protection system; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a foot block suitable for use with the buttress support of Figure 1; Figures 3(a), 3(b) and 3(c) are side, top and bottom views, respectively, of a base section of the buttress support shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a side view of a frame section of the buttress support shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a schematic side view of buttress supports of the type shown in Figures 1 to 3, in use in an edge protection system installed around a vehicle; and Figure 6 is a top view showing a plurality of buttress supports of the type shown in Figures 1 to 3, in use in an edge protection system installed around a vehicle.

Throughout this specification, terms such as upwardly', downwardly', vertical', horizontal' and so on are intended to relate to the orientation of the components in normal use, as shown for example in Figure 1.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention Figure 1 shows a buttress support 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, in use in an edge protection system. The edge protection system includes a plurality offence panels 12 (two of which are shown in part in Figure 1) and a plurality of base or foot blocks 14 (only one of which is shown in Figure 1). A plurality of buttress supports 100 (only one of which is shown in Figure 1) are provided to support the fence panels 12.

In the Figure 1 example, the fence panels 12 and the foot blocks 14 are those used in a conventional temporary fencing system, such as the system marketed under the registered trade mark "Heras Readyfence", such that, in this embodiment, the buttress supports 100 function as adaptors for converting a conventional temporary fencing system to an edge protection system.

Each fence panel 12 includes a rectangular frame 16 having vertical members 18 and horizontal members 20. A wire mesh 22 or similar screen is supported within the frame 16 between the vertical and horizontal members 18, 20. Each fence panel 12 also includes two downwardly-extending leg members 24, which are a continuation of the vertical members 18 of the frame 16.

The foot blocks 14, shown in more detail in Figure 2, are elongate blocks of castable material, such as concrete or rubber. Each foot block 14 includes holes 26 that extend vertically downwards from the top surface 28 of the block 14. Each hole 26 is sized to accommodate a leg member 24 of a fence panel 12. In this example, the block 14 includes six holes 26, arranged in three pairs of adjacent holes 26, with two of the pairs being located close to the respective ends of the block 14 and a third pair being located centrally along the length of the block 14. Cut-outs or recesses 30 may be included in the foot blocks 14 for weight reduction and ease of handling.

When the fence panels 12 and foot blocks 14 are used in the conventional temporary fencing system (not illustrated), the two leg members 24 of each fence panel 12 are each inserted into a hole 26 in a respective foot block 14, and the fence panels 12 and foot blocks 14 are arranged so that the elongate foot blocks 14 extend perpendicularly to the fence panels 12.

In this conventional use, the foot blocks 14 are arranged so that they support the fence panels 12 in a generally upright orientation. Furthermore, the foot blocks 14 are dimensioned so as to guard against toppling or excessive movement of the fence panels 12 in use, for example due to wind loading or other forces.

In particular, the depth of the foot blocks 14 and the depth of the holes 26 are such that, when used conventionally, a suitably long portion of the leg member 24 of each fence panel 12 can be accommodated within a block 14, and the long dimension of the foot blocks 14 is sufficiently long and the blocks 14 are sufficiently heavy so that the blocks 14 act as a counterweight that restores the upright orientation of the fence panels 12 in the event that the fence begins to topple.

When used conventionally, the leg members of adjacent fence panels 12 are inserted into adjacent holes 26 in a foot block 14, so that the vertical frame members 18 of the adjacent panels 12 are held next to one another with only a small gap between the panels 12. Clamps or other securing devices (not illustrated) may be used to secure the adjacent vertical frame members 18 to one another.

Usually, the leg members 24 are inserted into the central pair of holes 28 so that the foot blocks 14 afford the fence panels 12 good resistance to toppling in either direction. The leg members 24 may instead be inserted into one of the other pairs of holes 28, closer to the ends of the block 14, to provide increased resistance to toppling in one direction, or to minimise the length of block 14 that protrudes from one side of the fence (for example to prevent a trip hazard). The provision of three pairs of holes in the foot blocks 14 thereby allows the temporary fencing system to be adaptable to suit a given application.

Referring back to Figure 1, and additionally to Figures 3 and 4, the buttress supports 100 of the invention that facilitate use of the fence panels 12 and foot blocks 14 into an edge protection system will now be described.

Each buttress support 100 includes a base portion or section 102 and a frame portion or section 104. The base section 102 includes a generally rectangular plate 106, made from steel or the like, which rests on the top surface 28 of a foot block 14, in use. The frame section 104 extends upwardly from the base section 102 to support the fence panels 12.

The plate 106 of the base section 102 has similar dimensions to the top surface 28 of the foot block 14. As shown most clearly in Figures 3(a) and 3(c), the base section 102 includes six tubular stubs or posts 108 that project downwardly from a lower surface of the plate 106. The arrangement of the posts 108 corresponds to the arrangement of holes 26 in the foot block 14. Accordingly, in use, each of the posts 108 can be inserted into a respective hole 26 in the foot block 14. In this way, the posts 108 serve to engage the base section 102 with the foot block 14, and prevent relative lateral (i.e. horizontal) movement of the base section 102 with respect to the foot block 14.

As shown most clearly in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the base section 102 also includes two frame section supports 110 that extend upwardly from the plate 106. Each frame section support 110 is in the form of a tubular member having an open upper end, so as to form a socket. In this way, each frame section support 110 can receive a tubular part of the frame section 104. The frame section supports 110 are both positioned approximately centrally across the width of the plate 106. One of the frame section supports 110 is located approximately in the centre of the plate 106, and the other frame section support is located close to a first end 112 of the plate 106. The upwardly-extending frame section supports 110 are attached to the plate 106 approximately opposite two of the pairs of downwardly-extending posts 108, namely the pair of posts 108 closest to the first end 112 of the plate 106 and the central pair of posts 108.

The base section 102 further includes two fence panel supports 114 that extend upwardly from the plate 106. Like the frame section supports 110, the fence panel supports 114 are in the form of tubular members having open upper ends, so as to form sockets. The fence panel supports 114 are longer than the frame section supports 110.

The two fence panel supports 114 are arranged side-by-side, close to a second end 116 of the plate 106, opposite the first end 112. The upwardly-extending fence panel supports 114 are attached to the plate 106 approximately opposite the pair of posts closest to the second end 116 of the plate 106.

The posts 108, frame section supports 110 and fence panel supports 114 are preferably of tubular steel construction, and may be fixed to the plate 106 by welding or another suitable joining technique.

The frame section 104, shown in Figure 4, is of tubular steel construction and includes first and second vertical members 118, 120. The first vertical member 118 is relatively short compared to the second vertical member 120. The lowermost ends 122, 124 of each vertical member 118, 120 are horizontally aligned, so that the uppermost end 128 of the second vertical member 120 is situated some distance above the uppermost end 126 of the first vertical member 118.

An inclined member 130 is attached to, and extends between, the uppermost ends 126, 128 of the vertical members 118, 120. The inclined member 130 extends in an upward and lateral direction beyond the second vertical member 120, such that an uppermost end 132 of the inclined member 130 is situated above the uppermost end 128 of the second vertical member 120 and is laterally offset from the bottom ends 122, 124 of the respective vertical members 118, 120. The uppermost end 132 of the inclined member is coplanar with the uppermost and lowermost ends 126, 128, 122, 124 of the first and second vertical members 118, 120.

A cross member 134 extends horizontally between the first and second vertical members 118, 120, at a position approximately half-way up the first vertical member 118. The cross member 134 serves to strengthen and brace the frame section 104.

The components of the frame section 104 are suitably welded or otherwise affixed to one another, in such a way that the frame section 104 is stiff and resilient to deformation or distortion.

Referring again to Figure 1, in use of the buttress support 100, the base section 102 is engaged with a foot block 14 by insertion of the posts 108 (not visible in Figure 1) into the corresponding holes 26. The vertical members 118, 120 of the frame section 104 are received in the frame section supports 110. The frame section 104 is therefore supported in an upright orientation by the base section 102.

The leg members 24 of two adjacent fence panels 12 are similarly received in the fence panel supports 114 of the base section 102. The fence panels 12 are thereby also supported in an upright orientation by the base section 102.

As will be appreciated from Figure 1, when installed in the base member 102, the uppermost end 132 of the inclined member 130 of the frame section 104 is situated approximately directly above the fence panel supports 114 (i.e. the uppermost end 132 of the inclined member 130 is substantially in vertical alignment with the fence panel supports 114).

The uppermost end 132 of the inclined member 130 includes a clamp bracket 136. As shown most clearly in Figure 4, the clamp bracket 136 includes two clamp plates 138 connected to one another with a bolt 140. One of the clamp plates 138 is attached to the inclined member 130, for example by welding, while the other clamp plate 138 can be caused to move towards or away from the attached clamp plate 138 by turning the bolt or, in an alternative embodiment, a nut (not shown) attached to the bolt. A wing nut or similar device may be attached to the bolt 140 to facilitate turning of the bolt 140, or the bolt 140 could be provided with a fitting for a suitable tool.

The clamp bracket 136 is used to secure the fence panels 12 to the inclined member 130 of the frame section 104, by clamping the adjacent vertical frame members 18 of the neighbouring panels 12 between the two clamp plates 138 of the clamp bracket 136.

The geometry of the buttress support 100 is such that the clamp bracket 136 holds the fence panels 12 at a relatively high position on the frame members 18. For example, when installed, the clamp bracket 136 may be positioned more than half way up the height of a fence panel 12, and optionally about two thirds of the way up the height of a fence panel 12.

The buttress support 100 therefore supports the bottom of the fence panels 12 via insertion of the leg members 24 in the fence panel supports 114, and also secures the fence panels 12 at an elevated location by attachment of the clamp bracket 136 to the vertical frame members 18 of the panel 12. The arrangement is such that the buttress support 100 is oriented perpendicularly to the fence panels 12, and the frame section 104 is attached to the base section 102 at a position that is spaced from the fence panels 12 in a direction perpendicular to the fence panels 12. In this way, the buttress support buttresses the fence panels 12 and guards against toppling of the panels 12, particularly to the side of the panels 12 on which the buttress support 100 is located.

In addition to buttressing the fence panels 12, the buttress supports 100 also serve to elevate the fence panels 12 above the position that they would otherwise occupy if no buttress supports 100 were present, as will now be described.

Each of the frame section supports 110 and each of the fence panel supports 114 are provided with a depth-adjusting arrangement that includes a depth stop, in the form of a pin 142 (see Figure 3(a)). The frame section supports 110 and fence panel supports 114 include a plurality of sets of holes 144 through which the pins 142 can be inserted. The holes 144 are provided in opposing pairs, so that the pins 142 can be inserted all the way through the respective supports 110, 114. When the pins 142 are thus inserted, the vertical frame members 118, 120 of the frame section 104 and the leg members 24 of the fence panels 12 are supported within the respective tubular supports 110, 114 on top of the pins 142. The pins 142 may conveniently be attached to the frame section 104 by chains 146, which guard against loss of the pins 142 and also prevent the pins 142 from being inserted too far through the holes 144. In Figure 3(a), the pins 142 are not inserted in the holes 144.

The vertical position of the fence panels 12 (i.e. the height of the top of the fence panels 12) can therefore be selected by inserting the pins 142 in the appropriate holes 144 in the fence panel supports 114. Similarly, the vertical position of the frame section 104 of the buttress support 100 (i.e. the height of the clamp bracket 136) can be independently selected by inserting the pins 142 in the appropriate holes 144 in the frame section supports 110.

The buttress supports 100 therefore provide a way of supporting fence panels 12 in an elevated position but with substantial resistance to toppling. Accordingly, the buttress supports 100 can be used to deploy fence panels 12 in an edge protection system to prevent falls from an elevated platform, such as a vehicle deck.

Figure 5 shows the buttress supports 100 in use in such an application. Foot blocks 14 are positioned around a vehicle 200 having a vehicle bed 202. The elongate blocks 14 are oriented perpendicularly to the sides of the bed 202. Buttress supports 100 of the type described above are mounted in the foot blocks 14. The fence panel supports 114 of the base sections 102 are positioned closest to the vehicle 200. Fence panels 12 are supported in the fence panel supports 114 of the base sections 102, so that the fence panels 12 are positioned next to the bed 202.

As described above, the fence panels 12 are supported in an elevated position adjacent the bed 202, so that the top of the fence panels 12 is sufficiently high above the vehicle bed 202 to provide an effective fall prevention barrier. If necessary, the height of the fence panels 12 can be adjusted as described above to ensure that the barrier is effective and complies with safety legislation, even when used with vehicles 200 with differing bed heights.

Furthermore, by virtue of the buttressing function of the frame sections 104, the fence panels 12 are held securely upright, with little risk of toppling even if personnel or equipment were to fall or push against the top edge of a panel 12. The fence panels 12 are therefore effective as a fall prevention barrier.

In these ways, the buttress supports 100 allow the edge of the bed 202 to be protected without the need for the mounting of components to the vehicle 200 itself.

Advantageously, this means that the time taken to install a fall prevention system around the vehicle bed 202, and to remove the system after use, is significantly reduced compared to vehicle-mounted systems.

Figure 6 is a plan view of an arrangement of buttress supports 100, base blocks 14 and fence panels 12 around an articulated vehicle 200 having a trailer bed 202. The buttress supports 100, base blocks 14 and fence panels 12 are arranged such that substantially the entire peripheral edge of the bed 20 is protected by fence panels 12. Adjacent to the cab 204 of the vehicle 200, a set of access steps 206 are provided to facilitate access of personnel to the trailer bed 202. The fixed length of the fence panels 12 results in parts of some panels extending beyond the environs of the trailer bed 202. Where one fence panel 12 meets an end of another fence panel 12 perpendicularly, such as at the end of the bed 202 opposite the cab 204, securing devices such as cable ties may be used to fasten the panels 12 together, or to fasten a panel 12 to an adjacent buttress support 100.

It will be appreciated that, using an arrangement such as that shown in Figure 6, an edge protection system could be easily constructed for substantially any size, shape and height of bed 202 using the same set of buttress supports 100, fence panels 12 and foot blocks 14. The system is therefore extremely adaptable and cost-effective, since it is not necessary to provide custom parts for each application.

The dimensions of the buttress support 100 can be selected to suit the fence panels and foot blocks of existing temporary fencing products. Alternatively, fence panels and foot blocks could be designed specifically for use with the buttress supports 100 to form a complete edge protection system.

In one example, the plate 106 of the base section 102 is approximately 700 mm in length, 180 mm in width, and 5 mm thick. The posts 108 are approximately 38 mm in diameter, and are arranged in a 2 x 3 array with a pitch of approximately 90 mm in the width direction and 285 mm in the length direction. The frame section supports 110 are approximately 42 mm in diameter and 300 mm in length. The frame section support 110 closest to the first end 112 of the plate 106 is centred approximately 55mm from the end 112. The fence panel supports 114 are approximately 48 mm in diameter and 350 mm in length, and are centred approximately 70 mm from the second end 116. The centre-to-centre spacing of the fence panel supports 114 is approximately 100 mm. The holes 144 for the pins 142 are spaced at 50 mm intervals.

The frame section 104 is approximately 1600 mm tall. The first vertical member 118 is approximately 644 mm long, the second vertical member 120 is approximately 1096 mm long, and the inclined member 130 is approximately 1090 mm long. The inclined member is inclined at an angle of approximately 30° to the vertical members 118, 120. The inclined member 130 is therefore at an angle of approximately 60° to the horizontal.

It will be understood that buttress supports having different designs and dimensions would also fall within the scope of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that many modifications and variations of the above-described embodiments could be contemplated.

For example, although the base section and frame section of the buttress support have been described above as two separate components, with the ability to adjust the position of the frame section with respect to the base section, if such adjustability were not required then the buttress support could instead be formed as a single component or as two or more permanently-attached components.

The depth-adjustment arrangement could be omitted from the frame section supports and/or the fence panel supports when such means is not required. Alternative depth-adjustment arrangements could be provided, such as spacer blocks or tubes for insertion into the tubular supports.

The arrangement of the downwardly-projecting posts on the base section of the buttress support must be compatible with the foot block with which the support is to be used.

Accordingly, a different arrangement to that shown in Figure 3(c) may be used. For example, a different number of posts may be used, and/or the position of the posts may be altered.

In one embodiment, one or more of the posts have adjustable positions, for example by mounting the post to the base plate by way of a mounting shaft or bolt that extends upwardly from the top of the post and that is received within a slot in the base plate. By loosening the bolt, sliding the bolt in the slot, and re-tightening the bolt, the position of the post can be set to engage with a respective hole in a foot block. In another variation, a pair of posts are mounted at their top ends to an intermediate plate, which is in turn secured to the base plate by way of a blot-and-slot arrangement. This allows simultaneous adjustment of the pair of posts.

In another example, the bolt is mounted to the post so that the axis of the bolt is laterally offset from the cylinder axis of the post, and the bolt is received within a hole in the base plate. Rotation of the post about the axis of the bolt provides a degree of lateral adjustment of the position of the post with respect to the plate. This arrangement could be used together with a slot in the base plate as described above, in order to facilitate a substantial amount of adjustment.

Such features add further flexibility to the system, since one set of buttress supports could be used with a variety of different foot blocks, for example from different temporary fencing systems.

Many further modifications and variations not explicitly described above would also be contemplated by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A buttress support for supporting a fence panel above a foot block in an edge protection system; the support including: a base section having engagement means for engaging the foot block, and fence panel support means for supporting the fence panel in an elevated position above the foot block; and a frame section having a lower part connected or connectable to the base section and an upper part that is releasably attachable to the fence panel at a position approximately vertically above the support means so as to secure the fence panel in a generally upright position; wherein the lower part of the frame section is spaced from the fence panel support means in a direction substantially perpendicular to the fence panel, in use, such that the frame section guards against toppling of the fence panel.
2. A buttress support according to Claim 1, wherein the fence panel support means is adapted to support the fence panel in any of a plurality of elevated positions above the foot block, so as to allow vertical adjustment of the fence panel relative to the foot block, in use.
3. A buttress support according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the fence panel support means are adapted to receive a downwardly-extending leg member of the fence panel, and to support the leg member in an elevated position above the foot block.
4. A buttress support according to Claim 3, wherein the fence panel support means includes an upwardly-extending fence panel support tube for receiving the leg member.
5. A buttress support according to Claim 4, wherein the fence panel support tube includes a pin member that extends substantially horizontally through the tube, such that the leg member rests on the pin member in use.
6. A buttress support according to Claim 5 when dependent on Claim 2, wherein the fence panel support tube includes a plurality of pairs of holes situated at a plurality of vertical positions; the pin member being receivable in any one of the pairs of holes so as to support the fence panel in a selected one of the plurality of elevated positions above the foot block.
7. A buttress support according to any preceding claim, wherein: the lower part of the frame section includes first and second vertical members, the first vertical member being shorter than the second vertical member; the upper part of the frame section includes an inclined member that extends between uppermost ends of the first and second members and beyond the second member; and an uppermost end of the inclined member includes attachment means for releasably attaching the frame section to the fence panel.
8. A buttress support according to Claim 7, wherein the attachment means includes a clamp for releasably clamping a frame of the fence panel.
9. A buttress support according to any preceding claim, wherein the base section includes a plate to which the engagement means, fence panel support means and frame section are attached.
10. A buttress support according to any of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the base section includes frame section support means for receiving the lower part of the frame section.
11. A buttress support according to Claim 10, wherein the frame section support means is adaptable to support the frame section in any of a plurality of vertical positions, so as to allow adjustment of the vertical position of the frame section relative to the foot block, in use.
12. A buttress support according to Claim 10 or Claim 11, wherein the frame section support means includes one or more upwardly-extending frame support tubes, the or each frame support tube being arranged to receive a downwardly-extending frame member of the frame section.
13. A buttress support according to Claim 12, wherein the or each frame support tube includes a pin member that extends substantially horizontally through the tube, such that the respective frame member rests on the pin member, in use.
14. A buttress support according to Claim 13 when dependent on Claim 11, wherein the or each tube includes at least two pairs of holes for receiving the pin member therethrough, the pairs of holes being arranged at a plurality of vertical positions, the pin member being receivable in any of the pairs of holes to support the frame section in any of the plurality of vertical positions.
15. A buttress support according to any of Claims 10 to 14, wherein the base section includes a plate to which the engagement means, fence panel support means and frame section support means are attached or attachable.
16. A buttress support according to any of Claims 10 to 15, wherein the fence panel support means is situated towards a first end of the base section and the frame section support means is situated, at least in part, towards a second, opposite end of the base section.
17. A buttress support according to any preceding claim, wherein the engagement means includes a plurality of downwardly-extending elements arranged to be receivable in a corresponding plurality of recesses in the foot block.
18. A buttress support according to Claim 17, wherein the position of at least one of the elements is adjustable so as to allow the plurality of elements to be aligned with the plurality of recesses in the foot block.
19. A buttress support according to Claim 17 or Claim 18, wherein the elements are tubular or cylindrical posts.
20. A buttress support according to any preceding Claim, wherein the fence panel support means is adapted to support two fence panels in elevated positions above the foot block in a side-by-side configuration, the upper part of the frame section being attachable to both fence panels.
21. A base section for a buttress support for supporting a fence panel above a foot block in an edge protection system, the base section including: engagement means for releasably engaging a foot block; fence panel support means for supporting a fence panel in an elevated position above the foot block; and frame section support means for receiving a frame section of the buttress support; wherein the fence panel support means is situated towards a first end of the base section and at least a part of the frame section support means is situated towards a second, opposite end of the base section.
22. A frame section for a buttress support for supporting a fence panel above a foot block in an edge protection system, the frame section including: a first, relatively short vertical member and a second, relatively long vertical member; an inclined member that extends between uppermost ends of the first and second members and beyond the second member; and attachment means at an uppermost end of the inclined member to attach the frame section to the fence panel.
23. An edge protection system for guarding against falls from an elevated platform; the system including: a plurality of buttress supports according to any of Claims 1 to 20, or a plurality of buttress supports each including a base section according to Claim 21 and/or a frame section according to Claim 22; a plurality of fence panels; and a plurality of foot blocks; wherein each buttress support is releasably engageable with a respective one of the foot blocks and each fence panel is releasably attachable to one or more of the buttress supports, such that, in use, each of the fence panels is supported in an elevated position above the foot blocks and the buttress supports guard against toppling of the fence panel.
24. A buttress support substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 and 3 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.
25. A base section for a buttress support, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1, 3, 5 and 6 of the accompanying drawings.
26. A frame section for a buttress support, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 and 4 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.
27. An edge protection system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1, 5 and 6 of the accompanying drawings.