GB2503733A - Van roof edge protection system - Google Patents

Abstract

An assembly of components, either attached to a vehicle or demountable from it, which when erected, provide fall protection to persons accessing the roof of the van or other such vehicle. The edge protection takes the form of either articulated (figures 2-4) or demountable (figure 5) barriers which provide physical separation between the person on the vehicle roof and the edge of the roof, along either all or part of the edges. Where the edge protection barriers are articulated into position, this articulation may be by physical or mechanically assisted means. The barriers may be secured in position when in the raised configuration, and may be provided with an additional handrail or grab handle for improved ease of access. The principal purpose of the barriers is as edge protection, but they may also be used as a means of displaying advertising or similar banners.

Description

Van Roof Edge Protection System (YREPS).

The invention relates to a fall protection system to protect persons who have accessed the roof of vans or similar commercial vehicles from fatling.

The design aims to prevent injury through the provision of protective barriers mounted in such a way as to provide a barrier between the person on the roof and the roof edge. This bather will predominantly consist of vertical or near vertical uprights and horizontal or near horizontal guardrails.

The invention is such that it can be positioned to afford protection from falls from the roof of vans or other such vehicles at any or all edges of the vehicles roof; depending on the selection and installation of components. These edges include the sides, rear and front of the vehicle roof The invention may be installed to provide protection over all or part of each or any of these edges, the final installation layout being specified by the end user and their requirements.

Given the height to which the guardrails will be positioned whilst in use (in the range between 900mm and 1200mm), the edge protection system will be either removable.

or have mechanisms incorporated to enable it to be raised and lowered as required.

Due to the variety of design of the vehicles to which such equipment could be fitted, the invention is envisaged as being capable of being produced in a variety of formats, either to be incorporated within a roof rack, roof rail or bar system or structure, or else manufactured in such a way as to be capable of fitment to existing roof rack, roof rail or bar systems. The invention is also capable of being manufactured in such a way that it mounts directly to the vehicle.

The invention will either constitute a number of components within a system, allowing users to tailor the components selected to suit their individual needs, with each component assembly providing protection at a specific edge, or be manufactured in such a way that it takes the form of a single articulated unit providing protection at 2 or more edges by a single assembly.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1. shows an indicative illustration of edge protection in its installed or erected position in relation to a typical vehicle, though the shape, configuration and number of components may differ for specific configurations. The invention encompasses the possibility of providing edge protection to the fl.ill perimeter of the vehicle roof; or for separate assemblies protecting all or part of specific edges.

Figures 2 and 3 show (in a raised and lowered configuration respectively) an example of how components could form an articulated assembly whereby the components are lifted and lowered into position by being raised through an ark, to erect and lower the protective barrier. Components A & B are uprights to which the horizontal guardrails (C&D) are attached. On articulating Component A in relation to component E, (which is attached directly or indirectly to the vehicle), the guardrail assembly raises or lowers. A means of securing the guardrail components into the raised or lowered position would be required within such a design, an example of which is shown at (F).

Figure 4. shows an example of how components form an articulated assembly whereby the components are lifted and lowered into position either by means of components 0 being rotated about their attachment to component H, or by the extension of the telescopic mid guardrail (I). This articulation of the various components of the guardrail assembly extends the upper guardrail (J) into place. As in the example shown in Figure 2, a means of securing the components into the raised or lowered position would be required within such a design, an example of which is shown at (F) of Figure 2.

Figure 5. shows an example of a separate fixed guardrail component (K) which would be lifted into position and attached to the vehicle (directly or indirectly) as required.

One example attachment method is illustrated (L) Figure 6. shows an example of a guardrail (M) which slides out from under a roof rack or platform (N), and then articulates upwards and is secured in position to provide fall protection.

Figures 7 and 8. show an example of a system whereby the edge protection (0) is articulated in such a way that when lowered it lies horizontally above the roof and any materials stored thereon. On erection, the components are hinged up into position where they are secured to provide fall protection.

Whilst for clarity, illustrations figures 2 to 8, illustrate examples of assemblies providing protection to single edges, the invention also encompasses any systems whereby the edge protection provides protection to 2 or more edges simultaneously by interconnected rather than independent assemblies.

In those systems illustrated which require articulation, this may be achieved through manual, mechanical, hydraulic, electrical or other means.

Where the installation of assemblies on the vehicle is such that a gap is left in the edge protection to allow access onto the vehicle roof, an additional handrail or grab handle may be incorporated into the adjacent edge protection components to assist access.

In addition to providing protection to persons on the roof of the vehicle, the invention can also be utilised as a means of displaying banners or signage whilst in the raised position.

Statement of invention.

The invention constitutes a system of components as defined in Claim 1, which provide protection from falls to persons on the roof of vans or other such vehicles.

The components of the system are to be installed to provide a barrier between persons on the roof of vehicles and the edge of the roof; and are either filly or partially removable or incorporate sufficient articulation to enable the edge protection to be raised into position as required.