GB2548570A - Support for an edge protection barrier - Google Patents

Abstract

A support 100 for an edge protection barrier comprises a first engaging member 120 for engaging a first side of a fixed body, a second engaging member 170 for engaging a second side of the fixed body, and a first support member 122 for supporting an edge protection barrier. Movement of the first support member towards its upright position effects movement of the first engaging member 120 towards the second engaging member 170. A method of use and kit of parts is also included. Preferably, an extension member 102 extends between the first and second engaging members.

Description

Title: Support for an edge protection barrier Field of invention

The present invention relates to a support for an edge protection barrier. Particularly, although not exclusively, to a support for an edge protection barrier for use in the construction of buildings.

Background of the invention

It is desired to provide a support for an edge protection barrier. In particular, in the prior art it can be necessary for skilled scaffolders to work at height to install edge protection during the construction of a building. It is therefore a non-exclusive aim of the invention to provide an easier to use support for an edge protection barrier.

Summary of the invention

There is provided a support for an edge protection barrier including: a first engaging member for engaging a first side of a fixed body; a second engaging member for engaging a second side of the fixed body; and a first support member for supporting an edge protection barrier, wherein movement of the first support member towards its upright position effects movement of the first engaging member towards the second engaging member.

The support may further include an extension member which extends between the first and second engaging members.

The extension member may support the first and second engaging members.

The first and/or second engaging members may be slidably moveable relative to the extension member.

The first and/or second engaging members may be slidably moveable along to the extension member.

The first or second engaging members may be fixed relative to the extension member.

In use, the extension member may extend over a surface of the fixed body.

The first support member may be connectable to the extension member by a first connection member. The first connection member may be elongate. A length of the first connection member may be adjustable.

The first connection member may be resilient.

The first connection member may include a resilient element, e.g. a spring.

When the first support member is in its upright position the first connection member may be inclined at an angle to the first support member and/or to a general plane which includes the extension member. A first end of the first connection member may be connected, or connectable, to the first support member at a position which is spaced above the extension member.

The position of connection of the first end of the first connection member to the first support member may be moveable closer to or further away from the extension member.

The first end of the first connection member may be releasably connectable to one of a plurality of anchorage positions provided on or by the first support member. A second, opposite, end of the first connection member may be connected, or connectable, to the extension member at a position laterally spaced from a lowermost end of the first support member. A second, opposite, end of the first connection member may be connected, or connectable, to the extension member at a position in between the first and second engaging members.

The position of connection of the second end of the first connection member to the extension member may be moveable closer to or further away from the lowermost end of the first support member.

The second end of the first connection member may be releasably connectable to one of a plurality of anchorage positions provided on or by the extension member.

The anchorage positions may be (each) provided as an opening or aperture through which the end of the first connection member extends.

The first support member may be pivotally moveable.

The first support member may be pivotally connected to the first engaging member.

The support may further include a first locking device for holding the first support member in its upright position.

The first locking device may include a moveable locking member which is preferably biased to a locking position.

Movement of the first support member towards its upright position may effect movement of the locking member away from its locking position.

The first support member may include a formation for engaging with the locking member.

The formation may act as a camming member to move the locking member away from its locking position.

The first support member may include a formation or opening with which or through which a portion of the locking member extends when the first support member is in its upright position.

The support may include a second support member for supporting an or the edge protection barrier.

Movement of the second support member towards its upright position may effect movement of the second engaging member towards the first engaging member.

The second support member may include one or more of all of the features as set out with regard to the first support member.

The second support member may be connectable to the extension member by a second connection member. The second connection member may be elongate.

The second connection member includes one or more of all of the features as set out herein with regard to the first connection member.

The support may include a second locking device for holding the second support member in its upright position.

The second locking device may include one or more of all of the features as set out herein with regard to the first locking device.

The lowermost end of the first support member may be positioned laterally offset from a midline which extends along the extension member.

Where the support includes a second support member, a lowermost end of the second support member may be positioned laterally offset from a midline which extends along the extension member.

Where the support includes a second support member, the lowermost end of the first support member may be positioned to one side of the midline and the lowermost end of the second support member may be positioned to an opposite side of the midline.

The extension member may include: a channel; a first upwardly inclined portion extending away from the central channel; and a second downwardly inclined portion extending away from the first upwardly inclined portion. A remote edge of the downwardly inclined portion may terminate at a position below the channel.

There is also provided a method of providing a support on a fixed body for providing an edge protection barrier including: providing a support for an edge protection barrier including: a first engaging member; a second engaging member; and a first support member for supporting an edge protection barrier, and moving the first support member towards an upright position to effect movement of the first engaging member towards the second engaging member thereby engaging the fixed body.

There is also provided a method of providing an edge protection barrier including the method of providing a support on a fixed body and attaching an edge protection barrier to the first support member.

There is also provided a method of constructing a building, including the method of providing a support on a fixed body for providing an edge protection barrier or of providing an edge protection barrier.

There is also provided a kit for forming a support for an edge protection barrier including: a first engaging member for engaging a first side of a fixed body; a second engaging member for engaging a second side of the fixed body; and a first support member for supporting an edge protection barrier, wherein, in use, movement of the first support member towards its upright position effects movement of the first engaging member towards the second engaging member.

Features of the described apparatus may be used in the methods disclosed herein. Additionally, features of the described methods may be used in the apparatus disclosed herein. Likewise, features of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein may be used in the kits disclosed herein.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a support for an edge protection barrier in a side on view;

Figure 2 shows the support of Figure 1 in a perpendicular side on view;

Figure 3 shows the support of Figure 1 in a plan view;

Figure 4 shows an extension member of the support of Figure 1 in the side on view of Figure 2;

Figure 5 shows an alternate embodiment of a support for an edge protection barrier in a side on view; and

Figure 6 shows the support of Figure 1 in use.

Detailed description of embodiments

Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown a support for an edge protection barrier, indicated generally at 100. The support 100 includes a first engaging member 120 for engaging a first side of a fixed body (not shown). The support 100 also includes a second engaging member 170 for engaging a second side of the fixed body. The support 100 also includes a first support member 122 for supporting an edge protection barrier (not shown).

Movement of the first support member 122 towards its upright position effects movement of the first engaging member 120 towards the second engaging member 170. Because of this, the support can be easy to install upon a fixed body, as will be described with reference to the use of the support 100 below.

The support 100 further includes an extension member 102 which extends between the first and second engaging members 120,170. The extension member 102 supports the first and second engaging members 120,170.

The first and/or second engaging members 120,170 are slidably moveable relative to the extension member 102. In particular, the first and/or second engaging members 120,170 are slidably moveable along to the extension member 102.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5, the second engaging member 170 may be fixed relative to the extension member 102. The first engaging member 120 can still be moved towards the second engaging member 170 by moving the first support 122 into its upright position to thereby engage a fixed body. Such a support 100 may be of use in locations where it is only desired and/or necessary to provide a single support member 122.

The first support member 122 is connectable to the extension member 102 by a first connection member 124. The first connection member 124 is elongate.

The length of the first connection member 124 may be adjustable. For example, the length of the first connection member 124 may be varied by including a turnbuckle as part of the first connection member 124; alternatively, the first connection member 124 may be a turnbuckle. A turnbuckle usually includes two male threaded members each screwed into a small frame with two female threads. One member has a left-hand thread and the other has a right-hand thread, each female thread has a corresponding handedness. The length of the turnbuckle (and hence the length of the first connection member 124) can be adjusted by rotating the frame causing the male threaded members to be screwed in or out simultaneously. Of course, other arrangements known to the skilled person may be used for varying the length of the first connection member 124.

When the first and second engaging members 120,170 engage a fixed body, varying the length of the first connection member 124, will vary the tension in the connection member 124, thereby varying the engagement force of the first and second engaging members on the fixed body 120,170.

The first connection member 124 may be resilient. For example, the first connection member 124 may include a resilient element, for example, a spring. Alternative resilient elements include a connection member 124 made of spring steel and/or including a pig tail loop and/or a snail design. Use of such a first connection member 124 allows the support 100 to be used with a range of sized fixed bodies when the connector 124 is only connected to discrete locations (which locations and anchorage portions are described in more detail below).

When the first support member 122 is in its upright position the first connection member 124 is be inclined at an angle to the first support member 122.

When the first support member 122 is in its upright position the first connection member 124 is inclined at an angle to a general plane which includes the extension member 102.

The first end 126 of the first connection member 124 is connected to the first support member 122 at a position which is spaced above the extension member 102.

However, the first end 126 of the first connection member 124 may alternatively be connectable to the first support member 122 at a position which is spaced above the extension member 102. The position of connection of the first end 126 of the first connection member 124 to the first support member 122 may be moveable closer to or further away from the extension member 102. In this way, the space between the first engaging member 120 and the second engaging member 170 can be varied. Variance of the space between the first engaging member 120 and the second engaging member 170 can enable the support to engage differing sizes of fixed bodies.

The first end 126 of the first connection member may be releasably connectable to one of a plurality of anchorage positions 127 provided on or by the first support member 122. This can provide a convenient way of adjusting the space between the first engaging member 120 and the second engaging member 170 and thereby allow convenient variance of the space between the engaging members 120,170 to engage differing sizes of fixed bodies as described above. A second, opposite, end 128 of the first connection member 124 is connectable, to the extension member 102 at a position laterally spaced from a lowermost end of the first support member 122. Alternatively, the second, opposite, end 128 of the first connection member 124 may be connected to the extension member 102 at a position laterally spaced from a lowermost end of the first support member 122. A second, opposite, end 128 of the first connection member 124 is connected to the extension member 102 at a position in between the first and second engaging members 120,170. Alternatively, the second, opposite, end 128 of the first connection member 124 may be connectable to the extension member 102 at a position in between the first and second engaging members 120,170.

The position of connection of the second end 128 of the first connection member 124 to the extension member 102 may be moveable closer to or further away from the lowermost end of the first support member 122. This can provide adjustment of the distance between the first and second engaging members 120,170 and thereby adjustment of the size of the fixed body to which the support 100 can be fixed.

The second end 128 of the first connection member may be releasably connectable to one of a plurality of anchorage positions 130 provided on or by the extension member 102 (see Figure 3, in particular). This can provide a convenient way of adjusting the distance between the first and second engaging members 120,170 and consequently the size of the fixed body to which the support 100 can be fixed.

The anchorage positions 130 are each provided as an opening or aperture through which the end of the first connection member 124 extends. The first connection member 124 includes at its second end 128 a hook for extending through the anchorage positions 130.

The first support member 122 is pivotally moveable. In particular, the first support member 122 is pivotally connected to the first engaging member 120. In the illustrated embodiment the first support member 122 is a tube. The first support member 122 is (indirectly) pivotally connected to the first engaging member 120 by a nut and bolt arrangement passing through the tubular first support member 122. Other arrangements could be used, for example a pin and hairpin arrangement. Equally, the first support member 122 need not be tubular.

The support 100 further includes a first locking device 132 for holding the first support member 122 in its upright position (see Figures 2 & 3). The locking device 132 can, therefore, hold the support 100 in a position in which the first and second engaging members 120,170 engage the fixed body.

The first locking device 132 includes a moveable locking member 134. The locking member 134 is biased to a locking position. Accordingly, when the support 100 is engaging a fixed body between the engaging members 120,170 positive action is required to move the locking member 134 from its locking position. In this way, the risk of inadvertently unlocking of the locking device 132 is reduced and a safer support 100 can be provided. The biasing member is a spring, in particular, a coil spring.

Movement of the first support member 122 towards its upright position effects movement of the locking member 134 away from its locking position. In particular, the first support member 122 includes a formation 138, for engaging with the locking member. The formation 138 acts as a camming member to move the locking member 134 away from its locking position. In particular, the end of the formation 139 is sloped. The locking member 134 may also include a formation 135, in particular, a sloped end, which co-operates with the camming member 138 to move the locking member 134 away from its locking position.

The first support member 122 also includes a formation or opening 140 through which a portion of the locking member 134 extends when the first support member 122 is in its upright position. Alternatively, the first support member 122 may include a formation or opening 140 with which a portion of the locking member 134 extends when the first support member 122 is in its upright position.

The support 100 includes a second support member 172 for supporting an or the edge protection barrier. That is - the edge protection barrier may be the same edge protection barrier as supported by the first support member 122 or it may be a different edge protection barrier.

The second support member 172 is substantially identical to the first support member 122. That is, the second support member 172 may include one or more of all of the features as set out with regard to the first support member 122.

Movement of the second support member 172 towards its upright position effects movement of the second engaging member 170 towards the first engaging member 120.

The second support member 172 is connectable to the extension member 102 by a second connection member 174. The second connection member 174 is elongate. The second connection member 174 includes one or more of all of the features as set out herein with regard to the first connection member 124.

The support 100 includes a second locking device 182 for holding the second support member 172 in its upright position. The second locking device 182 may include one or more of all of the features as set out herein with regard to the first locking device 132.

As shown with reference to Figure 3, the lowermost end of the first support member 122 is positioned laterally offset from a midline which extends along the extension member 102. Additionally, a lowermost end of the second support member 172 is positioned laterally offset from a midline which extends along the extension member 102. Further, The lowermost end of the first support member 122 is positioned to one side of the midline and the lowermost end of the second support member 172 is positioned to an opposite side of the midline. In this way, when the support 100 is not in use the first and second support members 120,170 can lie parallel to one another in a compact arrangement. This may allow the support 100 to be easily stored.

As shown with reference to Figure 4, the extension member 102 includes a channel 103, a first upwardly inclined portion 104 extending away from the central channel 103, and a second downwardly inclined portion 105 extending away from the first upwardly inclined portion 104.

The extension member 102 also includes a further upwardly inclined portion 106 extending away from the central channel 103, and a further downwardly inclined portion 107 extending away from the first upwardly inclined portion 104. A remote edge 108 of the downwardly inclined portion 105 terminates at a position below the channel. Similarly, a remote edge 109 of the further downwardly inclined portion 107 terminates at a position below the channel. In this way, in use, the remote edges 108,109 of the channel may rest on the fixed body, therefore the trip hazard presented by the extension member 102, and hence the support 100 can be reduced. This can provide a safer support 100. Additionally, the corrugated shape of the extension member 102 can provide rigidity to make the support 100 more stable. Yet further, the shape of the extension member 102 can also allow the engaging members 120,170 to more easily slide therealong.

The support 100 for an edge protection barrier may be provided in kit form. The kit includes a first engaging member 120 for engaging a first side of a fixed body, a second engaging member 170 for engaging a second side of the fixed body; and a first support member 122 for supporting an edge protection barrier. In use of the support 100 of the kit, movement of the first support member 122 towards its upright position effects movement of the first engaging member 120 towards the second engaging member 170.

The kit may further include the elements to provide the features of the support 100 described above. For instance, the kit may further include an extension member 102, a first and/or second connection member 124,174, a first and/or second locking device 132,182, and so on.

As shown with reference to Figure 6, there is also provided a method of providing a support 100 on a fixed body 200 for providing an edge protection barrier. The method includes providing a support 100 for an edge protection barrier including, a first engaging member 120, a second engaging member 170, and a first support member 122 for supporting an edge protection barrier. The method includes moving 202 the first support member 122 towards an upright position to effect movement 204 of the first engaging 120 member towards the second engaging member 170 and thereby engage the fixed body 200.

Also as shown in Figure 6, in use the extension member 102 extends over a surface of the fixed body. As is also apparent from Figure 6, the first engaging member 120 is shaped to match the shape of the fixed body 200 to which it is attached. In particular, the first engaging member 120 has a distal end bent towards the second engaging member 170.

The method may include providing an edge protection barrier by attaching an edge protection barrier to the first support member 122. The edge protection barrier can be any conventional edge protection barrier and it can be attached to the support member 122 by any conventional means. For example, conventional mesh guard rails can be used which can lock into each other by virtue of their metal Z shape.

There is also provided a method of constructing a building. The method includes providing a support 100 on a fixed body 200 for providing an edge protection barrier. Additionally, the method can include the method of providing an edge protection barrier described above.

The method of constructing a building can be particularly advantageous. In particular, the support 100 and edge protection can be provided on a fixed body 200, wherein the fixed body is a hollowcore flooring unit. In particular, the support 100 can be provided on a hollowcore unit without puncturing and/or damaging to hollowcore unit.

When a hollowcore unit arrives at a building site, the support 100 and edge protection barrier can be fixed to the hollowcore unit on the delivery vehicle (typically a lorry). The hollowcore unit can then be installed by crane into its correct position in a building with edge protection pre-installed. This can remove the risk of workers working at height to install edge protection. Further, the installation of edge protection in this way can be easier, and therefore cheaper, than using skilled scaffolders to install edge protection at height.

Additionally, the edge protection provided by the support 100 can be advantageous over the prior art arrangements of providing air bags around a vehicle to protect the slingers who work on the vehicle. In particular, provision of an edge protection barrier on a vehicle is preferable to air bags around a vehicle in accordance with the Working at Height Regulations 2005, as an air bag reduces the distance and consequences of a fall as opposed to enclosing the workers and is therefore lower in the hierarchy of control measures.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims (46)

Claims

1. A support for an edge protection barrier including: a first engaging member for engaging a first side of a fixed body; a second engaging member for engaging a second side of the fixed body; and a first support member for supporting an edge protection barrier, wherein movement of the first support member towards its upright position effects movement of the first engaging member towards the second engaging member.

2. A support according to claim 1, further including an extension member which extends between the first and second engaging members.

3. A support according to claim 2, wherein the extension member supports the first and second engaging members.

4. A support according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first and/or second engaging members are slidably moveable relative to the extension member.

5. A support according to any of claims 2, 3, or 4, wherein the first and/or second engaging members are slidably moveable along to the extension member.

6. A support according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein one of the first or second engaging members is fixed relative to the extension member.

7. A support according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein, in use, the extension member extends over a surface of the fixed body.

8. A support according to any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the first support member is connectable to the extension member by a, preferably elongate, first connection member.

9. A support according to claim 8, wherein a length of the first connection member is adjustable.

10. A support according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first connection member is resilient.

11. A support according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein the first connection member includes a resilient element, e.g. a spring.

12. A support according to any of claims 8 to 11, wherein when the first support member is in its upright position the first connection member is inclined at an angle to the first support member and/or to a general plane which includes the extension member.

13. A support according to any of claims 8 to 12, wherein a first end of the first connection member is connected, or connectable, to the first support member at a position which is spaced above the extension member.

14. A support according to any of claims 8 to 13, wherein the position of connection of the first end of the first connection member to the first support member is moveable closer to or further away from the extension member.

15. A support according to any of claims 8 to 14, wherein the first end of the first connection member is releasably connectable to one of a plurality of anchorage positions provided on or by the first support member.

16. A support according to any of claims 8 to 15, wherein a second, opposite, end of the first connection member is connected, or connectable, to the extension member at a position laterally spaced from a lowermost end of the first support member.

17. A support according to any of claims 8 to 16, wherein a second, opposite, end of the first connection member is connected, or connectable, to the extension member at a position in between the first and second engaging members.

18. A support according to any of claims 8 to 17, wherein the position of connection of the second end of the first connection member to the extension member is moveable closer to or further away from the lowermost end of the first support member.

19. A support according to any of claims 8 to 18, wherein the second end of the first connection member is releasably connectable to one of a plurality of anchorage positions provided on or by the extension member.

20. A support according to claim 19, wherein the anchorage positions are each provided as an opening or aperture through which the end of the first connection member extends.

21. A support according to any preceding claim, wherein the first support member is pivotally moveable.

22. A support according to any preceding claim, wherein the first support member is pivotally connected to the first engaging member.

23. A support according to any preceding claim, further including a first locking device for holding the first support member in its upright position.

24. A support according to claim 23, wherein the first locking device includes a moveable locking member which is preferably biased to a locking position.

25. A support according to claim 23 or 24, wherein movement of the first support member towards its upright position effects movement of the locking member away from its locking position.

26. A support according to claim 23, 24 or 25, wherein the first support member includes a formation for engaging with the locking member.

27. A support according to claim 26, wherein the formation acts as a camming member to move the locking member away from its locking position.

28. A support according to any of claims 23 to 27, wherein the first support member includes a formation or opening with which or through which a portion of the locking member extends when the first support member is in its upright position.

29. A support according to any preceding claim, including a second support member for supporting an or the edge protection barrier.

30. A support according to claim 29, wherein movement of the second support member towards its upright position effects movement of the second engaging member towards the first engaging member.

31. A support according to claim 30, wherein the second support member includes one or more of all of the features as set out in claims 1 to 28 with regard to the first support member.

32. A support according to any of claims 29, 30 or 31, wherein the second support member is connectable to the extension member by a, preferably elongate, second connection member.

33. A support according to claim 32, wherein the second connection member includes one or more of all of the features as set out in claims 8 to 20 with regard to the first connection member.

34. A support according to claim 32 or 33, including a second locking device for holding the second support member in its upright position.

35. A support according to claim 34, wherein the second locking device includes one or more of all of the features as set out in claims 23 to 28 with regard to the first locking device.

36. A support according to any preceding claim, wherein a lowermost end of the first support member is positioned laterally offset from a midline which extends along the extension member.

37. A support according to any preceding claim when dependent upon claim 29, wherein a lowermost end of the second support member is positioned laterally offset from a midline which extends along the extension member.

38. A support according to any preceding claim when dependent upon claim 29, wherein the lowermost end of the first support member is positioned to one side of the midline and wherein the lowermost end of the second support member is positioned to an opposite side of the midline.

39. A support according to any preceding claim when dependent upon claim 2, wherein the extension member includes: a channel; a first upwardly inclined portion extending away from the central channel; and a second downwardly inclined portion extending away from the first upwardly inclined portion.

40. A support according to claim 39, wherein a remote edge of the downwardly inclined portion terminates at a position below the channel.

41. A method of providing a support on a fixed body for providing an edge protection barrier including: providing a support for an edge protection barrier including: a first engaging member; a second engaging member; and a first support member for supporting an edge protection barrier, and moving the first support member towards an upright position to effect movement of the first engaging member towards the second engaging member thereby engaging the fixed body.

42. A method of providing an edge protection barrier including the method of claim 41 and attaching an edge protection barrier to the first support member.

43. A method of constructing a building, including the method of claim 41 or 42.

44. A kit for forming a support for an edge protection barrier including: a first engaging member for engaging a first side of a fixed body; a second engaging member for engaging a second side of the fixed body; and a first support member for supporting an edge protection barrier, wherein, in use, movement of the first support member towards its upright position effects movement of the first engaging member towards the second engaging member.

45. A support, kit or method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

46. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or in the accompanying drawings.