GB2562593A

GB2562593A - Fall prevention apparatus and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2562593A
Application number: GB1804474.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Williams Jon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-03-24
Filing date: 2018-03-21
Publication date: 2018-11-21
Also published as: GB201704717D0; GB201804474D0

Abstract

The fall prevention apparatus includes a flexible barrier 2 which is extendable and retractable. The barrier is securable in an extended or retracted mode, possibly using a hoop 32 on a hook 38. The barrier may be in the form of a strap, panel, belt or webbing which is coiled around a bobbin or drum spindle in a retracted condition. The apparatus may have a biasing device to automatically retract the barrier when it is unsecured. The apparatus may include a locking mechanism, such as a weighted pendulum, ratchet or centrifugal clutch which locks the barrier as a result of a sudden force. The apparatus may comprise a number of spaced barrier members. The apparatus may be used in a car or vehicle transporter open side. Also claimed is a method of using a fall prevention apparatus.

Description

(56) Documents Cited:

GB 2393208 A

US 20060208533 A1

B60J 9/02 (2006.01)

B60R 21/06 (2006.01)

US 9731640 B1 (71) Applicant(s):

Jon Williams

Unit 2E/F Vaughan Court, Bolckow Industrial Estate, Middlesbrough, Cleveland, TS6 7BJ, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Jon Williams (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Bailey Walsh & Co LLP

York Place, Leeds, LS1 2DR, United Kingdom (58) Field of Search:

INT CL B60J, B60P, B60R, E01F, E05F

Other: EPODOC, WPI, Internet (54) Title of the Invention: Fall prevention apparatus and method of use thereof Abstract Title: Fall prevention barrier for use on a vehicle or car transporter (57) The fall prevention apparatus includes a flexible barrier 2 which is extendable and retractable. The barrier is securable in an extended or retracted mode, possibly using a hoop 32 on a hook 38. The barrier may be in the form of a strap, panel, belt or webbing which is coiled around a bobbin or drum spindle in a retracted condition. The apparatus may have a biasing device to automatically retract the barrier when it is unsecured. The apparatus may include a locking mechanism, such as a weighted pendulum, ratchet or centrifugal clutch which locks the barrier as a result of a sudden force. The apparatus may comprise a number of spaced barrier members. The apparatus may be used in a car or vehicle transporter open side. Also claimed is a method of using a fall prevention apparatus.

Figure 1

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

1/8 rf·

Figure 1

2/8 κθ| c\l|

Figure 2a

3/8

ΓΧΙ

Figure 2b

4/8 ···

Figure 3b Figure 3a

5/8

···

Figure 4a

6/8 • ·· • · · • · ο ο··· ·· ο ·

Os·· β·β· ·· * • · * • ·4

Figure 4b

7/8 • ·· » · · • · · ♦ · e* * 1 * · • a · • · · • ·«

Figure 4c

8/8 • ·· • · · • ·· ·· ·· ' ·η· '·· ··· • »·· *·· · • · · • ··

100

Figure 5

FALL PREVENTION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

This invention relates to fall prevention apparatus and to a method of using the same.

Although the following description refers almost exclusively to fall prevention apparatus for use on a car transporter vehicle, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the fall prevention apparatus can act as a barrier for any application and/or can be used to prevent a fall from any raised surface in use.

The use of fall prevention apparatus is widely used in the construction industry to prevent workers from falling from a building during construction of the same. This type of fall prevention apparatus typically comprises a rigid structure or panel member, typically made of metal, which is bolted to an edge of the building during construction. It is relatively expensive, time consuming to fit and dismantle, requires special tools for fitting the same and dismantling the same, and takes up a lot of storage space when not in use. As such, this type of fall prevention apparatus is not suitable for use on a car transporter vehicle where the ability to move cars on and off the transporter vehicle as quickly as possible and in a cost effective manner is essential.

Conventionally, fall prevention apparatus in the form of rigid, permanent railings are provided adjacent the edges of an upper deck of a car transporter vehicle due to the height of the upper deck relative to a floor surface and the risk of injury to a worker if they were to fall. There is generally sufficient width on the upper deck of a car transporter to allow rigid railings to be provided without obstructing the opening/closing of car doors to allow drivers to access the interior of the cars to load and unload the cars with respect to the transporter. However, rigid railings are not typically provided adjacent the edges of the lower car deck due to space limitations, particularly behind the cab section of the vehicle transporter where the car deck is relatively narrow. Workers or drivers of vehicles working on the lower car deck can still fall from the lower deck onto the ground and the height of the lower deck from the ground surface is still sufficient that the worker or driver could sustain significant injury.

The use of rigid railings on the lower car deck is not practical due to the limited space. In addition, the railings would cause an obstruction to the opening and closing of car doors being loaded onto the transporter. A further problem is that it is becoming more common for car manufacturers to cover the cars during transportation to protect the same from weather, dirt, debris and/or the like. The placement and removal of the covers on the cars once they are loaded on the car transporter results in a worker having to move around the cars on the car deck and having to undertake increased ranges of movement, thereby increasing the risk of the worker falling from the car deck. In addition, sufficient space needs to be provided between any fall prevention device used on the lower car deck and the exterior of the car to allow the covers to be fitted, whilst not obstructing the opening and closing of the car doors or causing any damage to the cars.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide fall prevention apparatus or barrier apparatus that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using fall prevention apparatus or barrier apparatus that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide vehicle transporter fall prevention apparatus or vehicle transporter barrier apparatus.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using vehicle transporter fall prevention apparatus or vehicle transporter barrier apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided fall prevention apparatus, said apparatus including at least one barrier member movable between an extended position and a retracted position in use, said at least one barrier member being flexible or substantially flexible, and securing means provided on or associated with the at least one barrier member for securing the at least one barrier member in the extended and/or retracted positions in use.

It would be understood by persons skilled in the art that the fall prevention apparatus could equally be referred to as barrier apparatus since it prevents, or at least reduces, the likelihood of a user or object passing from one side of the barrier to an opposite side of the barrier.

Thus, the present invention provides a fall prevention apparatus or barrier apparatus including one or more flexible or substantially flexible barrier members that can be quickly and easily moved between extended and/or retracted positions in use. Thus, the apparatus can act as a temporary barrier. No special tools are required to move the at least one barrier member between the extended and retracted positions, such that use of the same does not significantly slow or hinder users of the apparatus. The apparatus is also relatively inexpensive to manufacture and fit compared to rigid and/or permanent conventional barrier structures. The flexibility of the barrier member material allows a user to undertake a greater range of movement adjacent the barrier member as there is a degree of flexibility in the barrier to certain movements. In addition, the flexibility of the material from which the barrier member is formed reduces the likelihood of damage to other objects that may touch or be pushed against the same, such as for example a vehicle door.

In one embodiment the at least one barrier member is elongate or substantially elongate in form. This is preferably the case when the at least one barrier member is in at least an extended position.

In one embodiment the at least one barrier member is in the form of a strap, strip, webbing, panel, belt and/or the like.

Preferably the at least one barrier member is a sheet, sheet like, planar, flat or substantially flat and/or substantially planar member, at least when in the extended position in use.

With the at least one barrier member in a retracted or relatively retracted position, this preferably corresponds to an out-of-use position for the apparatus.

With the at least one barrier member in an extended or relatively extended position, this preferably corresponds to an in-use position for the apparatus.

Preferably the at least one barrier member is in a coiled, wound or relatively coiled or wound state when in the retracted position. Further preferably the at least one barrier member is coiled or wound onto a support member when in the retracted or a relatively retracted position in use.

Preferably the at least one barrier member is arranged to uncoil or unwind as it is moved from a retracted position to an extended position in use.

Preferably the apparatus includes a support member or support means on or about which the at least one barrier member is movable relative to between the extended and retracted positions.

Preferably a part of the at least one barrier member, and preferably at least one end of the at least one barrier member, is attached to the support member or support means via attachment means in both the extended and retracted positions.

Preferably the attachment means includes any or any combination of one or more clips, screws, inter-engaging members, nuts and bolts, adhesive, welding and/or the like.

Preferably the at least one barrier member is coiled or wound on or around the support member or support means when in the retracted position.

Preferably the at least one barrier member is uncoiled or unwound from the support member or support means when moving from the retracted position to the extended position in use.

Preferably at least part of the support member or support means is arranged to rotate and/or is rotatably mounted with respect to a housing, undergoes rotation and/or the like in use. Rotation of the support member or support means preferably allows the at least one barrier member to be moved between the retracted and extended positions.

Preferably rotation of at least part of the support member or support means allows the at least one barrier member to be wound, coiled, unwound and/or uncoiled with respect to the same in use.

Preferably the support member or support means includes or is in the form of a reel, drum, spindle, bobbin and/or the like. Further preferably the at least one harrier member is coiled or wound on the reel, drum, spindle, bobbin and/or the like when in the retracted position.

Preferably the securing means are movable from a secured position, wherein the at... least one barrier member is maintained in the retracted or extended position, to an unsecured position, wherein the at least one barrier member is movable between the retracted and extended positions.

In one embodiment the at least one barrier member moves automatically from the extended position to the retracted position when a user releases their grip on the same, or retracts automatically when the securing means are moved from the secured position to the unsecured position in use. For example, a retraction mechanism can be provided on or associated with the support member or support means.

In one embodiment the retraction mechanism applies a rotation force or torque to the support member or support means to cause the at least one barrier member to be wound around the support member or support means when tension or a pulling force on the at least one barrier member is released when in an extended or retracted position in use.

Preferably the at least one barrier member and/or retraction mechanism includes or is resiliently biased by biasing means to move the at least one barrier member to the retracted position in use.

Preferably the biasing means are provided on or associated with the support member or support means.

Preferably the biasing means includes one or more springs, coiled springs, spool springs, sprung mechanisms, and/or the like.

Preferably the apparatus includes fall prevention means or locking means which locks the at least one barrier member and/or support means or support member in a particular position in use, such as for example an extended position, and further preferably locks the barrier member and/or support means or support member if a pre-determined force and/or sudden pre-determined force is applied to the at least one barrier member.

Preferably the fall prevention means or locking means are provided on or associated with the support means or support member.

In one embodiment the fall prevention means or locking means includes a weighted pendulum mechanism. For example, when a sudden force is applied to the support means, support member and/or the at least one barrier member, the inertia causes the weighted pendulum to swing forward, a pawl on the other end of the pendulum engages with a toothed ratchet gear attached to the support means or support member, thereby locking the support means or support member in place. When a non-sudden force is applied to the at least one barrier member, the pendulum is in a rest position, the pawl is disengaged from the toothed ratchet gear.

In one embodiment the fall prevention means or locking means includes a centrifugal clutch mechanism provided on or associated with the support means or support member.

Ί

Preferably the centrifugal clutch includes a weighted pivotable lever mounted to the support means or support member. When the support means or support member rotates relatively slowly, the lever does not pivot. The lever is typically kept in position by a spring or sprung mechanism. When the support means or support member is cause to rotate relatively quickly, centrifugal force drives the weighted end of the lever outwardly which directly or indirectly moves an engaging member or pawl into a rotatable ratchet gear associated with the support means or support member, thereby locking the support means or support member.

In one embodiment the fall prevention means or locking means includes a ratchet mechanism.

Preferably the fall prevention means, locking means and/or ratchet mechanism includes a rotatable gear member with a plurality of teeth or outwardly protruding portions provided on or adjacent a peripheral edge thereof.

Preferably a resiliently biased arm member, spring loaded finger, pawl and/or the like forms part of, is provided on and/or is associated with the ratchet mechanism and/or rotatable gear member.

Preferably the resiliently biased arm member, spring loaded finger and/or pawl is resiliently biased into engagement with one or more gaps between the plurality of teeth or outwardly protruding portions on the rotatable gear member.

Preferably the resiliently biased arm member, spring loaded finger and/or pawl is able to move over the teeth or outwardly protruding portions on relatively slow and/or smooth movement of the rotatable gear member associated with relatively slow or smooth movement of the at least one barrier member. In the event of sudden and/or rapid movement of the rotatable gear member, typically associated with a sudden or rapid movement of the at least one barrier member, the resiliently biased arm member, spring loaded finger and/or pawl engages in a gap between two adjacent teeth or outwardly protruding portions, thereby preventing further movement of the rotatable gear member and the at least one barrier member.

Preferably the at least pre-determined force or the sudden force that causes the at least one barrier member, the support means or support member to lock is a force comparable to a person falling against the at least one barrier member in use.

Preferably the fall prevention means or locking means is typically located on or associated with the support member, support means, reel, drum, spindle, bobbin and/or the like. For example, the fall prevention means can act as a lock or break to prevent movement or rotation of the support member, support means, reel, drum, spindle, bobbin and/or the like in use, thereby preventing further extension or movement of the at least one barrier member when a sudden pre-determined force is applied to the same.

In one embodiment the support means or support member, the fall prevention means, the locking means and/or ratchet mechanism is/are provided in a housing.

Preferably the housing and/or the support means or support member includes engagement means for engaging the same to a surface in use. For example, engagement means can be provided for engaging the apparatus to part of a car transporter vehicle in use, such as for example to an upright pillar of a car transporter vehicle.

Preferably the engagement means include any or any combination of one or more screws, apertures, nuts and bolts, clips, welding, adhesive, inter-engaging members and/or the like.

Preferably the housing of the apparatus is provided with a cover, coating and/or the like on an external surface of the same.

Preferably the cover, coating and/or the like provides a cushion or cushioning element to prevent damage to one or more parts of an object, car or vehicle that may contact the same in use. For example, a rubber and/or plastic cover could be located around one or more parts of the exterior of the housing.

In one embodiment the securing means includes any or any combination of one or more hooks, loops, clips, pins, protrusion members and/or the like.

Preferably the securing means, or at least part of the securing means, is formed from a flexible or substantially flexible material so as to reduce the likelihood of the securing means causing any damage to an object, vehicle, car and/or the like in use.

In one embodiment at least part of the securing means is formed from the same material as the at least one barrier member.

In one embodiment the securing means is integrally formed -with at least one barrier member.

In one embodiment at least part of the securing means and/or the at least one barrier member is made from any or any combination of fabric, waterproof material, water resistant material, non-elastic material, nylon, polyester webbing, webbing, rubber, plastic and/or the like.

In one embodiment one or more engagement means, protrusion members or pins are located on one or more surfaces of a transporter vehicle, such as for example on an upright pillar of the transporter vehicle.

Preferably a hook or loop provided on the at least one barrier member engages with the protrusion member or pin in use in the retracted and/or extended positions.

In one embodiment the at least one barrier member is provided with reinforcing means or strengthening means to increase the strength of at least part of the at least one barrier member in use.

For example, the reinforcing means or strengthening means could include any or any combination of one or more ribs, stitching, multi-layers of material, sleeve members and/or the like.

In one embodiment gripping means are provided on or associated with the at least one barrier member to allow a user to easily grip at least part of the same and move the barrier member between the retracted position and the extended position. For example the gripping means could be provided on or adjacent the securing means of the at least one barrier member.

In one embodiment the gripping means includes a sleeve member that is located on or around at least a part of the at least one barrier member, and further preferably a part adjacent an end or the securing means of the at least one barrier member.

In one embodiment the sleeve member is arranged and/or is of such dimensions so as to help prevent the securing means from being retracted entirely into the housing of the apparatus in use. For example, the sleeve member can be of larger dimensions than an opening of the housing through which the at least one barrier member is retracted or extended in use.

Preferably the gripping means and/or sleeve member is formed from a flexible material or substantially flexible material so as to prevent or reduce the likelihood of damage to an object or vehicle with which it may come into contact with in use.

In one embodiment two or more barrier members are provided. Preferably the two or more barrier members are provided a spaced distance apart. Further preferably the two or more barrier members are arranged parallel or substantially parallel to each other at least when in an extended position in use.

In one embodiment one or more further barrier means can be provided between the two or more spaced barrier members to prevent a user from falling between the spaces of the barrier members in use. The one or more further barrier means could include one or more straps, webbing, mesh, fabric, belts and/or the like.

For example, two separate fall prevention apparatus or barrier apparatus can be provided to provide the two or more barrier members.

In one embodiment the apparatus is arranged such that the at least one barrier member is movable in a horizontal or substantially horizontal direction and/or is located in a horizontal or substantially horizontal position when in an extended position in use. This allows the apparatus to provide at least one flexible type railing or barrier to prevent a user from falling over the same in use.

In one embodiment the apparatus is arranged such that the at least one barrier member is movable at an acute angle to the vertical, such as for example a 45 degree angle. For example, two barrier members could be arranged to cross over each to form a X shaped barrier when in an extended position in use.

Preferably the fall prevention apparatus is for use on a vehicle transporter, a car transporter vehicle or a vehicle which transports one or more other vehicles thereon in use.

Preferably the fall prevention apparatus is used on a deck or flat bed surface of the vehicle to prevent a user, worker, driver and/or the like from falling off the deck, flat bed surface and/or the like.

In one embodiment the fall prevention apparatus is used on a lower deck of a vehicle or car transporter vehicle, and further preferably on the lower deck of a vehicle or car transporter vehicle at least adjacent a cab of the transporter vehicle.

Preferably a vehicle transporter is a vehicle which itself can be used to transport one or more other vehicles in use. The one or more other vehicles are loaded onto a deck or surface of the vehicle transporter in use for transportation.

Preferably the at least one barrier member is of a length of at least 2 metres, and further preferably is of at least 2.4 metres. This is the typically distance between the upright pillars on a car transporter vehicle in one embodiment.

Preferably the at least one barrier member has a width of equal to, substantially equal to or greater than 20mm; preferably is equal to, substantially equal to or greater than 25mm; and farther preferably is equal to, substantially equal to or greater than 50mm.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using fall prevention apparatus, said method including the steps of moving including at least one barrier member which is flexible or substantially flexible between an extended position and a retracted position in use, and securing the at least one barrier member in the extended and/or retracted position using securing means.

According to further independent aspects of the present invention there is provided a vehicle transporter including fall prevention apparatus; a method of using a vehicle transporter including fall prevention apparatus; vehicle transporter or car transporter fall prevention apparatus; a method of using vehicle transporter or car transporter fall prevention apparatus.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein:

Figure 1 is a simplified view of a vehicle transporter incorporating the fall prevention apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2a is a simplified view of the fall prevention apparatus in a retracted position;

Figure 2b is a simplified view of the fall prevention apparatus in an extended position;

Figure 3a is an external view of the apparatus housing in one embodiment;

Figure 3b is an internal view of the apparatus housing in one embodiment;

Figure 4a is an example of a locking mechanism or inertia mechanism in plan view that can be used with the fall prevention apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 4b is a partial plan view of the inertia mechanism of figure 4a with the top part of the same removed;

Figure 4c is a partial base plan view of the top part of the inertia mechanism in figure 4a; and

Figure 5 is a simplified view of fall prevention apparatus shown in an extended position according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the figures, there is illustrated fall prevention apparatus or barrier apparatus 2 for use on a vehicle transporter 4.

Although the following embodiment describes the apparatus 2 being used on the lower deck 6 of the vehicle transporter only, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the apparatus 2 could be used on the upper deck 8 of the vehicle transporter 4 if required.

The vehicle transporter 4 comprises a cab 10 located at the front of the vehicle 4, and a trailer element 12 pulled by the cab 10 in use. The trailer element 12 comprises an upper deck 8 having a plurality of floor sections 14 which can be flat or planar, or could be provided at different angles to maximise the number of cars or other vehicles that can be loaded onto the same in use for transportation. The trailer element 12 also comprises a lower deck 6 having a plurality of floor sections 16 which can be provided flat or planar, or could be provided at different angles to maximum the number of cars or other vehicles that can be loaded onto the same in use.

The cab 10 and trailer element 12 comprise a plurality of wheels 18 to allow the transporter 4 to move across a surface in use, typically powered by an engine located in the cab 10. The vehicle transporter 4 operates in a conventional manner.

The upper deck 8 is provided with a plurality of upright rigid barrier members 20 adjacent the edges of the deck for the location of rigid barrier members 22 therebetween. These barrier members 20, 22 act as a rigid fall prevention device for preventing workers on the upper deck from falling off the same in use.

The lower deck 6 is relatively close to the ground compared to the upper deck 8 and conventionally the lower deck 6 has not been provided with any fall prevention apparatus on the same. However, the risk of injury to a worker falling from the lower deck 6 is still relatively high. A problem with providing the same fall prevention apparatus on the lower deck that is used for the upper deck is that there is generally less space available on the lower deck 6. In addition, workers need to be able to access and exit the interior of the vehicles being loaded and unloaded on the transporter. The use of permanent barrier members is prohibitive to this. Furthermore, the vehicles being transported on the transporter are often new vehicles and so the vehicle manufacturers need to ensure the vehicles being transported are not damaged as a result of vehicle doors knocking against pillars, posts or barrier members on the transporter. Covers are often located around parts of the vehicles being transported and a user needs space on the deck to be able to fit these covers to the vehicles.

In accordance with the present invention, fall prevention apparatus 2 is provided on the lower deck 6. Apparatus 2 provides a temporary and flexible barrier that can be quickly and easily moved between an in-use extended position and an out-ofuse retracted position as and when required.

The apparatus 2 includes a housing 24 that is engaged to an upright pillar 26 of the car transporter 4 in use via engagement means. In one example, the engagement means can include a nut and bolt (not shown). The housing 24 is typically provided with a rubber cover so as to reduce the likelihood of damage to part of a vehicle that may contact the housing 24 in use.

Inside the housing 24 there is provided a support member in the form of a reel 27. Attachment means are provided on or associated with the reel 27 to allow attachment of one end of a barrier member to the same in use. The housing 24 has an opening 36 defined in one face of the same through which the barrier member can move in and out of in use.

In one embodiment the barrier member is an elongate, flexible strap 28. One end of the strap 28 is attached to reel 27 and the other free end 30 of the strap 28 has securing means in the form of a loop 32 defined thereon. In one example, the loop 32 is formed by folding one end of the strap onto itself and forming a loop between the folded sections. The end of the strap can then be secured in a folded manner by sewing or otherwise through the folded strap section.

The strap 28 is wound onto the reel 27 to form a retracted position, as shown in figure 2a. The strap can be unwound, or at least partially unwound from the reel 26 to form an extended position, as shown in figure 2b. A sleeve member 34 is provided around the strap 28 and just behind the loop 32. The sleeve member 34 typically has larger dimensions or has a larger width than the opening 36 of the housing 24. The sleeve member 34 serves two purposes; firsdy, it prevents the loop 32 from being retracted into the housing 24 when in the out-of-use retracted position. In addition, the sleeve member can act as a gripping portion to allow a user to easily grip the same and move the strap 28 between the retracted and extended positions in use.

When the strap 28 is not in use and is in the retracted position, the loop 32 can be left to protrude out of the housing 24 in a loose manner. Alternatively, so as to prevent the loop 32 from being blown into a side of a vehicle during transportation, the loop 32 can be secured over a protruding pin member 38 located on the pillar 26 adjacent housing 24.

In order to move the strap 28 to an in-use position, a user grips the sleeve member 34 of loop 32 and extends the strap 28 away from the housing 24 in the direction shown by arrow 40 in figure 2b. This causes the reel 27 to rotate, thereby allowing strap 28 to be unwound from the reel. The loop 32 can then be secured to a protruding pin member 38 provided on an upright pillar 26 opposite to the pillar on which the housing 24 is provided.

Resilient biasing means, a spring and/or a retraction mechanism is typically provided in housing 24 in association with reel 27, such that when a user releases loop 32 from engagement with pin member 38 when in an extended position, the strap 28 is automatically returned to the housing 24 and wound onto reel 27. In particular, a spooled or coiled spring is provided in housing part 24a, shown in figure 3b

A break, inertia or locking mechanism is also associated with reel 27, such that rotation of the reel 27 is prevented when a sudden pre-determined load is applied to the strap 28 and/or the housing 24 when in an extended position. This prevents further extension of the strap 28 from the housing when a load is applied to the strap in use, such as would occur if a worker fell against the strap during a fall. The locking mechanism would be activated, thereby stopping the worker form falling beyond the barrier member.

In figure 3b, the locking or inertia mechanism is provided in housing part 24b, shown in figure 3b. Thus, in this example, one end of the reel 27 is provided with a spooled or coiled spring to act as a retraction mechanism, and the opposite end of reel 27 is provided with a locking or inertia mechanism to lock unwinding/movement of the strap from the reel when a sudden and/or rapid force is applied to the strap.

Figures 4a shows an example of a locking or inertia mechanism 40 that can be used with the apparatus 2 in one embodiment of the present invention. The mechanism 40 includes a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism comprises a connection arm 52 that protrudes outwardly from reel 27 and rotates with rotation of reel 27. A first rotatable member or gear wheel 54 is mounted to connection arm 52 for rotation therewith in use, as shown in figure 4b. The first gear wheel 54 has a plurality of teeth 56 provided around the peripheral edge of the same. The first gear wheel 54 sits in an annular housing 58 rotatably mounted with respect to housing 24b. The housing 58 is in a first position when the strap 28 is stationary or when the strap 28 is being moved in a relatively slow and smooth manner with respect to housing 24b and reel 27.

Two arm members 60, 62 have a first end 64, 66 pivotably mounted to housing 24b outside of housing 58, and a second end 68, 70 located adjacent the opening of apertures defined in a side wall of housing 58. Atm members 60, 62 are provided at opposite locations with respect to housing 58.

The housing 58 is able to move to a second position when the strap 28 is pulled fast or a sudden force is applied to the same. Rotation of housing 58 from the first position to the second position causes the second ends 68, 70 of arm members 60, 62 to move through the openings of the apertures in housing 58 and engage with teeth 56 on first gear wheel 54. This locks the reel 27 and connection arm 52 from any further rotation, thereby preventing further unwinding of strap 28 from the reel 27. The housing 58 is resiliently biased to the first position.

A second gear member 42 is provided with an aperture 72 defined in the middle of the same for engagement with connection arm 52 therethrough in use, as shown in figure 4c. The second gear member 42 sits on top of and overlaps first gear member 54 when assembled. Two outwardly protruding members 74, 76 provided on the base side of second gear member 42 engage in apertures 78, 80 provided on first gear member 54 when assembled.

A plurality of teeth 44 are provided at spaced apart intervals around a peripheral edge 46 of gear member 42. A plurality of gaps or spaces 48 are defined between the teeth 44. A sprung arm member or pawl 50 is pivotably mounted to outwardly protruding member 76. As the gear member 42 rotates in a relatively smooth or slow manner, as a result of rotation of reel 27 and connection arm 52, the free end 51 of pawl 50 is in a retracted position with respect to the teeth 82 provided on an inwardly facing surface of housing 58. As the gear member 42 rotates rapidly or following a sudden force applied to the same, this causes the free end 51 of the pawl 50 to engage in a gap between teeth 82 on housing 58, thereby causing rotation of the housing 58 from the first position to the second position.

For example, as strap member 28 is pulled outwardly from housing 24 according to arrow 54, first and second gear members 54, 42 rotate in an anti-clockwise direction. Tf a sudden or rapid force is applied to the strap 28 in direction 54, this causes the second or outer gear member 42 to suddenly rotate, thereby causing pawl 50 to lock into a gap between two adjacent teeth 82 on the inwardly facing surface of housing 58. This causes housing 58 to rotate from the first position to the second position and for arm members 60, 62 to engage with the gaps between teeth 56 on first gear member 54. This prevents further movement of gear members 42, 54 and strap 28 until the sudden force is released from strap 28.

The strap 28 and sleeve member 34 are made form a relatively soft and flexible material that would not cause damage to a vehicle if they made contact with the vehicle in use. For example, the strap 28 could be formed from polyester webbing and the sleeve member 34 could be formed from polyester material. The material is waterproof so that it will not get damaged during wet weather conditions.

It will be appreciated that a number of the housings/straps could be provided at spaced apart intervals along an upright or vertical axis, such as up the length of the upright pillar 26. This would allow the straps 28 to provide a number of temporary, spaced apart horizontal or substantially horizontal barriers as required.

Referring to figure 5, there is illustrated a further embodiment of fall prevention apparatus 100. The same reference numerals are used to describe the same features used for the earlier embodiments.

In this embodiment, a plurality of barrier member straps 28 are provided a spaced distance apart and are arranged such that the straps 28 are parallel to each other when in an extended and secured position in use. A number of further flexible strap members 102 are provided between the barrier member straps 28 to reduce the size of the gaps between the barrier member straps 28. This reduces the likelihood of a user falling through the spaces between the barrier members straps 28 in use even when in an extended and secured position. The farther strap members can have loops 104 provided on the same which allows the further strap members to be joined to each other and/or to the barrier member straps 28 in use. For example, these loops 104 can be of such a size to allow the loop 32 of a barrier member strap 28 to be threaded through the same in use.

Claims

Claims:

1. Fall prevention apparatus, said apparatus including at least one barrier member movable between an extended position and a retracted position in use, said at least one barrier member being flexible or substantially flexible, and securing means provided on or associated with the at least one barrier member for securing the at least one barrier member in the extended and/or retracted positions in use.

2. Fall prevention apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one barrier member is in the form of a strap, strip, webbing, panel or belt.

3. Fall prevention apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one barrier member is a sheet member, sheet like member, planar, substantially planar, flat and/or substantially flat member at least when in the extended position in use.

4. Fall prevention apparatus according to claim 1 wherein with the at least one barrier member in the retracted or relatively retracted position, this corresponds to an out-of-use position, and with the at least one barrier member in the extended or relatively extended position, this corresponds to an in-use position.

5. Fall prevention apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one barrier member is in a coiled, wound, relatively coiled or relatively wound position when in the retracted position.

6. Fall prevention apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the at least one barrier member is arranged to uncoil or unwind when it is moved from the retracted position to the extended position in use.

7. Fall prevention apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one barrier member is movable relative to a support member between the retracted and extended positions in use.

8. Fall prevention apparatus according to claim 7 wherein a part of the at least one barrier member is attached to the support member via attachment means in both the extended and retracted positions.

9. Fall prevention apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the attachment means includes any or any combination of one or more clips, screws, nuts and bolts, inter-engaging members, adhesive or welding.

10. Fall prevention apparatus according to claim 7 wherein at least part of the support member is arranged to rotate or is rotatably mounted with respect to a housing in use to allow winding or unwinding of the at least one barrier member with respect to the same and/or to allow the at least one barrier member to be moved between the retracted and extended positions in use.

11. Fall prevention apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the support member is in the form of a reel, drum spindle or bobbin.

12. Fall prevention apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the securing means are movable between a secured position, wherein the at least one barrier member is maintained in a retracted or extended position, to an unsecured position, wherein the at least one barrier member is movable between the retracted or extended positions in use.

13. Fall prevention apparatus according to claim 7 wherein a retraction mechanism is provided on or associated with the support member for allowing automatic retraction of the at least one barrier member from an extended position to a retracted position when a user releases their grip on the at least one battier member and/or when the securing means are moved from a secured position to an unsecured position in use.

14. Fall prevention apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the retraction mechanism includes resilient biasing means or biasing means to bias the at least one barrier member to the retracted position in use.

15. Fall prevention apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein locking means are provided to lock the at least one barrier member and/or the support member in a retracted or extended position in use and/or if a predetermined and/or sudden force is applied to the at least one barriermember in use.

16. Fall prevention apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the locking means include a weighted pendulum mechanism, a centrifugal clutch mechanism or a ratchet mechanism.

17. Fall prevention apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the support member, locking means and/or ratchet mechanism are provided in a housing and said housing includes engagement means for engaging the housing to a surface in use.

18. Fall prevention apparatus according to claim 17 wherein an external surface of the housing is provided with a cover, coating and/or cushioning element.

19. Fall prevention apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the securing means includes any or any combination of one or more hooks, clips, pins or protrusion members.

20. Fall prevention apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the securing means is formed from a flexible or substantially flexible material.

21. Fall prevention apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein one or more engagement means, protrusion members or pins are located on one or more surfaces of a transporter vehicle on which the fall prevention apparatus is used to allow engagement of the at least one barrier member therewith in the retracted and/or extended positions.

22. Fall prevention apparatus according to claim 1 wherein strengthening means are provided on or associated with the at least one barrier member to increase the strength of at least part of the at least one barrier member in use.

23. Fall prevention apparatus according to claim 1 wherein gripping means are provided on or associated with the at least one barrier member to allow a user to easily grip the at least one barrier member in use.

24. Fall prevention apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the gripping means are in the form of a sleeve member and the sleeve member is arranged and/or is of such dimensions to prevent the securing means from being retracted entirely into a housing of the apparatus.

25. Fall prevention apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein two or more barrier members are provided a spaced distance apart, are arranged to cross over each other, are arranged at an acute angle to each other and/or are arranged to be substantially parallel to each other when in an extended position in use.

26. Fall prevention apparatus according to any preceding claim for use on a vehicle transporter or car transporter for transporting one or more vehicles or cars in use.

27. A method of using fall prevention apparatus, said method including the steps of moving including at least one barrier member which is flexible or substantially flexible between an extended position and a retracted position in use, and securing the at least one barrier member in the extended and/or retracted position using securing means.

Application No: GB1804474.3