GB2585878A - Barrier System - Google Patents

Abstract

A barrier for a platform edge 30, the barrier system comprises a post 10 having a threaded end 11 configured to screw into a threaded socket (21, fig 4) of a lifting insert (20, fig 2a) provided in a platform coping stone such that the post is secured extending upwards from the platform coping stone 30 in use. Additionally, disclosed is a method of erecting the barrier by screwing the threaded ends of a plurality of posts into the threaded sockets of a plurality of lifting inserts pre-cast in the platform coping stones of a platform edge, and connecting a barrier rail between two adjacent posts such that a barrier extended between the posts. Also disclosed is an anchored pre-cast lifting insert (20, fig 2a) in a platform edge for erecting a barrier system at a platform edge.

Description

BARRIER SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a barrier system for a platform edge and a method of erecting a barrier system for a platform edge

BACKGROUND

Maintenance and engineering work must be carried out regularly at railway stations to ensure the track, platform, trains and facilities are maintained in good working order and to ensure the strict safety requirements are continuously met in these potentially hazardous environments. Much of this work is carried out when the train stations or portions of the station are not in normal use and therefore must be carried out within relatively short timescales to maintain the proper functioning of the station. Since the station management and maintenance companies have a duty of care to their employees, strict safety standards must be met during such work. This often requires erecting temporary barriers to protect workers from hazardous equipment and from falls, in particular from the significant heights from the platform edge onto the track below.

Typically this is achieved by erecting temporary barriers across the platform edge to prevent workers inadvertently getting too close the hazardous drop onto the tracks. However there are significant problems with such existing barrier systems. They are often lightweight and can be blown by wind or otherwise dislodged such that they fall out of position. There is a significant risk of such equipment being dislodged from the platform edge onto the track itself, risking further damage and potential injury if a train approaches the platform with the barrier equipment obstructing the track.

These problems can be dealt with by erecting more permanent, heavy barrier systems but these are often not suitable given the time required to assemble and deploy them relative to the limited amount of time that work must be completed in. Similarly they are often bulky and of increased weight introducing difficulties with storage, transportation and deployment of such systems.

Accordingly there exists a need for a barrier system which makes progress in overcoming some of the above problems in existing safety barriers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide a barrier system for a platform edge which can be erected in a short period of time but which is resilient, robust and provides a greater degree of protection than conventional systems. It is also an aim to provide a low cost system which can be assembled and disassembled rapidly without requiring the use of tools or other equipment.

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a barrier system for a platform edge, the barrier system comprising: a post with a threaded end, the threaded end configured to screw into the threaded socket of a lifting insert provided in a platform coping stone such that the post is secured extending upwards from the platform coping stone in use.

By using the extremely strong connection of a pre-cast anchored lifting insert as a connection point to attach the posts to the platform coping stones, the barrier system of the present invention provides a system which provides significantly increased structural stability compared to known barrier systems and overcomes problems associated with barriers being dislodged from their intended position. Furthermore, the barrier system may be deployed and disassembled rapidly by simply screwing the posts into the lifting inserts already present at the platform edge. The system is also lightweight since the strength is achieved by means of connection to the platform coping stones themselves rather than requiring heavy bases to which barriers attached, meaning the barrier system is easy to transport and deploy with reduced requirements in terms of manpower.

Preferably the threaded end of the post is configured to screw into a pre-cast anchored lifting insert embedded in a platform coping stone. Preferably the threaded end is configured to screw into a HALFENTM lifting insert. Preferably the threaded end is configured to screw into one or more of: a wavy tail insert, a plain socket insert, a crimped socket insert, a capped end lifting insert, a cast in tube socket, a cast-in solid rod socket.

The threaded end of the post may be configured appropriately so as to screw into the socket of whichever anchored lifting insert is being used and is precast into the platform at which the barrier is to be deployed. However generally the socket sizes of lifting inserts in platform coping stones are similar. In some examples of the invention an adaptor may be used which screws into the lifting insert with an upper opening configured to match the threaded end of the post/ The threaded end of the post has the appropriate diameter, length and thread gauge to attach to a lifting insert present in the platform coping stone. Various dimensions may be used for these purposes, as described for example in the HALFENTM "precast lifting and fixing systems" catalogue of August 2003 or the "HD Socket Lifting System" Catalogue of 2016. Typical diameters of the threaded socket of a lifting insert used in platform coping stones are 16mm or 12 mm. However other diameters are also used for the threaded socket of lifting inserts for example 15mm, 21mm, 27mm, 31mm, 39.5mm, 47.0mm, 54mm, 70mm with the following respective depths of the socket: 30mm, 35mm, 47mm, 54mm, 72mm, 84mm, 98mm and 117mm. In general the depth of the threaded socket varies between 20mm and 50mm depending on the specific type and the coper style.

Therefore preferably, the threaded end is configured to screw into a socket with a diameter between 10mm and 100mm, preferably between 12mm and 20mm. Preferably the length of the threaded end of the post is greater than 20mm, preferably between 30mm and 50mm. These values provide the required strength to the post when connected.

In some examples of the invention the one or more posts each comprises an external body and an internal supporting bar; wherein the bar runs along at least part of the internal length of the body and projects out of a base of the body at one end to provide the threaded end. In this way, the post is further strengthened by extending the connection with the lifting insert up through the body of the post. Preferably the body comprises a cheaper, lightweight material such as plastic and the supporting bar comprises a more robust material such as metal. In this way the cost of manufacture is reduced as is the weight of the system, making it easier to handle, but the strength of the system is enhanced.

Preferably the post comprises two elongate parts: a base part comprising the threaded end at one end and an upper end; and an upper part having a lower end which is connectable to the upper end of the base part such that they are axially aligned. The lower end of the upper post part may be configured to fit into an opening in the upper end of the base post part to connect the base part and upper part together. In this way, the system is cheaper to manufacture and easier to store and transport but still remains easy to erect with a straightforward connection mechanism between the parts. The base post part and upper post part may be configured to be permanently joined upon initial connection such that they remain in a connected figuration. This may be achieved by the use of a joining pin which extends from one post part into the second post part to secure them together. Alternatively the end of one post part may be configured so as to be received by the end of the other post part in a way which prevents it from being removed, for example by using a post end having an angled shape with two shoulders which deforms in the recess of the other post part to allow it to be inserted, with the tension released at a certain point such that it locks in place.

Preferably the barrier system of any preceding claim comprises a plurality of posts as defined in any preceding claim, the system further comprising one or more barrier rails; wherein the posts are configured to support a barrier rail such that the barrier rails extend between two or more vertically supported posts in use. Preferably this is achieved with a plurality of barrier rail couplings, each coupling attachable to a post and configured to releasably retain a barrier rail such that, in use, a barrier rail is supported between two posts by the couplings.

Preferably the couplings comprise a substantially U-shaped clip arranged to support the barrier rail in use. This provides a straightforward means to couple the high strength achieved by the connection the anchored lifting insert to one or more barrier rails suspended between the posts.

The couplings preferably comprise a flexible material and the opening of the U-shaped clip is smaller than the diameter of the barrier rail such that a force must be applied when inserting the rail into the clip, causing the clip to flex to admit the barrier rail and subsequently grip the barrier rail under elastic tension to retain it within the U-shaped clip. This provides a quick to assemble means to connect the barrier rails to the strong connection provided by the posts.

Preferably the couplings are configured to be mounted on the posts such that they can rotate around the longitudinal axis of the posts. In this way, which ever direction the couplings are facing when the posts are screwed in, the couplings can simply be rotated to face in the same direction, allowing a barrier rail to be connected between them. Preferably the couplings each comprise an aperture; wherein the lower end of the upper part of the post and the upper part of the base part of the post are configured to connect through the aperture such that a coupling is rotatably mounted at the connection point of the upper and lower post parts in use.

In some examples of the invention the barrier system further comprises a base support comprising one or more threaded recesses, each recess configured to accept the threaded end of the posts such that the post is secured such that it extends upwards from the base support in use. In this way, if there are sections of the platform coping in which no lifting inserts are provided, a base support may be provided and the posts may be screwed into the threaded recesses of the base in place of the sockets of the lifting inserts. Although the base supports do not provide the same high strength as the lifting inserts, they provide the required strength to prevent the barriers becoming dislodged and maintain the same high level of safety and allow for portions of the platform to be secured where there are no lifting inserts. Preferably the base support comprises a flat, wide area plastic body with internal metal supports to provide strength and the positions at which the threaded recesses are provided. Preferably the base support comprises a flat base support comprising two threaded recesses.

The barrier system of any preceding claim further comprising one or more lifting inserts comprising a threaded socket, the lifting insert configured to be pre-cast into a platform coping stone to allow the coping stone to be lifted via connection to the lifting insert and to allow connection of the post. The threaded lifting insert may be any type of lifting insert, such as one of those described above.

The barrier system may also comprises an adaptor wherein the adaptor comprises a threaded end configured to screw into the threaded socket of a lifting insert which is different to the lifting insert which the post is configured to screw into; the adaptor comprising a connection end at the opposing end to the threaded end configured to connect to the post. In this way, if the posts are not configured for a particular type of lifting insert provided in a portion of the platform coping, the adaptor may be used to screw into the lifting insert and connect to the post. This can reduce cost as the adaptor is cheaper to manufacture than acquiring a full new barrier system.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of erecting a barrier system for a platform edge, the method comprising the steps: screwing the threaded ends of a plurality of posts into the threaded sockets of a plurality of lifting inserts pre-cast in the platform coping stones of a platform edge, such that the posts are secured so as to extend upwards from the platform coping stones; connecting a barrier rail between two adjacent posts such that the barrier rail extends between the posts.

Preferably the step of connecting a barrier rail comprises: clipping a barrier rail into U-shaped couplings provided on two adjacent posts such that the barrier rail is held between the couplings. The method may also comprise positioning a base support on an area of a platform edge in which no lifting inserts are provided; screwing one or more posts into threaded recesses provided in the base support; connecting a barrier rail between a post connected to the base support and a neighbouring post.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1A to 1D schematically illustrate a barrier system for a platform edge according to the present invention; Figure 2A illustrates a platform coping stone with precast lifting inserts to which the barrier system according to the present invention may be connected; Figures 2B and 2C illustrate types of anchored lifting insert precast into concrete; Figures 3A to 3E illustrate examples of anchored lifting inserts to which the barrier system of the present invention can be detached; Figure 4 illustrates the internal dimensions of a typical lifting insert to which the barrier system of the present invention can be attached-Figures 5A to 5D illustrate a method of erecting a barrier system according to the present invention; Figures 6A and 6B illustrate an example of the barrier system according to the present invention including a base support; Figure 7 illustrates an alternative example of a barrier system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1A to 10 schematically illustrate a barrier system 1 for a platform edge according to the present invention. The barrier system 1 includes a post 10 with a threaded end 11 where the threaded end 11 is configured to screw into the threaded socket 21 of a lifting insert 20 which is provided in a platform coping stone 30 such that the post 10 is secured extending upright from the platform coping stone 30 in use.

A typical platform copying stone 30 is illustrated in Figure 2A. Platform coping is provided on the platform to provide the robust solid surface of the platform and often also combines a profiled surface to prevent slipping and visual warning of the platform edge. Platform coping stones 30 are typically made of solid reinforced concrete and weigh around 300kg. Given the weight of platform coping 30 they are provided with precast inserts 20 to which lifting equipment can be attached in order to install the platform coping stones 30 at the edge of a platform. As shown in Figures 2B and 2C the lifting inserts 20 comprise a threaded socket 21 which is embedded within the concrete body of the coping stone 30 and generally also include some form of anchoring structure 22 which is cast within the concrete body 30 in order to add extra strength to the lifting insert such that it provides a secure connection to the surrounding mass of concrete to allow the coping stone 30 to be securely lifted via a screw connection to the threaded socket 21.

The platform coping stones 30 are lifted as shown in Figure 2A by using lifting gear which includes male threaded parts which screw into the female threaded socket 21 of the lifting inserts 20 to allow the platform coping stone 30 to be lifted into place. Figures 3A to 3E show examples of the structure that anchored lifting inserts in platform coping stones 30 can take. The examples include wavy tail inserts as shown in Figure 3A which include a reinforced tail 22 which is connected to the threaded socket 21; plain sockets and crimped sockets as shown in Figures 3B and 3C respectively, which each include an aperture 23 to allow a reinforcement tail 22 to be connected to provide a secure connection within the concrete block 30; capped lifting inserts as shown in Figure 3B which have a low profile with a capped flat base which provides a secure connection within the cast concrete; and screw anchor inserts as shown in Figure 3E which do not require a reinforcement tail with the extended base portion providing grip within the concrete block. The threaded socket 21 can take various values for the dimensions of its diameter a, its depth c, the total height of the insert h and the size of the aperture b, as shown in Figure 4. Manufacturers of such lifting inserts include Halfen, Pfeifer and Construction Fixing Systems (FCS). The dimensions a, b, c and h can vary depending on the specific application.

Typically, for train platform coping the diameter a is 12mm or 16mm and the depth c is between 20mm and 50mm. Specific dimensions may be found for example in the HalfenTM catalogue on HD socket lifting anchors of 24 October 2016, the HalfenTM precast lifting and fixing systems catalogue of August 2003 or as described in any other catalogue of the above mentioned manufacturers or other manufacturers of such lifting systems.

The present invention utilises these precast lifting inserts 20 provided in platform coping stones 30 for a new use, namely to erect a quick assembly barrier system 1 to provide edge protection to the platform edge, reducing the risk of falls when work is being carried out. The barriers could also be erected to prevent falls from passengers during normal use of the platforms with gaps in the barriers left at the position of train doors.

Returning to Figures 1A to 1D, the barrier system 1 includes a post 10 with a threaded end 11 which is of appropriate dimensions and thread type such that it can be screwed into an anchored lifting insert 20, for example of the type shown in Figures 2A to 2C, 3A to 3E and Figure 4. The threaded end 11 in the example of Figures 1A to 1D is made of metal to provide greater strength and has a diameter and length selected to match the diameter a and depth c of a threaded socket 21, as shown in Figure 4. Typically, this diameter is between 15 and 70mm and the length of the threaded end is between 20 and 40, preferably around 35mm. The threaded end 11 may be connected to an internal supporting bar 12 as shown in Figure 1B. The internal supporting bar 12 may run along at least part of the internal length of the post 10 and emerge at the base end 13a to provide the threaded end 11 which connects to the lifting insert 20.

In the example of Figure 1, the barrier system 1 has a two part post 10 including a base part 13 and an upper part 14. This improves the ease of assembly, makes the system easier to store and transport whilst reducing cost and maintaining the required strength. The base post part 13 may have a base end 13A and an upper end 13B and the upper part 14 may have a lower end 14A and an upper end 14B, wherein the upper end 13B of the base part 13 connects to the lower end 14A of the upper part 14 such that they are axially aligned to form the erected post 10. The connection between the upper 14 and lower post parts may be provided by a tapered end 18 of the lower end 14A of the upper post part 14 which is configured to fit within an opening in the upper part 13B of the base post part 13. As shown in the cross section of Figure 1B, the upper part 14 comprises an internal pin 15 which runs along part of the length of the upper post part 14 and emerges from the lower end 14A. The protruding end of the pin 15 is configured to engage with a corresponding recess 16 in the upper end 13B of the base post part 13 to join the post parts together.

The internal supporting bar 12 of the base post part 13 and the internal pin 15 of the upper post part 14 are preferably made of a strong material such as metal and they run along all or part of the body of the post parts 13, 14 to provide the required strength to the post 10. Preferably the body of the post 10, other than the internal supporting bar 12 and pin 15, is made of a light weight, low cost material such as recycled plastic. In this way, the post has a high structural stability and strong connection with the embedded lifting insert but remains low cost, easy to transport and simple to manufacture. As shown in Figure 1A, the body of the post parts 13, 14 may have a ribbed structure, which minimises the amount of material needed for the body whilst providing high structural stability.

In particular, the ridge structure may comprise a series of ridges running along the length of the post portions which meet a series of cross sectional discs, all of which are made of the low cost material, such as plastic. As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the base post portion 13 preferably has a flattened end 13A from which the threaded end emerges to provide a wide area platform with which it rests on the surface of the platform coping stone 30.

The barrier system also includes a plurality of couplings 40 which allow for barrier rails 50 to be supported between two posts 10 connected adjacent lifting inserts 20. The couplings 40 each comprise an attachment portion 41 to allow attachment to a post 10 and a barrier rail coupling portion 42 to support a barrier rail 50. The attachment portion 41 attaches to the post to allow the coupling to rotate around the axis of the post 10 when erected for ease of alignment, as will be described below. The attachment portion in the example of Figure 1 comprises an aperture 41 to allow connection to the post 10. In the example of Figure 1, two couplings are used to support two barrier rails but in other examples of the invention just one or three of more couplings may be used to support a corresponding number of barriers.

In the example of Figure 1 the two couplings 40 attach at the connection interface between the upper and lower post parts 13, 14 and on top of the upper post part 14, secured by an end cap 17. In particular, as shown most clearly in Figure 1B, the tapered lower part 14A of the upper post 14 is configured such that it can pass through the aperture 41 of the coupling before entering the recess of the upper post portion 13B. In this way, the upper 13 and lower 14 post portions connect through the aperture 41 such that the coupling is attached to the post but may rotate freely about the axis of the combined post parts 13, 14. To achieve this, generally the aperture has a diameter less than the outer diameter of the lower post portion 13 such that the coupling sits on a top surface of the upper side of the lower post portion 13, but has a diameter greater than the tapered portion 18 of the upper post part. This provides a simple straightforward and quick way to connect the couplings 40 to the post 10 while allowing them to rotate around the post for ease of barrier connection, as will be described. The top coupling 40 similarly has an aperture 41 of appropriate size such that the attachment portion 41 of the coupling 40 sits on top of the top post with the end cap 17 inserted into the aperture 41 of the coupling to secure it in place. Similarly, the top coupling may rotate around the axis of the post via the rotatable connection with the end cap. The end cap typically comprises a wider diameter cap section 17A and a tapered protruding lower section 17B which enters the opening of the aperture 41 and a recess 19 provided in the upper end 14B of the top post portion 14.

The barrier rail coupling 42 comprises a U-shaped cup which is configured to support a barrier rail 50, as shown for example in Figure 6A. The U-shaped clip 42 may have an opening configured to receive the rail 50 which is smaller than the diameter of the barrier rail 50 but is permitted to flex to admit the barrier rail through the opening such that it is secured within the U-shaped cup. To achieve this, preferably the coupling is formed of a flexible material, such as plastic such that a force applied when pressing the barrier rail 50 into the opening of the cup causes the U-shaped clip 42 to flex to admit the barrier rail 50 and subsequently grip the barrier rail 50 under elastic tension to retain it within the U-shaped clip 42. The coupling 40 may additionally include a protrusion 43 on an internal surface of the U-shaped clip 42 which provides a reduced size of opening, requiring a force applied to the barrier rail to enter it into the U-shaped clip. The protrusion 43 can have an angled leading edge which meets the barrier rail 40 to encourage the barrier rail 50 to slide passed it as it enters the clip 42.

A method of erecting the barrier system according to the present invention is illustrated in Figures 5A to 5D. The two sections 13, 14 of the post 10 may be attached together with the couplings as shown in Figure 1A before connection to the coping stone 30. Alternatively, the base portion of the post may be attached first to the coping stone 30 before the coupling 40 and the upper post portion 14 is attached subsequently. In Figures 5A to 5B the posts 10 are assembled first before connection to the coping stones 30. The post may be manufactured and provided in this way, assembled into the units illustrated in Figure 1A and 1B such that they are permanently secured in this connected arrangement via the pin 15 providing a permanent connection. Alternatively, they may be assembled as sight.

The first step illustrated in Figure 5A is to screw the assembled post 10 into the threaded socket 21 of the lifting insert. Occasionally the lifting inserts 20 are provided with a plastic end cap which must be removed to reveal the socket 21.

The post may be secured by hand by simply screwing it in to the socket 21. A second post 10 may then be screwed into a neighbouring lifting insert 20, as illustrated in Figure 5B such that both posts are securely attached to the threaded insert. At this stage, the couplings 40 may not be orientated correctly, as in the case of the top couplings in Figure 5B. However, due to the rotatable connection mechanism they may simply be rotated such that they are facing in the same direction and are aligned to allow the barrier rail 50 to be inserted into the U-shaped clips 42. Finally the top couplings 40 are rotated to face in the same direction and a second barrier rail is connected to the U-shaped clips 42 of the couplings 40 at the top of each post, as shown in Figure 5D.

It will be appreciated that the barrier system 1 of the present invention utilises the strength of the lifting inserts 20 for a new purpose to erect a quick assembly barrier system 1 on a platform edge which may be erected by a single individual in a very short space of time but yet provides a strong barrier and increased safety against the risk posed by the platform edge.

A barrier of any length can be erected by repeating the steps illustrated in 5A and 5D at the neighbouring lifting inserts 20 with additional components as described above to provide a barrier along the full length of a platform edge. On some platforms there may be certain areas in which the platform coping stones 30 are not provided with threaded inserts 20. In these sections of the platform edge, an additional component of the barrier system 1 according to the present invention may be implemented, as illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B. In particular, a flat base support 70 may be placed on the platform coping stones 30 which are lacking in threaded lifting inserts 20. The base support 70 is provided with two threaded recesses 71 which are configured to accept the threaded end 11 of the post 10. In other words, the threaded recesses 71 may replicate the dimensions of a lifting insert 20 such that the same posts 10 used with the platform coping stones illustrated in Figure 5A to 5D may be used to attach to the base portion 70. The base portion 70 may comprise a wide flat body 72 with a series of internal supports 73, shown in Figure 6B. The internal support 73 may be provided by metal struts to give the base support 70 the required weight and strength to support the post system 1. The internal support 73 may be provided in the arrangement shown in Figure 6B with two side support connected by a central bar. In this way, the threaded recesses 71 may be provided in the metal support 73 to allow a secure robust connection between the threaded end 11 of the post 10 and the base section. As with the other components of the barrier system 1, the internal supporting components 73 may be made of metal whereas the rest of the body 72 of the base portion may be made of a cheap lightweight material such as recycled plastic. In this way, the barrier system 1 according to the present invention may be deployed where the platform coping has lifting inserts 20 provided only in certain area or its completely lacking in threaded inserts 20 and the same barrier system 1 described above can be used in combination with the base support 70 provided in such sections of the platform to allow the barrier to be erected.

An alternative structure of the barrier system 1 is shown in Figure 7. As with the system 1 described above the barrier system comprises a plurality of posts 10 with a threaded end (not shown) which is configured to screw into the threaded socket 21 of a lifting insert 20 provided in a platform coping stone 30. All of the description provided above with respect to the barrier system 1 applies equally to this system but with the following differences. In the system of Figure 7, the posts 10 have a single piece and comprise an internal metal supporting bar which runs along the length of the post 10 and emerges at the base end in the form of the threaded end 11 to connect to the platform coping stone 30. The barrier rails, instead of attaching to couplings in the form of U-shaped cups, the barriers have holes which are designed to slide over the top of the posts 10 and have a diameter such that they are supported at a specific height. In particular, the body of the posts 10 is tapered from a wide base end to a narrow pointed top end such that when the posts are placed over the top end of the barriers by the holes and released they will be supported at a height at which the diameter of the post matches that of the hole in the barrier rail 50. The barrier rails 50 therefore comprise a lower rail with wider diameter holes such that it slides down to a centre portion of the post 10 and an upper barrier rail 52 with openings 53 of a smaller diameter such that the top barrier rail 52 is supported at the top of the posts. This alternative barrier system similarly has an end cap 17 which connects to the top of the post to secure the top barrier rail 52 in place. The internal supporting bar provided along the internal length of the barrier may extend also at the top of the post 10 such that it emerges in a threaded end to which the end cap 17 may be screwed on to secure the barrier rails 50 in place.

As described above, the alternative barrier system of Figure 7 may also include a flat base section 70 to which the post may be attached where there are sections of the platform coping in which no lifting inserts 20 are provided, as shown in Figure 7.

The barrier system according to the present invention provides a secure system which harnesses the intrinsic strength provided by lifting inserts provided in platform edge coping stones. By providing posts which can screw directly into anchored lifting inserts this strength is provided to the barrier system providing vastly increased safety over known systems. Furthermore, the barrier system is fast to erect and can be assembled by a single person in a short space of time and equally can be disassembled quickly. The structure of the barrier system is such that it can be stored easily and is cheap to manufacture whilst providing the required strength and durability.

Claims (24)

1. CLAIMS1. A barrier system for a platform edge, the barrier system comprising: a post with a threaded end, the threaded end configured to screw into the threaded socket of a lifting insert provided in a platform coping stone such that the post is secured extending upwards from the platform coping stone in use.
2. 2. The barrier system of claim 1 wherein the threaded end of the post is configured to screw into a pre-cast anchored lifting insert embedded in a platform coping stone.
3. 3. The barrier system of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the threaded end is configured to screw into a HALFEN TM lifting insert.
4. 4. The barrier system of any preceding claim wherein the threaded end is configured to screw into one or more of: a wavy tail insert, a plain socket insert, a crimped socket insert, a capped end lifting insert, a cast in tube socket, a cast-in solid rod socket.
5. 5. The barrier system of any preceding claim wherein the threaded end is configured to screw into a socket with a diameter between 10mm and 100mm, preferably between 15mm and 70mm.
6. 6. The barrier system of any preceding claim wherein the length of the threaded end of the post is greater than 20mm, preferably between 30mm and 20 40mm.
7. 7. The barrier system of any preceding claim wherein the one or more posts each comprises an external body and an internal supporting bar; wherein the bar runs along at least part of the internal length of the body and projects out of a base of the body at one end to provide the threaded end.
8. 8. The barrier system of claim 7 wherein the body comprises plastic and the supporting bar comprises metal.
9. 9. The barrier system of any preceding claim wherein the post comprises two elongate parts: a base part comprising the threaded end at one end and an upper end; and an upper part having a lower end which is connectable to the upper end of the base part such that they are axially aligned.
10. 10. The barrier system of claim 9 wherein the lower end of the upper post part is configured to fit into an opening in the upper end of the base post part to connect the base part and upper part together.
11. 11. The barrier system of any preceding claim comprising a plurality of posts as defined in any preceding claim, the system further comprising one or more barrier rails; wherein the posts are configured to support a barrier rail such that the barrier rails extend between two or more vertically supported posts in use.
12. 12. The barrier system of claim 11 further comprising a plurality of barrier rail couplings, each coupling attachable to a post and configured to releasably retain a barrier rail such that, in use, a barrier rail is supported between two posts by the couplings.
13. 13. The barrier system of claim 12 wherein the couplings comprise a substantially U-shaped clip arranged to support the barrier rail in use.
14. 14. The barrier system of claim 13 wherein the couplings comprise a flexible material and the opening of the U-shaped clip is smaller than the diameter of the barrier rail such that a force must be applied when inserting the rail into the clip, causing the clip to flex to admit the barrier rail and subsequently grip the barrier rail under elastic tension to retain it within the U-shaped clip.
15. 15. The barrier system of any of claims 12 to 14 wherein the couplings are configured to be mounted on the posts such that they can rotate around the longitudinal axis of the posts.
16. 16. The barrier system of claim 15 wherein the couplings each comprise an aperture; wherein the lower end of the upper part of the post and the upper part of the base part of the post are configured to connect through the aperture such that a coupling is rotatably mounted at the connection point of the upper and lower post parts in use.
17. 17. The barrier system of any preceding claim further comprising: a base support comprising one or more threaded recesses, each recess configured to accept the threaded end of the posts such that the post is secured such that it extends upwards from the base support in use.
18. 18. The barrier system of claim 17 wherein the base support comprises a flat base support comprising two threaded recesses.
19. 19. The barrier system of any preceding claim further comprising: a lifting insert comprising a threaded socket, the lifting insert configured to be pre-case into a platform coping stone to allow the coping stone to be lifted via connection to the lifting insert and to allow connection of the post.
20. 20. The barrier system of any preceding claim further comprising an adaptor wherein the adaptor comprises a threaded end configured to screw into the threaded socket of a lifting insert which is different to the lifting insert which the post is configured to screw into; the adaptor comprising a connection end at the opposing end to the threaded end configured to connect to the post.
21. 21. A method of erecting a barrier system for a platform edge, the method comprising the steps: screwing the threaded ends of a plurality of posts into the threaded sockets of a plurality of lifting inserts pre-cast in the platform coping stones of a platform edge, such that the posts are secured so as to extend upwards from the platform coping stones; connecting a barrier rail between two adjacent posts such that the barrier rail extends between the posts.
22. 22. The method of claim 21 wherein the step of connecting a barrier rail comprises: clipping a barrier rail into U-shaped couplings provided on two adjacent posts such that the barrier rail is held between the couplings.
23. 23. The method of claim 21 or 22 further comprising: positioning a base support on an area of a platform edge in which no lifting inserts are provided; screwing one or more posts into threaded recesses provided in the base support; connecting a barrier rail between a post connected to the base support and a neighbouring post.
24. 24. Use of an anchored pre-cast lifting insert in a platform edge for erecting a barrier system at a platform edge.