US20140318891A1 - System and components for safely enclosing handrails, stairways, walkways and platforms - Google Patents

System and components for safely enclosing handrails, stairways, walkways and platforms Download PDF

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Publication number
US20140318891A1
US20140318891A1 US13/993,825 US201113993825A US2014318891A1 US 20140318891 A1 US20140318891 A1 US 20140318891A1 US 201113993825 A US201113993825 A US 201113993825A US 2014318891 A1 US2014318891 A1 US 2014318891A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
bracket
post
mounting
clamping
allow
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Abandoned
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US13/993,825
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English (en)
Inventor
Andrew Paul Crothers
Simon Noack
Philip Ooyendyk
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PRO 3 PRODUCTS Pty Ltd
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PRO 3 PRODUCTS Pty Ltd
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Priority claimed from AU2010905499A external-priority patent/AU2010905499A0/en
Application filed by PRO 3 PRODUCTS Pty Ltd filed Critical PRO 3 PRODUCTS Pty Ltd
Assigned to PRO 3 PRODUCTS PTY LTD reassignment PRO 3 PRODUCTS PTY LTD ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CROTHERS, ANDREW PAUL, NOACK, SIMON, OOYENDYK, PHILIP
Publication of US20140318891A1 publication Critical patent/US20140318891A1/en
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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F11/02—Stairways; Layouts thereof
    • E04F11/104—Treads
    • E04F11/112—Treads of metal or with an upper layer of metal
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F11/18—Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F11/1802—Handrails mounted on walls, e.g. on the wall side of stairs
    • E04F11/1808—Handrail members; Connections between handrail members
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F11/02—Stairways; Layouts thereof
    • E04F11/104—Treads
    • E04F11/16—Surfaces thereof; Protecting means for edges or corners thereof
    • E04F11/17—Surfaces
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F11/18—Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F11/181—Balustrades
    • E04F11/1851—Filling panels, e.g. concrete, sheet metal panels
    • E04F11/1855—Wire mesh panels
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F11/18—Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F11/181—Balustrades
    • E04F11/1861—Balustrades with additional safety means for children, e.g. nets or fillings between balusters
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
    • E04G21/00—Preparing, conveying, or working-up building materials or building elements in situ; Other devices or measures for constructional work
    • E04G21/32—Safety or protective measures for persons during the construction of buildings
    • E04G21/3204—Safety or protective measures for persons during the construction of buildings against falling down
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
    • E04G21/00—Preparing, conveying, or working-up building materials or building elements in situ; Other devices or measures for constructional work
    • E04G21/32—Safety or protective measures for persons during the construction of buildings
    • E04G21/3204—Safety or protective measures for persons during the construction of buildings against falling down
    • E04G21/3219—Means supported by the building wall, e.g. security consoles
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
    • E04G21/00—Preparing, conveying, or working-up building materials or building elements in situ; Other devices or measures for constructional work
    • E04G21/32—Safety or protective measures for persons during the construction of buildings
    • E04G21/3204—Safety or protective measures for persons during the construction of buildings against falling down
    • E04G21/3223—Means supported by building floors or flat roofs, e.g. safety railings
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
    • E04G5/00—Component parts or accessories for scaffolds
    • E04G5/06—Consoles; Brackets
    • E04G5/067—Consoles; Brackets specially adapted for attachment to posts
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
    • E04G5/00—Component parts or accessories for scaffolds
    • E04G5/14—Railings
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H17/00—Fencing, e.g. fences, enclosures, corrals
    • E04H17/14—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts
    • E04H17/16—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts using prefabricated panel-like elements, e.g. wired frames
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H17/00—Fencing, e.g. fences, enclosures, corrals
    • E04H17/14—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts
    • E04H17/16—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts using prefabricated panel-like elements, e.g. wired frames
    • E04H17/17—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts using prefabricated panel-like elements, e.g. wired frames brackets for the connection between panels and posts
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H17/00—Fencing, e.g. fences, enclosures, corrals
    • E04H17/14—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts
    • E04H17/24—Connections for attaching additional wire to frames, posts or railings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L3/00—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets
    • F16L3/08—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing
    • F16L3/12—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing comprising a member substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing
    • F16L3/127—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing comprising a member substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing and extending away from the attachment surface
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F11/02—Stairways; Layouts thereof
    • E04F2011/0203—Miscellaneous features of stairways not otherwise provided for
    • E04F2011/0205—Stairways characterised by the use of specific materials for the supporting structure of the treads
    • E04F2011/0209—Stairways characterised by the use of specific materials for the supporting structure of the treads mainly of metal
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F11/18—Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F11/181—Balustrades
    • E04F11/1817—Connections therefor
    • E04F2011/1819—Connections therefor between balustrade posts and horizontal or sloping balustrade members
    • E04F2011/1821—Connections therefor between balustrade posts and horizontal or sloping balustrade members between balustrade posts and handrails
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F11/18—Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F11/181—Balustrades
    • E04F11/1817—Connections therefor
    • E04F2011/1831—Connections therefor between balustrade filling members, e.g. panels, and balustrade posts
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
    • E04G5/00—Component parts or accessories for scaffolds
    • E04G5/14—Railings
    • E04G2005/148—Railings latticed or netted

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to safety barriers.
  • the present invention relates systems and components for safely enclosing substantially open barriers such as handrails, stairways walkways, and platforms.
  • Safety barriers such as guardrails, handrails, walkways, and platforms are found in a large variety of industrial commercial, residential and public sites. They are typically located at the edge of walkways, stairs, or platforms where they are used to prevent falls, limit access to potentially unsafe or dangerous areas, and/or to provide support or protection in uneven or potentially slippery ground.
  • Australian Standard AS1657-1192 relates to the design, construction, and installation of fixed platforms, walkways, stairways, and ladders which are intended to provide means of safe access to and safe working at places normally used by operating, inspection, maintenance, and servicing personnel.
  • This standard defines guard railing as any structure to prevent persons from falling off any platform, walkway or landing.
  • Handrails include rails to provide handhold on a platform, walkway, stairway, or step ladder and may form part of a guard railing.
  • a walkway is passageway that is either level or sloping from the surrounding floor or level. It may be a continuous structure or steps with landings and covers inclinations in the range from 0° to 26.5°.
  • a stairway is a sloping stepped structure having not less than three rises and having a slope within the range of 26.5° to 45 degrees inclusive.
  • a platform is an area provided for access or working, which is elevated above the surrounding floor or level, and a landing is a level area used to provide access to a stairway or ladder, or located at an intermediate level in a system of stairways or ladders.
  • a common type of guardrail or handrail system often found in public and industrial sites uses an open framework of horizontal, vertical or inclined pipes or tubes (which in cross section may be circular, square, rectangular, oval, etc) to support a handrail.
  • open systems do not provide a sufficient barrier to prevent people, or carried objects such as tools or products, from escaping the confines of the handrail system.
  • This can create hazards for both people on the walkways, who can slip out of, or may be forced to lean out over the handrail or through gaps into potentially unsafe areas to retrieve lost objects, as well as to persons below them who may be hit by falling objects potentially causing significant injury or even death depending upon the object dropped and the height it is dropped from.
  • many walkways, stairways and platforms in industrial or commercial sites include floors constructed of open grid mesh or grating, which provide little protection to persons or equipment below the floor from material (solid or liquid) spilled or dropped whilst being carried across the floor.
  • a guarding system for enclosing a substantially open sidewall of a barrier system, the barrier system comprising a plurality of support members each having a predefined profile, comprising:
  • the post engaging portion is located between the mounting portion and the clamping portion and comprises a profile matching at least a portion of the predefined profile of the post to allow clipping of the bracket to the post when in the open configuration and the first and second clamping portions extend from a first end and a second end of the post engaging portion so that movement of the first clamping portion towards the second clamping portion clamps the bracket around the post to form the closed configuration.
  • the post engaging portion comprises a clip portion having a profile matching at least a portion of the predefined profile of the post to allow clipping of the bracket to the post when in the open configuration; and a moveable portion comprising a slot to allow the moveable portion to be deformed to allow the bracket to be reconfigured from the open configuration to the closed configuration.
  • the slot extends over an arc of 90°, and the moveable portion is hand deformable.
  • the mounting plate further comprises a plurality of apertures to allow a guard panel to be mounted at a range of locations and inclinations with respect to the plate.
  • guard panels are mounted to extend continuously up from the floor to a height below the handrail sufficient to provide hand access to the handrail, so as to substantially enclose side wall of the barrier.
  • guard panels are formed from a sheet comprising a plurality of apertures. This assists in reducing the additional wind load on the structure.
  • a guarding system for enclosing a substantially open sidewall of a barrier system comprising a plurality of support members, the method comprising the steps of
  • a bracket for use in mounting a guard panel to a post having a predefined profile in an open barrier system so as to reduce the dropped object hazard comprising:
  • a flooring bracket for use in mounting a floor sheet to cover a grid mesh floor comprising at two support members having a predefined profile and pitch, comprising:
  • a flooring bracket for use in mounting a floor sheet to cover a grid mesh floor comprising at two support members having a predefined profile and pitch spacing, comprising:
  • a step guard for enclosing a vertical space of predefined dimensions between consecutive grid mesh steps comprising:
  • a step guard for enclosing a vertical space of predefined dimensions between an upper grid mesh step and lower grid mesh step comprising:
  • a step guard for enclosing a vertical space of predefined dimensions between an upper grid mesh step and lower grid mesh step comprising:
  • a dropped object prevention system for a guardrail comprising a plurality of support members each having a predefined profile and a floor, comprising:
  • the system of the first or ninth aspect may further comprise the flooring bracket of the fifth or sixth aspect, and/or the step guard of the sixth, seventh, or eighth aspect.
  • FIGS. 1A to 1E illustrate various views of a walkway with a guarding system according to an embodiment
  • FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a bracket in an open configuration for clipping onto a support post according to an embodiment
  • FIG. 2B is an isometric view of the bracket of FIG. 2A in a closed configuration
  • FIG. 2C is a top view of the bracket in FIG. 2A ;
  • FIG. 2D is a top view of the bracket in FIG. 2B ;
  • FIG. 2E is a flat pattern for constructing the bracket of FIG. 2A ;
  • FIG. 2F is an isometric view of another embodiment bracket in an open configuration for clipping onto a support post
  • FIG. 2G is top view of the bracket in FIG. 2F ;
  • FIG. 2H is top view of the bracket in FIG. 2F in the closed configuration
  • FIG. 2I is a top view of a washer plate for use with the brackets illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2H ;
  • FIG. 2J is an isometric view of another embodiment of a washer plate for use with the brackets illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2H ;
  • FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of a stairway which has been enclosed using an inclined guard panel according to an embodiment
  • FIG. 3B is a close up view of the attachment of a bracket to the inclined guard panel illustrated in FIG. 3A ;
  • FIG. 3C is a close up view of the attachment of a bracket to the inclined guard panel illustrated in FIG. 3A from the inside illustrating the use of the washer plate shown in FIG. 2I ;
  • FIG. 4A is an isometric view of the bracket of FIG. 2A clipped around a post;
  • FIGS. 4B and 4C are isometric views of the bracket of FIG. 2A clamped to a post and with a guard panel mounted;
  • FIG. 4D is an isometric view a corner section of a platform with mesh guard panels and corner joiners according to an embodiment
  • FIG. 4E is a close up view of FIG. 4D ;
  • FIG. 5A to 5D illustrates another embodiment of a bracket and a method of installing the bracket
  • FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a bracket
  • FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a bracket
  • FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a bracket
  • FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate isometric, and side views of a pair of adjacent grid mesh steps
  • FIG. 9C illustrates a top view of one of the steps shown in FIG. 9A ;
  • FIG. 10 illustrates the arrangement and spacing of load and cross bars in grid mesh floor
  • FIG. 11A is an isometric view of an embodiment of a flooring bracket for mounting a floor sheet to a grid mesh floor;
  • FIGS. 11B to 11D illustrate orthographic views of the flooring bracket of FIG. 11A ;
  • FIG. 12A is a side view of the flooring bracket of FIG. 11A inserted into the grate of FIG. 10 ;
  • FIG. 12B is a top view of the flooring bracket of FIG. 11A inserted into the grate of FIG. 10 ;
  • FIGS. 13A to 13F illustrate isometric views of the method of installation of floor brackets and mounting of a sheet to a grid mesh floor to cover the grid mesh floor according to an embodiment
  • FIGS. 14A and 14B are isometric view of another embodiment of a flooring bracket for mounting a floor sheet to a grid mesh floor;
  • FIGS. 14C to 14E are orthographic views of the upper surface of the flooring bracket of FIGS. 14A and 14B ;
  • FIGS. 14G to 14H are orthographic views of the lower channel portion of the flooring bracket of FIGS. 14A and 14B ;
  • FIGS. 15A to 15C illustrates isometric and side views of installation and locking of the bracket of FIGS. 14A to 14H into a grid mesh floor;
  • FIGS. 16A and 16B are an isometric view of a step guard, and stairway with a fitted step guard according to an embodiment
  • FIGS. 17A and 17B are an isometric view of another embodiment of a step guard, and a stairway fitted with the step guard;
  • FIGS. 18A and 18B are an isometric view of another embodiment of a step guard, and stairway fitted with the step guard;
  • FIG. 19A illustrates two wire mesh guard panels joined using splice brackets according to an embodiment
  • FIG. 19B illustrates wire mesh guard panels around a stairway joined using splice brackets according to an embodiment
  • FIG. 19C illustrates an isometric view of a splice bracket for joining two wide mesh guard panels illustrated in FIG. 19A according to an embodiment
  • FIG. 19D illustrates an isometric view of a splice bracket for joining a wide mesh guard panels to a narrow mesh guard panel illustrated in FIG. 19B according to an embodiment
  • FIG. 19E illustrates an isometric view of a splice bracket for joining two narrow mesh guard panels illustrated in FIG. 19B according to an embodiment
  • FIG. 19G illustrates an isometric view of a splice bracket for joining a narrow mesh to an inclined mesh for a stairway illustrated in FIG. 19B according to an embodiment
  • FIGS. 20A to 20C illustrate isometric views of a rear bracket, narrow bracket and wide bracket respectively for the splice bracket shown in FIGS. 19A to 19F ;
  • FIG. 20D illustrates an isometric view of a U shaped end piece for the splice bracket shown in FIGS. 19B and 19F for an inclined mesh guard panel;
  • FIG. 20E illustrates a side view of the splice bracket shown in FIG. 19A to 19F ;
  • FIGS. 21A to 21D illustrates several isometric views of the washer plate of FIG. 2J in use to fasten wire mesh guard panels
  • the system described herein includes three components used to enclose various parts of open safety barrier systems such as handrails, walkway, stairs, platforms, grid mesh flooring etc.
  • open safety barrier systems such as handrails, walkway, stairs, platforms, grid mesh flooring etc.
  • Such safety barriers are typically substantially open structures include a coarse grid of support (or structural) members with a variety of large and small gaps between the support members. All three components described herein may be used together, or various combinations of the three, or each components may be used separately or independently of each other depending upon the requirements of the site, and whether full or partial enclosure is required.
  • illustrative embodiments of the system will be described in relation to enclosing a walkway incorporating an open handrail.
  • Such open handrails comprise vertical supports, referred to as stanchions, and horizontal middle and upper rails at approximately knee and waist heights above a walkway (which may also include a kick plate).
  • the first component is a guard system comprising a bracket and guard panel for enclosing the sides of open barrier systems such as walkways, stairs, or the vertical space below a handrail.
  • the second component is a step guard which provides a stair tread and back plate to fill in the vertical gap (rise) between two stairs
  • the third component is a flooring system for covering a grid mesh floor comprising a floor bracket which is inserted between the gaps in a grid mesh floor and secured in place, and which includes a mounting platform to allow sheeting to be laid over the grid mesh floor.
  • FIGS. 1A to 1E A walkway enclosed using the above described embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1E .
  • FIG. 1A shows an isometric view 110 of an unenclosed walkway and
  • FIG. 1B shows an isometric view 120 of the walkway enclosed according to an embodiment of the system.
  • FIG. 1C is an end view 130 of the enclosed walkway illustrating the brackets, guard panels, floor brackets and sheeting.
  • FIGS. 1D and 1E are interior and exterior side views 140 , 150 of walkway illustrating the attachment of guard panel to the support posts (marked 1 D and 1 E on FIG. 1C ).
  • an upper and lower bracket is clamped to each post to secure a guard panel.
  • the guard panels 40 are mounted so that they rest on or near the edge of the kick plate 72 and extend continuously upwards to just below the handrail.
  • the guard panels 40 may be made of flat sheet without any apertures, perforated sheet having a regular array of apertures (as in FIGS. 1C and 1D ), a mesh sheet (ie array of wires) formed from a mesh, or sheet with periodic or irregular apertures.
  • the size of apertures (or gaps) in the panel are chosen so that they are small enough to prevent, or at least to significantly reduce the risk, of dropped objects falling through the apertures (or at least dropped objects, and in particular tools, above a certain size).
  • Providing apertures or openings in the guard panel reduces the weight and will also assist in minimising the additional wind load on the structure or in reducing the additional wind load compared to a flat sheet with no apertures.
  • adjacent guard panels have an overlapping portion 160 which extends over a distance of approximately 50 mm to allow the two panels to be fastened together using a plurality of fasteners 162 such as self drilling or TEK screws, or nuts and bolts.
  • the size of the apertures may be selected so that they can act as pilot holes for fasteners. If the overlap occurs over a post, a single set of fasteners may be used to both fasten overlapping panels and to attach the panels to the mounting portion of the upper and lower brackets.
  • adjacent sheets may be joined at the edge using a splice or joining plate and appropriate fasteners, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 19A to 19F .
  • FIGS. 2A to 2E An embodiment of a suitable bracket 1 for safely mounting guard panels 40 to posts such as stanchion 50 , handrails 60 and knee rails 61 which form a safety barrier is illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2E .
  • the bracket 1 broadly includes a post engaging portion 10 , a clamping portion 20 and a mounting portion 30 .
  • the post engaging portion has two configurations.
  • the open or clipping configuration allows the bracket to be conveniently clipped onto the post where it will be retained (and grip the post) so that the installer can release the bracket and attend to other tasks without the bracket falling off the post and representing a hazard to person or equipment below, and a closed or clamping configuration in which the post engaging portion is clamped so that the bracket is tightly fixed or held in place around the post so that it can be used to support or mount a guard panel.
  • the bracket allows the installer to safely work within the confines of the walkway without having to extend body parts or tools beyond the support post. That is the installer can work from above the floor and within the handrails so the bracket does not become a potential dropped object.
  • the clamping portion may include a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion, wherein the first and second clamping portions are arranged so that when the bracket is in the closed configuration the second clamping portion is brought into proximity with the first clamping portion to allow the bracket to be clamped to the post using fasteners or other means.
  • the mounting portion allows mounting of the guard panel to the bracket. This may be provided in the form of a mounting plate to which a guard panel may be mounted, or an aperture or flange may be provided which is received by a mounting portion on a guard panel.
  • the bracket In order for the bracket to clip on (or self-clamp) onto the bracket in the open configuration, the bracket must not deform plastically when applied to post. That is in order to maintain clamping force after placement, it must only be flexed over within its elastic zone and the angle of wrap around the post should exceed 180° to ensure it will stay in the initial position is fitted.
  • the characteristics of elasticity and springiness, and the angle of wrap largely determine the capability of the bracket to clip on.
  • the cross sectional profile can be varied to have stiff and flexible zones, provided they are still working via elastic deformation and springiness (ie they spring back) and the contact (or contacts) span greater than 180°.
  • FIGS. 2 and 5 to 8 illustrate various views of embodiments of brackets for use in mounting a guard panel to post.
  • FIG. 2A illustrates an isometric view 201 of a bracket 1 in an open configuration for clipping the bracket onto such a post
  • FIG. 2B illustrates an isometric view 202 of the bracket in a closed or clamping configuration
  • FIGS. 2C and 2D show respective top views 203 , 204 and FIG. 2E illustrates a flat pattern 205 of the bracket indicating required folds, and cut outs and finishing for manufacturing the bracket from a flat strip.
  • the strip could be 316 stainless steel 1.2 mm thick.
  • the bracket could be constructed of any suitable material such as other steels of the same or different thicknesses, or other aluminium, alloys, plastics (eg PVC, PVCU, uPVC, TPU, and other polymers), etc.
  • the materials may be coated, painted or contain additives to provide desired properties such as resistance to corrosion, chemicals, UV etc. Selection of other materials should be based on ensuring suitable properties such as strength and resiliency to allow the bracket to be removably clipped onto posts and to support guard panels, as well as properties such as corrosion resistance and/or UV resistance etc which make them suitable for use in industrial or outdoor environments.
  • FIGS. 2F , 2 G and 2 H Another embodiment of this bracket is shown in FIGS. 2F , 2 G and 2 H.
  • FIGS. 2I and 2J illustrate a washer plate that may optionally be used with the bracket.
  • the bracket shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E is attached to a vertical cylindrical post used to support a handrail (a stanchion).
  • the post is constructed from 250 grade steel having an outer diameter of 48.3 mm or similar.
  • the bracket could be adapted to be fitted to any of the members forming the structure of the safety barrier including posts, pipes, tubing, handrails, knee rails, foot rails etc, having a range of cross sectional profiles and which may be vertical, horizontal, inclined, curved, etc, herein referred to as support members.
  • the system provides flexibility in the location at which the bracket is fitted allowing it to be fitted at a range of heights and positions depending upon the requirements of the specific installation.
  • multiple brackets may be fitted to different parts of a support structure to increase the strength as required (for example to meet wind load requirements).
  • the bracket 1 broadly includes a post engaging portion 10 , a clamping portion 20 and a mounting portion 30 .
  • the bracket shown in FIG. 2A is shown in the open configuration which allows the bracket to be conveniently clipped onto a post where it will be retained.
  • the closed or clamping configuration of the bracket is illustrated in FIG. 2B .
  • the post engaging portion includes a clip portion 12 , and a movable portion 14 and the post engaging portion is constructed to have sufficient elasticity to allow the bracket to be removably clipped around the post. That is it does not plastically deform when clipped or snapped onto the post, allowing it to grip onto the post and allowing re-use.
  • the clip portion is manufactured to have a profile matching at least a portion of profile of the post so that it will engage and grip (ie frictionally engage) the post whilst in the open configuration.
  • the post is cylindrical (eg 24.15 mm radius or 48.3 mm diameter)
  • the clip portion may have a constant radius substantially equal to the radius of the post (eg 24.15 mm).
  • the clip portion spans an angle of 239.9° (90° ⁇ 149.9°).
  • the angle of wrap (or wrap angle) will however depend upon the post the bracket is to be clipped onto need only be sufficient to allow the bracket to clip on and grip the post so that it will be retained around the post.
  • Suitable wrap angles are in excess of 180° and more preferably in the range of 210° to 300°, and even more preferably in the range of 220° to 260°.
  • the post engaging portion also includes a movable portion to provide an open configuration to allow the bracket to be clipped onto and retained around the post and a closed configuration to allow clamping of the bracket or post engaging portion to the post.
  • the movable portion is a straight section having an extended slot which spans the length of the section and weakens the section to allow it to be deformed by hand from the straight open configuration shown in FIG. 2A to the closed configuration shown in FIG. 2B .
  • the width of the slot is approximately 30% of the width of the bracket.
  • the moveable portion extends over an angle of 120.1° and matches the profile of the portion of the post contacted or engaged by the moveable portion.
  • the slot extends over an arc of at least 90° to provide a sufficiently large opening so that the post engaging portion of the bracket is not required to significantly bend to receive the post to which the bracket is being clipped (that is to ensure the bracket does not deform when being applied).
  • the length of the slot may be selected based on the strength of the material used to form the bracket. Further in the case that the post varies from the nominal dimensions, the slot enables hand tightening of the bracket to allow the bracket to clip onto and grip the post in the desired position, prior to clamping.
  • the bracket could be formed of two or more members and a hinge provided between the clip portion and the moveable portion.
  • the moveable portion could be shaped to match the profile of the portion of the post will be contacted or engaged when in the close configuration so that no deformation of the shape of the movable portion is required.
  • Various additional stiffening elements may be added to the post engaging portion increase the strength as required to ensure the bracket can support the panel when subjected to wind, impact or other loads.
  • the bracket when in the open configuration the bracket has an opening formed between the start of the clip portion (where it meets the clamping portion) and the moveable portion, and has a width less than the outer diameter of the pole the bracket is to be attached too to provide a snap fit.
  • the width may be 38 mm, and for a 33.7 mm diameter post the width may be 28 mm.
  • the width is in the range of 60% to 90% of the diameter, and even more preferably the width is in the range 75% to 85%.
  • the bracket is constructed of 1.2 mm thick 316 Stainless Steel which has sufficient elasticity to allow the bracket to be removably clipped around the post, and will exhibit sufficient gripping force to retain the bracket when in the open configuration. That is as the bracket is placed around the post the moveable portion is pushed outwards away from the start of the clip portion, until the moveable portion and/or the post engaging portion can resiliently spring (or snap) back to encompass and retain the bracket around the post. This allows an installer to clip the bracket onto the post and then release the bracket without fear of it falling off. This also frees up the installer to perform other tasks, such as obtain a tool to fasten the bracket in place or to select another bracket to clip onto the same or another post.
  • FIG. 4A is an isometric view 401 of the bracket of FIG. 2F clipped around a post. It will further be appreciated that the moveable portion and the clamping portion act as guides (or guide rails) to facilitate clipping of the bracket around the post.
  • the clamping portion 22 includes a first clamping portion 22 connected to one end of the clip portion 22 of the post engaging portion 20 and a second clamping portion 20 connected to one end of the movable portion 24 of the post engaging portion 20 .
  • the second clamping portion is arranged so that when the movable portion is in the closed configuration, the second clamping portion is brought towards or in close proximity with the first clamping portion (for example a 1-2 mm gap). This then allows the post engaging portion and thus the bracket to be clamped to the post and so provide a structurally rigid connection both before and after panel installation.
  • a range of fasteners may be used.
  • the first and second clamping portion each include matching apertures 23 25 .
  • a bolt may then be placed through both apertures, and fastened in place using a nut.
  • the apertures could be threaded and a screw fastener used to bring the portions together.
  • no apertures could be provided and the two clamping sections could screwed together using self drilling or TEK screws, be externally clamped, or even welded together if the bracket was installed at a site where such hot work would not give rise to safety concerns.
  • two apertures 23 a , 23 b , 25 a , 25 b are provided in each of the first clamping portion 22 and the second clamping portion 24 . These are provided at opposite ends (ie near the post engaging portion end and the mounting portion end).
  • a mounting portion 30 is attached to the clamping portion 20 to allow mounting of the guard panel to the bracket at a panel offset distance 26 from the centre of the post or a stand off distance 27 from the surface of the post.
  • the mounting portion includes a flat plate which is attached to the other end of the first clamping portion.
  • the guard panel is orientated in a plane parallel to a plane tangential to the cross section of the post, with the clamping portion acting as a standoff arm to space the post away from the guard panel. That is the radially directed standoff arm is orthogonal (90°) to the mounting plate which is parallel to the guard panel.
  • the posts are often connected to the outer sides of the walkway (and kick plate).
  • the guard panel can be mounted against the edge of the walkway, or from within the walkway so that the outwardly extending flanged portion engages the top of the floor or kickplate to prevent a gap between the edge of the panel and the walkway.
  • inclined arrangements are possible provided the panel will still be mounted in a plane parallel to a tangential plane.
  • the ends of the mounting portion 30 and clamping portion 20 may include stiffening flanges.
  • the mounting plate is formed from two overlapping plate sections 35 36 which are formed at the ends of the two clamping portions 22 24 to provide additional strength.
  • the mounting portion includes a plate which includes a plurality of apertures 32 a to 32 i which act as pilot holes for the fasteners.
  • FIGS. 2F to 2H A similar arrangement is illustrated in FIGS. 2F to 2H . These apertures are arranged to allow the guard panel to be mounted to perforated plate in a range of locations and inclinations.
  • An aperture free section 34 is also provided in front of the region the clamping fastener(s) will be located so that the fastener(s) used to clamp the bracket together (the first set of fasteners), and the fastener(s) used to mount the panel to the bracket (the second set of fasteners) do not interfere with each other.
  • FIG. 4B which is an isometric view 402 of the bracket of FIG. 2F clamped to a post and with a guard panel mounted. In this figure the TEK screws are clear of each other.
  • FIG. 4C is the reverse view 403 .
  • Providing a plurality of apertures provides flexibility in mounting the panel to the bracket. For example if the apertures in the panel are large diameter, then the plurality of apertures in the mounting portion increase the likelihood that at least one of the apertures in the mounting plate will be aligned over an aperture free section of the perforated guard panel.
  • the apertures in the guard panel may be selected to be a size to act as pilot holes for the screw fasteners to be used, and thus providing a plurality of apertures in the mounting plate increase the likelihood that at least one aperture in the guard panel will align with one of the apertures in the mounting portion of the bracket.
  • Providing a plurality of apertures in the mounting plate also allows the guard panel to be mounted to level ground (platform or walkway), inclined ground, or to stairs.
  • FIG. 3A illustrates a side view 300 of a stairway which has been enclosed using an inclined perforated guard panel 40 .
  • FIG. 3B shows a close up view 301 of the attachment of a bracket to the inclined guard panel illustrated in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B shows the close up view from within the walkway.
  • the apertures 32 d and 32 h are located over flat sections between apertures 42 in the inclined guard panel, and fasteners 84 , 85 such as a self drilling TEK screw have been inserted to fasten the bracket and guard panel together.
  • a washer plate (or button) as shown in FIG. 2I may optionally used on the inner side of the panel between the fastener and the panel to assist with fastening of a panel to a bracket using two fasteners.
  • the a washer plate 80 comprises two spaced apertures 81 , 82 with spacing distance 83 each for receiving a fastener such as a TEK screw.
  • the spacing of the apertures in the washer plate 83 could be set to a predefined spacing distance to match the spacing between at least two apertures in the plurality of apertures on the mounting plate of a bracket.
  • 3C illustrates the use of a washer plate 80 for fastening an inclined guard panel to a bracket.
  • the arrangement or the distribution of apertures in the mounting plate may be arranged into two or more pairs which are arranged to allow mounting of guard panels in two or more predefined orientations such as horizontal and a standard inclination used for stairways.
  • the apertures 32 d to 32 i may be used for a horizontal panel, and apertures 32 e to 32 i used for a standard stairway (and the distance 32 d to 32 i equal to the distance 32 e to 32 i which is equal to the spacing distance 83 of apertures in the washer plate) This enables the installer to quickly determine the correct location for the first and second fastener depending upon the orientation.
  • FIG. 2J Another embodiment of a washer plate 90 is shown in FIG. 2J which is designed for use with wire mesh panels.
  • This washer plate has two rectangular apertures 91 and 92 which allow a range of fastener spacings from a minimum spacing 93 to a maximum spacing 94 to provide flexibility.
  • the washer plate further comprises flat rectangular section 95 (containing the apertures 91 and 92 ), and two flanged edges 96 97 , in this case along the long edge of the rectangular section 95 .
  • the bracket shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E is for use with a 48.3 mm diameter post and has a width of 32 mm, a clipping portion of length 101.5 mm, a moveable portion of length 50.25 mm (so the post engaging portion has a radius matching the diameter) with a slot 49 mm long by 10 mm wide, a 16 mm wide clamping portion, a 32 mm wide mounting portion, and is manufactured from 1.2 mm thick 316 Stainless Steel.
  • 2F to 2H is for use with a 48.3 mm diameter post and has a width of 42 mm, a clipping portion of length 101.5 mm, a moveable portion of length 50.25 mm (so the post engaging portion has a radius matching the diameter) with a slot is 49 mm long by 16 mm wide, a 35 mm wide clamping portion, a 24 mm wide mounting portion and is manufactured from 1.2 mm thick 316 Stainless Steel.
  • 2F to 2H is for use with a 33.7 mm diameter post and has a width of 42 mm, a clipping portion of length 70.3 mm, a moveable portion of length 45.5 mm (so the post engaging portion has a radius matching the diameter) with a slot is 45.5 mm long by 20 mm wide, a 43 mm wide clamping portion, a 22 mm wide mounting portion and is manufactured from 1.2 mm thick 316 Stainless Steel.
  • FIGS. 5 to 8 illustrate various alternative embodiments of the bracket.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a bracket and a method of installing the bracket 500 .
  • the bracket includes a post engaging portion 10 , a clamping portion 20 and a mounting portion 30 for mounting a guard panel 40 and is formed of a suitably resilient material such as plastic or steel.
  • the bracket comprises two half sections 512 and 514 are joined along a section 16 leading to the mounting portion.
  • Each of the half sections has a profile which at least partially matches a post 50 (eg stanchion) to which the bracket is to be clipped around.
  • the two ends 522 and 524 of the half sections are flanged outward to leave an opening for receiving the post.
  • the installation method includes a first step 502 of clipping a bracket onto a post 50 by pushing the opening of the bracket towards the post.
  • the outward flanges are (resiliently) pushed outward by engagement with the post, and once the flanges have passed the halfway point (ie diameter) the elasticity or resiliency of the bracket will force the flange sections towards each other and thus act to clip the bracket around the post into a clipping configuration.
  • slots could be provided in the flange sections and/or the post engaging portions to weaken a section of the bracket to facilitate clipping of the bracket over or around the post.
  • a clamping step 506 is performed in which the two flange portions (acting as first and second clamping portions) are moved, deformed or otherwise brought together and then fastened into a clamping configuration through the use of fastener such as a nut 528 and bolt 526 .
  • the clamping portions need not meet, or engage with each other provided the fastener acts to clamp the bracket around the post (eg the fastener may span the gap and act to pull the two clamping portions towards each other).
  • the use of slots in the flanged sections facilitates the movement of the sections into the clamped configuration.
  • a guard panel 40 is mounted onto the mounting portion 30 of the bracket in the clamped configuration.
  • guard panel is fastened to the brackets using fasteners such as one or more TEK screws, optionally using a washer plate.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of bracket 600 , shown in the open configuration 602 and the closed configuration 604 .
  • the bracket is formed from a single piece of suitably elastic resilient material such as plastic or steel.
  • the overall shape of the post engaging portion matches the profile or shape of the post 50 to which the bracket is to be clipped.
  • the two ends of the bracket (the clamping portions) are outwardly flanged to provide an opening in the bracket to receive the post. These also act as guide rails to facilitate clipping the bracket to the post.
  • the bracket is clipped in place by pushing the bracket around the post, so that the post temporarily deflects the two flange sections (and adjacent sections of the post engaging portions) outwards.
  • an (optional) compressive liner 660 is placed between the post and the bracket and lines at least a substantial portion of the inside surface of the post engaging portion (eg the clip portion of FIG. 2A ).
  • This liner is made of a suitable compressive material such as of rubber to allow for expansion and contraction of the post and/or bracket, or differences between the relative expansion/contraction rates if not formed of the same material, or to account for any irregularities (eg bumps, projections, etc) in the profile of the post and/or bracket.
  • the liner reduces the inner diameter of the bracket to a diameter less than the (expected) diameter of the post. Thus when clipped on the liner will compress to the actual diameter and thus grip onto the post (and will be further compressed once clamping is performed).
  • matching apertures are provided in the outwardly flanged clamping portions so that the clamping portions also act as a mounting portion.
  • the guard panel 640 includes an orthogonal mounting projection 644 including one or more apertures. Clamping and mounting of the panel is performed as a single operation. The mounting projection of the panel is placed between the two outwardly flanged portions, which are then moved towards each other so that they are either side of the mounting projection. The apertures in the clamping portions and the mounting portion are aligned and a bolt 626 is passed through the apertures and then fastened in place using a nut 628 .
  • apertures need not be provided and a self drilling TEK screw could be used as a fastener.
  • a T shaped mount comprising a mounting plate ( 2342 ) and an orthogonal mounting projection ( 2344 ) which is placed between clamping arms 2326 , 2328 , which are then clamped to secure the mount.
  • a panel 40 is then mounted onto the mounting plate 2342 .
  • FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a bracket 700 , shown in the open configuration 702 and the closed configuration 704 .
  • This bracket is another variant of the bracket shown in FIG. 6 .
  • the bracket is formed, or manufactured with a right angled mounting portion 730 which is located at an angle with respect to the clamping portions, such as of 90°, when in the clamped configuration.
  • This configuration allows the installer to perform the clamping operation to one side of the post and then the panel mounting operation in front of the post. This allows easier installation as compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 which may require the fastening to be performed behind the post.
  • the post engaging portion further comprises a compressive liner 760 .
  • the compressive liner includes a plurality of projections or feet 762 which engage with the post, and can thus compensate for variations in expansion or irregularities in the shape of the post.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a bracket 800 in the open configuration 802 and the closed configuration 804 .
  • the post engaging portion is provided in two parts 812 , 814 joined by a hinge 813 .
  • the two post engaging portions have a shape or profile designed to match the shape of the post 50 to which the brackets is clipped around.
  • the first post engaging portion 812 spans at least 180° so that it may be clipped onto the post.
  • the second post engaging portion is then moved towards the first post engaging portion to place the bracket in the clamping configuration.
  • the clamping portion includes a first clamping portion 822 joined to the first post engaging portion 812 , and a second clamping portion 824 joined to the second post engaging portion 814 .
  • the mounting portion 830 is located at the end of the second clamping portion 824 (which acts as a stand off arm) and is orientated at 90° (ie orthogonal).
  • the first clamping portion 822 includes an aperture 826 and the second post engaging portion 844 includes a projection 828 which is designed to pass through the aperture 826 when the second post engaging portion is moved into the clamping position.
  • an aperture is provided in the projection 828 through which a pin 829 is passed to retain the bracket in the clamping position.
  • brackets may be constructed from flat strips of suitable materials such as 1.2 mm thick 316 Stainless Steel.
  • the bracket is designed to clip and grip onto posts of nominal (or standard) diameters. However due to manufacturing variations the inner diameter or profile of the bracket, may not always match the diameter or profile of the post. If the inner diameter of the bracket is too large compared to the diameter of the post then their may be insufficient frictional contact to ensure the bracket remains in place after it is placed around the pole (ie it may slip down). In this case the installer may simply have to squeeze the bracket once fitted (ie adjust the open configuration) to ensure that the bracket clips onto and is retained around the post.
  • the bracket is designed to have an initial snap on configuration with a diameter larger than the nominal diameter, but with a portion that spans at least 180° and in which the opening is less than the nominal diameter so that the bracket will enclose the pipe, but not necessarily grip the pipe. This will allow the bracket to be snapped on to the post but also prevent the bracket from falling off the support.
  • the bracket can then be adjusted such as by hand deformation to reduce the radius from the initial configuration to the open clipping configuration so that it will then grip the pipe in the desired position.
  • the bracket can then be clamped onto the post. In this case installation would comprise snapping on the bracket, deforming the bracket to the open configuration to grip the post in the desired position, and then clamping the bracket in place.
  • the upper and lower edges of the guard panels may be bent to an angle under 90° to form upper flange section 42 and lower flange section 44 .
  • the panel may be mounted so that the bent portions of the panel points towards the posts.
  • the panel may be mounted so that the side wall of a handrail or walkway is substantially enclosed, such that the side wall extends continuously from the floor plate to a point just below the handrail sufficient to provide clearance to provide hand access to the handrail.
  • FIG. 1C in which the lower flange portion 42 rests upon the top edge of a kick plate 72 which extends towards the floor 70 . Further these flanges also act to stiffen the panels.
  • the sheet may be a flat sheet with holes or apertures limited to a specific region of the sheet.
  • the brackets and guard sheets are to be used on a level walkway and it is desired to mount the guard sheet at a specific height, the brackets could all be mounted at the specific height on the poles, and holes could be provided in a strip on the sheet only at the appropriate height to ensure the guard panel is to be mounted at the desired height.
  • the guard panel could be provided as a flat sheet with no holes, and holes drilled as required.
  • the mounting portion need not include apertures and these could be drilled as required or self drilling TEK screws used to fasten the guard panel to the mount.
  • the size of apertures (or gaps) in the panel are chosen so that they are small enough to prevent, or at least to significantly reduce the risk, of dropped objects falling through the apertures (or at least dropped objects, and in particular tools, above a certain size).
  • Suitable perforated sheets for use as guard panels may be source from the Locker group which manufacture sheets with a range of apertures sizes (1.6 mm to 9.5 mm), patterns (circles, squares, diamonds, clubs, etc), % open area (23 to 62%), and materials (steel alloys, Aluminium, etc).
  • stock sheet R07962 comes in a standard size of 2440 ⁇ 140 mm with holes of diameter 7.94 mm, a pitch (hole spacing) of 9.55 mm and an open area 62%.
  • P081116 from the Graham group may be used.
  • Mesh sheets formed from a regular array of rods, wires or pipes characterised in having very high open area percentages but small gap sizes (eg sides with lengths from 5 mm up to around 200 mm or areas up to 40000 mm 2 ) can be used for sites subject to high wind loads (eg cyclonic).
  • the mesh shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B is formed from wires with apertures of dimensions 25 mm ⁇ 50 mm or 25 mmx 25 mm.
  • Sheets manufactured from lightweight materials such as fine meshes, plastics, including UV stabilised and corrosion resistant plastics (eg PVC, PVCU, uPVC, TPU, and other polymers), wood, or other materials could also be used.
  • adjacent guard panels may be overlapped by a short distance, such as 50 mm, and can be fastened using self drilling or TEK screws. Other fastening arrangements could be used, including means that take advantage of any overlapping holes between the panels. Alternatively adjacent panels can be joined at the edge using a splice or joining plate and appropriate fasteners, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 19A to 19F and 20 A to 20 D.
  • a method for installing a guarding system to a handrail will now be outlined with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 .
  • a plurality of brackets are obtained and at least one bracket in the open configuration 200 is clipped onto and retained around two or more support posts 50 and or handrails 60 .
  • moving one or more portions of the respective bracket to change the configuration of the bracket from the open configuration to the closed configuration, and then fastening the bracket in the closed configuration so as to clamp the bracket to the respective support member.
  • This may be performed using a nut and bolt fastening arrangement or self drilling TEK screw.
  • a guard panel may be fastened to the brackets.
  • FIG. 1C shows a side view illustrating a guard panel 40 attached to a bracket via mounting plate.
  • the guard panel is mounted so that the lower flange 42 and upper flange 44 are directed towards the support post 50 .
  • the installer can add as many or as few brackets as required based upon the length of the section to be enclosed, weight of materials and strength of the brackets.
  • the adjacent guard panels are each joined to each other, effectively forming a continuous panel.
  • a single bracket may only be required every third stanchion (post) to support the panels. For lighter panels this could be extended, and for heavier panels a bracket could be clipped and clamped to each post.
  • the installer can choose the height at which to place the bracket. These could be alternated between high and low positions, or two (or more) brackets could be fitted to each post at high and low positions.
  • multiple independent panel strips could be mounted so as to partially enclose the handrail.
  • FIG. 1 shows a handrail in which a horizontal support pole is located at approximately mid height. In this case panel strips could be mounted in the gaps above and below this support pole. Additionally corner joiners may also be provided to allow plates meeting at a corner of a platform to be joined.
  • FIG. 4D is an isometric view 403 of a corner section of a platform with mesh guard panels 41 and corner joiners 410
  • FIG. 4E shows a close up view 402 of a corner joiner 410 .
  • the corners are joined using a right angled bracket 412 which is located behind the mesh panels and extends along the vertical edge (it need not extend the full height).
  • clamping brackets 1220 are placed on the left and right mesh panels so they each enclose one of the wires forming the left and right mesh panels, and are then fastened (or clamped) in place using fasteners 414 and 415 .
  • Grid mesh is characterised by closely spaced parallel load bars and more sparsely spaced intersecting cross bars.
  • gaps between adjacent load bars and cross bars can be quite large allowing tools, equipment and other material (solid or liquids) to fall between the gaps.
  • grid mesh stairs often have large vertical gaps between adjacent or successive stairs (or a stair and platform). Such gaps can thus be a hazard for persons or equipment below.
  • FIGS. 9 a to 9 c illustrate two successive grid mesh steps in side view 900 and isometric view 950 , and a top view of a single stair 940 .
  • the first or lower stair 910 includes an stair tread or nosing 912 which if the rounded or angled edge of the tread projecting over the riser and which is fastened onto the edge of the stair using vertical fasteners.
  • the second or upper stair 930 similarly includes a nosing 932 .
  • the two steps are separated by a rise 920 which is the vertical height from the top of one tread to the top of the next.
  • An overhang 94 is provided between the front edge of the upper stair and the rear edge of the lower stair (typically about 15 mm).
  • Each stair is comprised of a grid mesh comprising load bars 914 running parallel with the front edge of the step, and transverse cross bars 916 running front to back.
  • the load bars are typically closely spaced, such as with a 30 mm separation (pitch) and the cross bars are more widely spaced, typically with about a 100 mm separation (pitch).
  • the offset 918 between the edge of the stair and the first cross bar may be fixed distance, or may vary from step to step, or from stairway to stairway, or from site to site.
  • FIG. 10 shows a top view 1000 of an embodiment of a grid mesh floor used in walkways and platforms.
  • the grid mesh is a steel grating which includes load bars 1010 and cross bars 1020 .
  • a close up view 1030 further illustrates the spacing arrangement in more detail.
  • a first load bar 1012 has a spacing 1016 of 30 mm from second load bar 1014 , and both load bars run between a first crossbar 104 and a second crossbar 1024 which have a spacing 1026 of 100 mm.
  • Side view 1040 illustrates the two load bars 1012 and 1014 .
  • Each load bar has a depth 1042 of 32 mm between upper surface 1044 and lower surface 1046 .
  • Each load bar has a width of 5 mm wide, thus defining an internal spacing 1018 between outer edges of the load bars of 25 mm based on a pitch of 30 mm. It is to be understood that such measurements are indicative only, and that other embodiments may use other dimensions.
  • FIGS. 11A to 11D there are shown various views of a first flooring bracket for use in mounting a sheet above a grid mesh floor or grating according to embodiments of the system.
  • FIGS. 14 A to 14 HD illustrate an alternative embodiment of a flooring bracket. In both embodiments the flooring bracket is inserted into gaps in the grid mesh flooring, and is secured in place. Flooring may then be laid by attaching the flooring to mounting platforms on the upper surface of the inserted and secured floor brackets.
  • FIGS. 14 A to 14 HD illustrate an alternative embodiment of a flooring bracket. In both embodiments the flooring bracket is inserted into gaps in the grid mesh flooring, and is secured in place. Flooring may then be laid by attaching the flooring to mounting platforms on the upper surface of the inserted and secured floor brackets.
  • 16 to 18 illustrate various guard panels that may be used to cover the vertical (riser) gap between the stairs, and both the vertical gap and top surface of a stair according to embodiments of the system. These components of the system prevent or limit tools and materials from falling through gaps in such floors or stairs, and can safely be fitted whilst on the floor or stairway.
  • FIG. 11A shows an isometric view 1101 of a flooring bracket 1100 for use in mounting a floor sheet to cover a grid mesh floor.
  • FIGS. 11B to 11D show orthographic projections of the flooring bracket including top view 1102 , side view 1103 and end view 1104 .
  • FIG. 12A shows a side view 1210 of the bracket in use (ie inserted into the floor) with a floor panel 1220 fastened using fasteners 1232 .
  • the flooring bracket is constructed from 316 stainless steel 1.2 mm thick although other materials (eg other metal alloys or plastics) and thicknesses may be used depending upon the operational requirements (eg required strength, corrosion resistance, etc).
  • the flooring bracket (or clip) includes an upper surface 1110 which includes two flange portions 1112 , 1114 which are for engaging the upper surface of two adjacent load bars (support members). These may be resilient to take up variations in the height of the cross bars.
  • the upper surface also has a mounting portion 1116 to receive a fastener to allow mounting of a sheet to the top surface of the flooring bracket.
  • Two resilient arms 114 1132 for engaging adjacent support members extend down from the upper surface 1110 .
  • the two arms are spaced apart 1140 by a distance approximately matching the gap 1018 between the interior side faces of the adjacent support members.
  • Each arm has a lower projection 1124 1134 for resiliently engaging the lower surface 1046 of the respective support member so that in use the flooring bracket is retained by engaging the upper 1044 and lower 1046 surfaces of adjacent support members.
  • the resiliency of the arms allows the bracket to take up variation in distances between load bars.
  • the mounting portion includes a first aperture 1113 in the form of a slot, and a second aperture 1115 in the form of a slot. As can be seen in FIG. 11B , these slots are located in each flange portion and are located above the space between adjacent support members. The length of the slot may be varied to control the amount of flex or resiliency in the flange portions 1112 1114 . As shown in FIG. 12A , the apertures are angled down so as to provide a take up space 1152 between the top of the bracket and the flooring plate.
  • the mounting portion 1116 in the upper surface is a Vee shaped groove centred on the centreline of the flooring bracket.
  • the groove also separates and spaces apart the two flange portions 1112 1114 , and also acts as a stiffening rib.
  • the lower projection on each arm is an inclined plate section which outwardly projects from the arm towards the lower face of the respective support member. As can be seen in FIG. 12 , wherein the two lower projection of each arm subtend an angle of 30°. That is they are inclined at an angle of 15° with respect to the arm. The outermost edge of the projections 1126 1136 is aligned with the outer edge of the respective flange portion.
  • FIG. 12A Side view 1210 of a flooring bracket inserted into grate is shown in FIG. 12A .
  • the inserted bracket 1100 is retained by adjacent load bars 1012 1014 .
  • the spacing 1140 of arms 1114 and 1132 matches the internal spacing 1018 between inner edges of the load bars, whilst the spacing 1142 of the ends of the projections 1126 1136 , and flanges 1112 , 1114 matches the pitch spacing 1016 of the load bars.
  • a flooring sheet 1220 is fastened to the mounting portion using screw fastener 1232 through the V.
  • a top view 1240 shows the sheet 1220 the top of fasteners 1232 which fasten the sheet to the bracket.
  • FIGS. 13A to 13F illustrate isometric views 1310 , 1320 , 1330 , 1340 , 1350 and 1360 of the installation of floor brackets and mounting of a sheet to a grid mesh floor 1000 according to an embodiment.
  • This system can be installed by first obtaining a plurality of flooring brackets and sheets.
  • the sheets may be made of any suitable material such as steel mesh, flat or patterned sheet, wood, plastic etc. It may further include tread or an anti-slip pattern or treatment on one side.
  • a floor bracket 1100 is inserted into the gap between two adjacent support members until the flooring bracket is retained by the two adjacent support members as shown in views 1310 and 1320 of FIGS.
  • FIGS. 14A to 14D Another embodiment of a flooring bracket 1400 is illustrated in FIGS. 14A to 14D which comprises an upper portion 1410 , a fastener 1420 and a lower channel portion 1430 .
  • FIG. 14A is an isometric view 1401 from above and FIG. 14B is an isometric view 1402 from below of a flooring bracket.
  • FIGS. 14C to 14E illustrate orthographic top 1403 , side 1404 , and end views 1405 of the upper portion
  • FIGS. 14F to 14H illustrate orthographic top 1406 , side 1407 , and end views 1408 of the lower channel portion.
  • the upper portion 1410 includes an upper surface into which a fastener may be fastened to secure a flooring sheet onto the upper surface.
  • the upper portion further includes two flange portions 1412 , 1413 which project downwards into the gap between adjacent load bars 1012 1014 . These lock against the load bars to prevent or limit rotation of the inserted bracket.
  • the width of the flange portions can be selected based on a predefined minimum load bar spacing (eg for a known mesh), or a range of brackets may be provided with varying flange lengths to accommodate different or variations in load bar spacing.
  • the upper portion also has a recess 1414 with an aperture 1415 to receive a bracket fastener 1420 .
  • the recess 1214 is to accommodate the head of the bracket fastener 1420 so that in use the top surface of the fastener 1420 is below the mounting surface 1410 .
  • the bracket fastener has a shaft 1422 and a threaded lower end 1424 which is received by an aperture 1436 in the lower channel portion 1430 .
  • the channel portion has a width less than the spacing of the load bars 1018 and a length less than the cross bar spacing, so that the lower channel portion may be inserted into the rectangular gap formed by intersection of cross bars and load bars.
  • the opposite walls 1432 , 1433 of the channel portion include alternate cut away portions 1434 , 1435 . That is the cutaway sections of opposite walls are located at opposite ends as shown in FIGS. 14A , 14 B and 14 F.
  • FIGS. 15A to 15F which also illustrates isometric ( 1501 , 1503 , 1505 ) and side ( 1502 , 1504 , 1506 ) views of installation of the bracket.
  • the bracket 1400 is inserted between load bars 1012 1014 , until the upper portion rests on the load bars with the flanges 1412 , 1413 located between the load bars, and with the lower channel portion positioned so that the upper surface of the walls 1432 , 1433 are located above the lower surface of the load bars, whilst the cutaway portions 1434 , 1435 of the walls are below the lower surface of the load bars.
  • the initial distance of the lower channel portion from the top plate can be determined prior to installation of the bracket (eg by measuring the depth of the load bars), and the brackets could be provided in a preassembled form for standard floor mesh sizes.
  • the shaft of the fastener 1422 is rotated which forces rotation of the channel portion, until the walls 1432 1433 rest against the load bars as shown in FIGS. 15C and 15D . Further rotation of the shaft 1433 draws the lower channel portion upwards until cut away portions engages with the lower surface of the load bars to lock the floor bracket in place as shown in FIGS. 15E and 15F .
  • FIGS. 16A and 16B are an isometric view 1600 of a step guard for enclosing the vertical rise between adjacent steps in a stairway, and an isometric view 1650 of a stairway with a fitted step guard.
  • the riser plate comprises a central plate 1620 with a first set of tongue and grooves 1610 along on the upper edge, and tongue and grooves on the lower edge 1630 .
  • the central plate section is angled with respect to the tongue and groove sections to span the overhang 94 .
  • the horizontal overhang distance will be defined in a standard and the central plate will be angled so that it spans a distance slightly in excess of this distance (ie is over bent).
  • the overhang may be 15 mm in which case the riser plate will be angled to span as 16 or 17 mm. This ensures that the plate will be sprung to positively engage against both the upper and lower stair.
  • the riser plate is fitted by first removing the nosing (stair tread) 932 of the upper stair 930 and then inserting the lower tongues of the riser plate into the gaps between cross bars at the rear edge of the lower stair. The upper tongue and grooves are then placed against the front edge of the upper stair and the stair tread is refastened to the upper stair to lock the riser plate in place. This is further illustrated in the isometric view 1650 of stairs fitted with the riser plate in FIG. 16 .
  • the tongues (or projections) in the upper first set of tongue and grooves may be offset with respect to the tongues in the lower second set of tongue and grooves in order to accommodate a range of distances between the edge of a step and the first cross bar in the step. This increases the usability of the rise plate as the offset distance 918 to the first cross bar, and then the subsequent cross bars, may not be located in a position to allow all the lower tongues of the riser plate to be inserted into gaps in the lower stair, ie one of the tongues may foul on a crossbar and prevent insertion into the lower step.
  • the riser plate may be inverted, and as the tongues are offset between the top and bottom, the offset may be sufficient to allow the previously upper tongues to be inserted into the lower gap.
  • the fouling tongue is thus replaced with a clearing groove.
  • steps typically have standard widths, and cross bars in grid mesh typically have standard offset distances (eg 100 mm) then the required offset between the upper and lower tongues can be predetermined during manufacture based on these known distances so that the riser can be used on most stairs in either the standard or inverted configuration.
  • the plate may be manufactured from 0.8 mm steel plate sufficient to resist denting by steel cap boots or dropped objects. Additionally apertures such as slots or vents may be cut into the riser plate to reduce wind load on the structure. Alternatively other materials such as flattened diamond mesh or perforated steel may be used.
  • FIGS. 17A and 17B are an isometric view 1700 of another step guard for enclosing the vertical rise between adjacent steps in a stairway, and an isometric view 1750 of a stairway with a fitted step guard.
  • the upper edge includes a stair tread, and the unit is not invertible. This step guard may thus be used on new stairs or on existing stairs if the existing nosing is removed.
  • the lower edge still includes a set of tongue and grooves 1730 , although fewer tongues (projections) are used in this embodiment.
  • the spacing is again based on the known or predetermined spacing of crossbars. In the event that a tongue fouls a cross bar, it can be bent backwards (away from the stair) or cut off as required.
  • the rise section 1720 is again inclined and over bent to ensure it engages both stairs.
  • the tread 1710 includes an anti-slip surface, such as burst extruded holes or abrasive coating.
  • the tread or riser plate may be secured to the upper stair using fasteners such as TEK screws into the stair or by using the flooring bracket described above inserted into the gaps in the front of the stair.
  • the plate may be manufactured from 1.2 mm steel plate to provide a strong edge on the stair tread. Additionally apertures such as slots or vents may be cut into the riser plate to reduce wind load on the structure.
  • other materials such as flattened diamond mesh, perforated steel (or other metals or metal alloys), wire mesh, plastics, etc may be used.
  • FIGS. 18A and 18B are an isometric view 1800 of a another step guard for enclosing the vertical rise between adjacent steps in a stairway and for covering the top surface of the step, and an isometric view 1850 of a stairway with a fitted step guard.
  • the riser plate 1830 is inclined with a flat top edge 1840 for engaging the front face of the upper step. Additionally apertures such as slots or vents may be cut into the riser plate to reduce wind load on the structure.
  • other materials such as flattened diamond mesh, perforated steel (or other metals or metal alloys), wire meshes, plastics, etc may be used.
  • the step guard also includes a stair plate 1820 , for at least partially covering and reducing the size of the gaps between grid mesh elements in the lower step, as shown in view 1850 .
  • the stair plate may be manufactured from steel plate, with no apertures, perforated steel plate, steel plate with burst extruded holes, or other metals or plastics etc. To provide a strong burst extruded edge the plate may be manufactured from 1.2 mm steel plate.
  • the step guard also includes a stair tread 1810 for engaging with the front and upper edge of the lower step. The overhang of the stair tread 1810 will be sufficient to sit over the top edge 1840 of the lower step guard.
  • a single set of horizontal fasteners may be used to fasten a step guard to a step.
  • the flooring bracket described above maybe inserted into the gaps in the front of the stair and vertical fasteners such as TEK screws used to fasten the step guard to the top of the stair.
  • the top edge 1840 could be omitted so that adjacent step guards approach each other (eg leaving a small 5 mm gap) or meet, rather than overlapping.
  • the riser plate could be attached to the bottom of the stair guard (ie front edge), and only a small vertical section (equivalent to 1840 ) provide on the rear edge of the stair plate (for overlapping with the bottom of the riser plate of the next step guard.
  • a step guard such as that illustrated in FIG. 17A to 18A would be required for the final vertical gap between the last stair and a platform.
  • the guard panels may be wire mesh arrangements such as those illustrated in FIGS. 19A to 19F . These may be joined together using splice brackets (or plates) as shown in FIGS. 19A to 19F and 20 A to 20 D.
  • FIG. 19A shows an isometric view 1901 , of two adjacent mesh panels 1910 , 1911 which are joined along edge 1912 . In this embodiment the wires in the mesh are spaced to form a 25 mm ⁇ 50 mm aperture.
  • the bracket is illustrated in a close up isometric view 1903 in FIG. 19C , and a side section view 2050 shown in FIG. 20E .
  • the splice bracket 1913 is formed using a rear bracket 2010 having a plurality of apertures 2012 along the centre line as shown in FIG. 20A (eg 25.4 mm ⁇ 100 mm) and a wide front plate 2030 with aperture 2032 as shown in FIG. 20C (eg 25.4 mm ⁇ 45 mm).
  • the rear bracket spans the adjacent panels and has flanged edged 2013 2014 .
  • the vertical length of the rear bracket is greater than at least the horizontal mesh spacing so that adjacent horizontal mesh wires are contained within the flanged edges of the rear bracket as shown in FIG. 20E .
  • a first wide bracket 2030 is placed over one half of the bracket to enclose the horizontal mesh wires of one of the mesh panels, and a fastener 1915 is used to fasten the wide bracket 2030 to the rear bracket 2010 as shown in FIG. 20E .
  • the width of the wide bracket eg 45 mm
  • the width or spacing of the vertical mesh wires of the mesh panel eg 50 mm.
  • FIG. 21A illustrates a wire mesh with adjacent vertical wires 2121 and 2122 , and adjacent horizontal wires 2123 and 2124 .
  • a washer plate 2131 is fastened to a bracket 2110 clamped to a knee rail 2111 (via TEK screws 2133 and 2134 ) on an angle such that the flanges of the washer plate are directed towards the wire mesh and enclose vertical wire 2121 .
  • FIG. 21A illustrates a wire mesh with adjacent vertical wires 2121 and 2122 , and adjacent horizontal wires 2123 and 2124 .
  • a washer plate 2131 is fastened to a bracket 2110 clamped to a knee rail 2111 (via TEK screws 2133 and 2134 ) on an angle such that the flanges of the washer plate are directed towards the wire mesh and
  • FIG. 21B illustrates the same wire mesh but with the washer plate 2132 horizontal such that the flanges of the washer plate are directed towards the wire mesh and enclose horizontal wire 2124 .
  • FIG. 21C illustrates a wire mesh with adjacent vertical wires 2125 and 2126 , and adjacent horizontal wires 2127 and 2128 .
  • a washer plate 2151 is fastened to a bracket 2140 clamped to a stanchion 2141 (via TEK screws 2153 and 2154 ) in an inverted vertical orientation (ie with outwardly directed flanges) so that horizontal wires 2127 and 2128 are clamped between the washer plate and the mounting plate of the bracket.
  • FIG. 21D illustrates the same wire mesh but with the washer plate 2152 vertical such that the flanges of the washer plate are directed towards the wire mesh and enclose vertical wire 2126 .
  • Narrow meshes can also be provided for corners, or specialised sections, such as near stairs as shown in FIGS. 19B , 19 D to 19 F (eg with apertures of 25 mm ⁇ 25 mm).
  • Adjacent mesh panels can be joined using a combination of rear bracket 2010 (eg 25.4 mm ⁇ 100 mm), narrow bracket 2020 (eg 25.4 mm ⁇ 20 mm) and wide brackets 2030 (eg 25.4 mm ⁇ 45 mm).
  • FIG. 19D illustrates an isometric view 1904 of joining a wide mesh 1910 with a narrow mesh 1920 , and uses a single rear bracket 2010 to span adjacent meshes, a single wide bracket 2030 for use with the wide mesh, and two narrow brackets 2020 for use with narrow mesh.
  • FIG. 19E illustrates an isometric view 1905 of the joining of two narrow meshes, and uses a single rear bracket to span adjacent meshes, and a set of two narrow brackets for use with each narrow mesh (ie four in total).
  • FIGS. 19B and 19F illustrates isometric views 1902 1906 of the joining of a horizontal narrow mesh panel 1920 to an inclined mesh panel 1930 .
  • FIG. 20D illustrates a U shaped end piece 2040 with a channel 2042 which receives and encloses the edge of the inclined panel 1930 (eg over a distance of about 50 mm so it overlaps the rear bracket).
  • a rear bracket is attached to a narrow mesh panel using two narrow brackets 2020 , and a fastener 1924 is then fastened through the U shaped end piece such that the fastener is contained with a grid of the inclined grid mesh, and then fastened to the rear bracket 2020 (via one of the apertures 2014 ).
  • a dropped object prevention system can be provided for a guardrail comprising a plurality of support members each having a predefined profile and a floor.
  • a plurality of brackets can be attached to two or more of the plurality of support members and can be used for mounting a guard panel.
  • Each bracket comprises a post engaging portion to allow the bracket to be clipped onto and retained about a support member from above the floor and within the guardrail prior to clamping, and then subsequently clamped around the support member.
  • the bracket also comprises a mounting portion comprising a mounting plate to allow mounting of the guard panel to the bracket, and a standoff arm for spacing the mounting plate from the post.
  • the system also comprises a plurality of guard panels for attachment to the plurality of brackets to enclose at least a portion of a vertical space of an open sidewall of the guardrail.
  • Each guard panel is mounted to the mounting portion of at least one bracket, and in use is mounted from above the floor and within the guard rail.
  • each bracket has an open configuration to allow the bracket to be clipped onto one of the plurality of support member, and the post engaging portion spans at least a 180° angle around the post and having a radius matching the radius of the post, and the bracket is manufactured from resilient material such that when clipped onto the post the bracket does not plastically deform.
  • Each guard panel can comprise a plurality of apertures or a mesh to reduce the weight and wind load of the system.
  • the system and components, and variants described herein, can be retrofitted to open safety barrier systems, such as handrails, guardrails, walkways, platforms, etc, or can be included as part of the installation of such barrier systems.
  • the modularity of the components in the system also allows selective use of the components, or the complete system only in those regions requiring additional protection. For example the complete system may only be required in locations which are elevated or which may become slippery (whether due to environmental effects or spillage of materials being carried). Alternatively just the guard panels could just be fitted around elevated platforms where the greatest risk is losing equipment or even persons through the gaps in the handrail.
  • the guard panels and/or flooring could only be placed where it is important to prevent accidental contact by a person and surrounding equipment (such as due to a person falling through the gaps in the handrail) or even to stop material being carried on the walkway from accidentally contaminating the surrounding area.
  • the system could also be provided as a kit or kits (eg side panel kit, stairway kit, flooring kit, etc) comprising one or more components described herein such as brackets guard panels, fasteners, washer plates, joiners, floor brackets, flooring, riser plates etc. Further the system and components do not require the installer to place themselves or tools outside of barrier and into potentially unsafe locations, allowing safe installation from above the floor and within the guard rails.
  • brackets allow them to be placed on and retained around support members.
  • the spring action of bracket securely clips the bracket to the pipe when in the open position.
  • the installer is then free to safely pick up other components or tools without losing or dropping the bracket.
  • standoff arm of the bracket allows panel to be secured to the bracket from inside of the handrail.
  • Another advantage of the system is that it doesn't compromise the structural integrity of an existing safety barrier system.
  • the use of brackets which clip onto the existing handrail or walkway structure eliminates the need for drilling into or welding to the handrail structure.
  • the use of open mesh panels or sheets with apertures adds minimal additional wind load.
  • Another advantage of the system is that it avoids the need to perform any hot work (e.g. welding) when installing the system.
  • hot work can be potentially dangerous, or incur significant overhead such as shutting down certain processes and obtaining hot work permits, barricading off of areas and posting of sentries, and thus avoiding any need to perform hot work simplifies the overall installation process, and minimally impacts other activities occurring at the site.
  • system and components include a number of features which can assist in speeding up the installation process.
  • the use of an extended slot in the bracket allows it deformed from hand from the open to the closed position.
  • the use of a plurality of holes in the mounting bracket and in the guarding panels means these can be installed in both flat and inclined configurations providing greater flexibility in use.
  • system and components can be installed from above the floor or stairway and within the hand rails, so there is no need to work at height to install the system. Further the system and components are by design unlikely to become dropped objects themselves during installation. Further the system components do not require any welding, and subsequent repainting of structures to install. This allows installation with minimal disturbance to the work site, as no hot work permits are required, nor is there is a need for a sentry nor barricading off of lower levels.
  • the various combination of features described herein thus provides an efficient and useful system and components for safely enclosing safety barrier systems such as handrails, walkways, stairs, platforms, and other open barriers used in a variety of locations.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Child & Adolescent Psychology (AREA)
  • Floor Finish (AREA)
  • Steps, Ramps, And Handrails (AREA)
  • Refuge Islands, Traffic Blockers, Or Guard Fence (AREA)
US13/993,825 2010-12-15 2011-12-15 System and components for safely enclosing handrails, stairways, walkways and platforms Abandoned US20140318891A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

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AU2010905499A AU2010905499A0 (en) 2010-12-15 System and components for safely enclosing handrails, stairways, walkways and platforms
AU2010905499 2010-12-15
AU2011100489A AU2011100489B4 (en) 2010-12-15 2011-04-29 System and components for safely enclosing handrails, stairways, walkways and platforms
AU2011100489 2011-04-29
PCT/AU2011/001622 WO2012079126A1 (fr) 2010-12-15 2011-12-15 Système et composants permettant d'entourer de façon sûre des rambardes, escaliers, passerelles et plates-formes

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EP (1) EP2652225A4 (fr)
AU (3) AU2011100489B4 (fr)
BR (1) BR112013015231B1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2821307C (fr)
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AU2011342376A1 (en) 2013-05-02
AU2014203494A1 (en) 2014-07-17
BR112013015231B1 (pt) 2020-02-18
ZA201305214B (en) 2014-02-26
EP2652225A1 (fr) 2013-10-23
AU2011100489B4 (en) 2011-08-11
AU2011100489A4 (en) 2011-05-26
BR112013015231A2 (pt) 2016-09-13
AU2011342376B2 (en) 2014-03-27
EP2652225A4 (fr) 2017-04-19
CA2821307A1 (fr) 2012-06-21
CA2821307C (fr) 2017-11-07
WO2012079126A1 (fr) 2012-06-21

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