WO2020232499A1

WO2020232499A1 - Supporting apparatus, system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2020232499A1
Application number: PCT/AU2020/050491
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Breen; Phidias Michael Murtagh; Kieran Duffy
Original assignee: Nondrill Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-05-17
Filing date: 2020-05-18
Publication date: 2020-11-26
Also published as: AU2020278407A1

Abstract

A barrier support apparatus (10) is provided for supporting a barrier above a substrate (14). The apparatus has a base (16) with a base engagement zone (19) to be supported on the upper surface of the substrate, for supporting a barrier-support post (12). A lifting portion (26) is provided and has a mode of movement, which may be rotational or upwards and downwards relative to the base. A first brace (40) is provided to brace against an underside of an overhanging part of an upper portion (74) of the substrate to clamp that part between the first brace and base. A second brace fixed in relation to, and extending away from, the first brace and having a second brace (70), extends downwards from first brace and is adapted to face a wall surface (72) that extends downwards from the upper portion (74) of the substrate and that is recessed relative to the overhanging part.

Description

SUPPORTING APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND M ETHOD FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a barrier support apparatus, a barrier support system, and a method of providing a barrier support on a substrate.

[0002] Embodiments of the invention relate more specifically to providing such barrier support apparatus, barrier support system , and method of providing a barrier support on a substrate where the substrate is a platform of a type typically provided adjacent train tracks, and the barrier support or barrier support system is for supporting a safety or guard barrier to reduce the chance of people inadvertently falling from the platform onto the tracks.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0003] Typical railway platforms at railway stations are raised relative to the adjacent train rails (tracks). The platforms and tracks are typically located relative to each other so that, when a train stops at a station alongside a train platform , in order to facilitate the safe embarking and disembarking of passengers to and from the train respectively, the train is positioned close to the platform so that passengers need only step over a narrow gap between the train and track.

[0004] However, once a train moves away from the platform or when there is no train at the station, the space above the train tracks is open, thereby constituting a void. While passengers are typically warned, and are alert, to exercise caution so as not to accidentally fall from the platform onto the tracks, there are circumstances where the risk of people falling from the platforms may be increased. An example of this is where the people on a platform are workers carrying out maintenance or repair work at the station. Such people are typically busy carrying out their work and therefore, their attention is often diverted away from the safety issue of being cautious so as not to fall from the platform.

[0005] One solution that has been proposed to address this is the use of temporary safety barriers that are erected near the edges of platforms during times when such maintenance or repair work is being carried out. One issue to be considered in relation to the use of such temporary barriers is the need for them not to encroach on the path of trains moving past the platform . Another issueto be considered is the means of securing the barriers relative to the platform .

[0006] A known method of securing barriers to platforms involves the use of removable connectors such as bolts or other anchors. However, a disadvantage of many such connectors is that they require the making or use of connector securement holes in the platforms. Such holes are often considered unsightly and therefore disadvantageous, and are sometimes required to be filled in once the barriers are removed. This can be time- consuming, costly and inconvenient. Another factor against making connector securement holes in, or other modifications to the structure of, the platforms, is that certain platforms are heritage-listed or otherwise protected, with the result that they are Typically not permitted to be modified in any way.

[0007] A solution that has been proposed for temporary safety barriers where the use of connector securement holes or other solutions requiring modification to the structure of platforms is not permitted or is otherwise impracticable, is to use removeable securing means that do not affect the platform structure. A known example has been proposed for use with platforms having upper platform levels which are supported on retaining or support walls. For such platforms, it is typical for the upper platform levels to protrude relative to the retaining walls into the voids above the tracks - that is, for the upper platform levels to overhang the retaining walls.

[0008] In such cases, a solution that has been proposed is the use of an assembly that includes a clamp that has a lower member that extends beneath the overhang, and also an upper mem ber that extends over the overhang so as to be aligned with the lower mem ber. This solution involves the use of suitable means to urge the upper and lower mem bers towards each other so that they clamp onto the overhanging portion of the platform. A handrail supporting post or similar structure forms part of the assembly and is attached to, or in relation to, the upper member so as to be effectively secured to the platform by the clamping effect of the upper and lower members. A number of such assemblies can be used to support a safety barrier.

[0009] However, the use of such assemblies is only practicable where the extent of overhang, that is, the length of the overhanging portion of the platform in a direction from the retaining wall to the free end of the overhanging portion, is sufficient for the upper and lower members to have enough engagement area with the upper and lower surfaces of the overhanging portion for there to be a stable clamping effect. In cases where the length of overhang is too small, the clamping effect may be unstable so that a relatively small force applied to the post may cause the assembly to rotate and to effectively roll off the platform. Such a possibility can render such assemblies unsafe in terms of providing sufficient support for a safety barrier.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention, at least in specific embodiments, to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative thereto.

SUM MARY OF THE INVENTION

[001 1 ] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a barrier support apparatus for supporting a barrier above a substrate, wherein the substrate has an upper portion which has a substantially horizontally extending upper surface and a free edge, the upper surface terminating at the free edge so as to extend from the free edge in a first direction, the substrate further having a substrate wall surface extending downwards from the upper portion, the wall surface being recessed relative to the free edge in the first direction such that a protruding part of the upper portion overhangs the substrate wall surface, the apparatus having an upright operational orientation and, and having an operational position in which the apparatus is adapted to be secured to the substrate, the apparatus including:

a base having a base engagement zone adapted, when in the operational orientation, to be supported on the upper surface of the substrate, wherein the base is adapted to support the post;

a lifting portion adapted to move in an operational mode of movement and which is movable relative to the base;

a first brace having a first brace engagement zone, the first brace engagement zone being spaced from the base engagement zone in a direction whereby, when the apparatus is in the operational orientation, the first brace engagement zone is beneath, and in an opposed relationship to, a portion of the base engagement zone and faces upwards, such that at least part of the first brace engagement zone is adapted to face an underside of the protruding part of the upper portion of the substrate when the apparatus is in the operational position; a second brace fixed in relation to, and extending away from, the first brace and having a second brace engagement zone spaced from the first brace engagement zone such that, when the apparatus is in the operational orientation, the second brace extends downwards relative to the first brace and the second brace engagement zone is spaced downwards relative to the first brace engagement zone, wherein the second brace engagement zone is adapted to face the substrate wall surface when the apparatus is in the operational position; and

wherein the lifting portion is connected to at least one of the first brace and second brace such that the first brace and second brace are constrained to move in directions which are upwards and downwards when the apparatus is in the operational orientation, when the lifting portion moves in its operation mode of movement.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the operational mode of movement of the lifting portion is rotational.

[0012] Preferably, one of the first brace and second brace includes a support portion and an elongate shaft which is fixed to the support portion and which has first screw threads, and the lifting portion includes a rotatable nut having second screw threads which are complementary to, and adapted to engage, the first screw threads, , such that rotational movement of the lifting portion causes relative movement between the first and second screw threads thereby causing upward or downward movement of the shaft when the apparatus is in the operational orientation, and corresponding movement of the first and second braces.

[0013] Preferably, the apparatus includes a rigid sleeve having a first sleeve end and an opposite second sleeve end, the sleeve being fixed to the base, and the shaft has a first shaft end and a second shaft end, the first shaft end being attached to the support portion, the shaft extending through the sleeve from the first sleeve end to the second sleeve end, with part of the shaft which includes the second shaft end protruding from the second sleeve end, wherein the lifting portion is attached to the protruding part of the shaft.

[0014] Preferably, when the apparatus is in the opeational orientation, rotation of the lifting portion causes the lifting portion to urge the shaft upwards, and the shaft to urge the lifting portion downwards against the second sleeve end. [0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lifting portion is disposed apart from, and movable relative to, the base such that when the apparatus is in the upright orientation, the lifting portion is above the base and the mode of movement of the lifting portion is linearly movable upwards and downwards relative to the base when the apparatus is in the operational orientation, the apparatus further including:

separating means adapted to urge the base and lifting portion apart from each other such that, when the apparatus is in the upright orientation, the base engagement zone is urged downwards relative to the lifting portion and the lifting portion is urged upwards relative to the base; and

a rigid connector portion fixed to the lifting portion and to at least one of the first brace and second brace such that the first brace and second brace are constrained to move with the lifting portion as the lifting portion moves in directions which are upwards and downwards when the apparatus is in the operational orientation..

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention , the second brace engagement zone is adapted to face in the first direction when the apparatus is in the operational orientation.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the separating means includes at least one threaded hole in the lifting portion and at least one complementarily threaded bolt extending through the or a respective threaded hole, wherein there is a space between the lifting portion and the base, with a portion of the or each bolt spanning the space such that an end of that portion of the bolt engages the base, wherein rotation of the or each bolt in one rotational direction causes a length of the portion of the bolt spanning the space to increase thereby urging the lifting portion and base apart from each other.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the base has a first guide portion and the rigid connector has a second guide portion, the first guide portion and second guide portion being adapted to engage each other such that movement of the base relative to the lifting portion is guided by the first guide portion and second guide portion.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first brace engagement zone is adapted to abut said underside, the second brace engagement zone is adapted to abut said substrate wall surface, and the rigid connector is adapted to extend past the free edge, when the apparatus is in the operational position. [0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention at least a portion of the first brace is integrally joined to at least a portion of the second brace.

[0021 ] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the second brace includes a second brace body portion and a bracing element which is moveably connected to the second brace body portion, the bracing element including the second brace engagement zone.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the post support apparatus is adapted for at least partially supporting at least one safety barrier.

[0023] Then, preferably, the at least one safety barrier includes at least one guard or rail.

[0024] In a preferred em bodiment of the invention, the substrate is a railway platform.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the post support apparatus includes a post fixed to the base.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a barrier support system including:

a plurality of post support apparatuses according to the first aspect of the invention, and

at least one elongate safety barrier, wherein

the apparatuses are spaced apart from one another, and

the post of each of the apparatuses is adapted to support a respective portion of the elongate safety barrier above the substrate when each of the apparatuses is in its respective operational position.

[0027] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a barrier support system including:

a substrate having an upper portion which has a substantially horizontally extending upper surface and a free edge, the upper surface terminating at the free edge so as to extend from the free edge in a first direction, the substrate further having a substrate wall surface extending downwards from the upper portion, the wall surface being recessed relative to the free edge in the first direction such that a protruding part of the upper portion overhangs the substrate wall surface; and

a post support apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention;

wherein the post support apparatus is in its operational position and is mounted to the substrate. [0028] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of providing a barrier support on a substrate, the method including:

locating a substrate having an upper portion which has a substantially horizontally extending upper surface and a free edge, the upper surface terminating at the free edge so as to extend from the free edge in a first direction, the substrate further having a substrate wall surface extending downwards from the upper portion, the wall surface being recessed relative to the free edge in the first direction such that a protruding part of the upper portion overhangs the substrate wall surface;

providing a plurality of post support apparatuses according to the first aspect of the invention wherein each of the post support apparatuses includes a post fixed to the base; and

mounting the apparatuses on the substrate such that each of the apparatuses is in its respective operational position with the apparatuses being spaced apart from one another, such that the post of each of the apparatuses is adapted to support a respective portion of the safety barrier above the substrate.

BRIEF DESCRI PTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, byway of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a post supporting apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus being mounted on a substrate;

[0031 ] Figure 2 is a schematic, partly cut-away, plan view of the apparatus of Figure 1 , mounted on the substrate; and

[0032] Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a post supporting apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention to that of Figure 1 , the apparatus being mounted on a substrate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Referring to the drawings, there is shown a post support apparatus 10 for supporting a post 12 above a substrate 14.

[0034] According to the preferred em bodiment, the substrate 14 is a railway platform. However, the invention is not limited to such use and other types of substrate may instead be involved. [0035] The apparatus 10 has an upright operational orientation as shown in Figure 1 , in which it is orientated for use with the substrate 14.

[0036] The apparatus 10 includes a base 16, having a rigid base plate 17, preferably of metal, with a base pad 18 connected to an underside 17.1 of the base plate. According to the preferred embodiment the pad 18 is somewhat flexible, and is preferably of hard, flexible, elastomeric material.

[0037] The base pad 18 has a lower face 19 which constitutes a base engagement zone. Where reference is made below to the base engagement zone, it is also referred to by the reference numeral 19 as it is one and the same as the lower face 19. As described further below, the base engagement zone 19 is adapted to be supported on a horizontal, upwardly facing support surface 14.1 of the substrate 14.

[0038] The base pad 18 extends from a first extremity 20 to a second extremity 22. For reference purposes, the pad 18 may be regarded as extending in a first direction 24 from the first extremity 20 to the second extremity 22.

[0039] The post 12 is rigidly connected to the base plate 17 of the base 16. According to the embodiment as shown, this is by welding. , According to another embodiment (not shown), the post 12 is connected to the base plate 17 by a spigot, which is joined to the base plate, and received as a tight or close fit in a hollow lower end of the post. In a further embodiment (also not shown), the post 12 serves as a spigot and is received as a tight or close fit in a socket formation which is joined to the base plate 17. In such other embodiments, instead of, or in addition to, relying on a tight or close fit, the interconnecting parts of the post 12 and component joined to the base plate 17 may be connected by suitable connectors such as screws, grub screws, bolts and so on (also not shown).

[0040] The apparatus 10 further includes a lifting portion 26 disposed above the base 16 and which is movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the base 16.

[0041 ] The lifting portion 26 has two internally threaded bolt holes 28 (although there may be other numbers of bolt holes in other embodiments). Bolts 30 are provided and extend through the bolt holes 28, the bolts having threaded shafts 32, the threads of those shafts being complementary to those of the bolt holes 28. [0042] The lifting portion 26 also defines a post aperture 31 through which the post 1 2 can extend.

[0043] Each bolt 30 has an hexagonal bolt head 34. In other embodiments (not shown), the bolts 30 can have other features such as lever arms instead of the hexagonal bolt heads 34.

[0044] As shown, the shafts 32 of the bolts 30 span the space 36 between the base 16 and lifting portion 26, such that the shafts engage the base.

[0045] It will be understood that as the bolts 30 are rotated in a direction that causes greater lengths of the bolt shafts 32 to emerge below the lifting portion 26 and hence into the space 36, the force exerted by the bolts on the base 16 and reaction forces applied by the bolts to the lifting portion 26 via the engaging threads of the bolts and bolt holes 28, causes the lifting portion and base to be urged apart from each other.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the ends of the bolt shafts 32 merely abut the base 16, while in another embodiment, the base and ends of the bolt shafts are provided with locking formations (not shown) for attaching the bolt shafts relative to the base while still allowing rotation of the bolts 30 relative to the base.

[0047] The apparatus 10 is further provided with a brace arm 38 having a first laterally extending portion constituting a first brace 40, and a downwardly extending second portion 42.

[0048] The first brace 40 has an upper engagement zone 44 for abutting a downwardly facing surface 46 of the substrate 14 as discussed further below.

[0049] The first brace 40 extends from a first extremity 48, in the first direction 24, to a second extremity 50. The first brace 40 is fixed to the lifting portion 26 by a rigid connector 52 which is integrally joined to the first brace adjacent the first extremity 48 thereof, and to the lifting portion.

[0050] The base 16 has a recess 54 therein with inwardly facing sidewalls 56 (see Figure 2), with the rigid connector 52 extending between those side walls. The rigid connector 52 has outer edge walls 58, and these and the inwardly facing side walls 56 of the recess 54 can act as mutually engaging guides, to guide relative movement between the base 16 and the lifting portion 26, as the lifting portion and base slide upwardly and downwardly relative to each other. [0051 ] The aperture 31 is defined by a radially inwardly facing wall 31 .1 , which is part of the lifting portion 26. The post 12 and radially inwardly facing wall 31 .1 can also act as mutually engaging guides, to guide relative upward and downward movement between, on the one hand, the post, and the base 16 to which the post is fixed, and, on the other hand, the lifting portion 26.

[0052] As can be seen, the upper engagement zone 44 of the first brace 40 is beneath a part of the base engagement zone 19 of the base pad 18, and faces upwards, so that the upper engagement zone 44 and a portion of the base engagement zone 19 above the upper engagement zone, are in a mutually opposed relationship to each other.

[0053] The second portion 42 of the brace arm 38 extends downwards from the second extremity 50 of the first brace 40, so that the first brace and second portion are together in an inverted L-shaped formation when viewed laterally as in Figure 1 .

[0054] The second portion 42 defines a bolt hole 60 with an internal screw thread.

[0055] A bracing element 62 is provided and includes a bolt shaft 64, an engagement pad 66 and an actuation head 68. According to the preferred embodiment shown, the actuation head 68 is in the form of an hexagonal bolt head, although in other embodiments in may be in other forms, for example, a lever arm.

[0056] The second portion 42 and bracing element 62 together constitute a second brace, collectively referenced 70. The second portion 42 may be regarded as a second brace body in relation to the bracing element 62.

[0057] The bolt shaft 64 of the bracing element 62 has an external screw thread which passes through the bolt hole 60 of the second portion 42, with the engagement pad 66 and actuation head 68 of the bracing element being disposed on opposite sides of the second portion as shown in Figure 1 .

[0058] One side of the engagement pad 66 faces in the first direction 24 and is adapted to abut a downwardly extending wall surface 72 of a retaining wall 73 which is part of the substrate 14. The part of the engagement pad 66 that abuts the downwardly extending wall surface 72 may be regarded as a second brace engagement zone. Above and supported by the retaining wall 73 is an upper portion 74 of the substrate 14, which is discussed further below. [0059] The actuation head 68 is fixed to the bolt shaft 64 of the bracing element 62 so that rotation of the head causes rotation of the shaft. According to a preferred embodiment, the engagement pad 66 and end of the bolt shaft 64 remote from the actuation head 68 are provided with inter-engaging parts (not shown) which, while keeping the engagement pad and bolt shaft in connection with each other, permit relative rotation between the bolt shaft and engagement pad.

[0060] It will be understood that as the actuation head 68 and hence the bolt shaft 64 are rotated, because of the engaging screw threads of the bolt shaft and bolt hole 60, the length of the portion of the shaft protruding from the second portion 42 between the second portion and the wall surface 72 can be increased or decreased depending on the direction of rotation.

[0061 ] The upper portion 74 of the substrate 14 includes the substantially horizontal, upwardly facing support surface 14.1 . At a free end of the upper portion 74, its support surface 14.1 has a support surface edge 76, and an end wall surface 78 extending downwards from the support surface edge to a lower end wall edge 80.

[0062] The upper portion 74 of the substrate 14 includes the downwardly facing surface 46. That downwardly facing surface 46 extends from the lower end wall edge 80, in the first direction 24, to a lower surface inner extremity 84, which is where the downwardly facing surface 46 meets the wall surface 72.

[0063] The wall surface 72 extends downwards from the lower surface inner extremity 84. As will be understood from the presence of the downwardly facing surface 46, the wall surface 72 is recessed, that is, set back, relative to the upper portion 74, so as to be displaced in the first direction 24 relative to the end wall surface 78. In other words, the upper portion 74 overhangs the wall surface 72.

[0064] As can be seen, when the base engagement zone 19 of the base pad 18 is supported on the upwardly facing support surface 14.1 of the substrate 14 (i.e. on the upper portion 74 of the substrate), the upper engagement zone 44 of the first brace 40 faces the downwardly facing surface 46 of the overhanging portion of the upper portion 74 of the substrate 14.

[0065] The second brace, generally referenced 70, extends alongside the wall surface 72 of the substrate 14. The position of the bracing element 62, in particular the bolt shaft 64, can be adjusted as described above so that the engagement pad 66 abuts the wall surface 72 as shown in Figure 1 .

[0066] The apparatus 10 can be assembled in order to secure the post 12 in relation to the substrate 14. To do so, the base 16, with the post 12 already joined to the base plate 17, can be placed on the upwardly facing surface 14.1 of the substrate 14, adjacent to the end wall surface 78, for example in a position as shown in Figures 1 and 2. As can be seen in Figure 1 , the post 12 extends upwards.

[0067] It will be understood that placing the base 1 6 in this manner results in the base engagement zone 19 of the base pad 18 being in contact with the upwardly facing surface 14.1 .

[0068] The lifting portion 26 can then be placed over the base 16, by passing the lifting portion over the top of the post 12 so that the post passes through the post aperture 31 , and sliding the lifting portion down the post. This can be facilitated if the post aperture 31 has a slightly larger diameter than the post 12 or is otherwise oversized relative to the post.

[0069] As shown in Figure 1 , the bolts 30 are positioned relative to the lifting portion 26 so that parts of the bolt shafts 32 protrude below the lifting portion. The lifting portion 26 can be lowered relative to the base 16 until the lower ends of the bolts 30 come into contact with the upper surface of the base plate 17.

[0070] In another embodiment (not shown) in which the bolts 30 are connected to the base plate 17 while being rotatable relative to it as described above, the lifting portion 26 may be pre-assembled relative to the post 12 and base 16.

[0071 ] The apparatus 10 can then be moved as a whole so as to be positioned with the rigid connector 52 extending past the end wall surface 78 of the substrate 14, the first brace 40 extending beneath the downwardly facing surface 46 of substrate, and the second portion 42 of the brace arm 38 extending downwardly, alongside the wall surface 72 of the substrate 14.

[0072] The bolts 30 can then be tightened thereby urging the base 16 into firmer contact with the upwardly facing support surface 14.1 of the substrate 14, and simultaneously urging the lifting portion 26 upwards, away from the base. [0073] As the lifting portion 26 is moved in this manner, due to its being rigidly connected by the rigid connector 52 to the first brace 40 and hence rigidly connected in relation to the second brace 70, those components move upwards with the lifting portion, until the upper engagement zone 44 of the first brace abuts the downwardly facing surface 46 of substrate 14.

[0074] Further tightening of the bolts 30 in this manner causes the part of the upper portion 74 of the substrate 14 that overhangs the wall surface 72 to be firmly clamped between the base 16 and first brace 40.

[0075] While the right hand bolt 30 as shown in Figure 1 is aligned with the first brace, the overall force applied to the base 16 to urge it into contact with the upper portion 74 of the substrate is distributed along the base plate 19 and is thus shared by the two bolts 30.

[0076] Referring to Figure 3 there is shown a support apparatus 100 according to a different embodiment to the previously described support apparatus 10.

[0077] In Figure 3, features corresponding to features in Figures 1 and 2 are referenced by the same reference numerals as in those figures.

[0078] In Figure 3, the first brace 40 includes a support portion 102 in the form of a plate which is connected to the downwardly extending second portion 42. The first brace 40 further includes a cylindrical shaft 104 having an outer screw thread 106. The shaft has a first shaft end 104.1 attached to the support portion 102, and a free, second shaft end 104.2.

[0079] A hollow sleeve 108, constituted by a rigid metal box of rectangular cross section, is fixed to the rigid base plate 1 7. The sleeve 108 has a lower first sleeve end 108.1 and an upper second sleeve end 108.2.

[0080] There is provided a lifting portion 1 10 which, according to the present embodiment, includes a nut 1 12 having an inner screw thread 1 14 which is complimentary to the screw thread 106 of the shaft 104.

[0081 ] The lifting portion 1 10 further includes a a lever handle 1 16.

[0082] As can be seen in Figure 3, the shaft 1 04 extends upwards from the support portion 102 through the first sleeve end 108.1 into the sleeve, with a part of the shaft 104.3, which indludes the second shaft end 104.2, protruding beyond (above) the second sleeve end 108.2.

[0083] The nut 1 12 of the lifting portion 1 10 is attached to the protruding part 104.3 of the shaft 104.

[0084] According to the present em bodiment, when the nut 1 1 2 is rotated in a clockwise rotational direction when viewed from above, the shaft 104 is caused to be urged upwards relative to the nut. The engagement of the nut 1 12 with the upper second end 108.2 of the sleeve 108 and the rigidity of the sleeve prevents the nut from moving downwards relative to the rigid base plate 17, such that rotation of the nut causes the sleeve to be drawn upwards.

[0085] As the shaft 104 is fixed to the support portion 102 of the first brace 40, rotation of the nut 1 12 also causes the first brace, and hence also the second portion 42, which is fixed to the first brace, to be raised.

[0086] In this manner, rotation of the nut 1 12 (and hence of the lifting portion 1 10 as a whole) causes the first brace 40 to bear against the downwardly facing surface 46 of the substrate 14.

[0087] The reaction forces applied by the nut 1 12 on the upper second end 108.2 of the sleeve 108 causes the base plate 17 and first brace 14 to be urged towards each other, thereby clamping the part of the upper portion 74 of the substrate 14 that overhangs the wall surface 72. This serves to firmly engage the apparatus 100 in relation to the substrate 14.

[0088] According to both of the apparatuses 10 and 100, the bracing element 62 can then be adjusted by rotation of the actuation head 68 and hence the bolt shaft 64, to bring the engagement pad 66 into firm abutment with the wall surface 72 of the substrate 14. This assists in holding the second portion 42 in a stable position relative to the wall surface 72.

[0089] According to a preferred em bodiment in which the substrate 14 is a railway platform, it is located adjacent to a void 88, at the bottom of which are railway tracks (not shown).

[0090] The apparatuses 10 and 100 thus each provides a means for temporarily securing the post 12 in relation to the substrate 14 (platform). The slim profile of the rigid connector 52 of the apparatus 10 and box 1 12 of the apparatus 100 ensures that those components do not encroach on the path of trains passing the platform. The post 12 is adapted for a part of a guard rail 90, such as a hand rail, to be attached to it. It can be attached by any suitable and preferably removable means (not shown) such as one or more screw or bolt.

[0091 ] A plurality of apparatuses 10 or 100 of the invention, or at least of preferred embodiments of the invention, can be used to support their respective posts 12. It is envisaged that these apparatuses 10 or 1 00 will be secured to the platform (substrate 14) in a spaced-apart relationship, with the guard rail 90 secured to the posts 12 of all of these apparatuses.

[0092] In other embodiments (not shown), more than one guard rail, or alternatively guard mesh, guard sheets or other components serving similar functions, can be attached to the posts 12.

[0093] If a force is applied to the post 1 2 of an apparatus 10 or 100 in a direction opposite to the direction 24, that is, towards the void 88, this might cause a rotational force to be applied to the apparatus as a whole. Such a force may be exerted, for exam pie, by a person falling against, or bumping into, the post 12, or guard rail 90 attached to the post. Such a rotational force may effectively be, at least to some extent, about the free end of the upper portion 74 of the substrate 14. In this event, the abutting of the first brace 40 against the downwardly facing surface 46 of the substrate 14 may assist in countering the rotational force to some extent.

[0094] However, because the part of the upper portion 74 of the substrate 14 that overhangs the wall surface 72 is short in length in the first direction 24, the length of the first brace 40 from its first extremity 48 to its second extremity 50 is correspondingly short. This can limit the amount of force that might be applied by the first brace 40 to counter the rotational force.

[0095] On the other hand, the presence of the second brace 70, including the distance from the upper portion 74 of the substrate 14 to the bracing element 62 which is in contact with the wall surface 72, can assist in contributing leverage to supplement the countering force of the first brace 40. Thus, in favourable embodiments or situations, the second brace 70 can assist in countering the rotational force applied to the apparatus 10 or 100 by an outward force being applied to the post 12. This, in turn, can result in the second brace 70 providing greater stability to the apparatus 10 or 100 when the apparatus is secured to the substrate 14, than would be the case in the absence of the second brace.

[0096] The greater the distance from the upper portion 74 of the substrate 14 to the bracing element 62, the greater the bending force that may be experienced by the second portion 42 of the brace arm 38. The thickness of the second portion will have to be sufficient to withstand such force. In another embodiment in which that distance is less, and the bending force that may be experienced by the second portion 42 of the brace arm 38 is consequently less as well, a second portion of lesser thickness may be used, which may result in a reduction in material and hence possibly lower cost. It may therefore be desirable to achieve a suitable balance between, on the one hand, having a greater leverage force to better counter the rotational force applied to the apparatus 10 or 100, and, on the other hand, not using overly thick material for the second portion 42.

[0097] Another factor that may be taken into account in determining the distance from the upper portion 74 of the substrate 14 to the bracing element 62, is whether there is sufficient space between the first brace 40 and actuation head 68 of the bracing element 62 to accommodate and operate a suitable tool, such as a socket or spanner on the actuation head in order to rotate the bolt shaft 64 of the bracing element.

[0098] Although the invention is described with reference to specific embodiments above, it is not limited to those embodiments but may be embodied in other forms falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIM S

1 . A barrier support apparatus for supporting a barrier above a substrate, wherein the substrate has an upper portion which has a substantially horizontally extending upper surface and a free edge, the upper surface terminating at the free edge so as to extend from the free edge in a first direction, the substrate further having a substrate wall surface extending downwards from the upper portion, the wall surface being recessed relative to the free edge in the first direction such that a protruding part of the upper portion overhangs the substrate wall surface, the apparatus having an upright operational orientation and, and having an operational position in which the apparatus is adapted to be secured to the substrate, the apparatus including:

a first brace having a first brace engagement zone, the first brace engagement zone being spaced from the base engagement zone in a direction whereby, when the apparatus is in the operational orientation, the first brace engagement zone is beneath, and in an opposed relationship to, a portion of the base engagement zone and faces upwards, such that at least part of the first brace engagement zone is adapted to face an underside of the protruding part of the upper portion of the substrate when the apparatus is in the operational position;

a second brace fixed in relation to, and extending away from, the first brace and having a second brace engagement zone spaced from the first brace engagement zone such that, when the apparatus is in the operational orientation, the second brace extends downwards relative to the first brace and the second brace engagement zone is spaced downwards relative to the first brace engagement zone, wherein the second brace engagement zone is adapted to face the substrate wall surface when the apparatus is in the operational position; and

2. A barrier support apparatus according to claim 1 . wherein the operational mode of movement of the lifting portion is rotational.

3. A barrier support apparatus according to claim 2, wherein one of the first brace and second brace includes a support portion and an elongate shaft which is fixed to the support portion and which has first screw threads, and the lifting portion includes a rotatable nut having second screw threadswhich are complementary to, and adapted to engage, the first screw threads, , such that rotational movement of the lifting portion causes relative movement between the first and second screw threads thereby causing upward or downward movement of the shaft when the apparatus is in the operational orientation, and corresponding movement of the first and second braces.

4. A barrier support apparatus according to claim 3, including a rigid sleeve having a first sleeve end and an opposite second sleeve end, the sleeve being fixed to the base, and the shaft has a first shaft end and a second shaft end, the first shaft end being attached to the support portion, the shaft extending through the sleeve from the first sleeve end to the second sleeve end, with part of the shaft which includes the second shaft end protruding from the second sleeve end, wherein the lifting portion is attached to the protruding part of the shaft.

5. A barrier support apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein, when the apparatus is in the opeational orientation, rotation of the lifting portion causes the lifting portion to urge the shaft upwards, and the shaft to urge the lifting portion downwards against the second sleeve end.

6. A barrier support apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the lifting portion is disposed apart from , and movable relative to, the base such that when the apparatus is in the upright orientation, the lifting portion is above the base and the mode of movement of the lifting portion is linearly upwards and downwards relative to the base when the apparatus is in the operational orientation, the apparatus further including: separating means adapted to urge the base and lifting portion apart from each other such that, when the apparatus is in the upright orientation, the base engagement zone is urged downwards relative to the lifting portion and the lifting portion is urged upwards relative to the base; and

a rigid connector portion fixed to the lifting portion and to at least one of the first brace and second brace such that the first brace and second brace are constrained to move with the lifting portion as the lifting portion moves in directions which are upwards and downwards when the apparatus is in the operational orientation.

7. A barrier support apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the separating means includes at least one threaded hole in the lifting portion and at least one complementarily threaded bolt extending through the or a respective threaded hole, wherein there is a space between the lifting portion and the base, with a portion of the or each bolt spanning the space such that an end of that portion of the bolt engages the base, wherein rotation of the or each bolt in one rotational direction causes a length of the portion of the bolt spanning the space to increase thereby urging the lifting portion and base apart from each other.

8. A barrier support apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the base has a first guide portion and the rigid connector has a second guide portion, the first guide portion and second guide portion being adapted to engage each other such that movement of the base relative to the lifting portion is guided by the first guide portion and second guide portion.

9. A barrier support apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second brace engagement zone is adapted to face in the first direction when the apparatus is in the operational orientation.

10. A barrier support apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first brace engagement zone is adapted to abut said underside, the second brace engagement zone is adapted to abut said substrate wall surface, and the rigid connector is adapted to extend past the free edge, when the apparatus is in the operational position.

1 1 . A barrier support apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least a portion of the first brace is integrally joined to at least a portion of the second brace.

12. A barrier support apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second brace includes a second brace body portion and a bracing element which is moveably connected to the second brace body portion, the bracing element including the second brace engagement zone.

13. A barrier support apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, adapted for at least partially supporting at least one safety barrier.

14. A barrier support apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the at least one safety barrier includes at least one guard or rail.

15. A barrier support apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the substrate is a railway platform .

16. A barrier support apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, including a post fixed to the base.

17. A barrier support system including:

a plurality of post support apparatuses according to claim 16; and

at least one elongate safety barrier, wherein

the apparatuses are spaced apart from one another, and

the post of each of the apparatuses is adapted to support a respective portion of the elongate safety barrier above the substrate, when each of the apparatuses is in its respective operational position.

18. A barrier support system including:

a post support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16,

wherein the post support apparatus is in its operational position and is mounted to the substrate.

19. A method of providing a barrier support on a substrate, the method including: locating a substrate having an upper portion which has a substantially horizontally extending upper surface and a free edge, the upper surface terminating at the free edge so as to extend from the free edge in a first direction, the substrate further having a substrate wall surface extending downwards from the upper portion, the wall surface being recessed relative to the free edge in the first direction such that a protruding part of the upper portion overhangs the substrate wall surface;

providing a plurality of post support apparatuses according to claim 1 6; and mounting the apparatuses on the substrate such that each of the apparatuses is in its respective operational position with the apparatuses being spaced apart from one another, such that the post of each of the apparatuses is adapted to support a respective portion of the safety barrier above the substrate.