U.S. patent application number 10/104651 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-08 for temporary guard rail system.
Invention is credited to Purvis, Harrison G..
Application Number | 20020104987 10/104651 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27025392 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020104987 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Purvis, Harrison G. |
August 8, 2002 |
Temporary guard rail system
Abstract
An improved temporary guard rail system for use by residential
and commercial builders on construction sites in those areas of
building structures where an accidental fall may result in serious
bodily injury. In particular, the temporary guard rail system of
the present invention includes a plurality of upright stanchions
having mounting brackets integrally formed or attached thereto that
are connected by a plurality of vertically spaced, generally
horizontal side rails extending end to end. The vertically spaced
side rails are adapted for 360 degree rotational movement in both
horizontal and vertical planes. In addition, the tubular guard
rails are fabricated in a plurality of sections that may be
slideably engaged, one inside another, to provide a telescoping
adjustment of length. The temporary guard rail system may be
adapted and secured to various features of a building such as
balconies, elevated platforms, stair cases, and the perimeter of a
floor prior to the external walls or permanent protective railings
being erected to prevent accidental injury. Further, the temporary
guard rail system is designed and manufactured to conform to OSHA
requirements for temporary guard rails. This system also provides a
versatile safety device which is easy to install, easy to
dismantle, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
Inventors: |
Purvis, Harrison G.; (Holly
Springs, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jeffrey S. Whittle
Bracewell & Patterson, L.L.P.
P.O. Box 61389
Houston
TX
77208-1389
US
|
Family ID: |
27025392 |
Appl. No.: |
10/104651 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10104651 |
Mar 22, 2002 |
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09703277 |
Oct 31, 2000 |
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09703277 |
Oct 31, 2000 |
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08421858 |
Apr 14, 1995 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
256/65.14 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 21/3223 20130101;
E04H 17/1413 20130101; E04H 17/1448 20210101; E04H 17/1473
20210101; E04H 17/1452 20210101; E04H 17/006 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/65.14 |
International
Class: |
E04H 017/14 |
Claims
That which is claimed is:
1. An improved temporary guardrail system for removable attachment
to a building under construction including a plurality of upright
stanchions, each respective stanchion having an anchor bracket on a
bottom end thereof, said stanchions being connected by a plurality
of vertically spaced upper and lower side rails and by a toe board,
the improvements comprising: means for rotatably connecting said
rails to said stanchions enabling each respective side rail to be
rotated 360.degree. about a longitudinal axis of each respective
stanchion in a horizontal plane and each respective side rail to be
pivoted at varying angles in a vertical plane, said connecting
means including a first threaded stud outwardly projecting from a
tope end of said stanchions in substantially axial alignment
therewith enabling each of said upper side rails to be rotatably
mounted thereon at various angles, said upper side rails being
pivoted in a vertical plane at varying angles by use of angulation
means, said angulation means comprising a generally L-shaped swivel
bracket disposed on said first threaded stud at said top end of
said stanchion, said L-shaped bracket including a long leg portion
and a short leg portion being fixedly attached in perpendicular
relation thereto, said bracket further including swiveling means
being adapted for pivoting movement in a plane parallel to the
plane defining said long leg portion, said swiveling means
including a second threaded stud disposed in perpendicular relation
to said axis of said stanchion enabling said upper side rails to be
mounted thereon and pivoted in a vertical plane at varying angles
for installation of said temporary guardrail system on inclines
such as stairs; means for telescopically adjusting the length of
each respective side rail and said toe board enabling said
temporary guardrail system to be adapted to dimensional features of
different buildings under construction; and means for selectively
extending the vertical height of said guardrail system to provide
an increased measure of safety for employees performing specialized
tasks requiring ladders and stilts adjacent thereto.
2. The temporary guardrail system of claim 1 wherein said swiveling
means includes a pair of said studs arranged in parallel,
spaced-apart relation thereon, said studs being disposed in
perpendicular relation to said axis of said stanchion enabling a
pair of adjacent upper side rails to be mounted thereon and pivoted
in a vertical plane at varying angles for installation of said
temporary guardrail system on inclines such as stairs.
3. The temporary guardrail system of claim 1 wherein said
connecting means for said lower side rails comprises at least one
rail support collar cooperating with an angulation means attached
to each of said side rails, said at least one rail support collar
being disposed about said stanchion and having at least one
threaded stud outwardly extending therefrom and being perpendicular
to a center axis of said collar enabling said angulation means of
said side rails to be fixedly mounted on said at least one threaded
stud.
4. The temporary guardrail system of claim 3 wherein said
angulation means of said side rails comprises a mid-rail, swivel
bracket disposed on said on at least one threaded stud extending
from said rail support collar, said mid-rail, swivel bracket
including an elongated body member and further including swiveling
means being adapted for pivoting movement in a plane parallel to
the plane defining said elongated body member, said swiveling means
of said mid-rail, swivel bracket including a threaded stud mounted
in perpendicular relation to said axis of said stanchion enabling
said lower side rails to be mounted thereon and pivoted in a
vertical plane at varying angles for installation of said temporary
guardrail system on inclines such as flights of stairs.
5. The temporary guardrail system of claim 4 wherein said swiveling
means of said mid-rail, swivel bracket includes a pair of threaded
studs arranged in generally parallel, spaced-apart relation
enabling a pair of said lower side rails to be mounted thereon and
pivoted in a vertical plane at varying angles for installation of
said temporary guardrail system on inclines such as flights of
stairs.
6. The temporary guard rail system of claim 3 herein a plurality of
rail support collars are disposed about said stanchions at a
pre-determined vertical location in an operative relationship
between at least two rail stops.
7. The temporary guardrail system of claim 1 wherein said extending
means includes a plurality of extension posts being adapted for
sliding engagement about the outside diameter of said stanchions at
the upper ends thereof, said extension posts including connecting
means so as to permit attachment of a plurality of vertically
spaced side rails thereon enabling the vertical height of said
temporary guard rail system to be selectively extended to provide
increased safety to employees performing specialized tasks adjacent
thereto.
8. The temporary guard rail system of claim 1 wherein each
respective stanchion is fixedly attached to a ground anchoring
means for installation directly onto a ground surface adjacent an
excavation site.
9. The temporary guard rail system of claim 8 wherein said ground
anchoring means is fabricated from a heavy gauge, corrugated sheet
metal material that is adapted to receive a plurality of anchor
pins therethrough for securing said ground anchoring means directly
to the surface of the ground.
10. The temporary guard rail system of claim 1 wherein each
respective stanchion is adapted for installation on a roof
anchoring means fabricated from corrugated sheet metal.
11. The temporary guard rail system of claim 10 wherein said roof
anchoring means is matched to the configuration of said corrugated
sheet metal used in the construction of a roof.
Description
[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part application of
U.S. application Ser. No. 08/421,858 filed Apr. 14, 1995 by
Harrison G. Purvis and Tony R. Matthews entitled Temporary Guard
Rail System and Method of Using the Same now U.S. Pat. No.
5,683,074.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to safety devices and more
particularly to temporary guard rails used during construction of
buildings.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] During the construction of buildings, both commercial and
residential, there has been a problem in providing safety rails
prior to permanent railings being installed on decks, balconies,
and even elevated floors prior to the construction of exterior
walls.
[0004] Quite often, 2.times.4 lumber has been temporarily nailed to
form makeshift railings. Structures of this type, however, are
usually not strong in structure and a worker or other person
falling thereagainst can easily dislodge the makeshift railing
causing such person to fall. This of course can result in grievous
injury or even death. The above mentioned problems are of such a
serious nature that the Occupational Hazards Safety Act, or OSHA
agency has become so alarmed that regulations have been promulgated
to require temporary railings on all open elevated building
structures that will withstand at least two hundred pounds pressure
without failing. No structure, however, has been detailed to meet
these requirements.
Concise Explanation of Prior Art
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 2,910,135 to William P. Moore discloses a
ladder scaffold with a guard rail which includes an upwardly
projecting bolt with a wing nut that secures a telescopically
adjustable railing in position.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,167 to Jesse H. Holloman discloses a
temporary rail structure design to be used around the floor of a
building during the construction process.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,351,311 to Samuel T. Melfi discloses a
support for guard rails including wing nuts that hold both the top
rail and the intermediate rail in position. However, the
intermediate rails are not adjustable.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,341 to Jean Arteau, et al. discloses an
anchor for mounting a temporary safety fence to a floor of a
building under construction.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3,662,993 to Anthony Lionetto discloses a
protective guard fixture for open work areas in building
construction having two vertical posts which support a barrier
frame member.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,182,889 to Dennis Johnson discloses a
barrier system having a plurality of elongated rod members and
bracket system for attachment of the barrier to a structure.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 3,733,054 to Bernard Storch discloses a safety
fence including a plurality of posts having brackets and telescopic
rails which are coupled to an supported by the brackets.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,900 to Richard T. Dagiel, et al.
discloses a guard assembly including a stanchion bracket which is
designed for removable attachment to the outer edge of a concrete
floor in combination with similar stanchion brackets.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,015,827 to Harold E. Brand discloses a
stanchion including a base secured to a building support having a
tubular receptacle carried on the base and supported thereon by an
angular gusset.
[0014] Finally, U.S. Pat. No. RE20,653 to Clyde K. Lamb is
considered of general interest in that it discloses a guard rail
for a scaffold having a plurality of posts adapted to be secured at
one end of the scaffold and to extend vertically upwardly from the
floor of the scaffold and the guard rail section supported between
pairs of adjacent posts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0015] After much research and study into the above mentioned
problems, the present invention has been developed to provide a
simple and yet highly efficient temporary railing system in
accordance with OSHA requirements that can be readily installed
when needed and just as readily removed when no longer
required.
[0016] The present invention can be readily adapted to conform to
varying building stricture configurations. In particular, the
temporary guard rail of the present invention includes a plurality
of upright stanchions that are designed to be installed about the
edge of a flat roof, an elevated platform, flight of stairs, or a
floor area to support a plurality of vertically spaced, telescoping
side railings.
[0017] Each of the upright stanchions of the temporary guard rail
of the present invention include an anchor bracket integrally
formed therewith for attaching the upright stanchions to the
subfloor or framing members of the building under construction. The
anchor brackets are provided with a plurality of mounting holes to
permit the attachment of the same to the building structure with
lag screws or other suitable fasteners. Typically, a pair or a
series of these upright stanchions are attached to the subfloor in
locations that present a potential for injury due to falls.
[0018] The individual stanchions are connected by upper and lower
side rails which are pivotally mounted at a predetermined height on
each upright stanchion. The pivoting side rail connectors with
adapters permit the horizontal side rails to be rotated a full 360
degrees about the point of attachment on each upright stanchion
either horizontally or at an angle. Thus, the guard rails may be
adapted to virtually to any configuration encountered in a building
under construction.
[0019] In view of the above, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a temporary guard rail system that can be
readily installed when needed and readily removed when no longer
required.
[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
temporary guard rail system which may be readily adapted to
virtually any configuration encountered in the building
construction including roofs, elevated platforms, balconies,
stairs, and the perimeter of the floor of the building prior to the
construction of the exterior walls or permanent protective
railings.
[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
temporary guard rail system which may be adapted for installation
on soil or asphalt adjacent trenches or other excavations to
prevent falls therein.
[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
temporary guard rail system that fully complies with the OSHA
requirements for such temporary guard rails. Other objects and
advantages of the present invention will become apparent and
obvious from a study of the following description and the
accompanying drawings which are merely illustrative of such
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an upright stanchion that
forms a part of the temporary guard rail system of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an upright stanchion showing
sections of the telescoping, horizontal side rails mounted thereon
and fastened to the floor of a structure;
[0025] FIGS. 3 and 4 are enlarged perspective views of the pivoting
collars for attaching the lower, horizontal side rails of the
present invention;
[0026] FIGS. 5 and 6 are enlarged perspective views of the top end
of the upright stanchion showing the upper horizontal side rails
attached thereto;
[0027] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the telescoping
segments comprising each respective side rail;
[0028] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the top end of the
upright stanchion showing an adapter for stair railings attached
thereto;
[0029] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the top end of the
upright stanchion showing the stair rail adapter of FIG. 8 having a
stair railing attached thereto at an angle;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of the anchor bracket of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the toe board of the
present invention installed on an upright stanchion;
[0032] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the one-way swivel bracket
of the present invention for use on top of an upright
stanchion;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a two-way swivel bracket of
the present invention for use on top of an upright stanchion;
[0034] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the one-way, mid-rail
bracket of the present invention for use with a rail support
collar;
[0035] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the two-way mid-rail
bracket of the present invention for use with a rail support
collar;
[0036] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the guard rail extension
post of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 17 is side elevational view of the guide post leverage
strap of the present invention installed in its functional
position;
[0038] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the ground plate adapter of
the present invention; and
[0039] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the roof plate adapter of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0040] With further reference to the drawings, the temporary guard
rail system in accordance with the present invention is illustrated
in FIG. 2 and indicated generally at 10. The temporary guard rail
system 10 comprises a plurality of upright stanchions 11 as shown
in FIG. 1. In the preferred embodiment, stanchions 11 are formed
from solid steel bars in order to comply with OSHA strength
regulations. However, it will be appreciated that other materials
such as aluminum, fiberglass and similar composites may be utilized
in alternative embodiments.
[0041] The lower end of each stanchion 11 has integrally formed
therewith or otherwise fixed thereto an anchor bracket, indicated
generally at 12, for attaching each stanchion 11 to the building
subfloor 13 or other suitable forming members (not shown). In the
preferred embodiment, stanchion 11 is positioned in a predetermined
location on anchor bracket 12 and is attached in perpendicular
relation thereto by weldment or other suitable means as illustrated
in FIG. 1.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, anchor bracket 12 includes a plurality
of mounting apertures 12a extending through the same in
predetermined locations. Mounting apertures 12a each have a center
axis that is disposed in perpendicular relation to the plane of
anchor bracket 12.
[0043] Anchor bracket 12 may be securely attached to building
subfloor 13 by installing a plurality of lag screws 14 or other
suitable fasteners to secure stanchion 11 in position as
illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 10 there is shown therein an
alternative embodiment of the anchor bracket, indicated generally
at 12', for attaching each stanchion 11' to the building subfloor
or other suitable framing members. In this embodiment anchor
bracket 12' includes a cylindrical cup 12b' that is positioned in a
predetermined location on anchor bracket 12' and is attached in
perpendicular relation thereto by weldment or other suitable
means.
[0045] Cup 12b' includes an internal bore 12c' having an inside
diameter that is slightly larger than an outside diameter of
stanchion 11'. Thus, cup 12b' is adapted to receive a lower end of
stanchion 11' therein.
[0046] Stanchion 11' is provided with a cross-drilled hole 11a' at
the lower end thereof and in perpendicular relation to a
longitudinal axis of stanchion 11'.
[0047] Similarly, cup 12b' includes a pair of cross-drilled holes
(not shown) having a common axis of symmetry and being positioned
so as to enable axial alignment with cross-drilled hole 11a' in
stanchion 11' when the same is inserted within cup 12b'.
[0048] In this embodiment a safety bolt, indicated generally at
30', is inserted through cup 12b' and stanchion 11' to retain the
same in position. Safety bolt 30' includes a safety spring 31' as
shown in FIG. 10.
[0049] Spring 31' is generally semicircular in configuration having
a loop portion 31a' formed at either end thereof. Safety bolt 30'
includes a head portion 30a' having a hole 30a" drilled
therethrough wherein a loop portion 31a' of safety spring 31' may
be inserted and permanently captured. An opposite end of the safety
spring 31', also having a loop portion 31a' formed thereon, is
snapped into position over the terminal end of safety bolt 30'
which extends through cup 12b' and is spring-biased against cup
12b' in order to retain bolt 30' therein.
[0050] Since such safety bolts and safety springs are well known to
those skilled in the art, further detailed discussion of the same
is not deemed necessary.
[0051] In yet another alternative embodiment (not illustrated),
anchor bracket 12' includes a cup 12b' having an internal bore 12c'
that is provided with internal threads which are adapted to receive
and engage a mating external thread formed at the lower end of
stanchion 11' so as secure the same therein.
[0052] Since such internally threaded fittings are well known to
those skilled in the art, further detailed discussion of the same
is not deemed necessary.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 2 it will be appreciated that stanchion 11
is positioned at a predetermined location on anchor bracket 12
which is offset in a lateral direction from a center point 15 of
the top surface of anchor bracket 12.
[0054] The above predetermined positioning of stanchion 11 on
anchor bracket 12 in conjunction with the predetermined location of
mounting apertures 12a in anchor bracket 12 is designed to gain a
mechanical advantage in counteracting the potential force which
could be exerted against horizontal side rails, indicated generally
at 16, generated as a result of an adult or child falling against
the same while moving through and around the building site thereby
preventing serious bodily injury.
[0055] Still referring to FIG. 2, it will be appreciated that
stanchion 11 has formed thereon an upper rail stop 17a and a lower
rail stop 17b. Rail stops 17a and 17b are preferably fabricated as
steel rings having an axial opening that is slightly larger than
the outside diameter of stanchion 11. Upper rail stop 17a and lower
rail stop 17b are disposed about the outside diameter of stanchion
11 and positioned at a predetermined vertical height generally
corresponding to the vertical height of lower horizontal side rails
16b as shown in FIG. 2.
[0056] It will be more clearly seen by referring to FIG. 1, that
upper rail stop 17a and lower rail stop 17b are disposed about
stanchion 11 in perpendicular relation to the longitudinal axis
thereof. Rail stops 17a and 17b are positioned in spaced relation
from each other to accommodate the installation of at least two
rail support collars 18 therebetween as clearly seen in FIGS. 1 and
2.
[0057] In the preferred embodiment, rail support collars 18 are
also fabricated from steel having an axial opening that is somewhat
larger than the outside diameter of stanchion 11 but smaller than
rail stops 17a and 17b enabling collars 18 to be freely rotated 360
degrees about the longitudinal axis of stanchion 11.
[0058] Formed on the outside diameter of collars 18 are at least
one threaded stud 19 extending outwardly therefrom in perpendicular
relation to the longitudinal axis of stanchion 11 as shown in FIG.
3. In the embodiment shown, threaded studs 19 are fabricated from
hexagonal steel stock and are attached to the exterior surface of
collar 18 by weldment or other suitable means. There is also
provided with each threaded stud 19 a wing nut 20 having
cooperating threads for engaging therewith.
[0059] It will be understood that during the manufacturing process
of stanchion 11 as shown in FIG. 3, rail stops 17a and 17b with at
least two rail support collars 18 therebetween are slideably
positioned at a predetermined location on stanchion 11. After the
aforesaid components are precisely located in their operative
positions, rail stops 17a and 17b are attached to stanchion 11 by
weldment thereby permanently retaining collars 18. Collars 18
remain freely rotatable 360 degrees about the longitudinal axis of
stanchion 11.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 4, it can be seen that each end of
lower horizontal side rails 16b includes a side rail extension
bracket 16c that is attached in substantial linear alignment
thereto by weldment. Side rail extension brackets 16c include at
least one mounting aperture 16f through which threaded stud 19 may
be inserted to mount lower horizontal side rails 16b in their
functional position as shown in FIG. 4.
[0061] Wing nut 20, or other suitable fastener, may then be screwed
into engagement with extension bracket 16c to secure lower
horizontal side rail 16b in position.
[0062] It will be appreciated that lower side rail 16b may now be
rotated in a horizontal plane or pivoted vertically to conform to
the shape of the building structure where it will be deployed.
[0063] Now, turning to FIG. 5, there is shown the top end of
upright stanchion 11 whereon an tipper horizontal side rail 16a is
secured. It will be seen that the top end of stanchion 11 includes
a threaded stud 19 that is integrally formed or otherwise fixed
thereon. There is also provided with threaded stud 19 a wing nut 20
including cooperating threads therein.
[0064] It can also be seen that upper side rail 16a includes a side
rail extension bracket 16c that is disposed in substantial linear
alignment with upper side rail 16a and attached thereto by means
such as weldment. Extension bracket 16c is provided with at least
one mounting aperture 16f for locating extension bracket 16c on
threaded stud 19 in its functional. position.
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 6, it will be appreciated that at
least two side rail extension brackets 16c and their corresponding
upper side rails 16a may be positioned on threaded stud 19 and
secured in this position by engagement with wing nut 20.
[0066] It will be appreciated that upper horizontal side rails 16a
may also be rotated 360 degrees in perpendicular relation to the
longitudinal axis of stanchion 11 to conform to the shape of the
building structure or construction site where it is to be
utilized.
[0067] Now, turning to FIG. 7, there is shown therein a detailed
view of the telescoping side rail of the present invention,
indicated generally at 16. In the preferred embodiment, side rail
16 is composed of two individual segments, namely internal segment
6d and external segment 16e. It will be understood that both
internal segment 16d and external segment 16e are fabricated from
steel tubing that is generally rectangular in cross section. In
particular, internal segment 16d is fabricated to an outside
dimension that is slightly smaller than the inside dimension of
external segment 16e.
[0068] Accordingly, internal segment 16d may be slideably engaged
with the inside surface of external segment 16e in a telescoping
manner. Hence, horizontal side rails 16 may be adjusted in length
to conform to the dimensions of the building structure on the
construction site where it is to be installed.
[0069] The telescoping ends of internal segment 16d and external
segment 16e may be provided with a suitable locking means, such as
that indicated generally at 21, for securing the telescoping side
rail 16 in a fixed position after it has been adjusted to the
desired length.
[0070] It is noteworthy that each respective telescoping side rail
16 as shown in FIG. 6 is manufactured to the same specifications
and, thus, upper side rails 16a and lower side rails 16b are
functionally interchangeable. The respective numerical designations
herein are provided for purposes of clarification only.
[0071] Turning now to FIG. 11 there is shown therein a perspective
view of the telescoping toe board of the present invention,
indicated generally at 35'. In the preferred embodiment, toe board
35' is comprised of two individual sections, namely internal
section 35a' and external 35b'. Both internal section 35a' and
external section 35b' are fabricated from steel tubing that is
generally rectangular in cross-section. In particular, internal
section 35a is fabricated to an outside dimension that is slightly
smaller than the inside dimension of external section 35b'.
[0072] Accordingly, internal section 35a' may be slidingly engaged
with the inside surface of external section of 35b' in a
telescoping manner. Hence, the toe board 35' may be adjusted in
length to conform to the dimension of the building structure on the
construction site in a manner similar to that of the telescoping
side rails 16 of the present invention.
[0073] Internal section 35a' and external section 35b' may be
provided with a suitable locking means, such as thumb screw 34' as
shown in FIG. 11. Thumb screw 34' threadably engages mating nut 33'
that is fixedly attached to an exterior surface of external section
35b' by weldment or other suitable means.
[0074] Thumb screw 34' is of sufficient length to extend through an
aperture (not shown) formed in external section 35b' in alignment
with nut 33' so as to secure internal member 35a' in a desired
position after telescoping adjustment of the toe board 35'.
[0075] The opposite ends of internal member 35a' and external
member 35b' are each provided with a semicircular yoke bracket,
indicated generally at 36', which are adapted to engage upright
stanchions 11' adjacent a lower end thereof as shown in FIG. 11.
Yoke brackets 36' are secured in axial alignment with toe board 35'
by machine screws 37' or other suitable fastening means.
[0076] In practical use, toe board 35' is positioned intermediate
an adjacent pair of upright stanchions 11' and telescopingly
adjusted to the required length and secured in position by thumb
screw 34'. It will be appreciated that toe board 35' functions to
prevent tools and other materials from accidentally being pushed
over the edge of the staircase or balcony whereon the temporary
guard rail system is installed and onto persons below thereby
preventing potential injury.
[0077] The toe board 35' is designed to withstand in excess of 50
pounds of outward pressure applied thereto in accordance with OSHA
standards.
[0078] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a stair adapter
bracket, indicated generally at 24, designed to receive and support
upper side rails 16a at varying angles in relation to upright
stanchion 11 and particularly in those instances where the
temporary guard rail system is utilized as a hand rail on a flight
of stairs or other inclines.
[0079] Stair adapter bracket 24 is L-shaped, having a long member
24a and a short member 24b. In the preferred embodiment, stair
adapter bracket 24 is fabricated from steel plate material and long
member 24a is bent or attached in perpendicular relation to short
member 24b by weldment.
[0080] Short member 24b is provided with a mounting aperture (not
shown) at a predetermined location designed to receive threaded
stud 19 that outwardly projects from the top of stanchion 11 such
that long member 24a of stair adapter 24 is disposed in substantial
parallel relation to the top of stanchion 11 as shown in FIG.
8.
[0081] There is also provided at the distal end of long member 24a
a threaded stud 19 that is disposed in. perpendicular relation to
the plane defining member 24a. Threaded stud 19 is provided with a
wing nut 20 having compatible threads therein.
[0082] In this particular application, anchor brackets 12 are
attached to the treads of a convention flight of stairs or other
inclines at various intervals. Upper side rails 16a are mounted on
threaded stud 19 at the distal end of long member 24a of the stair
adapter bracket 24. Wing nut 20 is screwed into engagement with
side rail extension bracket 16c. Thereafter, the respective
stanchions 11, each having a stair adapter bracket 24 installed
thereon, are connected by a plurality of side rails 16a that extend
from end to end down the flight of stairs or other inclines.
[0083] It will be appreciated that side rail extension bracket 16c
is designed and fabricated to provide sufficient clearance between
the end of upper side rail 16a and stair adapter bracket 24 to
enable side rail 16a to be pivoted at varying angles to vertical
without binding against adapter bracket 24.
[0084] It is understood that lower side rails 16b are designed and
fabricated to enable this same pivoting movement at varying angles
to vertical without special adaptation.
[0085] In order to facilitate the installation of the temporary
guard rail system on a flight of stair or other inclines, various
alternative embodiments of stair adapter bracket 24 are provided as
illustrated in FIGS. 12-15.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 12 there is shown therein a one-way swivel
bracket, indicated generally at 25', designed to receive and
support upper side rails 16a at varying angles in relation to
upright stanchion 11'. It will be appreciated that the one-way
swivel bracket 25' is a modified version of the stair adapter
bracket 24 as shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment bracket 25'
includes a swivel plate 25c' that is adapted for rotational
movement about pivot pin 29' in a plane generally parallel to that
of long member 25a' of bracket 25' as shown in FIG. 12.
[0087] Plate 25c' has mounted thereon a threaded stud 19' that
projects outwardly therefrom in perpendicular relation to a plane
defining plate 25c'. Threaded stud 19' is provided with a wing nut
20' having compatible threads therein.
[0088] It will be understood that the one-way swivel bracket 25' is
intended for use on an upright stanchion 11' disposed at a terminal
end of an assembled temporary guard rail system 10 whereon only one
end of a guard rail 16 will be installed.
[0089] Referring now to FIG. 13, there is shown therein a two-way
swivel bracket, indicated generally at 26', designed for
installation on the top end of an upright stanchion 11' wherein the
same is disposed intermediate two adjacent upright stanchions 11'
in an assembled temporary guard rail system 10.
[0090] Two-way swivel bracket 26' includes a swivel plate 26c'
having a pair of threaded studs 19' installed thereon and extending
outwardly therefrom in generally perpendicular relation thereto. It
will be appreciated that pivot pin 29' is installed intermediate
the two threaded studs 19' which are installed adjacent the ends of
plate 26c' so as to provide a symmetrical pivoting movement thereof
about pin 29'.
[0091] In this embodiment bracket 26' is adapted to receive the
ends of two adjacent upper side rails 16a thereon.
[0092] Referring now to FIG. 14, there is shown therein a one-way
mid-rail swivel bracket, indicated generally at 27'. It will be
appreciated that the one-way mid-rail swivel bracket 27' is adapted
for use on an upright stanchion 11' positioned at the terminal end
of. an assembled guard rail whereon it functions to receive only
one end of a lower side rail 16b.
[0093] In the preferred embodiment, mid-rail swivel bracket 27'
includes an elongated body member 27a' having an aperture (not
shown) formed adjacent an end thereof for installation on a
threaded stud 19 formed on rail support collar 18.
[0094] Bracket 27' includes a swivel plate 27c' which is pivotedly
attached to body member 27a' by a pivot pin 29' imparting
rotational movement thereto in a plane parallel to the plane
defining member 27a'. Plate 27c' is provided with a single threaded
stud 19' projecting outwardly therefrom in perpendicular relation
thereto. Threaded stud 19' is provided with a wing nut 20' having
compatible threads therein.
[0095] Turning now to FIG. 15 there is shown therein a two-way
mid-rail swivel bracket, indicated generally at 28', designed for
use on a stanchion 11' disposed intermediate two adjacent
stanchions 11' in an assembled temporary guard rail system 10.
[0096] The two-way mid-rail swivel bracket 28' is adapted to
receive the ends of two adjacent lower side rails 16b in maimer
similar to that described hereinabove for the two-way swivel
bracket 26'.
[0097] In this embodiment the bracket 28' includes an elongated
rectangular member 28a' having an aperture (not shown) formed
adjacent an end thereof for installation on a threaded stud 19
formed on rail support collar 18. Bracket 28' includes a swivel
plate 28c' having a pair of outwardly projecting threaded studs 19'
installed thereon in a symmetrical arrangement about a pivot pin
291. Thus, plate 28c' is adapted for symmetrical movement about
pivot pin 29' in a plane parallel to the plane defining elongated
member 28a'.
[0098] In each of the above described alternative embodiments shown
in FIGS. 12-15, the brackets, swivel plates and pivot pins are
fabricated from steel or other suitable materials having sufficient
strength to comply with OSHA standards for temporary guard
rails.
[0099] Referring now to FIG. 16, there is shown therein a stanchion
extension post, indicated generally at 40'. Extension post 40'
functions to increase the vertical height of stanchions 11' to
provide an increased measure of safety for employees working on
ladders and stilts as required by OSHA regulations.
[0100] Extension post 40' is similar in overall appearance and
includes basically the same features as described hereinabove for
stanchion 11. Extension post 40' differs from stanchion 11 with
respect to its overall length which is approximately 24 inches. The
extension post 40' includes an internal bore 40a' having an inside
diameter which is slightly larger than the outside diameter of
stanchion 11'. Thus, the extension post 40' is adapted to slide
onto the upper end of stanchion 11' to effectively extend the
vertical height thereof from 42 inches to approximately 54 inches.
When installed in its functional position, the lower end of
extension post 401 comes into positive contact with the upper rail
stop 17a of stanchion 11' as shown in FIG. 17.
[0101] In order to attach the extension post 401 to an assembled
temporary guard rail system 10, the upper side rails 16a are
detached from their position at the top of stanchion 11' by
removing wing nut 20 from threaded stud 19.
[0102] Next, the extension post 40' is disposed about the top of
stanchion 11' such that the same slidingly engages internal bore
40a' and slides downwardly against the upper rail stop 17a of
stanchion 11'.
[0103] Thereafter, upper side rail 16a is re-attached to collar 18'
by engaging the same on threaded stud 19' with wing nut 20'.
[0104] Next an additional telescoping side rail (not shown) having
features identical to side rails 16a and 16b as seen in FIG. 2 is
installed at the top of extension post 40' on threaded stud 19' and
secured thereto by wing nut 20'.
[0105] When installing extension post 40' on the first or last post
in the temporary guard rail system which is unsupported by an
adjacent stanchion 11', the use of a leverage strap, indicated
generally at 41', as shown in FIG. 17 is required to meet OSHA
standards. Leverage strap 41' comprises an elongated steel band
having an aperture (not shown) at the top end thereof for
installation on a threaded stud 19' integrally formed on collar 18'
of extension post 40'.
[0106] Leverage strap 41' includes a base plate 41a' integrally
formed thereto including a plurality of apertures (not shown)
positioned at predetermined locations thereon so as to be aligned
with apertures 12a formed in anchor bracket 12. Thus, the base
plate 41a' of leverage strap 41 may be secured together with anchor
bracket 12 by lag screws 14 to the building subfloor in order to
support the extension post 401 in the above described
configuration.
[0107] In order to adapt the temporary guard rail system 10 of the
present invention for use adjacent an open trench or other
excavation site, anchor brackets 12 may be installed on a ground
adapter plate as shown in FIG. 18 and indicated generally at 45. In
the preferred embodiment, plate 45 is fabricated from a heavy
gauge, corrugated sheet metal which is well known in the art. Such
corrugated sheet metal is typically formed with alternating ridge
portions 45a and valley portions 45b which are interconnected by
upwardly tapered side wall portions 45c when viewed in
cross-section.
[0108] Since such corrugated sheet metal is well known to those
skilled in the art, further detailed discussion of the same is not
deemed necessary. the preferred embodiment, the plate 45 is cut
into approximately 18 inch squares for use in combination with the
present invention. An anchor bracket 12 is mounted on the top
surface of ridge portion 45a in axially alignment therewith at a
predetermined location. Thereafter, anchor bracket 12 is secured in
position by a plurality of self-tapping, sheet metal screws 42
which are threadably secured in a plurality of pilot holes 43
formed therein in coaxial alignment thereto.
[0109] It will be understood that any embodiment of anchor bracket
12 described hereinabove is suitable for this installation.
[0110] Plate 45 is provided with a plurality of cylindrical,
locating sleeves 46 which are positioned at predetermined locations
thereon as shown in FIG. 18. Locating sleeves 46 are disposed in
axial alignment with corresponding locating holes 47 formed in
plate 45 in axial alignment therewith and being fixedly attached
thereto by weldment or other suitable fastening means.
[0111] Each locating sleeve 46 is adapted to receive an anchor pin
48 which loosely penetrates the same and is driven into the ground
or asphalt surface 50 adjacent the open trench 55 or other
excavation site where the temporary guard rail system 10 is being
installed.
[0112] In the preferred embodiment, anchor pins 48 are fabricated
from elongated metal rods such as steel rods and measure
approximately 36 inches in length. Anchor pins 48 include a head
portion 48a integrally formed therewith and having a diameter that
is larger than that of locating sleeves 46 so as to prevent it
passing through the same when anchor pin 48 is driven into its
functional position below the surface 50 by a sledge hammer (not
shown) or other suitable tool.
[0113] In a similar manner, a plurality of anchor stakes 49 are
utilized to secure the peripheral edges of plate 45 in place.
[0114] In the preferred embodiment, anchor stake 49 includes an
elongated body member 49b that is T-shaped in cross-section. An
upper end of body member 49b includes an outwardly projecting
flange member 49c which functions to secure the peripheral edges of
plate 45 in position after stake 49 has been driven into the ground
50. Stake 49 may be provided with a cylindrical head portion 49a
being attached thereto by weldment so that it may be conveniently
driven into the ground 50 by a hammer (not shown) or other suitable
tool.
[0115] In the manner described hereinabove, a plurality of ground
adapter plates 45 may be positioned about the perimeter of an open
trench 55 or other excavation site at predetermined intervals so as
to provide support for the installation of the temporary guard rail
system 10 thereon.
[0116] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the
ground adapter plates 45 may also be installed on an asphalt
surface such as a street or roadway adjacent a trench 55 or
excavation site.
[0117] In the construction of modem commercial buildings, panels of
corrugated sheet. metal are frequently utilized in the construction
of the roof. In order to adapt the temporary guard rail system 10
to such a corrugated metal structure, a roof adapter plate,
indicated generally at 60, is provided as shown in FIG. 19. In the
preferred embodiment, the roof adapter plate 60 is fabricated from
the same corrugated metal material used in the construction of the
roof A panel of corrugated sheet metal is cut into approximately
18-inch squares. Thereafter, a plurality of such squares are
stacked and secured together by weldment or other suitable
fastening means.
[0118] In this configuration, roof adapter plate 60 may be
positioned in the desired location on the surface of the roof 61
for installation as shown in FIG. 19.
[0119] Next, an anchor bracket 12 may be positioned thereon for
attachment to the underlying roof 61 by a plurality of self-tapping
sheet metal screws 42. The roof adapter plate 60 is further secured
to the roof 61 by a plurality of self-tapping screws which are
installed through the ridge portions 60a and the upwardly tapered
side wall portions 60c thereof in predetermined locations.
[0120] It will be understood that in the roof installation
described above, anchor bracket 12 is preferably of an embodiment
having a cup 12b' including an internal bore 12c' having internal
threads formed therein which are adapted to receive an externally
threaded portion of stanchion 11 as previously described. After
installation of the roof adapter plate 60, the construction of the
roof 61 proceeds in the normal manner wherein a concrete slab is
poured permanently capturing the plate 60 and anchor bracket 12
therein. Upon completion the threaded stanchion 11' may be
threadably disengaged from the threaded anchor bracket 12' and the
resulting void filled with a suitable cap or plug (not shown) when
use of the temporary guard rail system is complete.
[0121] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
roof adapter plate 60 may be retrofitted to pre-existing commercial
buildings using the above described procedure by removing a portion
of a pre-existing roof having a corrugated metal structure,
matching the roof adapter plate 60 to the roof, installing the roof
adapter plate with the attached anchor bracket 12' and patching the
retrofitted area with a suitable roof material so as to capture the
plate 60 therein.
[0122] It is reiterated that the temporary guard rail system 10 of
the present invention has been designed and fabricated to comply
with OSHA standards for temporary guard rails. From the above it
can be seen that the present invention provides a temporary guard
rail system that may be readily adapted to any feature of a
building that is under construction to protect against the
potential for serious bodily injury from falls particularly when
the construction site is unsupervised.
[0123] The terms "upper", "lower", "side", "top", "bottom" and so
forth have been used herein merely for convenience to describe the
present invention and its parts as oriented in the drawings. It is
to be understood, however, that these terms are in no way limiting
to the invention since such invention may obviously be disposed in
different orientations when in use.
[0124] The present invention may, of course, be carried out in
other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing
from the spirit and essential characteristics of such invention.
The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes
coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended
claims are intended to be embraced therein.
* * * * *