U.S. patent application number 11/324981 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-06 for guardrail system and associated methods.
Invention is credited to Harrison G. Purvis.
Application Number | 20060145131 11/324981 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36639345 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060145131 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Purvis; Harrison G. |
July 6, 2006 |
Guardrail system and associated methods
Abstract
A guardrail system includes a plurality of posts and at least
one rail member detachably connected to and extending between the
plurality of posts. Each of the plurality of posts includes a first
post member, and a second post member that slidably engages the
first post member. The second post member includes a first cable
connector connected to a lower portion thereof, and a second cable
connector connected to an upper portion thereof and including a
pair of inverted and opposing J-shaped second cable connector
members.
Inventors: |
Purvis; Harrison G.; (High
Falls, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARK R. MALEK
SUITE 200
202 N. HARBOR CITY BLVD.
MELBOURNE
FL
32935
US
|
Family ID: |
36639345 |
Appl. No.: |
11/324981 |
Filed: |
January 3, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60641385 |
Jan 4, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
256/13.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 21/3223 20130101;
E04F 2011/1889 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/013.1 |
International
Class: |
E01F 15/00 20060101
E01F015/00 |
Claims
1. A guardrail system comprising: a plurality of posts, each of
said plurality of posts comprising a first post member, and a
second post member that slidably engages said first post member,
said second post member comprising a first cable connector
connected to a lower portion thereof, and a second cable connector
connected to an upper portion thereof and including a pair of
inverted and opposing J-shaped second cable connector members, and
at least one rail member detachably connected to and extending
between said plurality of posts.
2. A guardrail system according to claim 1 wherein the first cable
connector comprises a pair of spaced-apart opposing first cable
connector members connected to the lower portion of said second
post member; and wherein said at least one rail member is
detachably connected to said second post member and extends between
the pair of first cable connector members.
3. A guardrail system according to claim 2 wherein each of the pair
of first cable connector members has a passageway formed
therethrough; and further comprising a locking pin member that
matingly engages the passageways to retain said at least one rail
member between the pair of first cable connector members.
4. A guardrail system according to claim 3 wherein said at least
one rail member comprises a first rail member detachably connected
to said second post member adjacent the first cable connector, and
a second rail member detachably connected to said second post
member adjacent the second cable connector.
5. A guardrail system according to claim 1 wherein said second post
member has at least one passageway formed therethrough; and further
comprising a height fastener to matingly engage the passageway and
contact said first post member to fix a height of said second post
member with respect to said first post member.
6. A guardrail system according to claim 1 wherein said at least
one rail member is at least one steel cable.
7. A guardrail system according to claim 1 wherein said first post
member and said second post member are polygonally shaped
tubes.
8. A guardrail system according to claim 1 further comprising a
plurality of bases, each base connected to a bottom portion of said
respective first post member, said base having a plurality of
passageways formed therethrough for receiving a respective
plurality of fasteners to fasten said base to a surface.
9. A guardrail system according to claim 1 further comprising a
plurality of bases; and wherein each of said plurality of bases
includes a plurality of passageways formed therethrough for
receiving a respective plurality of fasteners to fasten said base
to a surface; and wherein each of said plurality of bases includes
a sleeve to receive a bottom portion of said respective first post
member.
10. A guardrail system comprising: a plurality of posts, each of
said plurality of posts comprising a first post member, and a
second post member that slidably engages said first post member,
said second post member comprising a first cable connector
connected to a lower portion thereof and including a pair of
spaced-apart opposing first cable connector members, and a second
cable connector connected to an upper portion thereof and including
a pair of inverted and opposing J-shaped second cable connector
members, and a first rail member detachably connected to said
second post member adjacent the first cable connector; and a second
rail member detachably connected to said second post member and
extending between the pair of first cable connectors; wherein said
first and second post members are polygonally shaped tubes.
11. A guardrail system according to claim 10 wherein each of the
pair of first cable connector members comprises a passageway formed
through a main body portion thereof; and further comprising a
locking pin member that matingly engages the passageway to retain
said first rail member between the pair of first cable connector
members.
12. A guardrail system according to claim 10 wherein said second
post member has at least one passageway formed in a main body
portion thereof; and further comprising a height fastener to
matingly engage the passageway and contact a main body portion of
said first post member to fix a height of said second post member
with respect to said first post member.
13. A guardrail system according to claim 10 wherein said first and
second rail members are steel cables.
14. A guardrail system according to claim 10 further comprising a
plurality of bases, each base connected to a bottom portion of said
respective first post member, said base having a plurality of
passageways formed therethrough for receiving a respective
plurality of fasteners to fasten said base to a surface.
15. A guardrail system according to claim 10 further comprising a
plurality of bases; and wherein each of said plurality of bases
includes a plurality of passageways formed therethrough for
receiving a respective plurality of fasteners to fasten said base
to a surface; and wherein each of said plurality of bases includes
a sleeve to receive a bottom portion of said respective first post
member.
16. A post for a guardrail system comprising: a first post member;
and a second post member that slidably engages said first post
member, said second post member having an upper portion and a lower
portion, and comprising a first cable connector connected to the
lower portion of said second post member, and a second cable
connector connected to the upper portion of said second post member
and comprising a pair of inverted and opposing J-shaped second
cable connector members.
17. A post for a guardrail system according to claim 16 wherein
said first cable connector comprises a pair of spaced-apart
opposing first cable connector members.
18. A post for a guardrail system according to claim 17 wherein
each of the pair of first cable connector members comprises a
passageway formed therethrough for receiving a locking pin member
to retain a rail member between the pair of first cable connector
members.
19. A post for a guardrail system according to claim 16 wherein
said second post member has at least one passageway formed therein;
and further comprising a height fastener to matingly engage the
passageway and contact said first post member to thereby fix a
height of said second post member with respect to said first post
member.
20. A post for a guardrail system according to claim 16 wherein
said first post member and said second post member are polygonally
shaped tubes.
21. A method of installing a guardrail system comprising a
plurality of posts, each of the plurality of posts comprising a
first post member having a base connected to a bottom portion
thereof, and a second post member, the method comprising: fastening
the base of the first post member to a surface; slidably engaging
the second post member with the first post member, the second post
member comprising a first cable connector connected to a lower
portion thereof, and a second cable connector connected to an upper
portion thereof, the second cable connector including a pair of
inverted and opposing J-shaped second cable connector members; and
detachably connecting at least one rail member to each of the
plurality of posts so that the at least one rail member extends
between each of the plurality of posts.
22. A method according to claim 21 wherein the first cable
connector comprises a pair of spaced-apart opposing first cable
connector members connected to the lower portion of the second post
member; and wherein the at least one rail member is detachably
connected to the second post member and extends between the pair of
first cable connector members.
23. A method according to claim 22 wherein each of the pair of
first cable connector members comprises a passageway formed
therethrough; and further comprising matingly engaging a locking
pin member with the passageway to retain the at least one rail
member between the pair of first cable connector members.
24. A method according to claim 23 wherein the at least one rail
member comprises a first rail member and a second rail member; and
wherein detachably connecting the at least one rail member further
comprises detachably connecting the first rail member to the second
post member adjacent the first cable connector, and detachably
connecting the second rail member to the second post member
adjacent the second cable connector.
25. A method according to claim 21 wherein the second post member
has at least one passageway formed therein; and further fixing the
height of the second post member with respect to the first member
by matingly engaging a height fastener with the passageway to
contact the first post member.
26. A method according to claim 21 wherein the at least one rail
member is at least one steel cable.
27. A method according to claim 21 wherein the first post member
and the second post member are polygonally shaped tubes.
28. A method according to claim 21 wherein the base comprises a
plurality of passageways formed therethrough; and wherein fastening
the base to the surface further comprises passing a respective
plurality of fasteners through the respective plurality of
passageways and into the surface.
29. A method of installing a guardrail system comprising a
plurality of bases, and a respective plurality of posts, each of
the plurality of posts comprising a first post member, and a second
post member, the method comprising: fastening the plurality of
bases to a surface; slidably engaging the first post member of each
of the posts with a respective base; slidably engaging the second
post member with the first post member, the second post member
comprising a first cable connector connected to a lower portion
thereof, and a second cable connector connected to an upper portion
thereof, the second cable connector including a pair of inverted
and opposing J-shaped second cable connector members; and
detachably connecting at least one rail member to each of the
plurality of post members so that the at least one rail member
extends between each of the plurality of posts.
30. A method according to claim 29 wherein the first cable
connector comprises a pair of spaced-apart opposing first cable
connector members connected to the lower portion of the second post
member; and wherein the at least one rail member is detachably
connected to the second post member and extends between the pair of
first cable connector members.
31. A method according to claim 30 wherein each of the pair of
first cable connector members comprises a passageway formed
therethrough; and further comprising matingly engaging a locking
pin member with the passageway to retain the at least one rail
member between the pair of first cable connector members.
32. A method according to claim 31 wherein the at least one rail
member comprises a first rail member and a second rail member; and
wherein detachably connecting the at least one rail member further
comprises detachably connecting the first rail member to the second
post member adjacent the first cable connector, and detachably
connecting the second rail member to the second post member
adjacent the second cable connector.
33. A method according to claim 29 wherein the second post member
has at least one passageway formed therein; and further fixing the
height of the second post member with respect to the first member
by matingly engaging a height fastener with the passageway to
contact the first post member.
34. A method according to claim 29 wherein the at least one rail
member is at least one steel cable.
35. A method according to claim 29 wherein the first post member
and the second post member are polygonally shaped tubes.
36. A method according to claim 29 wherein each of the plurality of
bases includes a plurality of passageways formed therethrough, and
wherein each of the plurality of bases includes a sleeve to receive
a bottom portion of the respective first post members; and wherein
fastening the bases to the surface comprises passing a respective
plurality of fasteners through the respective plurality of
passageways and into the surface.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/641,385, filed on Jan. 4, 2005, the
entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of building
construction and, more particularly, to the field of temporary
guardrail systems for use during construction, and related
methods.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] During construction of buildings, both commercial and
residential, there has been a problem in providing temporary
guardrails adjacent to roof edges, decks, balconies, and even
elevated floors prior to the construction of exterior walls.
[0004] Temporary guardrails may be constructed adjacent a rooftop
with materials commonly found on a construction site, such as
excess lumber, for example. A platform is typically built adjacent
the edge of the rooftop, and is braced against a wall supporting
the rooftop. Spaced-apart guardrail posts are connected to the
platform and extend upwardly therefrom, and rails are extended
between the guardrail posts to form a barrier adjacent to the edge
of the rooftop. The rails may also be provided by excess lumber
found on a construction site. A skid-guard, or kickplate, may be
connected between the guardrail posts to provide a barrier adjacent
the edge of the roof.
[0005] Although this type of guardrail system may be effective,
installation may be expensive, time inefficient, and itself
hazardous. More specifically, the guardrail system is generally
installed after roof members have been elevated and connected to
top portions of support walls. In other words, installation of the
guardrail system is performed at, or near, the elevation of the
rooftop, before fall protection is provided.
[0006] One type of temporary guardrail system using cables is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,057 to Highley et al. The Highley
et al. patent discloses a temporary guardrail system including a
plurality of guardrail posts that are fastened to a perimeter frame
by bolting a corresponding plurality of securement plates to a back
surface of the perimeter frame. Each of the guardrail posts
comprises a plurality of apertures formed in the lower portion, the
medial portion and the upper portion. A plurality of cables pass
through the apertures between each of the guardrail posts. The
apertures are spaced apart so that the cable may be positioned at
varying heights. Installation of this guardrail system, however,
may be quite time consuming.
[0007] One example of a guardrail system for a pitched roof is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,398 to Bartholomew. The guardrail
system includes a plurality of spaced apart rail support assemblies
aligned along an edge of a pitched roof, and a plurality of rails
extending between the support assemblies. Each of the rail support
assemblies includes a hinged base that is anchored into the roof
with a hook so that the base may be positioned on the rooftop.
[0008] Problems with exposed elevated areas of construction still
exist. In fact, these problems are of such a serious nature that
the Occupational Hazards Safety Act (OSHA) agency has promulgated
regulations to require temporary railings on open elevated building
structures that are capable of withstanding at least two hundred
pounds of pressure without failing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an
object of the present invention to provide a temporary guardrail
system for use on construction sites that can be efficiently
installed.
[0010] This and other objects, features, and advantages in
accordance with the present invention are provided by a guardrail
system comprising a plurality of posts and a rail member detachably
connected to and extending between the plurality of posts. Each of
the plurality of posts may comprise a first post member and a
second post member that slidably engages the first post member.
[0011] More particularly, the second post member may comprise a
first cable connector connected to a lower portion thereof. The
second post member may also comprise a second cable connector
connected to an upper portion thereof. The second cable connector
may include a pair of inverted and opposing J-shaped second cable
connector members.
[0012] The first cable connector may comprise a pair of
spaced-apart opposing first cable connector members connected to
the lower portion of the second post member. Further, the rail
member may be detachably connected to the second post member and
extend between the pair of first cable connector members. Each of
the pair of first cable connector members may have a passageway
formed therethrough. The guardrail system may also include a
locking pin member that matingly engages the passageways to retain
the rail member between the pair of first cable connector
members.
[0013] The rail member of the guardrail system may advantageously
comprise a first rail member and a second rail member. The first
rail member may be detachably connected to the second post member
adjacent the first cable connector. The second rail member may be
detachably connected to the second post member adjacent the second
cable connector.
[0014] The second post member may have a passageway formed
therethrough. The guardrail system may also comprise a height
fastener to matingly engage the passageway, and contact the first
post member to fix a height of the second post member with respect
to the first post member. This advantageously allows for the rails
of the guardrail system to have an adjustable height. The rail
member may be a steel cable. The first post member and the second
post member may be polygonally shaped tubes.
[0015] In one embodiment, the guardrail system may comprise a
plurality of bases. Each base may be connected to a bottom portion
of the respective first post member. Further, each base may have a
plurality of passageways formed therethrough for receiving a
respective plurality of fasteners to fasten the base to a
surface.
[0016] In another embodiment, the bases of the guardrail system may
be sleeves for receiving a bottom portion of the first post member.
Similarly, each base may have a plurality of passageways formed
therethrough for receiving a respective plurality of fasteners to
fasten the base to a surface.
[0017] The guardrail system according to the present invention
advantageously allows for simplified installation. More
specifically, the rail member may be readily connected to the
second cable connector by engaging the rail member between the pair
of inverted and opposing J-shaped second cable connector members
when the second post member is in a horizontal position. The second
post member may then be rotated to a vertical position to retain
the cable member between the pair of J-shaped members.
[0018] A method aspect of the present invention is for installing a
guardrail system. The method may include fastening a base of the
first post member to a surface. The method may also include
slidably engaging the second post member with the first post
member, and detachably connecting a rail member to each of the
plurality of posts so that the rail member extends between each of
the plurality of posts.
[0019] Another embodiment of the method for installing the
guardrail system comprises fastening the plurality of bases to a
surface, and slidably engaging the first post member of each of the
posts with a respective base. The method may also include slidably
engaging the second post member with the first post member, and
detachably connecting a rail member to each of the plurality of
post members so that the rail member extends between each of the
plurality of posts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is partial environmental view of a guardrail system
according to the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a post of the
guardrail system illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a partial front elevational view of a second post
member slidably engaging a first post member of the guardrail
system according to the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the contact between the
first post member and the second post member taken through line 4-4
in FIG. 3.
[0024] FIGS. 5-6 are partial perspective views of the engagement
between a rail member and a second cable connector on the second
post member of the guardrail system according to the present
invention.
[0025] FIGS. 7-8 are partial perspective views of engagement
between a rail member and a first cable connector on a second post
member of the guardrail system according to the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a partial exploded perspective view of a post of a
guardrail system according to the present invention being inserted
into a base.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a post of a
guardrail system according to the present invention having its base
secure to a surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] The present invention will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout, and prime notation is used to indicate similar
elements in alternate embodiments.
[0029] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-4, a guardrail system 20
according to the present invention is now described in detail. The
guardrail system 20 illustratively includes a plurality of posts
22. The plurality of posts 22 are preferably spaced apart, and
positioned adjacent an exposed elevated edge 17 of a flat surface
19, such as a rooftop or balcony under construction, for
example.
[0030] Each of the plurality of posts 22 comprises a first post
member 24 and a second post member 26 that slidably engages the
first post member. The first and second post members 22, 24 are
preferably elongate post members.
[0031] The second post member 26 includes a first cable connector
30 connected to a lower portion thereof. The second post member 26
also includes a second cable connector 32 connected to an upper
portion thereof. The second cable connector 32 illustratively
includes a pair of inverted and opposing J-shaped second cable
connector members 33.
[0032] The guardrail system 20 also illustratively includes rail
members 34 that are detachably connected to, and that extend
between the plurality of posts 22. The rail members 34 may, for
example, be steel cable. Those skilled in the art, however, will
appreciate that the rail members 34 may be made of any material
having similar properties.
[0033] The first cable connector 30 of the guardrail system 20 may
include a pair of spaced apart and opposing first cable connector
members 31. The first cable connector members 31 are connected to
the lower portion of the second post member 26. The rail member 34
may illustratively be detachably connected to the second post
member 26 by extending between the first cable connector members
31.
[0034] The first cable connector members 31 may extend outwardly
from the second post member 26 so that the first cable connector 30
is U-shaped. The first cable connector members 31 are preferably
polygonaly shaped, but those having skill in the art will
appreciate that the first cable connectors may have any other
shape. Further, the first cable connector 30 is preferably welded
to the second post member 26. Those skilled in the art, however,
will appreciate that the first cable connector members 31 may be
connected to the second post member 26 in any other manner.
[0035] Each of the first cable connector members 31 illustratively
has a passageway 36 formed therethrough. More particularly, the
passageway 36 is preferably formed through a medial portion of each
first cable connector member 31. The passageway 36 is preferably
sized to receive a locking pin member 38. More particularly, the
locking pin member 38 may extend through the passageways 36 in the
first cable connector members 31 to retain the rail member 34
between the pair of first cable connector members when the rail
member is extended between the posts 22. The locking pin member 38
may include a passageway formed in a bottom portion thereof to
receive a tether, i.e., a lock wire 39. Accordingly, when the
locking pin member 38 is positioned between the passageways 36 of
the first cable connector members 31 of the first cable connector
30, the locking pin member may be locked, i.e., secured, to retain
the rail member 34 between the first cable connector members.
[0036] Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 3 and 4, additional
aspects of the guardrail system 20 according to the present
invention are now described in greater detail. More particularly,
the second post member 26 has at least one passageway 27 formed
therethrough. Further, the guardrail system 20 also includes a
height fastener 28 that matingly engages the passageway 27 to
contact the first post member 24. Accordingly, the height fastener
28 may be used to fix the height of the second post member 26 with
respect to the first post member 24.
[0037] The passageway 27 may be formed in a side of the second post
member 26 adjacent the first cable connector 30. Of course, those
skilled in the art will appreciate that the passageway 27 may also
be positioned anywhere along the second post member 26. The
passageway 27 may be a threaded passageway, and the height fastener
28 may be a thumb screw, for example. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the guardrail system 20 of the present invention
contemplates the use of any other type of fastener to fix the
height of the second post member 26 with respect to the first post
member 24.
[0038] The posts 22 of the guardrail system 20 are preferably
polygonaly shaped tubes. More specifically, the first post member
24 and the second post member 26 are polygonaly shaped tubes. Those
skilled in the art, however, will appreciate that the first and
second post members 24, 26 can have any shape. Further, the posts
22 are preferably made of steel material, but may also be made of
any material having similar strength properties. Similarly, the
first and second cable connectors 30, 32, are also preferably made
of steel material, but may also be made of materials having similar
strength properties.
[0039] The first post member 24 may have an interior predetermined
perimeter, and the second post member 26 may have an interior
predetermined perimeter. The interior predetermined perimeter of
the second post member 26 is preferably larger than the interior
predetermined perimeter of the first post member 24 so that the
second post member may slidably engage the first post member.
[0040] Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 5-8, installation
of the guardrail system 20 is now described in greater detail. When
installing the guardrail system 20 of the present invention, the
rail members 34 are preferably fixed to a plurality of end posts
(not shown). More specifically, the rail members 34 may span a
predetermined distance. The posts 22 of the guardrail system 20 of
the present invention are used to advantageously support the rail
members 34, and readily adjust the height of the rail members. The
first and second cable connectors 30, 32 on the second post member
26 advantageously allow for rapid installation of the posts 22.
[0041] As briefly described above, the second cable connector
members 33 are preferably J-shaped cable connector members. A first
one of the second cable connector members 33 is preferably
connected to the second post member 26 so that the end of the
J-shape curves upwardly. The second one of the second cable
connector members 33 is connected to the second post member 26 so
that the end of the J-shape curves downwardly. In other words, the
second cable connector members 33 are inverted with respect to one
another. Further, the second cable connector members 33 are spaced
apart. The pair of second cable connector members 33 are preferably
welded to the second post member 26, but those having skill in the
art will appreciate that the second cable connector members may be
connected to the second post member in any other way.
[0042] When installing the posts 22, an installer may position the
posts in a horizontal position so that the rail member 34 is
positioned between the spaced apart pair of second cable connector
members 33, as perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 5. The posts 22 may
then be turned from a horizontal position to a vertical position,
as illustrated in FIG. 6, so that the rail member 34 engages the
second cable connector members 33, and is retained in place between
the second cable connector members.
[0043] After the rail member 34 is retained between the second
cable connector members 33, another rail member may be positioned
to engage the first cable connectors 31, as perhaps best
illustrated in FIG. 7. Thereafter, the locking pin member 38 may be
passed through the passageways 36 formed in the first cable
connector members 31. Accordingly, the locking pin member 38 is
used to retain the rail member 34 between the pair of first cable
connector members 31. A lock wire 39 may then be used to secure the
locking pin member 38 in place to assist in preventing slipping of
the locking pin member.
[0044] Referring now additionally to FIG. 9, another aspect of the
guardrail system 20 according to the present invention is now
described in greater detail. The guardrail system 20 may comprise a
plurality of bases 40. Each base may include a plurality of
passageways 42 formed therethrough for receiving a respective
plurality of fasteners 44 to fasten the base to a surface. The
fasteners 44 may be any type of fasteners suitable for connecting
the base 40 to a surface. For example, the fasteners 44 may be
concrete anchors, or any other type of fasteners as understood by
those skilled in the art. Further, the bases 40 may include a
sleeve 46 to receive a bottom portion of the first post member 24.
In other embodiments, the sleeve 46 may simply be fixed within the
surface, i.e., poured in concrete.
[0045] Referring now additionally to FIG. 10, another embodiment of
the guardrail system 20' is now described in greater detail. In
this embodiment of the guardrail system 20' the base 40' may be
connected to a bottom portion of the first post member 24'. Again,
the base 40' may have a plurality of passageways 42' formed
therethrough for receiving a respective plurality of fasteners 44'
to fasten the base to a surface. The other elements of this
embodiment of the guardrail system 20' are similar to those of the
first embodiment of the guardrail system 20, are labelled with
prime notation, and require no further discussion herein.
[0046] A method aspect of the present invention is for installing a
guardrail system 20. The method may include fastening the base 40
to a surface. The method may also include slidably engaging the
second post member 26 with the first post member 24, and detachably
connecting the rail members 34 to the plurality of posts 22 so that
the rail members extend between each of the plurality of posts.
More specifically, the method includes detachably connecting a rail
member 34 to the posts 22 adjacent the first cable connector 30 and
detachably connecting another rail member to the post adjacent the
second cable connector 32.
[0047] More information on temporary guardrails can be found in
U.S. Published Patent Application Number 2004/0103589 titled
Guardrail System For A Roof Of A Building And Associated Methods,
and U.S. Published Patent Application Number 2002/0104987 titled
Temporary Guard Rail System, both by the same inventor of the
present invention, the contents of each of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
[0048] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit
of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the
associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention
is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and
that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *