U.S. patent application number 14/204737 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for mse wall guardrail system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Heritage Research Group. The applicant listed for this patent is Heritage Research Group. Invention is credited to David M. Kozyra.
Application Number | 20140263904 14/204737 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51523334 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140263904 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kozyra; David M. |
September 18, 2014 |
MSE WALL GUARDRAIL SYSTEM
Abstract
Guardrail support brackets for use in securing safety guardrails
during the construction of MSE wall systems. The guardrail support
brackets include a clamping portions that secure the support
brackets to the top of adjacent wall panels, vertical support posts
that are coupled to the clamping portions in such a manner to allow
the vertical support posts to extend above or below the clamping
portions, and guardrail supports that secure elongate guardrail
elements to the vertical support posts.
Inventors: |
Kozyra; David M.;
(Rensselaer, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Heritage Research Group |
Indianapolis |
IN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Heritage Research Group
Indianapolis
IN
|
Family ID: |
51523334 |
Appl. No.: |
14/204737 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61781209 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/231.71 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 21/3219 20130101;
E02D 29/02 20130101; E04G 21/3242 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/231.71 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/00 20060101
E04H017/00 |
Claims
1. A guardrail support bracket for use when constructing MSE wall
systems which comprises: a clamping portion which in configured to
straddle the opposite sides of a MSE wall panel and fasten thereon;
a vertical support post that coupled to the clamping portion so as
to be selectively fixed to the clamping based with a major length
of the vertical support post extending above the clamping base
portion or below the clamping base portion as desired; and at least
one guardrail support coupled to the vertical support post.
2. A guardrail support bracket according to claim 1, wherein the
clamping portion comprises a crosspiece and two legs which extend
in parallel to each other from opposite ends of the crosspiece.
3. A guardrail support bracket according to claim 2, wherein one of
legs of the clamping portion is a hollow leg and the vertical
support post extends through the hollow leg.
4. A guardrail support bracket according to claim 2, wherein the
vertical support post and hollow leg of the clamping portion each
comprise spaced apart through holes that can be aligned so as to
receive a pin to adjust the position of the vertical support post
relative to the clamping portion.
5. A guardrail support bracket according to claim 2, wherein one of
the two legs of the clamping portion includes a retractable
structure that can be activated to engage a MSE wall panel so as to
fasten the clamping portion onto the wall panel.
6. A guardrail support bracket according to claim 5, wherein the
retractable structure is a plate.
7. A guardrail support bracket according to claim 6, wherein the
plate is coupled to one of a threaded member, spring clamp or
cam.
8. A guardrail support bracket according to claim 6, wherein the
plate has a circular shape.
9. A guardrail support bracket according to claim 1, wherein the at
least one guardrail support is configured to receive and support an
elongated guardrail member.
10. A guardrail support bracket according to claim 9, wherein the
at least one guardrail support is adjustably coupled to the
vertical support post.
11. A guardrail support bracket according to claim 10, wherein the
at least one guardrail support extends outward from the vertical
support post.
12. A guardrail support bracket according to claim 11, wherein the
distance the guardrail support extends outward from the vertical
support post is adjustable.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based on U.S. Provisional Application
Ser. No. 61/781,209, filed Mar. 14, 2013 to which priority is
claimed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates generally to guardrail systems
for construction sites and more particularly to guardrail systems
for use in the construction of mechanical stabilized earth (MSE)
walls.
[0003] Mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) is soil constructed with
artificial reinforcing that is used in retaining walls, bridge
abutments, dams, seawalls, and dikes. Reinforcing elements used in
MSE constructs can vary but commonly include metallic reinforcement
elements such as steel strips or grids and geosynthetics such as
polymeric strips.
[0004] MSE wall systems are used to construct embankments that are
retained in part by precast wall panels. MSE wall systems consist
of the original site ground, a concrete leveling pad, wall facing
panels, coping, soil reinforcement, select backfill, and any loads
or surcharges.
[0005] MSE walls are used to stabilize unstable slopes and retain
the soil on steep slopes and under crest loads. The wall face is
often of precast, segmental blocks, panels or geocells that can
tolerate some differential movement. The walls are infilled with
granular soil, with or without reinforcement, while retaining the
backfill soil. Reinforced walls utilize horizontal layers typically
of geogrids. The reinforced soil mass, along with the facing, forms
the wall. In some types of MSE wall systems, each vertical fascia
row is inset, thereby providing individual cells that can be
infilled with topsoil and planted with vegetation to create a green
wall.
[0006] The main advantages of MSE wall systems compared to
conventional reinforced concrete walls is their ease of
installation and quick construction. They do not require formwork
or curing and each layer is structurally sound as it is laid,
reducing the need for support, scaffolding or cranes. MSE wall
systems also do not require additional work on the facing.
[0007] Reinforcement placed in horizontal layers throughout the
height of MSE wall systems provides the tensile strength to hold
the soil together. The reinforcement materials of MSE wall systems
can vary. Originally, long steel strips 50 to 120 mm (2 to 5 in)
wide were used as reinforcement. These strips are sometimes ribbed,
although not always, to provide added friction. Sometimes steel
grids or meshes are also used as reinforcement. Several types of
geosynthetics can be used including geogrids and geotextiles. The
reinforcing geosynthetics can be made of high density polyethylene,
polyester, and polypropylene. These materials may be ribbed and are
available in various sizes and strengths.
[0008] The manner in which MSE wall systems are constructed can be
found in "Mechanical Stabilized Earth Wall Inspector's Handbook,"
Paul D. Passe, State of Florida, Department of Transportation (Sep.
14, 2000), the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0009] During the construction of MSE wall systems, workers
installing progressive rows of wall panels are required to work at
greater heights relative to the original ground level. As the
working height increases the risk for workers falling increase as
they set wall panels into position.
[0010] OSHA Standards for the Construction Industry regulate fall
protection in construction workplaces under 29 CFR
.sctn.1926.500-503 including the provision and use of fall
protection systems, including guardrail systems.
[0011] Current practice when constructing MSE wall systems is to
cobble together guardrails from wood and secure them to adjacent
structures using wooden clamp elements. Such guardrail systems are
time consuming to both fabricate and remove and may often fail to
meet the load requirements of 29 CFR .sctn.1026.502. Further such
guardrail systems are not adjustable or adaptable for reuse in
positions that have different wall and/or work surface
elevations.
[0012] The present invention provides MSE wall guardrail systems
that meet current safety requirements and can be installed and
removed easily and quickly and are readily adaptable for different
working and wall elevations.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0013] According to various features, characteristics and
embodiments of the present invention which will become apparent as
the description thereof proceeds, the present invention provides a
guardrail support bracket for use when constructing MSE wall
systems which comprises:
[0014] a clamping portion which in configured to straddle the
opposite sides of a MSE wall panel and fasten thereon;
[0015] a vertical support post that coupled to the clamping portion
so as to be selectively fixed to the clamping based with a major
length of the vertical support post extending above the clamping
base portion or below the clamping base portion as desired; and
[0016] at least one guardrail support coupled to the vertical
support post.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The present invention will be described with reference to
the attached drawings which are given as non-limiting examples
only, in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a guardrail support bracket
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the guardrail support bracket
of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a photograph that depicts how guardrail support
brackets of the present invention are used when installing a MSE
wall panel between two adjacent wall panels.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a photograph that depicts how guardrail support
brackets of the present invention are used when installing a MSE
wall panel between an adjacent full height wall panel and a top
course of a shorter inclined wall panel.
[0022] FIG. 5 is an end view photograph of FIG. 4
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED
EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The present invention relates generally to guardrail systems
for construction sites and more particularly to guardrail systems
for use in the construction of mechanical stabilized earth (MSE)
walls. The guardrail systems of the present invention comprise
guardrail support brackets and elongated guardrail elements that
are received in and held by the guardrail support brackets. The
guardrail support brackets have clamping portions that are
configured and designed to straddle the opposite sides of a wall
panel and be clamped thereto. Vertical support posts are coupled to
the clamping portions in such a manner that the vertical support
posts can be adjustably vertically positioned with respect to the
clamping portions. The vertical support posts support at least one
and preferably two or more guardrail supports into which elongated
guardrail elements can be received and supported.
[0024] The clamping portions of the guardrail support brackets
comprise a pair of legs that extend downward from an upper
crosspiece. The pair of legs are substantially parallel to one
another and spaced apart by a distance that is larger than the
thickness of a wall panel to which the guardrail support bracket is
to be attached to. In further embodiments of the present invention
the length of the crosspiece can be adjustable to accommodate wall
panels having different thicknesses. The pair of legs includes a
front leg and a rear leg. Here reference to "front" and "rear" is
made with respect to a work area where workers stand and are
located during construction of an MSE wall system. "Rear" refers to
the area behind a MSE wall where the workers stand and are located
during construction of an MSE wall system and "front" refers to the
area on the opposite side of the MSE wall.
[0025] The rear legs of the clamping portions of the guardrail
support brackets are hollow and configured to receive the vertical
support posts therein. The front legs and the upper cross pieces of
the clamping portions can be hollow or solid as desired. The rear
legs of the clamping portions of the guardrail support brackets are
provided with mechanical mechanisms that allow the clamping
portions to be tightened against a wall panel. One embodiment of a
mechanical mechanism that can be used (and illustrated in the
attached drawings) is a threaded clamping plate assembly that
includes a thread member that extends through an internally
threaded bore or block that is fixed to a side of the rear legs of
the clamping portions. The free or rear end of the threaded
clamping plate assembly can be rotated so that the plate end
engages and tightens against the rear side of a wall panel. The
rear of the threaded clamping plate assembly could be provided with
a hand grip or lever by which a worker can tighten and untighten
the threaded member, or a configuration such as hexagon shape to
which a tool such as a wrench can be engaged to tighten and
untighten the threaded member. The clamping plate can have a
padded, e.g. surface to allow for gripping engagement. The clamping
plate can be coupled to the threaded member so as to rotate freely
with respect to the thread member if desired. In other embodiments
of the present invention the mechanical mechanism that allows the
clamping portions to be tightened against a wall panel can be a
spring loaded mechanism that presses against the rear face of the
wall panel, a cam lever that can be rotated to press against the
rear face of the wall panel or any suitable mechanical mechanism
that allows to quick and easy attachment of the clamping portion of
the guardrail brackets to wall panels. In further embodiments wedge
bolts or wedge blocks can be used to secure the clamping portions
to wall panels. The clamping plate can comprise a circular shaped
structure or an engaging structure of any desired shape.
[0026] The rear leg of the clamping portions of the guardrail
brackets are hollow and have open upper and lower ends and are
configured to receive the vertical support posts there in in such a
manner that the vertical support posts can slide freely through the
rear legs of the clamping portions. The vertical support posts have
guardrail supports coupled thereto and can be positioned in the
rear legs of the clamping portions so that the guardrail supports
can be positioned above or below the clamping portions. In one
embodiment the rear legs of the clamping portions and the vertical
support posts can be provided with equally spaced through holes
though which pins, bolts, clips, etc. can be inserted to secure the
position of the vertical supports in the rear legs of the clamping
portions.
[0027] The guardrail supports can have U-shaped structures that are
configured and sized to receive and support elongated guardrail
members such as wooden 2.times.4's therein. The guardrail supports
can be movably positioned along the vertical support posts at any
height as desired. For example the U-shaped structures of the
guardrail supports can coupled to tubular bases that slide over the
vertical support posts and can be secured in desired positions by
through holes and locking pins, bolts, clips, etc. One, two or more
guardrail supports can be provided on each vertical support post to
provide adequate safety. In further embodiments that U-shaped
structures can be provided with clamps, pins, etc. to secure the
elongated guardrail elements therein. Otherwise the U-shaped
structures could be hollow, square or rectangular structures could
be used into which corresponding elongated guardrail elements could
be inserted and secured. In further embodiments the U-shaped or
hollow, square or rectangular structures are provided on horizontal
support arms that can be adjusted lengthwise to provide clearance
for MSE wall brackets that typically range from 3.5 to 5.25
inches.
[0028] The elements of the guardrail support brackets of the
present invention can be made of any suitable metal. The elongated
guardrail elements can be made of wood or metal. The tubular
elements depicted in the attached figures that are shown to have
square cross-sectional shapes can have circular cross-sectional
shape or otherwise can have L- or .PI.-cross-sectional shapes or be
or any suitable configuration
[0029] When used to install a MSE wall panel between two adjacent
wall panels a pair of the guardrail support brackets of the present
invention are used with one being attached near the end of each
adjacent wall panel (See FIG. 3). The vertical support posts are
positioned in the rear legs of the clamping portions so that the
guardrail supports are vertically positioned to support elongate
guardrail elements across the gap between the adjacent wall panels
where the uninstalled wall panel is to be installed. The number and
vertical heights of the elongated guardrails are to be sufficient
to meet and provide adequate fall safety for workers.
[0030] When used to install a MSE wall panel between an adjacent
full height wall panel and an top course of a shorter inclined wall
panel a pair of the guardrail support brackets of the present
invention are used with one being attached near the end of each
adjacent wall panel. On the adjacent full height wall panel the
vertical support post is positioned lower in the rear leg of the
clamping portions and on the adjacent shorter inclined wall panel
the vertical support post is positioned higher in the rear leg of
the clamping portion (See FIGS. 4 and 5). In this way the guardrail
supports can be position relatively horizontally across the gap
even though the heights of the adjacent wall panels to which the
guardrail brackets are attached are not the same heights. The
number and vertical heights of the elongated guardrails are to be
sufficient to meet and provide adequate fall safety for
workers.
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a guardrail support bracket
according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1 the
clamping portion 1 is depicted as being attached to an end of a
wall panel 2 (drawn in broken lines). The clamping portion 1
includes a crosspiece 3 and front and rear legs 4 and 5, extending
downward from opposite ends of the crosspiece 3 in parallel to one
another.
[0032] A threaded clamping plate assembly 6 is coupled to the rear
leg 5 of the clamping portion 1 and includes a threaded member 7
and a plate structure 8 coupled to the distal end of the threaded
member 7. The threaded member passes through an internal threaded
bore in block 9 which is attached to rear leg 5 of the clamping
portion. Alternative mechanical mechanisms to the threaded clamping
plate assembly 6 that can be used are discussed above.
[0033] As depicted in FIG. 1 the vertical support post 10 is
received in rear leg 5 of the clamping portion 1 which rear leg 5
is hollow and has opened top and bottom ends. The vertical support
post 10 can slide freely through rear leg 5 so as to position a
major portion of length of the vertical support post 10 above or
below the clamping portion 1.
[0034] The vertical support post 10 and rear leg 5 of clamping
portion 1 each are provided with a plurality of spaced apart
through holes 11, 11'. These spaced apart through holes 11, 11' can
be aligned between the rear leg 5 and vertical support post 10 so
that one or more pins 12 can be inserted through the aligned
through holes 11, 11' to adjust and secure the position of the
vertical support post relative to the clamping portion.
[0035] In FIG. 1 two guardrail supports 13 are coupled to the
vertical support post 10. The guardrail supports include U-shaped
structures 14 that are configured to receive and support elongated
guardrail elements 15 therein (drawn in broken lines). The U-shaped
structures 14 in FIG. 1 are provided on horizontal support arms 16
that extend out from tubular base members 17 that can be slide
along the vertical support post 10 and locked in position by
aligning through holes 18 and 11 and inserting pins 19 through the
aligned through holes 18 and 11.
[0036] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the guardrail support bracket
of FIG. 1 which depicts the separate elements that make up a
guardrail support bracket according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0037] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, from the
foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain
the essential characteristics of the present invention and various
changes and modifications can be made to adapt the various uses and
characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention as described above and set forth in the attached
claims.
* * * * *