U.S. patent application number 16/028793 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-01 for methods of supporting upright items from a support surface.
The applicant listed for this patent is NEWPARK MATS & INTEGRATED SERVICES LLC. Invention is credited to Grant Steven Cavalier, Billy James McDonald, James Kerwin McDowell, Donald Scott Rogers.
Application Number | 20180313107 16/028793 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57144509 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180313107 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McDowell; James Kerwin ; et
al. |
November 1, 2018 |
METHODS OF SUPPORTING UPRIGHT ITEMS FROM A SUPPORT SURFACE
Abstract
A method of supporting an upright member from a support surface
includes inserting an elongated carrier of an upright member
support system into a hole in the support surface. A base of the
support system is positioned at least partially around the carrier
so the base contacts at least one upper surface of the support
surface. A lock of the support system is releasably engaged with
the carrier above the base and tightened down sufficient to
maintain the base in contact with the support surface. The upright
member is inserted into a bore of the carrier.
Inventors: |
McDowell; James Kerwin;
(Lafayette, LA) ; Rogers; Donald Scott;
(Lafayette, LA) ; Cavalier; Grant Steven;
(Lafayette, LA) ; McDonald; Billy James;
(Lafayette, LA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NEWPARK MATS & INTEGRATED SERVICES LLC |
The Woodlands |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57144509 |
Appl. No.: |
16/028793 |
Filed: |
July 6, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15132410 |
Apr 19, 2016 |
10024075 |
|
|
16028793 |
|
|
|
|
62151817 |
Apr 23, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01F 9/677 20160201;
E04H 12/2269 20130101; H02B 13/025 20130101; E01C 5/14 20130101;
E01C 9/083 20130101; E01F 13/024 20130101; E01C 5/00 20130101; E01C
9/08 20130101; H05F 3/025 20130101; E04F 11/1812 20130101; F16B
9/023 20130101; E01C 5/18 20130101; E04B 5/023 20130101; E04B 5/026
20130101; F16B 21/02 20130101; F16B 7/182 20130101; E01C 9/086
20130101; E01C 5/16 20130101; E04F 15/105 20130101; E04F 2203/065
20130101; E01C 5/20 20130101; F16B 9/054 20180801; F16B 9/056
20180801; F16B 5/0275 20130101; E01C 2201/12 20130101; E04F 11/1865
20130101; E04F 2201/0505 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04H 12/22 20060101
E04H012/22; E04F 15/10 20060101 E04F015/10; F16B 9/02 20060101
F16B009/02; E04F 11/18 20060101 E04F011/18 |
Claims
1. A method of supporting at least one upright member from a
support surface with the use of an upright member support system
that includes at least one elongated carrier, at least one base and
at least one lock, the method comprising: inserting the lower end
of the elongated carrier into a hole in the support surface;
positioning the base at least partially around the carrier so that
the base at least partially surrounds at least part of the lower
end of the carrier and contacts at least one upper surface of the
support surface; releasably engaging the lock with the carrier
above the base; tightening the lock down on the carrier relative to
the base sufficient to maintain the base in contact with the
support surface; and inserting the upright member into a
longitudinally-oriented bore of the carrier.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the base includes a
longitudinally-oriented bore extending therethrough and at least
part of the carrier is externally threaded, further including
sliding the bore of the base over the upper end of the carrier and
sliding the base down the carrier, and threadably engaging the lock
with the carrier above the base to sandwich the base against the
support surface.
3. The method of claim 2 further including the lock forcing at
least one gripper extending downwardly from the base to engage the
support surface and limit rotation of the base relative to the mat
during normal or expected operations.
4. The method of claim 3 further including the at least one gripper
of the base seating within a recess formed in the support surface
around the hole, and the at least one gripper abutting a wall of
the recess of the support surface upon the placement of twisting or
rotational forces on the base during normal or expected
operations.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the upright member support system
includes an anchor, further including releasably securing the
anchor to the carrier above the lock, and the anchor gripping the
upright member.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the anchor includes at least one
compression member and at least one compression nut, further
including placing the compression member inside the compression
nut, threadably engaging the compression nut with the carrier above
the lock, and tightening the compression nut onto the carrier until
the compression member grips the upright member.
7. The method of claim 1 further including inserting the upright
member into the longitudinally-oriented bore of the carrier until
the lower end of the upright member abuts and rests upon at least
one internal surface of the carrier.
8. The method of claim 1 further including when the upright member
bends under normal or expected use conditions, the upright member
imparting forces on at least one interior wall of the carrier, the
carrier transferring at least some of the forces imparted onto it
from the upright member to the base, and the base transferring at
least some of the forces placed upon it by the carrier to the
support surface.
Description
[0001] The present application is a continuation (divisional)
application of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 15/132,410 filed on Apr. 19, 2016 and entitled "Apparatus,
System and Methods for Supporting One or More Upright Items From a
Support Surface", which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/151,817, filed on Apr. 23, 2015 and
entitled "Apparatus, System and Methods for Supporting One or More
Upright Items From a Support Surface", each of which is hereby
incorporated by reference incorporated herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to supporting one
or more upright items from a support surface.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Temporary or semi-permanent support surfaces and other
components have been used for roadways, remote jobsites, industrial
staging areas and the like in an ever-increasing myriad of
industries, such as the construction, military, oilfield,
transportation, disaster response, utilities and entertainment
industries. It is sometimes necessary or desirable to provide one
or more upright items in connection with the support surface. A few
examples of upright items that, depending upon the particular
scenario and application, may be used in connection with support
surfaces are signs, fences, safety barriers, markers, road
reflectors, warning sirens, beacons or other lights or other
accessories, or a combination thereof. As used herein, the terms
"upright member" and variations thereof mean any item or
combination of items desired to be visible or audible from a
particular location on a support surface.
[0004] In some applications and use scenarios, the upright item
should be able to withstand some amount of forces applied to them.
For example, in some instances, the forces may be wind forces. For
another example, the forces may be leaning loads, such as the
forces of personnel leaning on a safety barrier. If desired, the
upright item may be designed to satisfy regulatory or other
load-bearing standards or requirements, such as OSHA's proscribed
load target(s) for supporting leaning loads. Thus, there is a need
for improved apparatus, systems and methods for supporting upright
items from a support surface.
[0005] It should be understood that the above-described features
and capabilities are provided for illustrative purposes only and
are not intended to limit the scope or subject matter of the
appended claims or those of any related patent application or
patent. Thus, none of the appended claims or claims of any related
application or patent should be limited by the above discussion or
construed to address, include or exclude each or any of the
above-cited features or capabilities merely because of the mention
thereof herein.
[0006] Accordingly, there exists a need for improved systems,
articles and methods for supporting one or more upright items from
a support surface having one or more of the attributes or
capabilities described or shown in, or as may be apparent from, the
other portions of this disclosure.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] In some embodiments, the present disclosure involves a
system for supporting at least one upright member from a reusable
support surface. The system of these embodiments includes at least
one mat having upper and lower surfaces and plurality of holes
extending therethrough. Each mat is configured to support the
weight of people, vehicles and equipment thereupon. At least one
elongated carrier includes upper and lower ends. The lower end of
the carrier is at least partially insertable into at least one hole
of at least one of the mats and releasably engageable with the
mat(s). The carrier also includes a longitudinally-oriented bore
extending at least partially therethrough, accessible through the
upper end thereof and configured to receive at least part of the
upright member(s). At least one base is arranged and adapted to
extend around at least part of the lower end of the carrier and
abut the upper surface of the mat(s). At least one lock is
engageable with the carrier above the base and configured to assist
in securing the base in abutting contact with the mat(s). At least
one anchor is associated with the carrier and adapted to grip the
upright member when the upright member is inserted into the bore of
the carrier.
[0008] In various embodiments, the present disclosure involves a
method of supporting at least one upright member from a reusable
support surface with the use of an upright member support system
that includes at least one elongated carrier, base, lock and
anchor. The support surface includes at least one mat. The method
includes inserting at least part of the lower end of the elongated
carrier into a hole in at least one of the mats and releasably
securing the carrier to the mat(s). The base is slid over and down
the carrier so it covers at least part of the lower end of the
carrier and abuts the mat(s). The lock is threadably engaged onto a
threaded upper end of the carrier above the base. The lock is
tightened down relative to the carrier and base sufficient to
secure the base into abutting contact with the mat. The upright
member is inserted into a longitudinally-oriented bore of the
carrier. The anchor is releasably secured to the carrier above the
lock and grips the upright member.
[0009] The present disclosure includes embodiments that involve a
system for supporting at least one upright member from a support
surface. The system of these embodiments includes at least one
elongated carrier having upper and lower ends. A foot disposed at
the lower end of the carrier is insertable into at least one hole
of the support surface and releasably engageable therewith. The
carrier also includes a longitudinally-oriented bore extending at
least partially therethrough, accessible through the upper end
thereof and configured to receive at least part of the upright
member(s). At least one base is arranged and adapted to extend
around at least part of the lower end of the carrier and abut the
top side of the support surface. At least one anchor is associated
with the carrier and adapted to grip the upright member when the
upright member is inserted into the bore of the carrier.
[0010] In many embodiments, the present disclosure involves methods
of supporting at least one upright member from a support surface
with the use of the upright member support system of Paragraph 0009
above. The support surface has a top side, bottom side and at least
one hole extending therethrough. These methods include positioning
a rotatable foot disposed at the lower end of an elongated carrier
in at least a first position. The lower end of the carrier is
inserted into the hole(s) of the support surface from above the top
side thereof so that the foot is positioned below the bottom side
of the support surface. The foot of the carrier is rotated into at
least a second position so that at least one toe extending
outwardly from the foot abuts the bottom side of the support
surface. The base is positioned at least partially around the
carrier so it at least partially covers at least part of the lower
end of the carrier. The upright member is inserted into a
longitudinally-oriented bore of the carrier. The anchor is
releasably secured to the carrier and releasably grips the upright
member.
[0011] The present disclosure includes embodiments of systems for
supporting at least one upright member from a support surface
having a top side, bottom side and at least one hole extending
therethrough. These systems include an elongated carrier having
upper and lower ends. The lower end of the carrier including a
rotatable foot insertable through and removable from the hole(s) of
the support surface from above the top side thereof when the foot
is rotated in at least a first position. The foot includes at least
one toe extending outwardly therefrom and releasably engageable
with the bottom side of the support surface when the foot is
rotated into at least a second position (after being inserted
through the hole(s) of the support surface). The carrier also
includes a longitudinally-oriented bore extending at least
partially therethrough, accessible at the upper end thereof and
configured to receive at least part of the upright member(s). The
base is arranged and adapted to extend around at least part of the
lower end of the carrier and configured to abut the top side of the
support surface. At least one releasable lock is engageable with
the carrier above the base and configured to assist in securing the
base in abutting contact with the top side of the support
surface.
[0012] The present disclosure also includes embodiments of a method
of supporting at least one upright member from a support surface
with the use of an upright member support system. The support
system includes at least one elongated carrier, at least one base
and at least one lock. The method includes inserting the lower end
of the elongated carrier into a hole in the support surface. The
base is positioned at least partially around the carrier so that
the base at least partially surrounds at least part of the lower
end of the carrier and contacts at least one upper surface of the
support surface. The lock is releasably engaged with the carrier
above the base. The lock is tightened down on the carrier relative
to the base sufficient to maintain the base in contact with the
support surface. The upright member is inserted into a
longitudinally-oriented bore of the carrier.
[0013] Accordingly, the present disclosure includes features and
advantages which are believed to enable it to advance the art of
supporting one or more upright items from a support surface.
Characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure described
above and additional features and benefits will be readily apparent
to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following
detailed description of various embodiments, the accompanying
drawings and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The following figures are part of the present specification,
included to demonstrate certain aspects of various embodiments of
this disclosure and referenced in the detailed description
herein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary mat useful in a
support surface in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a top view of a portion of an exemplary support
surface useful in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an exemplary hole in an
exemplary mat;
[0018] FIG. 3B is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary
locking pin shown engaged with two mats;
[0019] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a borehole equipped with an
embodiment of a borehole edge seal system;
[0020] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an exemplary support
surfacing having multiple mechanically interconnected mats, some of
which are equipped with an embodiment of an electrically-conductive
cover and electrically coupled together;
[0021] FIG. 4C is a side view of an exemplary mat;
[0022] FIG. 5A is a front view of an exemplary upright member
support system in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary upright
member support system shown in FIG. 5A taken along line 5B-5B;
[0024] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the exemplary upright
member support system shown in FIG. 5A;
[0025] FIG. 5D is an exploded cross-sectional view of part of the
exemplary upright member support system shown in FIG. 5B;
[0026] FIG. 5E is an exploded cross-sectional view of part of the
exemplary upright member support system shown in FIG. 5B;
[0027] FIG. 5F is a top view of the exemplary upright member
support system shown in FIG. 5B;
[0028] FIG. 5G is a bottom view of the exemplary upright member
support system shown in FIG. 5B;
[0029] FIG. 6A is an assembly view of an exemplary upright member
support system in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 6B is a side view of the exemplary upright member
support system depicted in FIG. 6A;
[0031] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the exemplary upright
member support system depicted in FIG. 6A;
[0032] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an exemplary carrier useful
in an exemplary upright member support system in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 7B is a side view of the exemplary carrier shown in
FIG. 7A;
[0034] FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary carrier
depicted in FIG. 7B taken along lines 7C-7C;
[0035] FIG. 7D is a top view of the exemplary carrier shown in FIG.
7A;
[0036] FIG. 7E is a bottom view of the exemplary carrier shown in
FIG. 7A;
[0037] FIG. 8A is a side view of an exemplary base useful in an
exemplary upright member support system in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0038] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the exemplary base depicted
in FIG. 8A;
[0039] FIG. 8C is another perspective view of the exemplary base
depicted in FIG. 8A showing the bottom of the exemplary base;
[0040] FIG. 8D is a top view of the exemplary base depicted in FIG.
8A;
[0041] FIG. 8E is a bottom view of the exemplary base depicted in
FIG. 8A;
[0042] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an exemplary lock useful in
an exemplary upright member support system in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0043] FIG. 9B is a side view of the exemplary lock depicted in
FIG. 9A;
[0044] FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary lock
depicted in FIG. 9B taken along lines 9C-9C;
[0045] FIG. 9D is a top view of the exemplary lock depicted in FIG.
9A;
[0046] FIG. 9E is a bottom view of the exemplary lock depicted in
FIG. 9A;
[0047] FIG. 10A is a side view of an exemplary compression member
useful as part of an embodiment of an anchor of an exemplary
upright member support system in accordance with an embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0048] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the exemplary compression
member shown in FIG. 10A;
[0049] FIG. 10C is a top view of the exemplary compression member
shown in FIG. 10A;
[0050] FIG. 11A is a side view of an exemplary compression nut
useful as part of an embodiment of an anchor of an exemplary
upright member support system in accordance with an embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0051] FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary
compression nut shown in FIG. 11A taken along lines 11B-11B;
[0052] FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the exemplary compression
nut shown in FIG. 11A;
[0053] FIG. 11D is a top view of the exemplary compression nut
shown in FIG. 11A;
[0054] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of multiple exemplary upright
member support systems shown supporting an exemplary safety barrier
system in connection with an exemplary support surface in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0055] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of multiple exemplary upright
member support systems shown supporting exemplary signage in
connection with an exemplary support surface in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0056] Characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure and
additional features and benefits will be readily apparent to those
skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed
description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and
referring to the accompanying figures. It should be understood that
the description herein and appended drawings, being of example
embodiments, are not intended to limit the claims of this patent
application or any patent or patent application claiming priority
hereto. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all
modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the
spirit and scope of the claims. Many changes may be made to the
particular embodiments and details disclosed herein without
departing from such spirit and scope.
[0057] In showing and describing preferred embodiments in the
appended figures, common or similar elements are referenced with
like or identical reference numerals or are apparent from the
figures and/or the description herein. The figures are not
necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the
figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the
interest of clarity and conciseness.
[0058] As used herein and throughout various portions (and
headings) of this patent application, the terms "invention",
"present invention" and variations thereof are not intended to mean
every possible embodiment encompassed by this disclosure or any
particular claim(s). Thus, the subject matter of each such
reference should not be considered as necessary for, or part of,
every embodiment hereof, or of any particular claim(s) merely
because of such reference. The terms "coupled", "connected",
"engaged" and the like, and variations thereof, as used herein and
in the appended claims are intended to mean either an indirect or
direct connection or engagement. Thus, if a first device couples to
a second device, that connection may be through a direct
connection, or through an indirect connection via one or more other
devices and/or connections.
[0059] Certain terms are used herein and in the appended claims to
refer to particular components. As one skilled in the art will
appreciate, different persons may refer to a component by different
names. The use of a particular or known term of art as the name of
a component herein is not intended to limit that component to only
the known or defined meaning of such term (e.g. nut). Further, this
document does not intend to distinguish between components that
differ in name but not function. Also, the terms "including" and
"comprising" are used herein and in the appended claims in an
open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean
"including, but not limited to . . . ." Further, reference herein
and in the appended claims to components and aspects in a singular
tense does not necessarily limit the present disclosure or appended
claims to only one such component or aspect, but should be
interpreted generally to mean one or more, as may be suitable and
desirable in each particular instance.
[0060] As used herein, the terms "substantially", "generally" and
variations thereof means and includes (i) completely, or 100%, of
the referenced parameter, variable or value and (ii) a range of
values less than 100% based upon the typical, normal or expected
degree of variation or error for the referenced parameter, variable
or value in the context of the particular embodiment or use
thereof, such as, for example, 90-100%, 95-100% or 98-100%.
However, in some instances of the use of the terms "generally",
"substantially" and variations thereof herein, the above definition
may not apply, as should be apparent from the context of such
use.
[0061] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary support
surface 16 having at least one panel or mat 26 deployed on or near
the ground 20 is shown. As used herein, the term "ground" and
variations thereof mean the earth's surface, and/or other one or
more other surfaces, structures or areas proximate to or associated
with the earth's surface. In the present embodiment, the support
surface 16 is reusable and capable of supporting the weight of
people, vehicles, equipment and/or other structures thereupon. The
illustrated support surface 16 includes at least two interconnected
adjacent mats 26.
[0062] The mats 26 may have any suitable form, construction,
components, configuration and operation. Some examples of mats 26
which may be used in various embodiments of the present disclosure
are shown and described in in U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,551 to Seaux,
entitled "Mat System for Construction of Roadways and Support
Surfaces" and issued on Aug. 5, 1997, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,257
to Seaux et al., entitled "Interlocking Mat System for Construction
of Load Supporting Surfaces" and issued on Jan. 28, 2003, both of
which have a common Assignee as the present patent application and
the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein in their entireties. For example, each exemplary mat 26 may
weigh approximately 1,000 lbs., be designed to withstand up to 600
psi in pure crush pressure placed thereupon, reduce point-to-point
ground pressure on the ground 20 that may be caused by wheeled
and/or tracked vehicles on the mat 26 or a combination thereof. In
some embodiments, the mats 26 may be 14'.times.8' DURA-BASE.RTM.
mats currently sold by the Assignee of this patent application. As
used herein and in the appended claims, the term "mat" and
variations thereof includes and incorporates a mat, panel or other
component of a support surface.
[0063] If desired, the support surface 16 may be used in connection
with any of the components and features described and shown in U.S.
Pat. No. 9,132,996 issued on Sep. 15, 2015 to Robertson and
entitled "Crane-Mounted Grab Head", U.S. Pat. No. 9,297,124 issued
on Mar. 29, 2016 and entitled "Methods of Moving at Least One Mat
With a Crane-Mounted Grab Head", U.S. Pat. No. 7,370,452 issued on
May 13, 2008 to Rogers and entitled "Mat Assembly for Heavy
Equipment Transit and Support", U.S. Pat. No. 9,039,325 issued on
May 26, 2015 to McDowell and entitled "Liquid Containment System
for Use with Load-Supporting Surfaces", U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/720,799, filed on May 24, 2015 and entitled "Liquid
Containment System", U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/336,163,
filed on Jul. 21, 2014 and entitled "Apparatus and Methods for
Providing Illuminated Signals from a Load-Supporting Surface", U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/496,105, filed on Sep. 25, 2014 and
entitled "Apparatus & Methods for Electrically Grounding a
Load-Supporting Surface", and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/838,064, filed on Aug. 27, 2015 and entitled "Apparatus &
Methods for Electrically Grounding a Load-Supporting Surface", each
of which has a common Assignee as the present patent application
and the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein in their entireties.
[0064] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the illustrated
embodiment, each mat 26 is flat, or planar, heavy duty, durable and
all-weather. The exemplary mats 26 are reusable and interlock
together to form at least part of the support surface 16. Each
illustrated mat 26 has a stepped-configuration and is constructed
of impermeable material, such as thermoplastic. As used herein, the
terms "stepped-configuration" and variations thereof mean the mat
26 has at least one portion that extends at least partially on a
different plane than at least one other portion and the planes are
at least substantially parallel. Other example mats 26 may be
constructed entirely or partially of wood, steel, steel-framed
wood, aluminum, rubber, plastic, fiberglass, fiber reinforced
plastic, recycled rubber or materials or any other desired material
or combination thereof.
[0065] Referring specifically to FIG. 1, the illustrated mat 26 has
a rectangular shape with an opposing pair of short sides 28, 30, an
opposing pair of long sides 37, 38, and at least one edge 44 (e.g.
edge 44a) extending along each side 28, 30, 37 and 38 and around a
perimeter 114 (e.g. perimeter 114a) of the mat 26. In this
particular example, the mat 26 is constructed of upper and lower
engaged offset panels 106, 108 and is reversible. In other words,
the top and bottom of the illustrated mat 26 are mirror images of
one another, so either the top or bottom can be facing up or down
and interconnected with other mats or other components of a support
surface 16. The illustrated mat 26 thus has a first, upper, set of
aligned edges 44a extending around an "upper" perimeter 114a
(formed around the upper panel 106), and a second, lower, set of
aligned edges 44b extending around a "lower" perimeter 114b (formed
around the lower panel 108). However, in other embodiments, the mat
26 may be a single unitary item or a combination of more than two
component parts, may not be reversible, may have only one, or more
than two, perimeters 114, or any desired combination thereof.
[0066] In this example, the first short side 28 and first long side
37 each have an upper lip 46 extending horizontally outwardly
therefrom, which will typically be spaced above the ground 20. The
illustrated second short side 30 and second long side 38 each have
a lower lip 54 extending horizontally outwardly therefrom, and
which will typically rest on the ground 20. Thus, in this
embodiment, two sets of aligned edges 44a, 44b are formed around
the sides 28, 30, 37 and 38.
[0067] The upper and lower lips 46, 54 may have any suitable size,
shape, configuration and length. It should be understood, however,
that the present disclosure is not limited to use with the
above-described embodiments of mats 26 having upper and/or lower
lips 46, 54 or a stepped-configuration. For example, the
embodiments of an upright member support system 300 as described
below may be used in connection with mats 26 not having upper
and/or lower lips 46, 54 or a stepped-configuration.
[0068] Referring back to FIGS. 1 & 2, many temporary or
semi-permanent support surfaces have holes, or cut-outs, 32 formed
in them. For example, support surfaces 16 made up of multiple mats,
panels and/or other components often include connecting holes 32
formed therein. In some instances, the mats, panels and/or other
components include holes 32 that can be aligned over or under those
of adjacent mats/panels/components and through which removable
locking pins 34 are inserted for connecting the mats/components
together. These sorts of holes 32 are sometimes referred to herein
as "locking pin" holes.
[0069] In the illustrated example, the respective upper and lower
lips 46, 54 of different mats 26 are interconnectable with locking
pins 34 releasably securable through corresponding locking pin
holes 32 formed therein. The locking pin holes 32 and locking pins
34 may have any suitable form, construction, configuration,
components and operation. In this embodiment, the illustrated mats
26 include a plurality of locking pin holes 32, each configured to
accept a releasable locking pin 34 therethrough. Each illustrated
mat 26 may include, for example, a total of sixteen locking pin
holes 32, eight locking pin holes 32 formed in each set of upper
and lower lips 46, 54. However, the present disclosure is not
limited to use with mats or other support surface components having
"locking pin" holes, but can be used with mats or other support
surface components having any suitable orifice, opening, hole or
cut-out formed therein. Thus, as used herein, the terms "hole" and
variations thereof mean any hole, opening, orifice or cut-out
formed in a mat, panel or other component of a support surface,
having any desired shape, location, configuration and form and
suitable for use in connection with an upright member support
system in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0070] Some examples of locking pins 34 which may be used in
various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,831 to Rogers et al., entitled
"Fastening Device" and issued on Apr. 20, 2004, U.S. Pat. No.
8,388,291 to Rogers, entitled "Mat Lock Pin" and issued on Mar. 5,
2013, U.S. Pat. No. 9,068,584 to McDowell et al, entitled and
"Apparatus & Methods for Connecting Mats" and issued on Jun.
30, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/216,542,
entitled "Apparatus for Connecting Mats and/or Other Components and
Methods of Assembly and Use Thereof" and filed on Sep. 10, 2015,
each of which has a common Assignee as the present patent
application and the entire contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0071] In some embodiments, the locking pins 34 may form a
fluid-tight seal around, or in, the locking pin holes 32 within
which they are engaged, such as the exemplary locking pin 34
illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,068,584, U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/216,542, entitled
"Apparatus for Connecting Mats and/or Other Components and Methods
of Assembly and Use Thereof" and filed on Sep. 10, 2015 and U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/752,067 entitled "Adjustable Mat
Locking Pin and Methods of Use Thereof" and filed on Jun. 26, 2015,
all of which have a common Assignee as the present patent
application and the entire contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
[0072] Referring to FIGS. 3A & 3B, the illustrated locking pin
holes 32 of the mats 26 have a non-circular cross-sectional shape.
In this example, the locking pin holes 32 have an oval shape, such
as to accept an oval-shaped enlarged head 36 of the illustrated
locking pins 34. An oval-shaped recess, or indentation, 33 is
formed in the upper and lower surfaces 27, 29 of each exemplary mat
26 around each locking pin hole 32. In this embodiment, the
indentation 33 is also oval and configured to at last partially
seat the oval-shaped enlarged head 36 of the illustrated locking
pin 34.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 4C, in some embodiments, the upper and
lower surfaces 27, 29 of the mat 26 may include raised traction
promoting elements, or treads, 31 formed in or extending from the
mat 26. However, in some stepped-configuration embodiments, the
treads 31 may not be included on the underside of each panel 106,
108 of the mat 26 that extends beyond the other respective panel
106, 108. In other words, in the illustrated mat 26, the upper
surface 27 of the mat 26 that forms the lower lip 54 (which is the
portion of panel 108 that extends beyond panel 106) is absent the
treads 31. Thus, the locking pin holes 32 on the exemplary upper
lip 46 are surrounded by treads 31, while the locking pin holes 32
on the illustrated lower lip 54 are not surrounded by treads 31. Of
course, when the same mat 26 is turned over, the former lower lip
54 (absent treads 31) becomes an upper lip 46 having treads 31.
Some exemplary raised traction promoting elements that may be used
on the mats 26 in some embodiments are shown and described in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,511,257.
[0074] It should be noted, however, that the present disclosure is
not limited to use with the above-described or referenced types and
configurations of support surfaces 16, mats 26, locking pins 34 and
holes 32, or to the disclosures of the above-referenced patents and
patent applications. Any suitable support surfaces, mats and holes
may be used.
[0075] Referring back to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, a gap 22 may
be formed between adjacent edges 44 of adjacent interconnected mats
26 in the support surface 16, and one or more seal members 10 may
be included therein. For example, the seal member(s) 10 may provide
a liquid-tight seal in the gap 22 between adjacent mats 26 to
prevent liquid introduced onto the support surface 16 from seeping
or flowing between mats 26 and/or other components and below the
support surface 16.
[0076] Some embodiments of seal members 10 that may be used in the
gaps 22 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,212,746 to McDowell,
issued on Dec. 15, 2015 and entitled "Apparatus and Methods for
Sealing Between Adjacent Components of a Load-Supporting Surface",
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/948,340, filed on Nov. 22, 2015
and entitled "Method of Sealing Between Adjacent Components of a
Load-Supporting Surface With at Least One Closed-Cell Compressible
Rubber Seal", U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/730,938, filed on
Jun. 4, 2015 and entitled "Load-Supporting Surface with Actively
Connected Gap Seals and Related Apparatus and Methods", and U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/733,324, filed on Jun. 8, 2015 and
entitled "Load-Supporting Surface with Interfacing Gap Seal Members
and Related Apparatus and Methods", all of which have a common
Assignee as the present patent application and the entire contents
of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their
entireties.
[0077] The support surface 16 may include or be associated with
other components, and the seal member(s) 10 may also or instead be
used between any combination of mats 26 and other components
associated with the support surface 16. Some examples of such
additional components that may be useful in connection with support
surfaces 16, such as berm members, spacers, drive-over barriers,
liquid drain assemblies, etc., are shown and disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 9,039,325 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/790,916.
[0078] In some instances, such as shown in FIG. 4A, the support
surface 16 may be used around an underground borehole 120, such as
with the use of a borehole edge seal system 110. Various
embodiments of exemplary borehole edge seal systems 110 are shown
and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/497,429,
entitled "Apparatus and Methods for Sealing Around the Opening to
an Underground Borehole" and filed on Sep. 26, 2014 and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/666,584 entitled "Apparatus and Methods for
Mechanically Coupling a Sealing System Around the Opening to an
Underground Borehole" and filed on Mar. 24, 2015, both of which
have a common Assignee as the present patent application and the
entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein in their entireties.
[0079] In various embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 4B, one or
more electrically-conductive covers 115 may be used in connection
with the support surface 16. Various embodiments of
electrically-conductive covers are shown and described in U.S.
patent application Ser. Nos. 14/496,105 and 14/838,064. If desired,
one or more illuminators (not shown) may be used in connection with
the support surface 16. Various embodiments of illuminators are
shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/336,163.
[0080] However, it should be understood that none of the particular
embodiments or features described or shown in FIGS. 1-4C, or in the
above-referenced patents and patent applications, is required for,
or limiting upon, the present disclosure unless and only to the
extent as may be explicitly required in a particular claim hereof
or in a patent claiming priority hereto and only for such claim and
any claims depending therefrom.
[0081] Now referring to FIGS. 5A-C, an embodiment of an upright
member support system 300 for supporting at least one upright
member 310 from the support surface 16 is shown. The upright member
310 with which the support system 300 may be used may have any
desired components, configuration, operation and use. For example,
the upright member 310 may be, or include, a bar, post, frame or
the like. In this embodiment, the upright member 310 is a pole 312
useful to support one or more signs, fences or safety barriers, and
may be constructed of any suitable material, such as aluminum,
steel or fiberglass. In FIG. 12, for example, multiple upright
member support systems 300 are shown supporting multiple poles 312
which are part of a safety barrier system 420. For another example,
FIG. 13 shows multiple upright member support systems 300 each
supporting an upright member 310 that carries a sign 418. However,
the present disclosure is not limited to these exemplary types of
upright members 310. In fact, the support system 300, present
disclosure and appended claims are not intended to be limited by
the type, function or any other characteristics of the upright
member 310.
[0082] As shown, the exemplary support system 300 positions the
upright member 310 to extend vertically upwards from the mat 26. In
other embodiments, the system 300 could position the upright member
310 to extend angularly upwards from the mat 26, sideways or in
another orientation. As used herein and in the appended claims, the
phrases "extending from", "upright", "upwardly" and variations
thereof when used in the context of the relationship of the upright
member (e.g. 310) relative to the support surface (e.g. 16) means
extending therefrom in any direction other than downwardly into the
ground 20. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited by the
particular orientation of the upright member 310 relative to the
support surface 16, as long as the support system 300 supports the
upright member 310 relative to the support surface 16 in a
direction other than down into the ground 20.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 5B, the illustrated support system 300
includes at least one elongated carrier 320 (See also FIGS. 6A-C).
As used herein, the terms "elongated" and variations thereof mean
an item having an overall length that is greater than its average
width. The exemplary carrier 320 engages the upright member 310 and
the support surface 16, and assists in supporting the upright
member 310 as it extends from the support surface 16.
[0084] The carrier 320 may have any suitable form, configuration,
components, construction and operation and may engage the upright
member 310 and support surface 16 in any suitable manner. In this
embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7A-E, the carrier 320 includes a
threaded upper end 322, a lower end 324 and at least one
longitudinally-oriented bore 326. In this example, as shown in FIG.
7A, the bore 326 extends into the carrier from one or more openings
332 formed in the upper end 322 of the carrier 320 to an internal
surface 330 (e.g. FIG. 7C) located proximate to the lower end 324.
In other embodiments, one or more internal surfaces 330 may be
located elsewhere, angled or not included. The illustrated bore 326
is configured to (i) receive at least part of the upright member
310 which, in this embodiment, is slideable therein, and (ii) hold
the upright member 310 it its desired upright position relative to
the support surface 16.
[0085] As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5G, the lower end 324 of the
illustrated carrier 320 is releasably engageable with the support
surface 16. For example, at least part of the lower end 324 is
insertable into and through at least one hole 32 of the illustrated
mat 26 and releasably securable to the mat 26. In this embodiment,
the lower end 324 is shown is engaged with the "locking pin" hole
32 of the upper lip 46 of the illustrated mat 26. In other
embodiments, the lower end 324 may be engaged with the locking pin
hole 32 of a mat's lower lip 54, a hole 32 in another part of the
mat 26, or aligned holes 32 of multiple mats 26 and/or other
components.
[0086] Any suitable arrangement for engaging the lower end 324 of
the carrier 320 to the mat 26 may be used. Referring back to FIGS.
7A-C, for example, the lower end 324 may include a neck portion 334
that is rotatable within the hole 32 of the mat 26 (e.g. FIG. 5B),
and at least one coupler 336 situated below the neck portion 334
and configured to extend through the hole 32 and engage the mat 26.
The neck portion 334 and coupler 336 may have any suitable form,
configuration and operation. In this example, the neck portion 334
has a cross-sectional shape (e.g. circular) so that when the neck
portion is positioned in the exemplary (e.g. non-circular shaped)
hole 32, the lower end 324 of the carrier 320 is freely rotatable
relative to the hole 32. The exemplary coupler 336 includes at
least one foot 340 having at least two protrusions, or toes, 344
extending laterally outwardly therefrom and configured to be
insertable through the hole 32 of the mat 26 (or another component
or multiple aligned mats and/or other components) of the support
surface 16 in at least a first position of the lower end 324 of the
carrier 320. When the exemplary lower end 324 is (at least
partially) rotated into at least a second position, the exemplary
toes 344 are configured to extend below and outwardly relative to
the hole 32 of the mat 26. (See also, e.g. FIG. 5G). For example,
each ninety-degree rotation of the illustrated carrier 320 moves
the exemplary toes 344 between positions.
[0087] In the second, or locked, position of the lower end 324, as
shown in FIG. 5G, the exemplary toes 344 are misaligned with the
hole 32, preventing the lower end 324 from being removed from the
hole 32 and the carrier 320 from being disengaged from the mat 26.
For example, the illustrated toes 344 are shown engaging the recess
33 formed in the lower surface 29 of the mat 26 around the hole 32.
(In FIGS. 6A-C, the toes 344 are also shown in the locked position
relative to the mat 26.) In other embodiments, the toes 344 may
engage the lower surface 29 of the mat 26 itself, another portion
of the mat 26 or other component of the support surface 16 adjacent
to the hole 32.
[0088] If desired, the foot 340 may be formed, configured and
operate similarly as the foot (e.g. foot 66) described and
illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 9,068,584 and U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/752,067. While the foot 66 of U.S. Pat. No. 9,068,584
and application Ser. No. 14/752,067 is particularly described as
being inserted through the connecting holes 18 of two mats 12, 14,
the foot 340 of the present disclosure may be similarly inserted
through one or more holes 32 of one or more mats 26 or other
components. However, the lower end 324 of the carrier 320 may be
secured to the mat 26, another component of the support surface 16
or a combination of multiple mats 26/other components in any other
suitable manner.
[0089] Referring back to FIGS. 5A-C, the illustrated upright member
support system 300 also includes at least one releasable base 350
arranged and adapted to extend at least partially around at least
part of the lower end 324 of the carrier 320 and rest upon, abut or
engage the support surface 16 (or any other component, intermediate
surface or material disposed atop the support surface 16). If
desired, the base 350 may be configured to assist in transferring
load from the carrier 320 to the mat 26 and/or for any other
desired purpose(s).
[0090] The base 350 may have any suitable form, configuration,
components, construction and operation. Referring to FIGS. 8A-E, in
this embodiment, the base 350 includes a longitudinally-oriented
bore 354 extending therethrough to allow the base 350 to be slid
over the top of the carrier 320 from the upper end 322 thereof and
down the carrier 320 until it at least partially surrounds at least
part of the lower end 324 thereof above the mat 26 (See e.g. FIGS.
5B & 6C). If desired, as shown in FIGS. 8B & C, the base
350 may include at least one longitudinally-oriented receiving slot
358 formed therein and extending at least partially along the
length of, and in communication with, the bore 354. For example,
when included, each exemplary slot 358 may be configured to mate
with or receive at least one distinct alignment rib 338 extending
outwardly from the carrier 320 along at least part of its length
(e.g. FIGS. 7A-C) when the base 350 is positioned over the lower
end 324 of the carrier 320. This slot 358/rib 338 arrangement may
be included, for example, to assist in preventing, limiting or
reducing rotation of the carrier 320 relative to the support
surface 16, stabilizing the upright member support system 300 and
upright member 310 or any other desired purpose. The present
embodiment includes, for example, three sets of slideably mating
elongated alignment ribs 338 and elongated slots 358. However, any
desired number of alignment ribs 338 and receiving slots 358 may be
used.
[0091] Still referring to FIG. 8A-E, the base 350 may have any
suitable shape and purpose. For example, the illustrated base 350
may be configured to abut, and transfer load placed upon the
carrier 320 to, the face or upper surface 27 of the mat 26 (e.g.
FIGS. 5B & C) (or any other component, intermediate surface or
material disposed atop the mat 16) and/or reduce the bending moment
of the carrier 320. Thus in the context of the relationship of the
base 350 and the mat 26, as used herein and in the appended claims
the phrase "upper surface" of the mat 26 includes and encompasses
the upper surface 27 of the mat 26 and any other component,
material or intermediate surface disposed atop the mat 16. In this
embodiment, the base 350 has a conical outer shape with four
perimeter corners 360 configured to transfer and spread load from
the carrier 320 to different points or areas on the upper surface
27 of the mat 26 (e.g. FIGS. 5B & C). In other embodiments, the
base 350 may include two or more (e.g. three, four, five, etc.)
perimeter corners 360 or have a different configuration to transfer
and spread load from the carrier 320 to different points or areas
on the upper surface 27 of the mat 26 and/or any other desired
purpose(s).
[0092] If desired, the base 350 may include at least one gripper
366 configured to grip or engage the mat 26 or other component to
prevent, limit or reduce rotation of the base 350 and carrier 320
relative to the mat 26, or one or more other desired purposes. The
gripper 366 may have any suitable form, construction, components,
configuration and operation. In this embodiment, the gripper 366
includes multiple spaced-apart teeth 370 protruding downwardly from
the base 350 and configured to engage the mat 26. While four such
teeth 370 are shown, any desired number of teeth may be included,
such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, etc. For example, the
teeth 370 may be positioned proximate to the bore 354 of the base
350 (e.g. FIG. 8C) so that they fit within the recess 33 (e.g. FIG.
5D) extending around the hole 32 of the mat 26. The four exemplary
spaced-apart teeth 370 will seat within the oval-shaped recess 33
at different positions so that they will abut the wall of the
recess 33 upon any attempted twisting or rotational motion applied
to the base 350 or carrier 320, preventing, limiting or reducing
actual rotation thereof. In other embodiments, any desired number
of grippers 366 (e.g. one, two, three, four, five, six, etc.) may
instead or also engage the upper surface 27 of the mat 26 or raised
traction promoting elements (treads) 31 (e.g. FIG. 4C) formed in or
extending from the upper surface 27 of the mat 26 or any other
component(s).
[0093] Referring back to FIG. 5A-C, the exemplary system 300 may
also include at least one releasable lock 380 configured to assist
in securing the position of the base 350 and carrier 320 relative
to the mat 26. The lock 380 may have any suitable form,
configuration, components, construction and operation. For example,
the illustrated lock 380 is generally tubular in shape and includes
a threaded bore 382 (e.g. FIGS. 9A-E) configured to mate with the
threaded upper end 322 (e.g. FIG. 5E) of the carrier 320. In this
embodiment, after the illustrated base 350 is positioned over the
lower end 324 of the carrier 320, the lock 380 is screwed down onto
the carrier 320 until its lower surface 384 abuts the base 350,
effectively sandwiching the base 350 against the mat 26. For
example, the lock 380 may force and hold the base 350 in abutting
contact with the mat 26 and assist in holding the carrier 320 in
its locked position on the mat 26. In this example, as shown in
FIGS. 9A-E, the body 386 of the lock 380 includes numerous at least
partially hollowed spokes 388, such as for ease of gripping and
rotating the lock 380, to optimize the size, weight and/or material
used in manufacturing the lock 380 or other desired purposes(s).
However, the spokes 388 may not be included in various
embodiments.
[0094] Referring again to FIGS. 5A-C, the upright member support
system 300 may also include one or more releasable upright member
anchors 390 useful to help secure the position of the upright
member 310 relative to the carrier 320 or other desired purpose.
The upright member anchor 390 may have any suitable form,
configuration, components, construction and operation. For example,
the anchor 390 may include one or more ratchet-like mechanisms,
wingnuts or other component(s) arranged and adapted to releasably
engage the upright member 310. In some embodiments, the anchor 390
and lock 380 may be integrally formed as a single component or as
interconnected components.
[0095] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5E, the anchor 390
includes at least one compression member 394 and at least one
compression nut 400. The compression member 394 may have any
suitable form, configuration, construction and operation. The
illustrated compression member 394 is a spring ring 395 configured
to at least partially engage, squeeze or grip the upright member
310. The exemplary compression nut 400 is configured to bias and
hold the compression member 394 in gripping engagement with the
upright member 310 (e.g. above the lock 380). Any suitable
arrangement may be used. In the present embodiment, as shown in
FIGS. 10A-C, the body 396 of the illustrated compression member 394
is formed in an overall ring-like shape and is at least partially
deformable. If desired, the compression member 394 may have one or
more grip-enhancement features that encourages or enhances its
ability to grip the upright member 310. For example, in the
illustrated embodiment, the body 396 of the compression member 394
has a sine-wave shape. Other examples may include a series of ribs,
pimples, cut-outs or rough areas formed in the outer surface of the
body 396 of the compression member 394. In this embodiment, the
compression member 394 is the only component of the upright member
support system 300 that clamps or grips the upright member 310.
However, in other embodiments, multiple components of the support
system 300 may grip or clamp the upright member 310.
[0096] Referring now to FIGS. 11A-D, the compression nut 400 may
likewise have any suitable form, configuration, construction and
operation. It should be noted that while the term nut is used as
part of the term "compression nut", this component 400 need not
necessarily be a nut as that term is typically defined or known in
a technical sense. Thus, the compression nut 400 is not limited to
a "small flat piece of metal or other material, typically square or
hexagonal, with a threaded hole through it for screwing onto a bolt
as a fastener" or the like, but may take any other form suitable
for the purposes described herein or as will otherwise be apparent
from this specification and the appended drawings and claims.
[0097] For example, the illustrated compression nut 400 is
generally tubular and includes a threaded bore 404 configured to
mate with the threaded upper end 322 of the carrier 320 around the
compression member 394. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5E,
the compression nut 400 screws onto the carrier 320 above the lock
380, and inwardly biases, or places crushing forces, upon the
compression member 394. For example, the illustrated compression
nut 400 may bias the compression member 394 between (i) one or more
interior ledges 408 of the compression nut 400, (ii) one or more
upper lips 332 of the carrier 320 and (iii) the upright member 310.
In this example, the ledge 408 and lip 332 may be angled to assist
in biasing and/or retaining the compression member 394 into
engagement with the upright member 310. In some applications, the
compression nut 400 may be threaded or moved down the carrier 320
sufficiently far to abut the lock 380.
[0098] If desired, the various components of the upright member
support system 300 may be reusable and constructed of any suitable
material that is sufficiently strong to bear and transfer loads
placed upon the upright member 310, and sufficiently
weather-resistant, wear-resistant and durable, as desired. In this
embodiment, the carrier 320, base 350, lock 380 and compression nut
400 may, for example, be constructed of fiber-reinforced plastic,
such as glass-filled polyurethane or glass-filled nylon. The
exemplary compression member 394 may, for example, be constructed
of unfilled nylon.
[0099] Now referring to FIGS. 5B, 5C & 5F, in yet another
independent aspect of the present disclosure, the system 300 may
include one or more directional indicators 414 configured to
provide a visual indication that the lower end 324 of the carrier
320 is in locking relationship with the support surface 16. The
directional indicator 414 may have any desirable form,
configuration and operation. In this embodiment, the directional
indicator 414 is provided on the base 350 to indicate when the
coupler 336 (e.g. FIG. 5B) is in locking engagement with the mat
26. For example, the directional indicator 414 may be in the form
of one or more visible arrows 416 that indicates when the toes 344
of the exemplary coupler 336 are in a locked position relative to
the hole 32. In this embodiment, the carrier 320 is locked to the
mat 26 when one arrow 416 points to the edge 44a of the upper lip
46 of the mat 26. In other embodiments, the arrow 416 may point to
the edge 44b of a lower lip 54, or another desired part of the mat
26 or support surface 16 to indicate the carrier 320 is locked to
the mat 26.
[0100] Referring to FIGS. 5A-F, in an exemplary embodiment of a
method of use of the illustrated upright member support system 300,
the carrier 320 may first be releasably secured to one or more mats
26 of the support surface 16. For example, the carrier 320 may be
releasably secured to one or more holes 32 (e.g. locking pin hole)
of one or more mats 26, such as described above. The exemplary
releasable base 350 is placed over and down the carrier 320 so it
covers at least part of the lower end 324 thereof and rests upon,
contacts or abuts the mat 26, such as also described above. The
illustrated lock 380 is engaged with (e.g. screwed onto) the
carrier 320 above the base 350. If desired, the lock 380 may be
tightened relative to the carrier 320 and base 350 sufficient to
push or secure the base 350 into the desired contact or engagement
with the mat 26. In some embodiments, the lock 380 may assist in
securing the teeth 370 of the base 350 into the recess 33 of the
hole 32 or otherwise grip the mat 26 or other component(s).
[0101] The exemplary upright member 310 is inserted into the bore
326 (e.g. FIG. 7A) of the exemplary carrier 320 (this can be done
at any time, typically after the carrier 320 is secured to the
support surface 16). In this particular embodiment, for example,
the upright member 310 rests upon an internal surface of the
carrier 320. Before or after the upright member 310 is inserted
into the illustrated carrier 320, the anchor 390 is releasably
secured to the carrier 320 (e.g. above the lock 380). For example,
the illustrated compression member 394 may be placed inside the
compression nut 400, which is then threaded onto the carrier 320
above the lock 380. Once the upright member 310 is inserted into
the exemplary carrier 320, the illustrated anchor 390 is adjusted
to grip the upright member 310. For example, the compression nut
400 may be tightened onto the carrier 320 until the compression
member 394 grips the upright member 310 as desired. The exemplary
system 300 is reusable and may be disassembled for maintenance,
reuse or repair, such as, for example, by reversing the order of
some or all of the above actions.
[0102] In some embodiments, the geometry, interaction and/or
engagement of the various parts of the exemplary upright member
support system 300 and with respect to the upright member 310 and
support surface 16 are configured to maintain the upright member
310 in the desired upright position (e.g. vertical) relative to the
support surface 16 under expected operating conditions. In some
cases, these conditions may include up, to or at least,
approximately 200 lbs. of wind forces or other loads imparted to
the upright member 310 and/or to meet current and expected OSHA
load targets for leaning loads on safety barriers. For example,
referring to FIGS. 5B & 5E, in the present embodiment, the
upright member 310 is supported by the carrier 320 and gripped by
the compression member 394 so that when the upright member 310
bends under normal or expected use conditions, it acts upon the
interior wall 346 of the exemplary carrier 320. Much or all of the
expected forces placed upon the illustrated carrier 320 by the
bending upright member 310 are transferred to the base 350, which
is configured to displace at least some, most or all of those
forces to the support surface 16.
[0103] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure thus offer
advantages over the prior art and are well adapted to carry out one
or more of the objects of this disclosure. However, the present
invention does not require each of the components and acts
described above and is in no way limited to the above-described
embodiments or methods of operation. Any one or more of the above
components, features and processes may be employed in any suitable
configuration without inclusion of other such components, features
and processes. Moreover, the present invention includes additional
features, capabilities, functions, methods, uses and applications
that have not been specifically addressed herein but are, or will
become, apparent from the description herein, the appended drawings
and claims.
[0104] The methods that may be described above or claimed herein
and any other methods which may fall within the scope of the
appended claims can be performed in any desired suitable order and
are not necessarily limited to any sequence described herein or as
may be listed in the appended claims. Further, the methods of the
present invention do not necessarily require use of the particular
embodiments shown and described herein, but are equally applicable
with any other suitable structure, form and configuration of
components. While exemplary embodiments of the invention have been
shown and described, many variations, modifications and/or changes
of the system, apparatus and methods of the present invention, such
as in the components, details of construction and operation,
arrangement of parts and/or methods of use, are possible,
contemplated by the patent applicant(s), within the scope of the
appended claims, and may be made and used by one of ordinary skill
in the art without departing from the spirit or teachings of the
invention and scope of appended claims. Thus, all matter herein set
forth or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted
as illustrative, and the scope of the disclosure and the appended
claims should not be limited to the embodiments described and shown
herein.
* * * * *