AU2004203370A1 - Safety barrier and components therefor - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION NAME OF APPLICANT(S):: John Curtis Wilson ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Attorneys Level 10, 10 Barrack Street,Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2000 INVENTION TITLE: Safety barrier and components therefor The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- P:\WPDOCS\CAB\SPECrJXoho Wilso CURTIS-Safety Bioir.do23/07/4 -1- SAFETY BARRIER AND COMPONENTS THEREFOR This invention relates generally to barriers, more particularly to safety barriers for use on building structures and to components therefor. In one particular but not exclusive application the invention is concerned with safety barriers for use on upper floors of multi floor building structures.

During the construction of buildings workers are often required to be working on the building above the ground and are continuingly running the risk of falling from the building during its construction. For example, when working on upper floors of multi floor buildings the work can be at levels of over 2 metres above the ground. Safety barriers have been proposed to reduce the risk of workers falling from buildings under construction. In one such arrangement, a full scaffold system is erected. Whilst such scaffold systems provide significant protection for workers they are relatively complicated and expensive to install. Other forms of safety barrier which are secured to the building are often not of sufficient strength to be able to withstand heavy impact forces against them and or are time consuming to install and remove.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved safety barrier and components for the barrier which alleviates one or more of the aforementioned problems.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a structural component for a safety barrier for a building the structural component including an elongated support member, a connecting member extending laterally from the support member intermediate its ends, a mounting on said connecting member at a position spaced from the support member, the mounting being adapted to releasably receive or have affixed thereto an attachment, the arrangement being such that the support member is securable to the building in a generally upright orientation and in one mode of installation P:\WPDOCS\CAB\SPECPJohn Wilso CURTISSafety Barri.doc-23/07104 -2the support member is disposed to one side of a wall structure of the building and the connecting member extends across the wall structure so that the mounting is disposed on the other side of the wall structure.

In one form the attachment includes a post which is releasably securable to the connecting member at the mounting. In another form the post is fixedly secured to the connecting member at the mounting. Preferably the post and the support member are generally parallel to one another. Preferably the connecting member extends between the post and support member from a lower end portion of the post to an upper region of the support member.

The structural component may further include mounting brackets which are adapted to secure the support member to a wall stud of the building. There may further be provided a support bracket which is operatively fitted between the wall stud to which the support member is secured and the support member, the support bracket being in the form of a generally Z-shaped element, one leg of which is arranged against the outer side of the stud and another leg which is arranged against the inner side of the support member, the connecting web being against a side face of the stud.

There may further be provided an extension assembly which includes a mounting arm which is securable to the post an inwardly extending arm to which a further post is operatively connected, the arrangement being such that it enables a post to be positioned immediately adjacent an edge of the upper floor which may be disposed in spaced relation from the building wall.

Preferably the connecting member is releasably securable to the post and the post support includes two arms connected to a central support arm, the support being adapted to be fitted to the wall stud.

The mounting includes a projection which is adapted to be received within a socket in an end of the post. It will be appreciated that the mounting could include a socket for P:\WPDOCS\CAB\SPECPJoh. Wilso, CURTIS Sfaly Bo idow-23/0704 -3receiving a projection on the end of the post therein.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a post assembly for a safety barrier for use on building constructions, the post assembly including a post and a post support operatively connected thereto so that they extend laterally with respect to one another. The assembly further includes at least two mounting brackets each being operatively connectable to the building in spaced apart relation, the brackets being operatively connectible to the post support.

In one preferred form, the post and post support each include elongated bars which are secured together at respective one ends thereof. The bars may be secured by welding or the like. Preferably, each of the bars is in the form of a hollow metal structure which square or rectangular in cross section or any other suitable cross-sectional shape.

Preferably, the post and post support form a generally L-shaped member which in the mounted position is arranged so that the post is generally upright with the post support extending generally at right angles thereto. A gusset plate or other strengthening element may be provided between the post and the post support. The post may include a plurality of spaced apart rail mountings elements thereon. Preferably, the rail mounting elements may be in the form of channels each being adapted to receive a barrier rail therein. A kick rail mounting which may be of similar construction may be provided if desired.

In one form of the invention, one of the brackets is mounted to the building in a region which is close to where the post of the assembly will be disposed and an other bracket is mounted in a region where it can support the free end portion of the post support.

The mounting brackets may take several forms depending on where the post assembly is to be mounted. For example, one type of bracket may be in the form of an Lshaped plate having an aperture therein for receiving the post support therethrough.

Preferably, the aperture is of the same general cross section of that of the post support.

P:\WPDOCS\CAB\SPECIohn Wilon CURTISSlfdy Bri.de-23/O7/O4 -4- Another type of bracket may be in the form of a generally U-shaped configuration with one arm of the U-shaped frame being longer than the other, therebeing an aperture in the extended portion of the arm for receiving the post support therethrough. The other arm is adapted to abut against the post support. Preferably, the first mentioned bracket is adapted to be carried on a stud of the building and the second mentioned bracket us adapted to be secured to a floor beam.

Thus it will be appreciated that the barrier is a cantilevered restraint system where loads applied at the hand rails or post assemblies are transferred by a fulcrum action to the building structure.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, and in these drawings: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a safety barrier including a structural component according to one aspect of the invention in an installed position on a building structure; Figure 2 is a side elevation of the safety barrier shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front elevation of the safety barrier shown in Figure 1; Figures 4 and 5 are schematic illustrations showing how the structural component may be installed; Figures 6 and 7 are schematic side and front elevations of a modified form of the structural component shown in Figures 1 to Figures 8 and 9 are schematic side elevations of a further modified form of structural component shown in Figures 1 to 7; P:\WPDOCS\CAB\SPECR\Iot Wilswm CURTIS-Safdy arier.d23/07/t4 Figure 10 is a schematic side elevation of a safety barrier according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figures 11 and 12 are schematic side and according to another embodiment of the invention; Figures 13 and 14 are schematic side and according to another embodiment of the invention; Figures 15 and 16 are schematic side and according to another embodiment of the invention; Figures 17 and 18 are schematic side and according to another embodiment of the invention; Figures 19 and 20 are schematic side and according to another embodiment of the invention; Figures 21 and 22 are schematic side and according to another embodiment of the invention; Figures 23 and 24 are schematic side and according to another embodiment of the invention; front elevations of a safety barrier front elevations of a safety barrier front elevations of a safety barrier front elevations of a safety barrier front elevations of a safety barrier front elevations of a safety barrier front elevations of a safety barrier Figure 25 is a schematic side elevation of a further modified form of safety barrier according to the invention; and Figure 26 is a schematic side elevation of a slightly modified form of safety barrier to that shown in Figure Figure 27 is a schematic side elevation of a safety barrier according to another P:\WPDOCS\cABSPECJoh Wilsas CURTIS Safdy riadoc-23O7/04 -6embodiment of the invention; Figure 28 shows schematic side and front elevations of a safety barrier according to another embodiment of the invention; The building structure 150 includes a building frame 151, which includes a plurality of wall studs 152, a top plate or ribbon plate 153 extending across the upper edge of the wall studs 152, a plurality of joists 154, the joists 154 supporting an upper floor 155.

The joists 154 can extend in the direction shown in Figure 1 or in a direction at right angles to that shown.

The structural component generally indicated at 110 includes a support member 114 and a connecting member 111 which has a mounting 113 thereon to which an attachment such as post 112 can be secured. The post includes a series of channels 116, 117 and 118 for receiving hand rails 128 of the barrier and a kick rail if required.

Strengthening gussets 115 and 119 are provided between the post 112 and the connecting member 111 and the post support 114.

As shown the post 112 and support member 114 are disposed generally parallel to one another with the connecting member 111 extending between the post and post support from a lower end of the post 112 to an upper region of the support member 114. Thus, the post and post support extend in opposite directions from the connecting member.

The support member 114 includes an upper section 121 which extends from the connecting member 111 in the same direction as the post 112. The upper section may be attached to ribbon plate 153 by any suitable fastening 124. When in the installed position, the post support 114 is disposed on an inner side of studs 152 and the post 112 extends upwardly on an outer side.

The assembly further includes a mounting bracket 131 mounting the support to the stud and a support bracket 134 which is operatively fitted between the wall stud to which PAWPDOS\CAB\SPECohn Wilson CURTIS-Safety Brie.d-23/07/4 -7the support member 114 is secured and the post support. The support bracket 134 is a generally Z-shaped element, one leg 135 of which is arranged against the outer side of the stud and another leg 137 which is arranged against the inner side of the leg support, the connecting web 136 being against a side face of the stud.

One manner of installation is shown in Figures 4 and 5. As shown the building structure has been partially completed with a brick wall 158 formed up to the region of the first floor of the building. Working from the inside floor of the building. Working from the inside of the structure, the assembly is presented at an angle to the structure so that the post 112 of assembly 110 can pass through the gap between top plates 153 and the top of the brick wall 158. The top plates 153 can be positioned within channel shaped recess whereafter the assembly can be swung into the installed position as shown in Figures 4 and The arrangement has several advantages including that it can be mounted from the inside of the building frame with requiring the installer to climb any ladder or the like.

This means that installation can be achieved quickly and safely.

Figures 6 and 7 show a similar arrangement to that shown earlier and like reference numerals have been used to identify like parts. In this particular embodiment there is provided an attachment which can be fitted to the structural component so as to provide for a work platform. As shown the attachment is in the form of a bracket 210 having a mounting arm 212 which is connectable at one end thereof to the lower end of the support member 114 and is mounted to the stud 152 by a support bracket 234 similar in structure to support bracket 134 and a bracket 231. The bracket 210 further includes a support beam 215 and a bracing member 216. Planks 220 are adapted to be carried on the support beams of adjacent brackets so as to form a work platform. Connection between the mounting arm 212 and the lower end of support member 114 may be by way of a projection and socket as shown.

The embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9 is substantially the same as that shown in Figures 6 and 7 except that an additional fastening bracket 235 providing additional support for the post 112. Bracket 235 is mounted between the post 112 and an upper part P:\WPDOCS\CAB\SPECI\khn Wilmn CURTIS Slfdy Rafii.dc-21O7/(4 -8of the wall of the building structure.

Figure 10 illustrates a further mode of installation of a safety barrier with a structural component of the type described earlier. In this particular mode of installation a bracket 210 of the type described earlier is mounted in a similar fashion except that it extends to the outer side of the wall. The bracket 210 further includes a mounting 236 for a post 212. In this particular mode of installation the mounting 113 is not utilised for the post 212.

Figures 11 and 12 illustrate yet another mode of installation for the component 110.

In this particular arrangement the support member 114 is mounted to the external surface of a brick wall 170 by suitable fastenings 172, 173 and 174. The upper end of the support 114 is adapted to have fitted thereto a post 112, the mounting 113 in this particular mode of installation not being utilised.

Figures 13 and 14 illustrate yet another mode of installation of component 110. A bracket 260 is adapted to secure to the underside of the joists and is arranged to mount the support member 114 thereto. The bracket 260 includes a leg 261 mounted to the joists and a mounting arm 262 with a mounting socket or sleeve 263 for receiving the support member 114. A brace member 264 extends between arm 262 and leg 261.

Figures 15 and 16 illustrate a similar arrangement to that shown in Figures 13 and 14 except that bracket 260 is mounted to a concrete slab.

In the embodiment of Figures 17 and 18 the component 110 is mounted to the external face of a brick wall 170 and the connecting member 111 is used as a beam for supporting a plank which forms a work platform.

Figures 19 and 20 illustrate a post assembly for a safety barrier according to another form of the invention mounted to a building construction. Figure 19 illustrates the assembly mounted to one side of the building structure.

P:\WPDOCS\CAB\SPECNohn Waw.n CURTIS Safy B-ni.dac-23/07/04 -9- The assembly generally indicated at 310 includes a post 312 and a post support 314 which are connected together fixedly or releasably to form a generally L-shaped structure.

The post includes a series of channels 116, 117 and 118 for receiving hand rails of the barrier and a kick rail if required. A strengthening gusset 319 provided between the post 312 and post support 314.

As shown in Figure 19 the post support 314 includes a first section 322 having a mounting bracket 323 thereon which is arranged to be fitted to the building frame. The post support 314 further includes an intermediate section 326 and an end section 327 arranged for longitudinal adjustment relative to one another. End section 327 includes mounting bracket 328 by which it can be attached to the building frame.

Figures 21 and 22 illustrate a post support 314 of the type described above but without the intermediate or end sections. The post support is adapted to be mounted to the building frame by a series of mounting brackets 330, 331 and 332.

Figures 23 and 24 illustrate the post support 314 shown in Figures 19 and mounted to a building frame in another fashion.

Figures 25 and 26 illustrate the component 110 as described earlier used in conjunction with an attachment 360 providing for work platforms which can be used in various application.

Figure 27 illustrates a further mode of installation of a safety barrier with a structural component of the type described earlier.

In this particular embodiment the structural assembly 549 is secured to the wall stud 152 in a similar arrangement to that shown earlier and like referenced numerals have been used to identify like parts. The structural component generally indicated at 514 includes upper and lower arms 547 and 548, connecting member 511, adapting member P:\WPDOCS\CAB\SPECIohn Wilson CURTIS_Safety Barria.doc-23/07/04 550, bracing member 516, support bracket 134 and post 112 or the like. The connecting member 511 extends laterally from the upper and lower arms 547 and 548. The upper and lower arms 547 and 548 are secured to the structure in the same direction as the post 112.

Strengthening gussets 115 and 119 are provided between the upper and lower arms 547 and 548 and connecting member 511. The upper section 547 may be attached to ribbon plate 153 by any suitable fastening 124. When in the installed position, the post support 514 is disposed on an inner side of studs 152 and the post 112 extends upwardly on an outer side.

The support bracket 134 is secured to the wall stud 152 by any suitable fastening 124. The support bracket 134 is a generally Z-shaped element, one leg 135 of which is arranged against the outer side of the stud and another leg 137 which is arranged against the inner side of the lower arm 548, the connecting web 136 being against a side face of the stud.

The adapting member 550 is releasably secured to the connecting member and includes a mounting 113 thereon to which an attachment such as post 112 can be secured.

The bracing member 516 of which one distal end is releasably secured to the connecting member 511 may be attached to structure 150 at the other distal end with mounting bracket 531 and any suitable fastening 124. The mounting bracket 531 is fixedly attached to the bracing member 516 by means of welding or other suitable means.

Figure 28 shows another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the structural component 551 is mounted to the joist 552 by a mounting bracket 131 and any suitable fastening 124.

The structural component 551 consists of a support member 553 extending laterally to perpendicular arms 554 and 555, strengthening gussets 556 and includes a mounting bracket 131 fixedly secured by means of welding or similar suitable means. At opposite ends of the vertical arms 554 and 555 are mounting mountings 113 to receive attachments such as posts 112 as described above. The mounting 113 on vertical arm 555 in this PAWPDOCS\CAB\SPECBJohn Wis CURTIS Sfty Brridom23/O7/O4 -11particular mode of installation is not being utilised.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be incorporated into the various constructions and arrangements of parts without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

Claims (7)

1. A structural component for a safety barrier for a building the structural component including an elongated support member, a connecting member extending laterally from the support member intermediate its ends, a mounting on said connecting member at a position spaced from the support member, the mounting being adapted to releasably receive or have affixed thereto an attachment, the arrangement being such that the support member is securable to the building in a generally upright orientation and in one mode of installation the support member is disposed to one side of a wall structure of the building and the connecting member extends across the wall structure so that the mounting is disposed on the other side of the wall structure.

2. A structural component according to claim 1 wherein the attachment includes a post which is releasably securable to the connecting member at said mounting.

3. A structural component according to claim 1 wherein the attachment includes a post which is fixedly secured to the connecting member at said mounting position.

4. A structural member according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein said post and said support member are generally parallel to one another. A structural component according to any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the connecting member extends between the post and support member from a lower end portion of the post to an upper region of the support member.

6. A structural component according to any preceding claim further including mounting brackets which are adapted to secure the support member to a wall stud of the building.

7. A structural component according to claim 6 further including a support bracket P\WPDOCS\CA\SPECJohn Wilson CURTIS S.fy Briadoc-23/07/04

13- which is operatively fitted between the wall stud to which the post support is secured and the support member, the support bracket being in the form of a generally Z-shaped element, one leg of which is arranged against the outer side of the stud and another leg which is arranged against the inner side of the leg support, the connecting web being against a side face of the stud. 8. A structural component according to any preceding claim further including an extension assembly which includes a mounting arm which is securable to the post an inwardly extending arm to which a further post is operatively connected, the arrangement being such that it enables a post to be positioned immediately adjacent an edge of the upper floor which may be disposed in spaced relation from the building wall. 9. A structural component according to any preceding claim wherein the connecting member is releasably securable to the post and the support member includes two arms connected to a central support arm, the support being adapted to be fitted to the wall stud or floor joist. A structural component substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings. DATED this 2 2 nd day of July 2004. John Curtis WILSON By His Patent Attorneys DAVIES COLLISON CAVE