Patent Publication Number: US-2021180350-A1

Title: Safety fence assembly

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The disclosure relates to security fence assemblies and the like, and more specifically to modular security fence assemblies used primarily during high-rise building construction and associated anchors which may be used with the modular security fence assembly. 
     BACKGROUND 
     During construction of buildings, and particularly high-rise buildings, safety fences or barriers are often erected on the building perimeter before any outside walls are built. These fences serve to protect people, equipment, and debris from falling off the edge of the building as it is being constructed. 
     These safety barriers are generally modular and are moved from one work floor to another work floor or from one worksite to another as construction progresses. Thus, these safety fences must be relatively easy to setup and take down while doing relatively little damage to the floor and/or ceiling to which they are engaged. Safety fences of this type generally include a plurality of posts supporting intervening fence panels. 
     Although many attempts have been made to design improved safety barrier systems, there remains a need for a system that is easily erected and dismantled and which does little damage to the floor and/or ceiling to which it is engaged. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. The Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     According to one aspect, a safety fence assembly is disclosed. According to another aspect, an anchor assembly is disclosed. 
     According to one aspect, the safety fence assembly may include a fence panel assembly comprising: a top rail having a first end and a second end; a bottom rail having a first end and a second end; a first side rail extending between the first end of the top rail and the first end of the bottom rail; a second side rail extending between the second end of the top rail and the second end of the bottom rail; a plurality of vertical rods extending generally vertically between the top rail and the bottom rail; a plurality of horizontal rods extending generally horizontally between the first side rail and the second side rail; and a mesh panel extending between the top rail and the bottom rail and between the first side rail and the second side rail. 
     The safety fence assembly may also include a support post assembly comprising: a base configured to engage a floor; a support post extending substantially vertically upward from the base; a mounting hook extending from the support post, the mounting hook configured to engage the top rail of the fence panel assembly; and an anchor assembly configured to engage at least one hole in the floor and removably attach the support post assembly to the floor. The anchor assembly is configured to attach the support post assembly to the floor such that at least 1000 pounds of pulling force is required to remove the support post assembly from the at least one hole; and the depth of the at least one hole is less than one inch. The at least one hole may comprise only a single hole. 
     The support post assembly may further comprise: a rod extending through the base of the support post assembly, the rod having a spreader at a bottom portion; and an anchor sleeve extending around the rod. A bottom portion of the anchor sleeve is configured to extend outward as a downward force moves the anchor sleeve downward over the spreader. 
     The anchor sleeve may comprise a plurality of gripping segments. Each of the plurality of gripping segments may have a plurality of raised ridges. The anchor sleeve may further comprise at least one elastomeric member connecting the plurality of gripping segments. The elastomeric member may be bonded to and extend between each of the plurality of gripping segments. The elastomeric member may comprise a plurality of elastomeric portions, the plurality of elastomeric portions extending between each of the plurality of gripping segments. The elastomeric member may comprise at least one elastomeric band surrounding an outer surface of each of the gripping segments. The gripping segments may be one piece or multiple pieces joined together and may be metallic or polymeric. 
     The anchor assembly may further comprise a load gauge, the load gauge configured to represent to a user when the appropriate amount of force has been applied to engage the anchor assembly within the hole. The load gauge may comprise a coil spring positioned around the rod. 
     According to another aspect, an anchor assembly is disclosed. The anchor assembly may comprise: a rod, the rod having a spreader at a bottom portion; and an anchor sleeve extending around the rod. A bottom portion of the anchor sleeve is configured to extend outward as a downward force moves the anchor sleeve downward over the spreader; and the anchor assembly is configured to removably engage a hole in a surface. 
     The anchor assembly may be configured to removably engage a hole such that at least 1000 pounds of pulling force is required to remove the anchor assembly; and the depth of the hole is less than one inch. 
     The anchor sleeve may comprise a plurality of gripping segments; and each of the plurality of gripping segments may have a plurality of raised ridges. The anchor sleeve further may comprise at least one elastomeric member connecting the plurality of gripping segments. The elastomeric member may be bonded to and extend between each of the plurality of gripping segments. The elastomeric member may comprise at least one elastomeric band surrounding an outer surface of each of the gripping segments. 
     The anchor assembly may further comprise a load gauge, the load gauge configured to represent to a user when the appropriate amount of force has been applied to engage the anchor assembly within the hole. The load gauge may comprise a coil spring positioned around the rod. 
     According to another aspect a safety fence assembly is disclosed. The safety fence assembly may include a fence panel assembly comprising: a top rail having a first end and a second end; a bottom rail having a first end and a second end; a first side rail extending between the first end of the top rail and the first end of the bottom rail; a second side rail extending between the second end of the top rail and the second end of the bottom rail; a plurality of vertical rods extending generally vertically between the top rail and the bottom rail; a plurality of horizontal rods extending generally horizontally between the first side rail and the second side rail; and a mesh panel extending between the top rail and the bottom rail and between the first side rail and the second side rail. The safety fence assembly may also include a support post assembly. The support post assembly may include a telescoping post extending substantially vertically, and having a first tube having a top end, the top end configured to engage a ceiling; and a second tube having a bottom end, the bottom end configured to engage a floor. The support post may also include a mounting hook extending from the telescoping post, the mounting hook configured to engage the top rail of the fence panel assembly; and a grab plate assembly, the grab plate assembly having a grab plate configured to engage the first tube. The grab plate assembly may be configured to raise the first tube relative to the second tube. 
     The grab plate further may comprise a tube receiving opening, the tube receiving opening configured to engage the first tube. The tube receiving opening may have a polygon shape. The tube receiving opening may be configured to engage the first tube at a plurality of contact points. 
     The grab plate may further comprise a lever arm. The grab plate assembly may also include a bracket engaged with the second tube; and an actuating rod engaged with the bracket. The actuating rod may be configured to engage the grab plate and raise the first tube relative to the second tube. The actuating rod may be configured to raise the first tube relative to the second tube by rotating the actuating rod. The actuating rod may extend through a slot in the grab plate. 
     The grab plate assembly may further comprise a wear system configured to alert a user when the grab plate assembly requires replacing. 
     The support post assembly may further comprise a load gauge configured to indicate when the desired load has been applied between the floor and the ceiling by the telescoping post. The load gauge may include a coiled spring within the first tube; a visibly different portion of the first tube which is visibly different than remaining portions of the first tube; and a cap extending over the first tube and engaged with the coiled spring, the cap configured to cover the visibly different portion of the first tube desired load has been applied between the floor the ceiling by the telescoping post. 
     According to another aspect, a support post assembly is disclosed. The support post assembly may include a telescoping post extending substantially vertically, and having a first tube having a top end, the top end configured to engage a ceiling; and a second tube having a bottom end, the bottom end configured to engage a floor. The support post assembly may also include a grab plate assembly, the grab plate assembly having a grab plate configured to engage the first tube. The grab plate assembly may be configured to raise the first tube relative to the second tube. 
     The grab plate may further comprise a tube receiving opening, the tube receiving opening configured to engage the first tube. The tube receiving opening may have a polygon shape. The tube receiving opening may be configured to engage the first tube at a plurality of contact points. 
     The grab plate assembly may further comprise a bracket engaged with the second tube; and an actuating rod engaged with the bracket. The actuating rod may be configured to engage the grab plate and raise the first tube relative to the second tube. The grab plate may further comprise a lever arm and the actuating rod may be configured to engage the lever arm. The actuating rod may be configured to raise the first tube relative to the second tube by rotating the actuating rod. The grab plate assembly may further comprise a wear system configured to alert a user when the grab plate assembly requires replacing. 
     The support post assembly may further comprise a load gauge configured to indicate when the desired load has been applied between the floor and the ceiling by the telescoping post. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a security fence assembly according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a fence panel assembly according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 2A  is a detailed view of a portion of the fence panel assembly of Detail A shown in  FIG. 2  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 2B  is a detailed view of a portion of the fence panel assembly of Detail B shown in  FIG. 2  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 2C  is a detailed view of a portion of the fence panel assembly of Detail C shown in  FIG. 2  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of a fence panel assembly according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 3A  is a side cross-sectional view of the fence panel assembly of  FIG. 3  taken along line E-E in  FIG. 3  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 3B  is a bottom cross-sectional view of the fence panel assembly of  FIG. 3  taken along line H-H in  FIG. 3  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 3C  is a detailed view of a portion of the fence panel assembly of Detail F shown in  FIG. 3A  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 3D  is a detailed view of a portion of the fence panel assembly of Detail G shown in  FIG. 3A  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 4A  is an exploded perspective view of an anchor post assembly according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 4B  is a detailed view of a portion of the anchor post assembly of Detail A shown in  FIG. 4A  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 4C  is a detailed view of a portion of the anchor post assembly of Detail B shown in  FIG. 4A  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 4D  is an exploded perspective view of an anchor post assembly according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 4E  is a detailed view of a portion of the anchor post assembly of Detail F shown in  FIG. 4D  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 4F  is a detailed view of a portion of the anchor post assembly of Detail C shown in  FIG. 4D  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 5A  is a side view of an anchor post assembly according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 5B  is a side cross-sectional view of an anchor assembly taken along line D-D of  FIG. 5A  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 5C  is a side cross-sectional view of an anchor assembly taken along line E-E of  FIG. 5A  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 5D  is a side view of an anchor post assembly according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 5E  is a side cross-sectional view of an anchor assembly taken along line D-D of  FIG. 5D  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 5F  is a side cross-sectional view of an anchor assembly taken along line B-B of  FIG. 5D  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of an anchor assembly in a closed position according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of an anchor assembly in an extended or open position according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 6C  is a side cross-sectional view of a security fence assembly according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 6D  is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the security fence assembly of  FIG. 6C  showing the anchor assembly in a closed or unengaged position according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 6E  is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the security fence assembly of  FIG. 6C  showing the anchor assembly in an extended or engaged position according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a security fence assembly according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 7A  is a detailed view of a portion of the anchor post assembly of Detail A shown in  FIG. 7  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 7B  is a detailed view of a portion of the anchor post assembly of Detail B shown in  FIG. 7  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 7C  is a detailed view of a portion of the anchor post assembly of Detail C shown in  FIG. 7  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 8A  is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of an anchor assembly according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 8B  is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of an anchor assembly according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of a security fence assembly having telescoping anchor post assembly according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a portion of the security fence assembly of  FIG. 9  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 9B  is a front view of a telescoping anchor post assembly according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 9C  is a detailed view of the telescoping anchor post assembly of the portion shown in  FIG. 9B  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of a telescoping anchor post assembly according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 10A  is a side cross-sectional view of the telescoping anchor post assembly taken along line A-A of  FIG. 10  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a portion of a telescoping anchor post assembly according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of a portion of a security fence assembly having telescoping anchor post assembly according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 12A  is a detailed view of the telescoping anchor post assembly of Detail H shown in  FIG. 12  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 12B  is a detailed view of the telescoping anchor post assembly of Detail J shown in  FIG. 12  shown in an unengaged position according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 12C  is a detailed view of the telescoping anchor post assembly of Detail J shown in  FIG. 12  shown in an engaged position according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of a portion of a security fence assembly having telescoping anchor post assembly according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 13A  is a detailed side view of the telescoping anchor post assembly of Detail H shown in  FIG. 13  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 13B  is a detailed perspective view of the telescoping anchor post assembly of Detail H shown in  FIG. 13  according to one or more aspects described herein. 
     
    
    
     Further, it is to be understood that the drawings may represent the scale of different components of one single embodiment; however, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to that particular scale. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description of various example structures according to the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example devices, systems, and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts, example devices, systems, and environments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, while the terms “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “side,” “rear,” and the like may be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements of the invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures or the orientation during typical use. Additionally, the term “plurality,” as used herein, indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention. Also, the reader is advised that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
     In general, aspects of this invention relate to modular security fence assemblies and associated anchors. According to various aspects and embodiments, the modular security fence assemblies and associated anchors described herein may be formed of one or more of a variety of materials, such as metals (including metal alloys), polymers, and composites, and may be formed in one of a variety of configurations, without departing from the scope of the invention. It is understood that the modular security fence assemblies and associated anchors may contain components made of several different materials. Additionally, the components may be formed by various forming methods. For example, metal components, may be formed by forging, fabricating, welding, molding, casting, stamping, machining, and/or other known techniques. Additionally, polymer components, such as elastomers, can be manufactured by polymer processing techniques, such as various molding and casting techniques and/or other known techniques. 
     The various figures in this application illustrate examples of modular security fence assemblies and associated anchors for the modular security fence assemblies according to this invention. When the same reference number appears in more than one drawing, that reference number is used consistently in this specification and the drawings refer to the same or similar parts throughout. 
     As will be described in greater detail below, this application illustrates examples of a modular security fence assembly. An exemplary assembled modular security fence assembly  10  is shown in  FIG. 1 . As described herein, in embodiments the modular security fence assemblies  10  generally include two parts. First, the modular security fence assemblies described herein generally include one or more fence panel assemblies  21 , primarily shown in  FIGS. 2-3D . Second, the modular security fence assemblies described herein generally include one or more support post assemblies  43 , primarily shown in  FIGS. 4A-6E  and  FIGS. 9-13B . As will be described below, the support post assemblies  43  may be anchored to the ground or concrete floor  52  using various anchor assemblies  50 , and in other embodiments the support post assemblies  43  may be engaged by pressure between the floor and the ceiling. The fence panel assemblies  21  may then be connected to the support post assemblies  43  to form a modular security fence assembly  10 . 
     Fence Panel Assembly 
     Referring now primarily to  FIGS. 2-3D , an exemplary fence panel assembly  21  is shown.  FIG. 2  depicts a partially exploded isometric view of an exemplary fence panel assembly  21  and  FIG. 3  depicts a front view of an exemplary fence panel assembly  21 . The fence panel assembly  21  may generally be rigid, and in some embodiments the fence panel assembly  21  may be inexpensive and/or lightweight. 
     The fence panel assembly  21  may include a body  20  having a top rail  28  extending generally horizontally along a top portion of the body  20 ; a bottom rail  30  extending generally horizontally along a bottom portion of the body  20 ; and, in one embodiment, side rails  31  extending substantially vertically along outer sides of the body  20 . In an alternative embodiment, the side rails can be omitted to further reduce the weight of the fence panel assembly  21 . Between the top rail  28  and bottom rail  30  the body  20  also includes a mesh portion or mesh panel  24 . In some embodiments, the mesh  24  may be “chicken wire;” and alternatively another lightweight mesh wire, mesh fabric, mesh plastic, mesh composite, or other suitable material may be used instead of the chicken wire  24 . For example, in some embodiments, the mesh panel  24  may comprise a solid piece of sheet metal. 
     The fence panel assembly  21  may also include one or more reinforcement rods such as the generally vertically extending rods  22  and the generally horizontally extending rods  26  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . These rods may add stability to the fence panel assembly  21  and may allow for easier assembly of the fence panel assembly  21 . These rods can be used in place of the side rails and will provide the fence with the necessary strength and integrity. In some embodiments the mesh panel  24  may be sandwiched between the vertically extending rods  22  and the horizontally extending rods  26 . For example, in some embodiments, the fence panel assembly  21  includes a first outer layer comprising a plurality of generally vertically extending rods  22  which are spaced from each other along the length of the panel assembly  21 ; a second or middle layer made of the mesh panel  24 ; and a third or inner layer comprising a plurality of horizontally extending rods  26  spaced from each other along the height of the panel assembly  21 . In other embodiments, the ordering of the layers may be reversed. The mesh panel  24  may be secured to the rods  22 , and  26  by electric resistance welding in an automated fashion or using any other suitable method. The welding of the mesh panel  24  to the rods provide additional structural rigidity and integrity to the fence assembly to make the assembly stronger to withstand greater loads applied to the fence assembly. 
     As discussed above, the top rail  28  extends generally horizontally along a top portion of the body  20 . As best shown in the detail view shown in  FIG. 2A , the top rail  28  may have a generally square or rectangular cross-sectional shape; however, other cross-sectional shapes may be used including, for example, circular and triangular cross-sectional shapes. The top rail  28  may also include a dependent lip  32  extending downward from the square or rectangular cross-sectional shape portion. In some embodiments, the top rail  28 , including the dependent lip  32  of the top rail, may be engaged with the vertical rods  22 , horizontal rods  26 , and/or the mesh  24 . In some embodiments, and as best shown in detail view  FIGS. 2 and 3C , the mesh  24  is engaged with the dependent lip  32  and is captured between the lip  32  and longitudinally spaced welding beads  34 . In use, the top rail  28  is hung on mounting hooks of the support posts and the support posts will carry the weight of the fence panel assembly  21 . 
     Additionally, in some embodiments, the top rail  28  may include a reinforcement tube  36 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the reinforcement tube  36  may have a cross-sectional shape mimicking, but slightly smaller than, the inner cross-sectional shape of the top rail  28 , such that the reinforcement tube  36  may be inserted into the top rail  28 . In some embodiments, the reinforcement tube  36  may extend substantially the entire length of the top rail  28 . However, in other embodiments the reinforcement tube  36  does not extend the full length of the top rail  28 . Advantageously, this may save weight and manufacturing costs. 
     As discussed above the bottom rail  30  extends generally horizontally along a bottom portion of the body  20 . As best shown in detail view,  FIG. 3D , the bottom rail  30  may have a generally L-shape profile but any convenient profile may be used. In some embodiments, the bottom rail  30  may be engaged with the vertical rods  22 , horizontal rods  26 , and/or the mesh  24 . As best shown in  FIG. 3D , the bottom edge of the panel of mesh  24  and the vertically extending rods  22  are secured to the bottom rail  30 , by longitudinally spaced welding beads  38 . Advantageously this arrangement defines a rigid kick plate which may meet required building code standards. Additionally, in some situations because the mesh panel  24  extends substantially the entire height of the fence panel assembly a user may not need to use additional netting or other similar safety devices which may otherwise be required. 
     The fence panel assembly  21  may also include attachment rings  41  which may be used to secure the vertical edges of the mesh panel  24  to the side rails  31  or to vertically extending rods  22  disposed over said vertical edges of the panel of chicken wire. In other embodiments, the mesh panel  24  may be attached to side rails  31  using any suitable method including, for example, welding. 
     The fence panel assembly may also include a pair of mounting openings  40  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The mounting openings  40  may form an open area in the mesh panel  24  and in some embodiments the mounting openings may be located at the corners where the side rails  31  meet the top rail  28 . In some embodiments, the mounting openings  40  are defined by cut-outs formed in the mesh panel or chicken wire  24  and may be covered to protect a user from injury by coming into contact with the mesh panel or chicken wire  24 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 3  the openings  40  may be covered by U-shaped molding  48 . As will be discussed below, the mounting openings  40  may be used to engage the fence panel assemblies  21  with the support post assemblies  43 , whereby the support post assemblies  43  will carry the weight of the fence panel assembly. 
     Support Post Assembly 
     Referring now in more detail to the support post assembly  43  an example of which is shown in  FIGS. 4A-5F  ( FIGS. 4A-4C  and  FIGS. 5A-5C  show a first embodiment of a support post assembly and anchor sleeve and  FIGS. 4D-4E  and  FIGS. 5D-5E  show a second similar embodiment of a fence post assembly and anchor sleeve). In one embodiment, the support post assembly  43  may include a support post  44 . The support post  44  may extend generally vertically upward and may have a height from the ground level similar to the height of the panel assembly  21 . The support post assembly  43  may also include mounting hooks  42  at an upper portion of the support post  44 . Further, in some embodiments (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 4D and 6C ) the support post assembly may also include lower mounting hooks  45  at a lower portion of the support post  44  for engaging a lower portion of the fence panel assemblies. The mounting hooks may be used to engage the fence panel assemblies  21  and particularly the mounting openings  40  of the fence post assemblies  21 . 
     The support post assembly  43  may also include a base  53 . The base  53  extends generally horizontally and is configured to engage the floor  52  to which support post assembly  43  is anchored. As shown in  FIG. 4A , the base  53  may be formed of two L-shaped brackets, however, any suitable base  53  may be used. For example, as shown in  FIG. 4D  the base  53  may be a rectangular hollow tube. The support post assembly  43  may also include one or more braces  51  connecting the base  53  to the support post  44 . These braces  51  may add additional rigidity to the support post assembly  43 . As shown in  FIGS. 4A-4B , the support post assembly  43  may include an aperture  55  through the base  53 . And as shown in  FIG. 4A , the aperture  55  may be formed by a cylindrical sleeve  76  welded to the base  53 , however, other methods of forming aperture  55  may be used. For example, the base  53  may simply include an aperture  55  extending through the base  53 . 
     The support post assembly  43  may be removably engaged with the floor  52  using an anchor assembly  50  extending through the aperture  55 . As described above, the depth to which the anchor assembly  50  may penetrate a concrete floor  52  in a high-rise building is usually limited to a certain depth because of underlying service ducting, support cabling and electrical cabling which is buried in the concrete. In some instances, such ducting and cabling may only be one inch beneath the surface of the concrete floor  52 . Therefore in embodiments discussed herein the depth that the anchor assemblies  50  penetrate the floor  52  may be limited to less than or equal to about 1 inch, or less than or equal to about ¾ inch. The anchor assemblies discussed herein must also be able to withstand a certain amount of pulling pressure so that the assemblies  10  are not accidentally removed from the floor  52  which would create a dangerous situation especially with high-rise buildings. Thus, in some embodiments the anchor assemblies discussed herein may be able to withstand a load of at least 1000 pounds of pull pressure, or a load of at least 1500 pounds of pull pressure. This is a significant improvement over many previous anchors which often required 3 to 4 inches of penetration in order to secure a load of 1500 pounds of pull pressure. In other words, the shallow anchor of the invention can withstand pull pressures equal to if not greater than anchors that are embedded four to five times deeper into a concrete floor. Plus, the anchors of the invention will not hit or contact the embedded cabling or ducting within the concrete unlike known anchors in which this could happen. 
     Anchor assembly  50  includes a bolt or rod  54  having a spreader  56  at a bottom end of the bolt  54 , the spreader  56  having a tapered surface  57  which enlarges toward the bottom end of the bolt  54 . The anchor assembly  50  also includes an anchor sleeve  58  through which the bolt or rod  54  may be inserted. The anchor sleeve  58  includes a plurality of gripping segments  60 . These gripping segments may be formed of a metallic or polymeric material. The gripping segments  60  have an inner surface  60 A and an outer surface  60 B. The inner surface  60 A may be generally smooth and may have a generally curved shape. Additionally, in some embodiments the inner surface may be tapered such that the thickness of the gripping segments  60  is greater at the top end than at the bottom end. The outer surface  60 B of the gripping segments  60 , as best shown in  FIGS. 4C, 5B, and 5C , may include a plurality of raised ridges  63  forming grooves  61 . These raised ridges  63  and/or grooves  61  may be used to engage the wall of the hole drilled into the floor  52 . In one embodiment, the anchor sleeve may be less than ¾ inches in height and less than ¾ inches in diameter. This anchor sleeve may then be used with a corresponding drilled receiving hole that is ¾ inches or less in depth and ¾ inches or less in diameter. In other embodiments, depending upon the required load, the anchor sleeve  58  and/or hole may have different dimensions. Generally, the diameter and/or height of the anchor sleeve may be increased for situations requiring higher loads and decreased for situations requiring lower loads. For example, in some embodiments, the diameter of the anchor sleeve  58  may be less than about 1 inch, less than about 1.5 inches, less than about 2 inches, or less than about 3 inches. The holes could then be made at corresponding diameters to fit the anchor sleeves  58 . Similarly, in some embodiments, the height of the anchor sleeve  58  may be less than about 1 inch, less than about 1.5 inches, less than about 2 inches, or less than about 3 inches, or less than about 6 inches; and the corresponding holes could be made at the correct depth to fit the anchor sleeves  58 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 4C and 5C , the gripping segments  60  may be connected to each other by a flexible elastomeric member  59 . In one embodiment, the elastomeric member  59  may comprise an elastomeric portion  62 , or multiple elastomeric portions  62  extending between and/or bonded to each of the gripping segments  60 . As shown in  FIG. 5C , the elastomeric member  59  comprises a plurality of elastomeric portions  62  extending between and bonding the gripping segments such that the inner surface of the anchor sleeve  58  has a generally circular cross-sectional shape. 
     The flexible elastomeric portion  62  connects the plurality of gripping segments  60 , forming a unitary body. Because of the flexible elastomeric material  62 , the anchor sleeve  58  may flex outward, or transversely to the axial direction of the bolt  54 . Thus, as a downward force is applied to the anchor sleeve  58 , the anchor sleeve is forced over the tapered surface  57  of the spreader  56  causing the gripping segments  60  to move outward at a bottom portion of the anchor sleeve  58 . The bottom gripping elements will move outward first thereby causing the anchor to first engage the inside surface of the receiving hole at its bottom where the concrete is the strongest. The outward movement of the anchor sleeve (beginning at the bottom of the receiving hole) thereby exerts increasing pressure on the inside surface of a receiving hole in a floor  52 . This outward pressure exerted by the anchor sleeve  58  secures the bolt or rod  54  to the floor  52 . In some embodiments, the anchor sleeve is sized such that the top edge of the anchor sleeve seats below the surface of the concrete floor  52 . This sub-surface positioning allows the gripping segments  60  to engage the inner wall of the receiving hole and may prevent the gripping segments  60  from chipping the concrete floor at the upper edge of the receiving hole. The anchor sleeve of the invention is usable with all types and conditions of concrete, including concrete that is not quite fully cured. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the gripping segments  60  of the anchor sleeve  58  may be joined by an elastomeric member  59  comprising one or more elastomeric bands  65 . These elastomeric bands or O-rings  65  may wrap around the outer surface  60 B of gripping segments  60  to hold the segments  60  together. Such a configuration is shown in  FIGS. 6A  (in a closed position) and  6 B (in an extended position). Additionally, this configuration is shown installed with a fence post assembly  43  in a floor  52  in  FIGS. 6C, 6D  (in a closed position) and  6 E (in an extended position). Further, this configuration of the anchor sleeve  58  is also shown in  FIGS. 4D-4F , and  FIGS. 5D-5F . The bands  65  may be positioned on an outer surface  60 B of the gripping segments  60  and/or in the external grooves  61  of the gripping segments  60 . Any number of bands  65  may be used to hold the segments together. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 6A and 6B , at least two bands are used to hold the segments  60  together. In another exemplary embodiment, at least three or more bands are used to hold the segments  60  together. 
     Advantageously, the spreader  56  is positioned to engage a bottom portion of the anchor sleeve  58 . This allows for the anchor sleeve  58  to expand at its lower portion first and engage the inside surface of the receiving hole at its bottom where the concrete is the strongest. However, in other alternative embodiments, the anchor sleeve  58  may be configured to spread at its top end first, or the anchor sleeve  58  may spread substantially evenly along the length of the anchor sleeve  58 . For example, in one embodiment, the spreader  56  may be inverted and positioned above the anchor sleeve  58 . In this embodiment the spreader  56  may be moved downward onto the anchor sleeve causing the upper portion of the anchor sleeve  58  to expand first. In another embodiment, there may be a spreader  56  below the anchor sleeve  58  and an inverted spreader above the anchor sleeve  58 . In such an embodiment the anchor sleeve  58  may spread substantially even over its length as the as the two spreaders engage the anchor sleeve  58 . In still other embodiments, the anchor assembly  50  may not include a spreader  56 . In embodiments without a spreader  56  the inner surface  60 A of the anchor sleeve  58  may be tapered such that the thickness of the gripping segments is greater at the bottom end than at the top end. 
     The anchor assembly  50  may include additional components. As best shown in  FIGS. 4A-5E  these additional components may be shaped or sized differently and/or may be omitted or combined with other components. As best shown in  FIGS. 4C and 5B , the bolt or rod  54  may have a threaded portion  64  that receives a nut  66 . As described above, the nut  66  may provide the downward force on the anchor sleeve  58  which spreads outward as it passes over the spreader  56 . In some embodiments, the anchor assembly  50  may also include a washer  68  disposed below the nut  66 . Additionally, in some embodiments the anchor assembly  50  may include a stop flange  70  disposed below the washer  68 . And in some embodiments, the stop flange  70  may engage a load gauge  72 . 
     The load gauge  72  may be configured to indicate when the desired load has been applied by the nut  66  such that a user knows that sufficient load has been applied to move the anchor sleeve  58  downward over the spreader  56 . The load gauge  72  may include a coiled spring  74  captured in a cylindrical sleeve  76  or other hole  55 . The load gauge  72  may also include a bottom flange  78  below the coiled spring  74 . A washer assembly  80  may be located between the anchor sleeve  58  and the flange  78 . In some embodiments, the washer assembly  80  may include an elastomeric or rubber washer  82  disposed over a metal washer  84 , and in other embodiments the washer assembly  80  may comprise a single washer. In some embodiments washer  84  may surround an upper portion of the anchor sleeve  58 . 
     In use, the load gauge  72  may be used by moving the nut  66  downward by an impact wrench or other similar tool until the coiled spring  74  is no longer visible. The coiled spring  74  may be sized such that once the coiled spring  74  is substantially within the cylindrical sleeve  76 , the anchor sleeve  58  is exerting sufficient lateral force on the hole in the floor  52  to retain the support post assembly  43  in the floor  52 . Exemplary drawings of a load gauge  72  are shown in  FIGS. 6D and 6E . As shown in  FIG. 6D , a portion “G” of the coiled spring  74  is visible. This indicates that the anchor sleeve  58  is not sufficiently engaged within the hole and that the nut  66  must be tightened further.  FIG. 6E  shows the anchor assembly  50  after the nut  66  has been tightened further. In this position the coiled spring  74  is no longer visible indicating that the anchor assembly  50  is sufficiently engaged within the hole. 
     For facilitating inspection and the determination that the required load has been applied, the coiled spring  74  may be painted a distinctive color such as red or yellow. If the color of the spring remains visible, this indicates that the proper load has not been applied to spring and the nut  66  needs to be driven further by the impact wrench. In an alternative embodiment, certain portions of the load gauge  72  and/or anchor assembly  50 , such as the cylindrical sleeve  76 , which serves as the gauge, can be omitted. Advantageously the coiled spring  74  may also assist in reducing the vibration of the nut  66 , washers  68 ,  70 ,  80  and bolt  64  which may prevent them from loosening during use. Further the coiled spring  74  may assist in maintaining the downward force on the anchor sleeve  58 . In an alternative embodiment, the gauge may be omitted and the spring may be painted or otherwise marked to indicate that the proper load has been applied. In yet another alternative embodiment, no color markings are used on the spring  74 . In other words, the support post assembly may be used with or without the gauge  72 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7-7C , once a user has installed the support post assemblies  43  into the floor  52  using anchor assemblies  50 , the user may then attach the fence panel assemblies  21  to the support post assemblies  43 . As shown in  FIGS. 7-7C  mounting hooks  42  may be inserted through mounting openings  40  to secure the fence panel assemblies  21  to the support post assemblies  43 . As shown in  FIG. 7B , the mounting hooks  42  may be sized such that two overlapping fence panel assemblies  43  may be mounted on a single mounting hook  42 . A bottom portion of the fence panel assembly  21  may be attached to the support post assembly  43  using locking cable ties  49  or other similar method. The mounting hooks  42  will carry the weight of the fence panel assemblies, thereby allowing the fence panel assembly to be made in a lighter weight and more economical manner as described herein. 
     The anchor assembly  50  may include safety features to ensure that worn or old parts are not used. For example, in some embodiments, the nut  66  and/or stop flange  70  may be painted a distinctive color that when worn off will indicate that the assembly may need to be replaced. Additionally, when the nut  66  and/or flange  70  show visible signs of wear, this will further indicate that the assembly may need to be replaced. In other embodiments the nut  66  and/or the bolt or rod  54  may be manufactured such that the nut  66  can no longer be tightened if the anchor assembly  50  components, such as the nut  66  and/or threaded portion  64 , are worn out. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8A  the anchor assembly is shown in an unworn condition. However, as shown in  FIG. 8B , the anchor assembly is shown in a worn condition wherein the nut  66  cannot provide the downward force necessary to force the anchor sleeve  58  over the spreader  56 . These fail indicators designed into the system further provide additional safety for a system that by its nature is required to be safe and is required achieve certain safety standards for high-rise buildings. 
     Grab Plate 
     In an alternative embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 9-13B , the support post assembly  43  may be a telescoping post  130 , which has a top end  133  extending to the ceiling  131  and a bottom end  135  extending to the floor  52 . Fence panel assemblies  21  may be attached to telescoping post  130  similarly to the methods described above including the use of mounting hooks  42  that may be included on the telescoping support post  130 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9-13B , the telescoping post  130  may include a first upper portion or inner tube or inner cylindrical tube  134  and a second lower portion or outer tube or outer cylindrical tube  136 . As shown in  FIGS. 9-13B , the first portion or inner tube  134  may have a reduced diameter compared to the second portion or outer tube  136  such that the first portion  134  may slide within the second portion  136 . The telescoping post  130  may also include a grab plate assembly  132  for retaining the inner cylindrical tube  134  in an extended position relative to an outer cylindrical tube  136 . A user may generally operate the telescoping post  130  by extending the inner post  134  upwards relative to the outer post  136  by hand until the telescoping post  130  spans substantially the entire distance between the floor  52  and the ceiling  131 . The user may then use the grab plate assembly  132  to extend the inner tube  134  further upward until the telescoping post  130  is fully engaged between the floor  52  and the ceiling  131 . In some embodiments, the telescoping post  130  may be anchored to the ceiling  131  at its top end  133  similarly to the anchoring shown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,152,118, which is incorporated herein by reference. And in some embodiments the upper portion of the telescoping post  130  may be similar to the telescoping post show in U.S. Pat. No. 7,510,152, which is incorporated by reference. 
     The grab plate assembly  132  includes a grab plate  138  that has a tube receiving opening  140 . The tube receiving opening  140  may have a polygon shape such as a hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, hendecagon, or dodecagon. Because of the polygon shape, the tube receiving portion defines a plurality of contact points  141 , as best shown in  FIGS. 10A and 11 , for contacting a reduced diameter portion of the inner tube  134 . The plurality of contact point  141  may provide sufficient retention of the inner cylindrical tube  134  even if the tube  134  has a generally round cross-sectional shape or a generally oval cross-sectional shape. Additionally, the plurality of contact points  141  may prevent ovaling of the inner tube  34 . This is because the loading on the inner tube is spread across the multiple contact points  141 . In an alternative embodiment, the number of contact points may be six or eight points to further spread the load evenly onto the tube thereby preventing ovaling of the tube. 
     The grab plate  138  extends into an integral lever arm  142 . The lever arm  142  may be angled from the main body of the grab plate  138 . The lever arm  142  defines a slot  144  for receiving an actuating rod or bolt  146  carried by a bracket  148  fixed to the outer cylindrical tube  136 . The bracket  148  includes a nut  150  through which the bolt  146  is threaded and the bolt  146  carries a fixed nut or bushing  152  to engage the grab plate  138  from one side of the lever arm  142 . In some embodiments the grab plate assembly  132  may include a first washer  154  seated on the nut  152 . Turning the actuating bolt  146  in the opposite direction will engage the grab plate  138  from the opposite side of the lever arm  142  with a second washer  156  or fixed nut or end. Conveniently, a torque wrench, or other similar device, may be used to apply sufficient torque to lock the telescoping post  130  in position. In doing so, it will be appreciated that additional contact points are created between the actuating bolt  146  and the lever arm  142  of the grab plate  138 . 
     In some embodiments, the telescoping post  130  may include a load gauge  170  which may be configured to indicate when the desired load has been applied between the floor  52  and the ceiling  131  by the telescoping post  130 . The load gauge  170  may include a coiled spring  172  captured within the inner tube  134 . The load gauge may also include a cap  174  which fits over the inner tube  134 . A portion of the inner tube  130  may be made visibly different  176  than the rest of the inner tube  130 . The visible difference may be a different paint coloring for example. This visible difference is indicated as “L” in  FIGS. 12B and 12C . In use, the load gauge  170  may be used to determine when the telescoping post  130  is sufficiently engaged. As the inner tube  134  moves upward, the cap  174  will cover the visibly different portion  176  of the inner tube  134 . Once the entire visibly different portion  176  is covered by the cap  174  then sufficient load has been applied to the telescoping post  130 .  FIG. 12B  depicts the load gauge  170  before sufficient load has been applied where the visibly different portion  176  of the inner tube  134  is visible. And  FIG. 12C  depicts the load gauge  170  after sufficient load has been applied where the visibly different portion  176  of the inner tube  134  is covered by cap  174 . 
     With specific reference to  FIGS. 10A, 12B and 12C , in an embodiment load gauge  170  further comprises a longitudinal rod  500  mounted within an end of tube  134  and within the interior of cap  174 . Rod  500  is of a diameter such that coiled spring  172  can be received about its exterior surface. Rod  500  has an upper or first end  501  secured or otherwise fixed to the interior of cap  174  and a lower or second end  502  secured or otherwise fixed to the interior surface of tube  134 . Lower end  502  of rod  500  includes a lower or first spring stop  503  against which the lower or second end of coiled spring  72  bears. Similarly, upper end  501  of rod  500  includes an upper or second spring stop  504  against which the upper or first end of the coiled spring bears. In the embodiment shown, upper and lower spring stops ( 504  and  503  respectively) comprise washers that are secured to the exterior surface of rod  500 . Those washers may then be fixed or otherwise secured to the interior surfaces of the respective cap  174  and tube  134  in order to rigidly hold rod  500  in place and to permit compressive force applied to the washers by coil spring  172  to be transmitted to the respective cap and tube surfaces. It will be appreciated that fixing the upper and lower washers in place will also prevent cap  174  from accidentally being separated from tube  134  during transport and storage of the support post. 
     As shown, cap  174  may have a longitudinal axis that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of tube  134 . Cap  174  may further have an enclosed upper end and an open lower end to permit it to telescopically engage the end of tube  134  (or with the end of tube  136  in an alternate embodiment). In the embodiment shown, cap  174  is received over the exterior surface of tube  134 , however, it will be appreciated that in alternate embodiments the cap may be received within the interior of tube  134 , over the exterior of tube  136 , or within the interior of tube  136 . Further, cap  174  may have an enclosed upper end that, in some embodiments (see  FIGS. 12  B and  12  C) may have an exterior domed configuration in order to enhance its ability to engage irregular shaped surfaces. 
     In certain embodiments the nut  152  and/or other portions of the grab plate assembly  132  may include a wear system or visible indicia of wear which may alert a user when the grab plate assembly  132  must be replaced. For example, the nut  152  may be painted or otherwise colored. After the color on the nut  152  wears off, this is an indication that the system may need to be replaced. Similarly, if the threads on the bolt  146  show signs of wear, this also is an indication that the system may need to be replaced. Also, if the slot  144  in the lever arm shows wear around the edges of the slot, this is an indication that the system should be replaced. In some embodiments the lever arm  142  may include a wear indicator which may comprise one or more marks on the lever arm  142 . These marks may indicate a specified number of uses that the grab plate assembly  132  may be used before it must be replaced. As these marks are worn off a user will have an approximate indication of the remaining number of uses before the grab plate assembly  132  must be replaced. Further, in some embodiments, and as evident from  FIGS. 13-13B , the slot  144  may wear around the edges such that the fixed nut or bushing  152  moves into the slot  144  and cannot rotate further. This is an additional sign of wear. These fail indicators designed into the system further provide additional safety for a system that by its nature is required to be safe and is required achieve certain safety standards for high-rise buildings. 
     The present disclosure is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of examples. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of the various features and concepts related to the disclosure, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.