Patent Publication Number: US-10760294-B1

Title: Safety apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/231,434 filed, Dec. 22, 2018, entitled, Safety Apparatus, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,604,957, which is hereby incorporated for reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to safety apparatus, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a safety cover utilized in the field of construction wherein the safety cover is operable to be releasably secured to an exposed portion of a column support or similar item that presents a safety hazard and is either required or desirable to provide coverage thereof so as to prevent injuries to workers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Construction projects range in scope and scale from a simple remodel to new construction of a commercial facility. Numerous types of construction techniques are employed depending upon parameters such as but not limited to the application and code requirements. Concrete foundations are commonly used in applications that range from the addition of a deck or space to a residential construction to the construction of a large commercial facilities. Foundations are structurally secured to walls and other building elements utilizing various techniques and fasteners. It is necessary to provide a structural bond intermediate the foundation and building support elements such as but not limited to posts. Post connectors also referred to as column base connectors provide a structural coupling between the foundation and construction elements such as but not limited to structural columns, walls and similar construction elements. The conventional column base connector includes a portion that is embedded in a foundation wherein the column base connector includes a portion embedded in the concrete/foundation and further includes an upper portion that extends upward from the concrete and/or foundation. The upper portion is configured to be mechanically coupled to a support post or similar element utilizing suitable durable mechanical techniques. 
     One issue presented during installation of the column base connectors is the exposure of their upper portion subsequent installation thereof. The exposed upper portions of the column base connectors create significant safety hazards on the construction site. Some construction sites utilize hundreds of column base connectors and as various trades perform their portion of the construction project, the exposed upper portions of the column base connectors present hazards such as but not limited to tripping hazards. Furthermore, these exposed column base connectors create safety hazards wherein an individual can suffer from lacerations and impalement and other workplace injuries leading to increased liability for the builder and risk for the workers on the job site. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a safety cover for column base connectors and/or post mounts that can be releasably secured thereto and reduce the safety hazard risk presented thereby. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the object of the present invention to provide a safety cover for a column base connector wherein the safety cover is configured to be releasably secured to the upper portion of the column base connector that is exposed ensuing installation thereof. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a safety cover to prevent injuries on a job site from exposed column base connectors wherein the safety cover includes a body having an upper portion and a lower portion. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a safety cover for a column base connector wherein the safety cover is configured to be releasably secured to the upper portion of the column base connector wherein the upper portion and lower portion of the body of the base connector are perpendicular in orientation. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a safety cover to prevent injuries on a job site from exposed column base connectors wherein the upper portion of the body is planar in manner. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a safety cover for a column base connector wherein the safety cover is configured to be releasably secured to the upper portion of the column base connector wherein the lower portion extends downward from the bottom surface of the upper portion. 
     Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a safety cover to prevent injuries on a job site from exposed column base connectors wherein the lower portion includes three receiving members wherein each receiving member is configured to be releasably secured to an exposed portion of a column base connector. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a safety cover for a column base connector wherein the safety cover is configured to be releasably secured to an exposed portion of a column base connector wherein the three receiving members of the lower portion are equally distributed across the body of the upper portion. 
     Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a safety cover to prevent injuries on a job site from exposed column base connectors wherein the centrally located receiving member includes an aperture penetrating opposing sidewalls. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a safety cover for a column base connector wherein the upper portion includes a tope member secured to the upper surface thereof. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a safety cover to prevent injuries on a job site from exposed column base connectors wherein the top member further includes a cap member configured to cover the top member. 
     To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 3  is a cross sectional end view of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  is cross sectional view of the top member of the present invention with cap member in a pre-assembly position; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the top member of the present invention with the cap member in its assembled position; and 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional end view of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a safety cover  100  constructed according to the principles of the present invention. 
     An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention. 
     It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic. 
     Referring in particular to Figures herein, the safety cover  100  further includes a body  5  manufactured from a durable suitable material such as but not limited to plastic. The body  5  includes an upper portion  10  and a lower portion  15  contiguously formed. While no specific color of the body  5  is required, it is desired within the scope of the present invention that the body  5  is manufactured in a high visibility color such as but not limited to yellow or orange. The body  5  is manufactured utilizing suitable durable techniques such as but not limited to injection molding. The upper portion  10  of the body  5  is square in shape and is planar in manner having a peripheral edge  11  defining the shape thereof. The upper portion  10  includes upper surface  12  and lower surface  13 . Surroundably present on the lower surface  13  is lip member  20 . Lip member  20  extends downward from lower surface  13 . It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the lip member  20  could extend downward in various lengths and functions to provide lower perimeter protection for the upper portion  10  of the body  5 . While the upper portion  10  is illustrated herein as being square in shape, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the upper portion  10  could be formed in alternate shapes and sizes. 
     The upper portion  10  has superposed thereon a top member  22 . Top member  22  is planar in manner and is manufactured to have a similar shape and size of the upper surface  12  of the upper portion  10 . The top member  22  substantially covers the upper surface  12  and is secured thereto utilizing suitable durable techniques such as but not limited to chemical adhesion. The top member  22  is manufactured from a rigid material such as but not limited to metal. The top member  22  is utilized to provide additional impalement protection in more hazardous work environments. Being manufactured of metal, the top member  22  serves to substantially inhibit the ability for a portion of a base column connector or other construction item to which the safety cover is secured from penetrating completely through the upper portion  10 . This ensures protection during instances wherein contact with the safety cover  100  occurs with a greater force and as such could result in the comprise of the upper surface  12  of the upper portion  10 . It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the top member  22  could be manufactured in various thickness so as to provide the ability to inhibit penetration of a construction element therethrough. 
     The upper portion  10  has secured thereto a cap member  25 . The cap member  25  is illustrated herein in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 . In  FIG. 4  the cap member  25  is illustrated in a pre-assembly position and in  FIG. 5  the cap member  25  is shown in its assembled position wherein the cap member  25  is secured to the upper portion  10 . The cap member  25  includes a side wall  27  that is perpendicular to the top wall  26  and extends downward therefrom on all sides of the cap member  25 . The side wall  27  has formed therein proximate the lower perimeter edge  28  a mounting tab  29 . Mounting tab  29  is contiguously formed with the side wall  27  and is formed so as to have an arcuate shape that is oriented inwards toward the upper portion  10 . The mounting tab  29  is configured to secure to the upper portion  10  via biased engagement with inset portion  2  of lip member  20 . The mounting tab  29  biases inward on the inset portion  2  and in combination with edge  3  provides retention of the position of the cap member  25 . It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the mounting tab  29  could be formed in alternate shapes and/or sizes and still achieve the desired objective discussed herein. The cap member  25  provides an additional technique to ensure the top member  22  maintains its position. 
     The lower portion  15  of the body  5  includes a first receiving member  30 , a second receiving member  40  and a third receiving member  50 . The receiving members  60  function to provide a technique to releasably secure the safety apparatus  100  to base column connector (not illustrated herein) or similar construction element. As is further discussed herein, the arrangement of the receiving members  60  provide alternate techniques of releasably securing to various exposed portions of column base connectors or similar elements. The receiving members  60  are all similarly formed having a plurality of walls  71  that are contiguously formed to create cavities  80 . Cavities  80  are hollow and are configured to have disposed therein a portion of an exposed column base connector or similar element subsequent installation thereof. Each receiving member  60  has an opening  85  that provides access to the cavities  80 . The openings  85  are of suitable size to accommodate various sizes of portions of exemplary column base connectors or similar elements. While the openings  85  are illustrated herein as being generally rectangular in shape, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the openings  85  and walls  71  could be formed in alternate shapes to provide mateable engagement with alternative types and shapes of base column connectors or similar exposed elements present at a construction site. It is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the receiving members  60  could be formed from a single wall member or from a plurality of wall members needed to form a mateable shape so as to be releasably secured to a construction element. Additionally, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the safety cover  100  could have only two receiving members  60  or more than three receiving member  60  as needed to be releasably secured to a construction element to provide improved visibility thereof and environmental safety. 
     A second receiving member  40  is located intermediate first receiving member  30  and third receiving member  50 . The second receiving member  40  is formed so as to have a greater length than that of the first receiving member  30  and third receiving member  50 . The greater length of the second receiving member  40  provides a user an option to solely engage the second receiving member  40  with a portion of a column base connector or other exposed construction element. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the second receiving member  40  could be manufactured in various lengths all being greater in length than the length of the first receiving member  30  and third receiving member  50 . The second receiving member  40  includes an aperture  91  that is journaled through opposing walls  71 . Apertures  91  is formed so as to be in parallel axial alignment so as to receive therethrough a locking member or similar element in order to inhibit unwanted removal of the safety cover  100  from a column base connector or similar construction element. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the first receiving member  30  and third receiving member  50  could also have apertures journaled therethrough so as to provide a similar function as the aforementioned aperture  91 . 
     Formed within the cavities  80  of the first receiving member  30 , second receiving member  40  and third receiving member  50  are central rib members  93 . The central rib members  93  are contiguously formed utilizing suitable durable techniques. The central rib members  93  are present substantially along the width of the first receiving member  30 , second receiving member  40  and third receiving member  50 . The central rib members  93  are perpendicular to first rib support members  130  and second rib support members  140  and function in conjunction therewith to inhibit a portion of a column base connector journaled into the first receiving member  30 , second receiving member  40  or third receiving member  50  from propagating therethrough. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the central rib members  93  could be manufactured in alternate thicknesses. 
     Integrally formed intermediate the receiving members  60  are support members  75 . The support members  75  are integrally formed intermediate the receiving members  60  utilizing suitable durable techniques. The support members  75  are planar in manner and extend intermediate the first receiving member  30  and the second receiving member  40 . Support members  75  are further present intermediate the second receiving member  40  and third receiving member  50 . The support members  75  provide lateral stability for the receiving members  60 . It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the safety cover  100  could have as few as one support member  75  intermediate each receiving member  60  or more than two support members  75 . It is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the support members  75  extend downward along the receiving members  60  a distance that is at least fifty percent of the length of the receiving members  60  in order to provide the desired structural support. 
     Referring now in particular to  FIGS. 2 and 3  herein, that safety cover  100  includes within the cavities  80  of the first receiving member  30 , the second receiving member  40  and third receiving member  50  retention members  120  that are integrally formed within the cavity  80  on the interior surface thereof. The retention members  120  are molded into the cavities  80  along the interior surface thereof and include a first end  121  and a second end  122 . The retention members  120  are formed such that the thickness thereof is tapered from the first end  121  to the second end  122 . The thickness of the body  123  is formed such that the retention members  120  are thinner proximate the first end  121  and thicker proximate the second end  122 . As a portion of column base connectors or similar construction elements are inserted into the cavities  80  the retention members  120  will engage the sides thereof so as to frictionally engage the portion ensuring a secure connection with the safety cover  100 . It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the retention members  120  could be manufactured in alternate lengths and further having varying thicknesses. 
     A plurality of first rib support members  130  and second rib support members  140  are integrally formed within the cavity  80 . The first rib support members  130  and second rib support members  140  are present so as to absorb the impact force from column base connectors or similar construction elements when exposed to a downward force from on the safety cover from events such as but not limited to a falling construction worker. The first rib support members  130  and second rib support members  140  are arranged in a linear row with the first rib support members  130  being configured to initially engage the construction element and if a higher force is applied then subsequently the second rib support members will engage the portion  98 . Further the top member  22  provides yet an additional safety element to ensure the construction element does not penetrate through the safety cover and injure the worker that has impaled themselves on the safety cover  100 . It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the safety apparatus  100  could employ just the first rib support members  130  and further employ alternate quantities of the first rib support members  130  and second rib support members  140 . 
     In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.