Patent Publication Number: US-2021189759-A1

Title: Temporary safety guardrail for construction sites

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 16/052,717 filed Aug. 2, 2018 which claims priority to United Kingdom Patent Application serial number GB1712467.8, filed on Aug. 2, 2017 entitled “Temporary safety guardrail for construction sites”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety at least by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to guardrails but more particularly to a temporary safety guardrail for construction sites. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Safety regulations on construction sites can be very strict in many jurisdictions and generally require that a form of temporary safety guardrail be installed around the perimeter of a building that is under construction. Usually, those guardrails are quickly assembled by the workers who will use planks of woods, sometimes from scrap. Often, those guardrail sections are reused from site to site and are fixed up as needed so that they remain relatively secure. There are some types of metal guardrails that are specifically designed for construction sites, but the problem usually has to do with how to secure them to the existing structure. Consequently, there is a need for a temporary safety guardrail for construction sites that can easily secure to existing structures and provide any necessary perimeter configuration. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment of the present invention a temporary safety guardrail for construction sites comprising a plurality of anchoring members, each anchoring member having a post connecting bracket configured to receive a removable post, the posts are defined as starter or intermediate posts wherein starter can be first or last, and a base plate having a plurality of plate holes configured to receive mechanical fasteners, wherein the post connecting bracket includes a horizontal opening and a vertical opening enabling each anchoring member to be installed and secured to a surface in either a horizontal or vertical position via the plurality of plate holes; a rectangular fixed bracket positioned on a top portion of the removable post, the rectangular fixed bracket having a pair of attachment holes on each end of each face of the rectangular fixed bracket; a rectangular handrail having a pair of vertically aligned attachment holes on each end of each horizontal face of the rectangular handrail, wherein the rectangular handrail is configured to attach to one end of the rectangular fixed bracket via a first pin passed through the pair of vertically aligned attachment holes and the corresponding attachment holes on the rectangular fixed bracket, and the other end of the rectangular handrail is configured to attach to an additional rectangular fixed bracket on an adjacent removable post such that a series of handrails is provided; and, a net having an upper band, a lower band, and a plurality of threads, wherein the net is configured to be attached to the removable post and the rectangular handrail. 
     In one embodiment, the rectangular handrail is a fixed length handrail. In one embodiment, the rectangular handrail is a telescoping handrail. In one embodiment, an optional orientable bracket configured to attach to the rectangular fixed bracket is provided, wherein the rectangular handrail is configured to attach to the orientable bracket, the orientable bracket configured to pivot along a vertical or a horizontal plane. In another embodiment, a first and second optional orientable bracket are connected in series such that the first orientable bracket pivots horizontally and second orientable bracket pivots vertically such that orientation occurs in two axes. In one embodiment, the optional orientable bracket comprises a body section and a pair of fins, wherein the body section is rectangular having four sides, and at least one hole provided on each of the four sides and each fin of the pair of fins, the holes configured for attachment to the rectangular fixed bracket and the rectangular handrail via a second pin. In one embodiment, a marker stub positioned on a lower portion of the removable post. In another embodiment, a kickplate bracket is configured to attach to the marker stub and receive a kickplate. In one embodiment, the fixed length handrail is approximately 84 inches in length. In one embodiment, the telescoping handrail extends up to 68 inches in length. In yet another embodiment, at least one alignment hook having notches is provided, wherein the at least one alignment hook is configured to secure the threads of the net in the notches. In one embodiment, the rectangular handrail includes hooks configured to attach to the upper band of the net, the hooks configured to create tension in a horizontal direction of the net. In one embodiment, the hooks are positioned on alternating sides of the rectangular handrail. In another embodiment, at least one band clamp positioned on the removable post, the at least one band clamp configured to secure the lower band of the net and to adjust vertical tension in the net by selective positioning into adjustment holes. 
     In yet another embodiment, there is a vise mechanism for clamping down across the thickness of the floor comprising a clamping plate and a securing plate which are selectively brought closer or farther apart by a lead screw actuated by a tightening handle. The securing plate and the clamping plate both clamp down across the thickness of the floor to secure the post. The clamping plate has a pair of positioning holes that cooperate with positioning nipples located on the base plate. The vise mechansm is further comprised of a holding handle used for holding the vise mechanism while the plates are being tightened. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a temporary safety guardrail for construction sites according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a side view of a corner post with anchoring member disposed horizontally according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a exploded view of a center post and anchoring member according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2C  is a side view of an intermediate post with anchoring member disposed vertically according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 3A-B  are isometric views of the anchoring member in vertical and horizontal configurations respectively according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4A-C  are isometric, side, and end views of the telescopic handrail according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5A-C  are isometric, side, and end views of the fixed length handrail according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 6A-B  are isometric and side views of the orientable bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a starter post with a net with the base installed vertically according to an embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIGS. 8A-B  are isometric views of a starter post with a net with the base installed horizontally according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 9A-B  are isometric views featuring the clamping mechanism used for holding a post. 
         FIG. 10  is another isometric view of the clamping mechanism with a post and a net. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out their invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles of the present invention have been defined herein to specifically provide a temporary safety guardrail for construction sites. The word “a” is defined to mean “at least one.” 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a temporary safety guardrail  10  is used on the perimeter of a floor  12  or ground surface forming part of a construction site or renovation, such as a building construction as well known in the art. In one embodiment, the guardrail is comprised of a plurality of anchoring members  14  each having a removable post  16  disposed vertically in each anchoring member. In one embodiment, a net  56  is provided between each pair of removable posts, wherein the net is configured to maintain the safety of construction worker while keeping the general public out of the construction site. In one embodiment, one or more kick-plates  42  are provided, wherein the kick-plates prevent loose objects on the ground from being accidentally pushed off the side of the building. The kick-plates will be described in greater detail below. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2A-C , various views of removable posts with anchoring members are illustrated. In one embodiment, a fixed bracket  20  is positioned on the top of the post. In some embodiments, one or more orientable brackets  22  are required depending on the desired configuration of the guardrail, which will be explained in detail below. An orientable bracket  22  is configured to pivot along a vertical or a horizontal plane depending on the orientation and connection of the bracket via the fixed bracket. If guardrail rotation is required, depending on the configuration, when two orientable brackets are connected in series, one orientable bracket can pivot horizontally and the other orientable bracket can pivot vertically such that rotation occurs in two axes. Alternatively, two orientable brackets may be connected in series and aligned so as to provide rotation in one axis that is greater than 180 degrees (up to 360 degrees). 
     In one embodiment, anchoring member  14  includes base plate  24  having a plurality of plate holes  26  configured for receiving mechanical fasteners  27  (best seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ), wherein the mechanical fasteners are any fastener known in the art, including but not limited to anchoring bolts, screws, and nails. In one embodiment, the mechanical fasteners may be fastened to a flat horizontal surface, such as floor  12  or a roof (not illustrated), but can also be oriented vertically so as to be mechanically fastened to a vertical surface such as the thickness of the floor itself. 
     Best seen in  FIGS. 3A-B , the anchoring member includes a post connecting bracket  25 . In one embodiment, the connecting bracket includes two openings  40  configured and sized for receiving a removable post  16 , wherein the post is either in a configuration parallel or perpendicular relative to base plate  24 . A pair of positioning nipples  48  are used for properly positioning a clamping plate  62  which will be explained later. The various configurations are best seen in  FIGS. 2A-C . It should be understood that when using the base plate in its vertical configuration, a marker stub  58  ( FIG. 2B ) is used so as to prevent the removable post from falling off, eliminating the need for an additional worker to hold the removable post during installation. Further, the marker stub is also configured for marking the exact height of the removable post such that all the posts used and the corresponding temporary safety guardrail is of equal height. Yet further, the marker stub is configured for mechanically fastening a kickplate bracket  44 . In one embodiment, the kickplate bracket is used to install a kickplate  42  running at floor level (best seen in  FIG. 1 ). In one embodiment, the kickplate  42  consists in planks that are held in place by being inserted into the kickplate brackets which are fixedly attached to the base of the post when the base plate is horizontal or, as described above to the marker stub when the base plate is oriented vertically. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6A-B , the orientable bracket is shown in greater detail. In one embodiment, the orientable bracket comprises a body section  54  and a pair of fins  50 . In one embodiment, the body section is rectangular having four sides or faces, wherein the body section comprises at least one hole  52  on each side or face. Similarly, each fin of the pair of fins has at least one hole  52 . 
     In one embodiment, a pin  46  is passed through the holes when attaching the orientable bracket to the fixed bracket. Depending on the desired plane (horizontal or vertical), specific holes are used on the fixed bracket. The fixed bracket is rectangular having a pair of holes on the ends of each face of the fixed bracket, allowing for numerous attachment arrangements. For example, if a horizontal plane orientation is desired, the orientable bracket would be aligned such that the holes provided on each fin are vertically aligned, and the pin would pass though the vertically aligned holes on the pair of fins and the corresponding vertically aligned holes on the fixed bracket (best illustrated in  FIGS. 2B-C  and  8 A-B). Alternatively, if a vertical plane is desired, the orientable bracket would be aligned such that the holes provided on each fin are horizontally aligned, and the pin would pass through the horizontally aligned holes on the pair of fins and the corresponding horizontally aligned holes on the fixed bracket (best illustrated in  FIG. 7 ). In one embodiment, the temporary safety guardrail includes a variety of handrails that are connected to the orientable brackets. Depending on the desired configuration of the handrails the previously mentioned methods would be used for positioning the handrail in a vertical or horizontal plane. Further, if two orientable brackets are connected serially with perpendicular fins orientation, the combination can pivot on two axis. With one hole per face, irrelevant of orientation, there will always be at least two holes properly aligned for connecting a handrail. The variety of handrails will be discussed in greater detail below. 
     There are two types of handrails provided. Referring now to  FIGS. 4A-C , a telescoping handrail  18 ″ is shown. The telescoping handrail is comprised of at least two telescoping rectangular body members providing an adjustable length handrail as well known in the art. In one embodiment, the telescoping handrail extends up to 68 inches in length. Referring now to  FIGS. 5A-C , a fixed length handrail  18 ′ is shown. In one embodiment, the fixed length handrail approximately 84 inches in length. During installation, any variety of handrail, either fixed or telescoping, may be inserted into orientable brackets or directly into a fixed bracket if no rotation is desired. Pins  46 / 28  may be used to secure the handrails in the various brackets. As previously mentioned, the orientable bracket provides different angles and planes so that the handrail may follow the contours of the building perimeter, such as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Thus, advantageously, by utilizing both fixed and telescopic handrails, any configuration for a safety perimeter for a construction site may be obtained. 
     During installation, firstly, the posts are inserted into the post connecting brackets of the base plates  24  and secured thereto via pins. Next, the handrails, either fixed length and/or telescoping are attached to the fixed or orientable brackets and secured via pins. A net  56  is then attached to mesh alignment slits  57  located on mesh alignment hooks  32  on the positioned on the first and last starter posts of a net roll all other posts  16  in between are intermediate posts  16  and do not have the mesh alignment hooks. Typically, net rolls are about 50 feet in length. Therefore, it takes 8 posts set at 7 feet apart to cover 49 feet. So, the first and eighth post are defined as starter and end posts and have the mesh alignment hooks configured to securely hold the start and the end of the net. In one embodiment, the alignment hooks are configured to secure threads  55  of the net in notches  57  (best seen in  FIG. 8A ) of the starter post. Next, the threads are positioned in the same order on the notches on the last starter post for the complete net roll. This ensures that each net thread is aligned from one end of the net roll to the other. Once this is done, the net is tied up in between using hooks  30  located along the each handrail, as well as a post hook  21  located at the upper part of each post. Preferably, the hooks  30  are placed on alternate sides of each handrail so as to grasp onto an upper band  60  of the net so as to create tension in the net along the horizontal by zig zagging between both sides of the handrail. Then, the net is then pulled tight along the vertical by clamping it onto band clamps  36  located on all the posts. In one embodiment, the band clamps are used for grasping and securing a lower band  61 . In one embodiment, side hooks  36  are provided on a starter post and configured to receive an end of the net. Both the side hooks and the clamps may be removed and put back quickly by way of the pins so as to easily fit in the threads of the net and pull down to make the necessary adjustments. For example, the clamps have three positions dictated by adjustment holes  33  located on each post. When the net is finished, an additional net may be attached to the first net to continue setting up the perimeter. Usually, each net is equipped with a plurality grommets at their extremity through which nuts and bolts are inserted to connect to another net  56 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 9-10 , for added versatility in the installation process, a vise mechanism  53  is used so that the posts can be attached to the floor without the need for drilling holes. This vise mechanism is comprised of the clamping plate  62  and a securing plate  64  which are selectively brought closer or farther apart by a lead screw  66  actuated by a tightening handle  68 . The securing plate and the clamping plate both clamp down across the thickness of the floor to secure the post. There is a holding handle  70  used for holding the vise mechanism while the plates are being tightened. The clamping plate has a pair of positioning holes  72  that cooperate with the positioning nipples  48  located on the base plate. Both the clamping plate and the securing plate have generally rough surfaces to minimize slippage. 
     Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction or orientation. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object. 
     In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) are not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead are used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.