Patent Abstract:
A versatile handrail and toeboard safety system that provides flexible solutions for the implementation of improved construction site safety barriers using a specialized bracket to mount standard wooden members. The bracket of the handrail and toeboard safety system is formed of multiple parallel plates in various arrangements creating spaces to receive and secure wooden construction members as a handrail for personnel safety in addition to a toeboard for equipment and materiel safety. Multiple embodiments of the bracket provide for expeditious setup and removal of system for setup and removal of personnel and equipment safety barriers from most construction sites.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/617,656 for a “Construction Safety Handrail And Toe Board System” filed Mar. 29, 2012, and currently co-pending. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to construction safety systems. The present invention is more particularly, though not exclusively, useful as an improved safety system for construction sites, providing an expeditious system for setup and removal of personnel and equipment safety barriers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Construction barriers for personnel and equipment have historically been made of building materials available at a construction site, such as sheets of plywood and two-by-fours, hard-mounted to the floor of construction sites by way of nails or bolts. This type of barrier is constructed primarily for safety, as they are typically employed near the edge of a working area on the second floor (or higher) of a construction site for purposes of preventing personnel and equipment from falling off the edge of a work area to the floor or ground below. The barriers provide a measure of safety as people work near the edge of the construction site. 
     Traditionally, these safety barriers have been mounted to the floor of the second or third story of a home construction site, where a single story floor can be as high as 20 feet from the ground. Equipment falling from that height would certainly be damaged, but may also cause serious injury or death if it were to impact someone standing below. In an effort to reduce the likelihood of equipment damage and personnel injury, wooden barriers are typically erected to keep equipment, personnel, and debris from falling off a construction site. Typically mounted to the vertical members (studs) of a home construction site or other larger commercial buildings, these barriers usually employ a handrail three to four feet tall for personnel safety, in addition to a further barrier on or near the floor, preventing equipment and debris from sliding or rolling off the second (or higher) story of the construction site. Ordinarily, two-by-fours are used and simply nailed together in vertical and horizontal supports to create a fence, of sorts. Often plywood is nailed to the outside creating a more secure, yet resource-intensive wall. The amount of wood used is heavy, making even a small barrier cumbersome, time consuming, difficult to erect, even harder to remove, and uses an inordinate amount of building material to construct. 
     In light of the above, it would be advantageous to provide a bracket and support system that utilizes fewer building resources, increases safety and productivity, while significantly reducing the time for setup and removal of these safety barriers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The handrail and toeboard system of the present invention makes the process by which construction site safety barriers are erected and dismantled significantly more expeditious and less resource-intensive. An embodiment of the present invention is contemplated as a bracket and a support system that provides a connection point for securing the system to the floor of a construction site. The bracket provides mounting points for wooden safety barrier members comprising support rails, handrails, and toeboards. By using several brackets in conjunction with the wooden safety barrier members, a safety barrier can be erected quickly and easily. 
     The present invention is formed from a plurality of orthogonally arranged, vertical metal plates, spaced apart to accommodate and secure both horizontal and vertical wooden members, such as a two-by-four, or similar. The handrail and toeboard system has an open ended bottom, arranging wooden safety barrier members flush to the ground with zero clearance between the floor and the wooden members, preventing tools, materials, and debris from slipping through any cracks or spaces. The present invention is further formed with horizontally opposed metal tabs on the bottom portion of the metal plates serving as mounting points for the bracket. 
     Alternative embodiments of the invention include wood-receiving brackets which are articulatable to accommodate placement at different, non-orthogonal, angles along floor, and are particularly useful in circumstances where the floor plan of the construction site is not formed with rectangular corners. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       The objects, features, and advantages of the apparatus of the present invention will be more clearly perceived from the following detailed description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic view of a preferred embodiment of the handrail and toeboard system of the present invention, showing the handrail and toeboard safety barrier secured to the floor of a construction site, with multiple wooden members creating a toeboard, handrail, and vertical handrail support; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the top-front of a preferred embodiment of a bracket of the handrail and toeboard system of  FIG. 1  showing the position of a handrail support and two (2) toeboards as they interact with vertical plates and support plates of the bracket, in addition to hardware securing the wooden members to the bracket and the flanges used to secure the entire system to the floor; 
         FIG. 3 , is a side view of the bracket of  FIG. 2 , depicting two (2) vertical plates, six (6) bolts acting as mounting hardware, and flanges used to secure the system to the floor, and showing the placement of the toeboard immediately adjacent the floor surface to prevent the formation of any gap therebetween; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the bracket of  FIG. 2 , depicting two (2) parallel plates and two (2) support plates, creating a space for a vertical handrail support, six (6) bolts acting as mounting hardware, and flanges used to secure the system to the floor; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the top-front of an alternative preferred embodiment of the handrail and toeboard system of the present invention, depicting a bracket with two (2) parallel plates, a single support plate, mounting hardware for toeboards, and flanges for securing the system to the floor; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the top of the alternative preferred embodiment of  FIG. 5 , depicting two (2) vertical plates, single support plate, mounting hardware for toeboards, and flanges for securing the system to the floor; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the alternative preferred embodiment of  FIG. 5 , depicting the side of one of the two (2) vertical plates, mounting hardware for toeboards, and flanges for securing the system to the floor; 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric top view of an alternative embodiment of the handrail and toeboard system of the present invention, depicting a bracket with three (3) vertical plates disposed at different distances allowing the use of two (2) different dimensions of wooden members, three (3) support plates, mounting hardware for toeboards and vertical handrail support, and flanges for securing the system to the floor; 
         FIG. 9  is plan view of the alternative embodiment of the handrail and toeboard system of  FIG. 8 , depicting three (3) parallel plates disposed at different distances allowing the use of two (2) different dimensions of wooden members, three (3) support plates, mounting hardware for toeboards and vertical handrail support, and horizontal brackets for securing the system to the floor; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the handrail and toeboard system of  FIG. 8 , depicting the side of a vertical plate, mounting hardware for toeboards and vertical handrail support, and horizontal brackets for securing the system to the floor; 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the handrail and toeboard system of the present invention depicting a corner bracket having four (4) vertical plates orthogonally disposed, allowing the connection of two (2) toeboards at a right angle, two (2) support plates, mounting hardware for toeboards and vertical handrail support, and flanges for securing the system to the floor; 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the handrail and toeboard system of  FIG. 11 , depicting the corner bracket with four (4) vertical plates orthogonally disposed, allowing the connection of two (2) toeboard members at a right angle, two (2) support plates, mounting hardware for toeboards and vertical handrail support, and flanges for securing the system to the floor; 
         FIG. 13  is an perspective view of the top-front of an alternative embodiment of the handrail and toeboard system of the present invention depicting a bracket having two (2) vertical plates with the middle section of each plate extending perpendicularly upwards, similar to an inverted “T,” with two (2) support plates connecting and securing the vertical plates together; 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 13 , depicting a vertical plate with the middle section extending perpendicularly upwards, multiple holes formed in the vertical plates to receive mounting hardware for the toeboards and handrail support, and flanges for securing the system to the floor; 
         FIG. 15  is a plan view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 13 , depicting two (2) parallel plates, two (2) support plates creating open-ended sections to receive a vertical handrail support and two (2) toeboards, mounting hardware for the toeboards and handrail support, and flanges used to secure the system to the floor; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the top-front of an alternative embodiment of the handrail and toeboard system of the present invention depicting a bracket having a rectangular tube arranged vertically and sized to accept a handrail support, with sections of U-channel tubing disposed on opposite side of the rectangular tube sized and oriented to receive toeboards, and flanges used to secure the system to the floor; 
         FIG. 17  is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the handrail and toe board system bracket of  FIG. 16 , depicting the center rectangular tubing extending above both U-channel tubing sections, holes formed in each portion to accept mounting hardware, and flanges used to secure the system to the floor; 
         FIG. 18  is a plan view of the alternative embodiment of the handrail and toe board system bracket of  FIG. 16 , depicting center rectangular tubing with U-channel tubing disposed on opposite sides, and flanges used to secure the system to the floor; 
         FIG. 19  is an perspective view of the top-front of alternative embodiment of the handrail and toeboard system of  FIG. 19  depicting a primary section selectively connected to a secondary section by one of two (2) hinge assemblies, allowing angular adjustment between the primary section and secondary section, holes formed to accept mounting hardware, and flanges used to secure the system to the floor; 
         FIG. 20  is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the handrail and toeboard system of  FIG. 19 , depicting the side of the primary section and secondary section connected together by a double barrel hinge assembly, holes formed in the primary section and secondary section to accept mounting hardware, and three (3) flanges used to secure the system to the floor; 
         FIG. 21  is a plan view of the alternative embodiment of the handrail and toeboard system of  FIG. 19 , depicting a bracket with a primary section having a receive a vertical handrail support and a space to receive a toeboard, connected by one of two double barrel hinge assemblies to a secondary section having a space to receive a toeboard, both sections being formed with holes to receive mounting hardware, and flanges used to secure the bracket to the floor; 
         FIG. 22  is an perspective view of the top-front of an alternative embodiment of the handrail and toeboard system depicting a bracket comprising two (2) U-channels connected by one of two (2) double barrel hinge assemblies, allowing adjustment of the angle between the U-channels to accommodate various corner angles, holes formed in each U-channel sized to receive mounting hardware, and flanges used to secure the bracket to the floor; 
         FIG. 23  is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the handrail and toeboard system of  FIG. 22 , depicting a bracket comprising two (2) U-channels, connected together by a double barrel hinge assembly, with holes formed the U-channels sized to receive mounting hardware, and flanges used to secure the bracket to the floor; and 
         FIG. 24  is a plan view of the alternative embodiment of the handrail and toe board system of  FIG. 22 , depicting a bracket with two (2) U-channels connected together by two (2) double barrel hinge assemblies, locking the bracket in a straight line, with holes formed the U-channels sized to receive mounting hardware, and flanges used to secure the bracket to the floor. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a safety handrail and toeboard system safety barrier (“safety barrier”) of the present invention is shown and generally designated  100 . An exemplary construction site is depicted as a partially finished two-story home. Safety barrier  100  is erected on the second floor, utilizing the handrail and toeboard system brackets  200  of the present invention. Safety barrier  100  incorporates toeboard  202 , handrail support  204 , and handrail  206 , all typically wooden members of standard construction dimensions. It is to be appreciated that there are multiple standard dimensions for lumber used in construction. The exemplary use of a “two-by-four” wooden member is not intended to be limiting, as the handrail and toeboard system of the present invention may be formed of wooden members of various other dimensions such as a one-by-four, or even four-by-four wooden members. 
     A preferred embodiment of bracket  200  is formed from a single or multiple pieces of steel, formed, forged, welded, or otherwise affixed together to form a solid and strong structure. Other materials known in the art with similar strength characteristics are also contemplated, Materials such as a durable injection-molded plastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), some thermoplastics, or other engineering plastics known in the art are useful in the construction of bracket  200  and for the following embodiments discussed below. 
     As shown in this Figure, a preferred embodiment of a bracket  200  of the present invention features a toeboard  202  and a handrail support  204  secured to a bracket  200 . Multiple brackets  200  are employed in order to provide a safety barrier  100  that runs the perimeter of the second floor of a construction site. Toeboard  202  established a direct contact to the floor, with a zero gap, and provides a ledge that eliminates the clearance between the floor and the toeboard  202  to prevent equipment, material, and debris from sliding or rolling off the edge of a construction site. This is an important feature, capable of replication, but not required, in each of the embodiments discussed below. 
     Further, handrail support  204  provides a convenient place to secure additional handrail sections  206  to create a handrail and personnel barrier that also runs the perimeter of the construction site and completes safety barrier  100 . As shown below, toeboards  202  and handrail supports  204  are quickly and easily secured to or removed from brackets  200  with the use of nails, screws, or bolts. Similarly, brackets  200  are secured to the floor with screws or bolts through the use of flanges  208  (shown in later Figures) formed perpendicular to the base of brackets  200 , and of the other embodiments discussed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the top-front of a preferred embodiment of a bracket of the present invention is shown, and generally designated  200 . Bracket  200  includes vertical plates  214 , arranged in a parallel fashion, spaced apart at a sufficient distance to accommodate a standard two-by-four section of lumber, or other standard construction dimension, for use as toeboard  202  or handrail support  204 . Support plates  216  are attached in place to provide structural support to vertical plates  214  and a mounting surface for handrail support  204  in the middle of bracket  200 . 
     Bracket  200  is formed to accommodate three sections of lumber: two toeboards  202  and one handrail support  204 . Holes  212  are formed into the face of the vertical plates  214  in multiple areas in order to accept mounting hardware  210  and provide an attachment point for toeboards  202  and handrail support  204  to bracket  200 . Mounting hardware  210  is moved in direction  218  through holes  212  into toeboards  202  and handrail support  204  to secure all three sections of lumber in place. Alternatively, a pin  220  may be inserted through holes  221  formed in the vertical plates  214  to prevent the toeboard  202  from lifting upwards and out of the bracket  200 . The use of two brackets  200  will prevent the toeboards from moving in any other direction by locking the toeboard  202  between the brackets  200 . The user can easily remove the toeboard  202  by pulling out the pin and lifting the toeboard  202  up and out. To prevent loss of pin  220 , it may be attached to bracket  200  using a wire, chain, or other similar material. The bottom of bracket  200  is open, allowing toeboards  202  and handrail support  204  to directly contact the floor. Similar to mounting hardware  210 , a plurality of flanges  208  are sized to receive mounting hardware  211  such as nails, screws, or bolts, to secure bracket  200  to the floor of a construction site, providing support to the entire safety barrier  100  comprising handrail supports  204  and toeboards  202 . Flanges  208  are spaced evenly apart on each side of the bracket  200  to provide adequate strength to support the handrail support  204  and toeboards  202 , such as the strength requirement to withstand a force of at least  200  pounds as outlined in California Code of Regulations, Title 8 §1620. Multiple brackets  200  are then spaced around the perimeter of a construction site in order to provide a quick and easy method for erection of a safety barrier  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a side view of bracket  200  is shown, with toeboard  202  and handrail support  204  secured in place, using mounting hardware  210 . In an embodiment, mounting hardware  210  may be a nail, screw, or bolt. The simplest method of securing either toeboard  202  or handrail support  204  to bracket  200  is through the use of a hole  212  formed in the side of vertical plate  214  through which a nail is driven, securing the toeboard  202  and handrail support  204  in place. In an embodiment, hole  212  is sized to accept screws driven into any of the three wooden members, providing a reusable system, as the screws may be extracted from the wood and used again. Alternatively, a cinch-set system may be employed wherein holes  212  are internally threaded to accept a suitably sized bolt with matching external threads that is tightened and cinched against the toeboard  202  and handrail support  204 , driving the bolt into the wood of toeboard  202  or handrail support  204 , or at least providing sufficient friction to secure the wooden members in place. Ranges  208  are equally spaced apart with each flange  208  located approximately in the middle of each section to provide localized strength to each section. The flanges  208  are attached to the side of vertical plate  214  with the bottom edge of flanges  208  flush with the bottom edge of vertical plate  214 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a top view of a preferred embodiment of bracket  200  of  FIG. 3  is shown. A section of toeboard  202  and a section of handrail support  204  are secured to bracket  200  with the use of mounting hardware  210 . Bracket  200  includes vertical plates  214 , arranged in a parallel fashion, spaced apart at a sufficient distance to accommodate a standard two-by-four section of lumber, or other standard construction dimension, for use as toeboard  202  or handrail support  204 . Support plates  216  are formed or otherwise attached in a perpendicular manner to vertical plate  214  to provide structural support to vertical plates  214  and mounting surface for handrail support  204  in the center of bracket  200 , Flanges  208  are located on both sides of bracket  200 , with each flange  208  having a corresponding flange  208  on the opposite side to provide localized and overall strength and stability to the bracket  200 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of a bracket of the present invention is shown and generally designated  300 . In this Figure, bracket  300  is formed from two vertical plates  314  similar to  FIG. 2 , but only one support plate  316 , eliminating the area in which handrail support  204  is mounted. This embodiment of bracket  300  is for use with toeboards  202  when a safety barrier  100  does not require handrail supports  204  or handrail sections  206 , The bottom of bracket  300  is open, allowing toeboards  202  to directly contact the floor. The space between vertical plates  314  is adapted for use with two-by-four wooden construction material, but it is to be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the size of bracket  300  may be adapted to fit any standard size lumber dimension. Holes are formed in the sides of the plates  314  to accept mounting hardware  310 , securing the toeboards  202 . Flanges  308  further are formed with holes  309  to accept mounting hardware  311  for securing the bracket  300  to the floor. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6  the top view of bracket  300  is shown, Vertical plates  314  and support plate  316  are again formed to accept standard sized lumber, such as a two-by-four. In this embodiment, bracket  300  joins two abutting toeboards  202 . Using fasteners  310  in combination with threaded fitting  312 , the toeboards  202  can be installed quickly with minimal damage to the toeboards and can be removed just as quickly by simply reversing the threaded fastener  310  from fitting  312 . Bracket  300  may be mounted to the floor using flanges  308  and hardware  311 . 
     In the various preferred embodiments of the present invention, the toeboard receiving portions of the brackets include three sides, namely, two parallel vertical walls and an interconnecting vertical wall extending between the vertical walls. For example, with reference to  FIG. 6 , two vertical walls  314  are parallel, and an interconnecting vertical wall  316  cooperates with vertical walls  314  to form a U-channel sized to receive a toeboard  202 . Importantly, and with reference back to  FIG. 5 , it is significant that no portion of bracket  300  is between toeboard  202  and the floor upon which the bracket  300  is mounted. As stated above, this direct contact between toeboard  202  and floor (not shown this Figure) eliminates any gap that is present with other prior art products. The absence of any gap provides a much higher degree of safety for the devices of the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a side view of bracket  300  is shown depicting the placement of toeboards  202  within bracket  300  and secured by threaded fastener  310  in direct contact with the floor eliminating the clearance between the toeboard  202  and floor, preventing equipment, material, and debris from sliding under the toeboard  202  and falling off the construction site. The three flanges  308  formed or otherwise affixed to the bottom of vertical plates  314  are shown. The center flange  308  is secured to the floor by mounting hardware  311 , while the other two flanges  308  are shown in dashed lines where they appear on the opposite side of bracket  300 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a perspective view of the top-front of an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown and generally designated  400 . Bracket  400  includes vertical plates  414  and  415 , arranged in a parallel fashion, spaced apart at a sufficient distance  422  to accommodate a standard two-by-four section of lumber, or other standard construction dimension, for use as toeboard  202  or handrail support  204 . Support plates  416  are formed or otherwise attached substantially perpendicular to vertical plates  415  and  414  providing structural support and a mounting surface for handrail support  204  in the middle of bracket  400 , Vertical plate  413  is spaced apart from and behind vertical plate  414  a sufficient distance  420 , which is generally smaller than the distance  422  between vertical plates  414  and  415 . In this alternative embodiment, thickness  420  may be approximately one inch to receive board thickness 1″ or less. 
     Bracket  400  is formed to accommodate five sections of lumber: four toeboards  202  and one handrail support  204 . Holes  412  are formed into the face of the vertical plates  415  and  413  of bracket  400  in multiple areas in order to accept the mounting hardware  410  and provide attachment points for toeboards  202  and handrail support  204 . Mounting hardware  410  is moved in direction  418  through holes  412  in vertical plate  415  into toeboards  202  and handrail support  204  to secure the front three sections of lumber in place. Mounting hardware  410  is moved in the opposite direction of  418  through holes  412  of vertical plate  413  into toeboards  202  to secure the back two toeboards  202  in place. Alternatively, pin  432  may be inserted through holes  430  to keep toeboards  202  from lifting up and out of bracket  400  instead of using the mounting hardware  410 . Multiple brackets  400  are then spaced around the perimeter of a construction site in order to provide a quick and easy method for construction of a safety barrier  100  for personnel and equipment. 
     In an embodiment, in order to accommodate the pins  432 , holes (not shown) are drilled through the toeboards  202  to receive the pins  432 , in use. In an alternative embodiment, the vertical plates  413 ,  414 , and  415  are taller that the toeboards  202  in use, and do not require the drilling of such holes through the toeboards, allowing the pins  432  to pass through the holes  430  over the top of toeboards  202  in use. This characteristic can be applied to any of the embodiments discussed herein. Additionally, by providing an apparatus that is capable of securing a toeboard within a bracket positioned immediately against the floor, and that is capable of being quickly removed, such as during the installation and removal process, the present invention is significantly more useful and far more efficient to use. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a top view of bracket  400  is shown, and depicts the placement of the front toeboards  202  and handrail support  204  secured within bracket  400 . Flanges  408  are attached to the exterior of vertical plates  413  and  415  flush with the bottom of plates  413 ,  414 , and  415  resulting in a flat bottom, to provide mounting points for bracket  400 . The flanges  408  are formed with holes and allow the use of mounting hardware  411  or other mechanical fasteners to quickly and easily be used to mount bracket  400  to the construction site. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10  is a side view of the bracket  400  showing the fasteners  210  used to secure the toeboards  202  and handrail support  204  to bracket  400 . The toeboards  202  directly contact the floor eliminating any clearance between the toeboards  202  and the floor to prevent equipment, material, and debris from falling off the side of a construction site. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a top view of an alternative embodiment of a bracket of the handrail and toeboard system of the present invention is shown and generally designated  500 . Bracket  500  includes a handrail support receiver  502  and two toeboard receivers  506  and  510 . Handrail support receiver  502  comprises four vertical walls of predetermined height arranged to form a substantially square or rectangular cross section having open ends, sized to receive a handrail support  504  such as a four-by-four wooden member shown. 
     The four vertical walls provide a surface to support and mount handrail support  504 . As shown, handrail support receiver is sized to receive a four-by-four, two two-by-fours, or other symmetrical wooden member, however it is to be appreciated that handrail support receiver  502  may also be sized to receive a single two-by-four or other non-symmetrical wooden member without departing from the invention. A pair of toeboard receivers  506  and  510  extends from the exterior wall of handrail support receiver  502  to create a ninety (90) degree angle between the two toeboards  202  installed within toeboard receivers  506  and  510 . 
     Multiple holes  513  are formed in the exterior of bracket  500  and sized to accept mounting hardware  514 . As before, mounting hardware  514  can be any practical fastener known in the art, such as nails, bolts, or screws. Quick release fasteners (not shown) such as pins  432  from  FIG. 8  are also contemplated. 
     Multiple flanges  516  are formed or otherwise attached about the base of the bracket  500  and formed with holes  517  through which mounting hardware  518  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) is used to fasten bracket  500  to the floor. 
     Bracket  500  is intended for use on corners to provide a secure mount for toeboards  508  and  512  and handrail supports  504 . It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that bracket  500  may be adapted for use in any type of corner such as a 45 degree corner. 
       FIG. 12  shows a side view of bracket  500  having toeboards  508  and  512  secured within receivers  506  and  510 . From this view, it can be seen that the toeboards  508  and  512  and vertical support  504  make direct contact with the floor and are securely mounted within bracket  500 . Bracket  500  is further secured to the floor using mounting hardware  518  inserted through the holes  517  formed in the flanges  516 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , a perspective view of the top-front of an alternative embodiment of a bracket of the handrail and toeboard system of the present invention is shown and generally designated  600 . Bracket  600  includes two vertical plates  602  and  604 , each plate having a middle section extending perpendicularly upwards, similar in shape to an inverted “T.” Vertical plate  602  and vertical plate  604  are spaced apart a predetermined distance to accommodate a standard sized piece of lumber and held in place by supporting plate  606  and  608 , Supporting plates  606  and  608  are spaced apart from each other a predetermined distance to accommodate a standard sized piece of lumber, resulting in three distinct open ended sections: a center handrail support section to receive a handrail support  204 , and two toeboard sections for receiving toeboards  202 . The handrail support section has a greater height than the toeboard sections, providing a larger contact surface for the handrail support  204 , increasing strength and stability of the overall system  100 , The open bottom of the three sections of bracket  600  allow the handrail support  204  and toeboards  202  to sit flush against the ground, preventing material and debris from slipping under the toeboards  202 . 
     Multiple flanges  610  are formed or otherwise attached to the base of bracket  600  providing a mounting point to the floor. The flanges  610  are spaced equally apart with one flange  610  located at the midpoint of vertical plate  602  with a flange  610  located on each side of the midpoint flange  610 . Corresponding flanges  610  are located on the opposite &amp;de of bracket  600 . The locations of the flanges  610  provide localized and overall strength and stability to bracket  600  to withstand a minimum amount of force, such as the strength requirement to withstand a force of at least  200  pounds as outlined in California Code of Regulations. The flanges  610  each can be formed with a gusset  611  between the vertical and horizontal members to provide additional structural strength and integrity, Flanges  610  are formed with a hole  617  to accept mounting hardware  614  and serve as a mounting point to fasten bracket  600  to a supporting structure. 
     Each vertical plate  602  and  604  is formed with multiple holes  612  through which hardware, shown here as exemplary nail  615 , can be driven or otherwise screwed or inserted, into handrail support  204  or toeboards  202  to secure the handrail support  204  or toeboards  202  in place. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , a side view of bracket  600  is shown, with toeboard  202  and handrail support  204  sitting flush on the ground. Mounting hardware  614  is inserted through flanges  610  securing the bracket  600  to the floor. Likewise, mounting hardware  615  is shown as it would be inserted to mount handrail support  204 . This Figure also shows the inverted “T” shape of the vertical plates  602  and  604  that provide a larger contact surface  607  in the area adjacent to the handrail support  204 , increasing strength and stability of the system  100  with brackets  600  in use. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , a plan view of bracket  600  is shown. Handrail support  204  is secured to bracket  600  by hardware  615  inserted through holes  612  of vertical plate  602  and  604 . Toeboards  202  can be secured by additional hardware  615  driven or screwed into the toeboards  202 , or by pins  616  as shown. Referring briefly back to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the lateral portions  603  of vertical plates  602  and  604  are shown to have a height  605 , corresponding substantially to the analogous vertical dimension of toeboards  202 . In such an embodiment, mounting hardware  615  may be required to secure toeboards  202 . 
     In an alternative preferred embodiment, the height  605  of vertical plates  602  and  604  are taller than the wooden members used for the toeboards  202 , eliminating the requirement to drive any hardware into or through the toeboard  202  to secure it. In such a configuration, the holes  613  on vertical bracket  602  and  604  are aligned in a plane above the toeboards  202 , allowing the pin  616  to move through both plates in a straight line and retain toeboard  202 , similar to  FIG. 2 . Pins  616  then prevent the toeboards  202  from coming out of bracket  600  vertically while an additional bracket  600  at the opposite end of toeboard  202  secures the toeboard  202  horizontally in place. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , a perspective view of the top-front of an alternative embodiment of a bracket of the present invention is shown and generally designated  700 . Bracket  700  is formed of a rectangular tube  702 , sized to accommodate standard sized lumber, with several holes  708  formed in the tubing to receive mounting hardware and serve as mounting points for the handrail support  204  (not shown). Rectangular tube  702  further has two U-channels  704  and  706  formed to, or otherwise attached to rectangular tube  702 , oriented such that the open portion of the U-channels  704  and  706  for receiving toeboards  202  are oriented away from and on opposing sides of the rectangular tube  702 . U-channels  704  and  706  dimensions are sized to receive standard-sized lumber as previously described. An embodiment of bracket  700  has a rectangular tube  702  with a greater height than U-channels  704  and  706 , providing an increased contact surface for handrail support  204 , increasing stability and strength. Formed or otherwise attached to each face of bracket  700  are flanges  710  which may be made of L-shaped steel or any material with the similar characteristics and dimensions. The L-shaped steel is formed with holes  718  on one side to accept hardware  720  for mounting. The side without holes are formed or otherwise attached to the side of bracket  700 , with the length of the flange  710  extending the entire length of the bracket across U-channel  704 , U-channel  706 , and rectangular tube  702 . On the opposite side of bracket  700  is another flange  710  formed or otherwise attached. The locations and structure of flanges  710  give the bracket  700  additional strength to withstand a minimum amount of force, such as the strength requirement to withstand a force of at least  200  pounds as outlined in California Code of Regulations. Flanges  710  are employed to mount bracket  700  to a structure and provide lateral stability and structural strength to system  100  when mounted to a structure. 
     Pin  712  may further be employed, being inserted through holes  716  in the U-channels  704  and  706  preventing toeboards  202  from moving vertically out of the U-channels  704  and  706 , similar to the structure of previous embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 17 , a side view of bracket  700  is shown, and depicts the rectangular tube  702  and U-channels  704  and  706  disposed on opposite sides of rectangular tube  702 . In a preferred embodiment, all three sections have open ends to allow toeboards  202  and handrail support  204  to directly contact the floor. 
     By utilizing U-channels  704  and tube  702 , the manufacturing complexity can be significantly reduced, which results in a corresponding decrease in manufacturing costs. The use of pre-formed U-channel and tubing  702 , which can be cut to length for implementation in the present invention allows for the reduction in the costs of materials to manufacture the present invention. Moreover, the manufacturing effort required to form the devices of the present invention are significantly decreased when the formation can be achieved through the selective attachment of U-channel and tube pieces, such as through welding, instead of the option requiring the complex welding of discrete metal sheeting. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 18 , a plan view of bracket  700  is shown, depicting the rectangular tube  702  where U-channel  704  and U-channel  706  are formed or otherwise attached to opposite sides of the rectangular tube  702 , The U-channels  704  and  706  are shown with holes  716  to receive a pin  712  and prevent the toeboards  202  from moving upwards and out of bracket  700 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 19 , a perspective view of the top-front of an alternative embodiment of a bracket of the present invention is shown and generally designated  800 . Bracket  800  incorporates a primary section, generally labeled  810 , and a secondary section, generally labeled  820 , joined together at hinge assemblies  830  and/or  832 . Primary section  810  is formed from a rectangular tube  812  formed or otherwise attached to a U-channel  814 . The U-channel  814  is formed to or otherwise securely attached to the rectangular tube  812 , creating a singular component. The rectangular tube  812  can have a generally greater height than U channel  814  providing more contact area to the handrail support  204 , increasing the strength and stability. U-channel  814  is sized to accept a toeboard  202 , while the interior dimensions of rectangular tube  812  are sized to accept a hand rail support  204  as in previous embodiments. Secondary section  820  is formed as a U-channel  822 , also sized to accept a toeboard  202  as previously described. 
     Both the primary section  810  and the secondary section  820  are formed with multiple holes  802  sized to accept hardware  804  used to secure toeboards  202  or handrail supports  204  as in previous embodiments. 
     Multiple flanges  816  are also formed or otherwise attached to the base of primary section  810  and secondary section  820 , each formed with a hole  817  sized to accept mounting hardware  818 . Mounting hardware  818  is used to secure bracket  800  to the structure as in previous embodiments. Gussets  819  may further be formed to the flanges  816 , increasing strength of the bracket  800 . 
     In an embodiment, pins  846  can be inserted through holes  848  formed in each of the U-channels  814  and  822  to secure toeboards  202  in use. Alternatively, holes similar to previous embodiment may also be formed in the U-channels  814  and  822  and sized to accept mounting hardware, securing toeboards  202 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, at least one hinge assembly  830  or  832  selectively joins primary section  810  to secondary section  820 , providing flexibility in selection of the horizontal angle to which the bracket  800  is set. Hinge assemblies  830  and  832  allow the bracket  800  to be set to a particular angle allowing use of a bracket  800  at a corner, similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , but without limiting the application to a single, fixed angle. Depending on which hinge assembly  830  or  832  is in use, the user may select a left or right angle (as viewed from above) as desired. Use of both hinge assemblies  830  and  832  simultaneously, provides a straight bracket, as neither hinge assembly  830  and  832  is allowed to pivot. 
     As is common in the art, hinge assemblies  830  and  832  (shown in  FIG. 21 ) are formed from complementary, opposing barrels formed on opposite sides of the surfaces to be joined, with a pin inserted through the central lumen  844  created by the mated barrels creating a pivot axis  850  about which the hinge rotates. Hinge assemblies  830  and  832  are shown in this and the following Figures as a double barrel hinge. This characteristic should not be considered limiting, as many other variations of a detachable hinges are possible. In an alternative embodiment, double hinges may be incorporated allowing the primary section  810  and secondary section  820  to hinge both directions for 180 degrees. 
     As shown in this Figure, both of the vertical edges of the facing sides of the primary section  810  and secondary section  820  are each formed with barrels  836 ,  838  (shown in  FIG. 21 ),  840 , and  842 , shown as having two leaves each. The primary section  810  has two barrels  838  and  842  that mate with complementary barrels  836  and  840  formed on the secondary section  820 , facing the primary section  810 . When the two sides of the complementary barrels  836 - 838 , and/or  840 - 842  are mated together, a central lumen such as the central lumen  844  of the barrels  840 - 842  provide a clearance fit for the insertion of a retaining pin  834  completing the hinge assembly and allowing the primary section  810  and secondary section  820  to pivot about the pin  834 . This provides the user the option to select which hinge assembly ( 830  or  832 ) to use, and set the appropriate angle for bracket  800  accordingly. In an embodiment, a portion of the central lumen of the hinge assembly  830  or  832  can be internally threaded to accept an externally threaded retaining pin  834 , increasing the security of the hinge assembly  830  or  832 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 20 , a side view of bracket  800  is shown. The rectangular tube  812  is shown with greater in height than U-channel  814  of the primary section  810  and U-channel  822  of the secondary section; however this should not be considered as limiting. The height of the rectangular tube  812  can be the same as U-channels  814  and  822  or as high as practical providing increased stability and strength to bracket  800 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 21 , a plan view of the bracket  800  is shown, depicting hinge assembly  830  in use, with the secondary section  820  rotated away from the primary section about axis  850  defined by retaining pin  834  and hinge assembly  830 . Barrels  836  and  838  are shown separated on the opposite side of the mating faces of primary section  810  and secondary section  820 . 
     As shown, pin  834  is inserted through barrels  840 - 842 , creating a pivot axis  850  between the primary section  810  and the secondary section  820 . Placing a retaining pin in the alternate set of barrels  836 - 838  (completing hinge assembly  832 ) allows the sections to pivot in the opposite direction. By inserting a retaining pin  834  on both sets of corresponding barrels  836 - 838  and  840 - 842 , the primary  810  and secondary sections  820  may be locked in a straight line. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 22 , an angular top-front view of an alternative embodiment of a bracket of the present invention, generally designated  900 , is shown, comprising two U-channels  902  and  904  selectively joined with the use of a hinge assembly  910 . Hinge assembly  910  has a barrel  908  (formed to U-channel  902 ) which mates with barrel  909  (formed to U-channel  904 ) creating a central lumen  911  and a clearance fit for the insertion of retaining pin  906 . As in previous Figures, the use of a double barrel hinge assembly  910  should not be considered limiting, as other hinges known in the art are fully contemplated. 
     Retaining pin  906  defines a pivot axis  914  when inserted in central lumen  911 , allowing the two U-channels  902  and  904  to be adjusted as required for the toeboard  202  angles. Barrels  922  and  924  are shown separated and rotated away from each other, but can, at the user&#39;s discretion, be mated together forming a hinge assembly  926  and secured with an identical retaining pin  907  in the same manner as hinge assembly  910  (shown in  FIG. 24 ). 
     U-channels  902  and  904  are formed similar to previous embodiments, sized to accept standard-sized lumber for use as toeboards  202 . The embodiment shown in this Figure is primarily for use with toeboards  202 , given the lack of provisions for a handrail support  204 . 
     This embodiment is further formed with multiple flanges  916  each with a hole  918  on the horizontal portion of the flange  916  sized to accept hardware  919  that serves to secure the bracket  900  to the structure. Flanges  916  are formed with gussets  917  for increased strength. 
     As with previous embodiments, a pin  920  is insertable through holes  922  formed in each U-channel  902  and  904  to secure a toeboard  202  once inserted into either U-channel  902  or U-channel  904 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 23 , a side view of bracket  900  is shown, comprising two U-channels  902  and  904  connected together at hinge assembly  910 . The height of the U-channels  902  and  904  are substantially the same, however the dimensions of the U-channels  902  and  904  can be modified to accommodate any standard sized lumber for toeboards  202 . 
     Referring finally to  FIG. 24 , a plan view of bracket  900  is shown, showing the U-channels  902  and  904  connected together at both hinge assembly  910  and hinge assembly  926 . As shown, the barrels  908 - 909  and barrels  920 - 922  of the hinge assemblies  910  and  926  are aligned and each has a retaining pin  907  or  908  inserted through them. By inserting both pins  907  and  908 , the bracket  900  is locked in a straight line. Alternatively, by removing either pin  907  or  908 , the bracket can be used to accommodate various angles for installation. Indeed, this embodiment of the present invention is universally adaptable to all installations of the construction safety handrail and toeboard system regardless of the floor plan of the worksite, allowing the articulation of the U-channel  902  to form an acute or obtuse angle with U-channel  904 . 
     The various brackets  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 , and  900  are used in combination to provide the construction safety handrail and toeboard system of the present invention. By utilizing the various brackets of the present invention, the system can be used on virtually any floor plan. 
     While there have been shown what are presently considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4