Abstract:
An improved temporary guard rail system for use by residential and commercial builders on construction sites in those areas of building structures where an accidental fall may result in serious bodily injury. In particular, the temporary guard rail system of the present invention includes a plurality of upright stanchions having mounting brackets integrally formed or attached thereto that are connected by a plurality of vertically spaced, generally horizontal side rails extending end to end. The vertically spaced side rails are adapted for 360 degree rotational movement in both horizontal and vertical planes. In addition, the tubular guard rails are fabricated in a plurality of sections that may be slideably engaged, one inside another, to provide a telescoping adjustment of length. The temporary guard rail system may be adapted and secured to various features of a building such as balconies, elevated platforms, stair cases, and the perimeter of a floor prior to the external walls or permanent protective railings being erected to prevent accidental injury. Further, the temporary guard rail system is designed and manufactured to conform to OSHA requirements for temporary guard rails. This system also provides a versatile safety device which is easy to install, easy to dismantle, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/421,858 filed Apr. 14, 1995 by Harrison G. Purvis and Tony R. Matthews entitled Temporary Guard Rail System and Method of Using the Same now U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,074. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to safety devices and more particularly to temporary guard rails used during construction of buildings.  
         BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
         [0003]    During the construction of buildings, both commercial and residential, there has been a problem in providing safety rails prior to permanent railings being installed on decks, balconies, and even elevated floors prior to the construction of exterior walls.  
           [0004]    Quite often, 2.times.4 lumber has been temporarily nailed to form makeshift railings. Structures of this type, however, are usually not strong in structure and a worker or other person falling thereagainst can easily dislodge the makeshift railing causing such person to fall. This of course can result in grievous injury or even death. The above mentioned problems are of such a serious nature that the Occupational Hazards Safety Act, or OSHA agency has become so alarmed that regulations have been promulgated to require temporary railings on all open elevated building structures that will withstand at least two hundred pounds pressure without failing. No structure, however, has been detailed to meet these requirements.  
         Concise Explanation of Prior Art  
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,910,135 to William P. Moore discloses a ladder scaffold with a guard rail which includes an upwardly projecting bolt with a wing nut that secures a telescopically adjustable railing in position.  
           [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,167 to Jesse H. Holloman discloses a temporary rail structure design to be used around the floor of a building during the construction process.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,351,311 to Samuel T. Melfi discloses a support for guard rails including wing nuts that hold both the top rail and the intermediate rail in position. However, the intermediate rails are not adjustable.  
           [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,341 to Jean Arteau, et al. discloses an anchor for mounting a temporary safety fence to a floor of a building under construction.  
           [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,662,993 to Anthony Lionetto discloses a protective guard fixture for open work areas in building construction having two vertical posts which support a barrier frame member.  
           [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,182,889 to Dennis Johnson discloses a barrier system having a plurality of elongated rod members and bracket system for attachment of the barrier to a structure.  
           [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,733,054 to Bernard Storch discloses a safety fence including a plurality of posts having brackets and telescopic rails which are coupled to an supported by the brackets.  
           [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,900 to Richard T. Dagiel, et al. discloses a guard assembly including a stanchion bracket which is designed for removable attachment to the outer edge of a concrete floor in combination with similar stanchion brackets.  
           [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,015,827 to Harold E. Brand discloses a stanchion including a base secured to a building support having a tubular receptacle carried on the base and supported thereon by an angular gusset.  
           [0014]    Finally, U.S. Pat. No. RE20,653 to Clyde K. Lamb is considered of general interest in that it discloses a guard rail for a scaffold having a plurality of posts adapted to be secured at one end of the scaffold and to extend vertically upwardly from the floor of the scaffold and the guard rail section supported between pairs of adjacent posts.  
         BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION  
         [0015]    After much research and study into the above mentioned problems, the present invention has been developed to provide a simple and yet highly efficient temporary railing system in accordance with OSHA requirements that can be readily installed when needed and just as readily removed when no longer required.  
           [0016]    The present invention can be readily adapted to conform to varying building stricture configurations. In particular, the temporary guard rail of the present invention includes a plurality of upright stanchions that are designed to be installed about the edge of a flat roof, an elevated platform, flight of stairs, or a floor area to support a plurality of vertically spaced, telescoping side railings.  
           [0017]    Each of the upright stanchions of the temporary guard rail of the present invention include an anchor bracket integrally formed therewith for attaching the upright stanchions to the subfloor or framing members of the building under construction. The anchor brackets are provided with a plurality of mounting holes to permit the attachment of the same to the building structure with lag screws or other suitable fasteners. Typically, a pair or a series of these upright stanchions are attached to the subfloor in locations that present a potential for injury due to falls.  
           [0018]    The individual stanchions are connected by upper and lower side rails which are pivotally mounted at a predetermined height on each upright stanchion. The pivoting side rail connectors with adapters permit the horizontal side rails to be rotated a full 360 degrees about the point of attachment on each upright stanchion either horizontally or at an angle. Thus, the guard rails may be adapted to virtually to any configuration encountered in a building under construction.  
           [0019]    In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a temporary guard rail system that can be readily installed when needed and readily removed when no longer required.  
           [0020]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a temporary guard rail system which may be readily adapted to virtually any configuration encountered in the building construction including roofs, elevated platforms, balconies, stairs, and the perimeter of the floor of the building prior to the construction of the exterior walls or permanent protective railings.  
           [0021]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a temporary guard rail system which may be adapted for installation on soil or asphalt adjacent trenches or other excavations to prevent falls therein.  
           [0022]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a temporary guard rail system that fully complies with the OSHA requirements for such temporary guard rails. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and obvious from a study of the following description and the accompanying drawings which are merely illustrative of such invention. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
       [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an upright stanchion that forms a part of the temporary guard rail system of the present invention;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an upright stanchion showing sections of the telescoping, horizontal side rails mounted thereon and fastened to the floor of a structure;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIGS. 3 and 4 are enlarged perspective views of the pivoting collars for attaching the lower, horizontal side rails of the present invention;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIGS. 5 and 6 are enlarged perspective views of the top end of the upright stanchion showing the upper horizontal side rails attached thereto;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the telescoping segments comprising each respective side rail;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the top end of the upright stanchion showing an adapter for stair railings attached thereto;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the top end of the upright stanchion showing the stair rail adapter of FIG. 8 having a stair railing attached thereto at an angle;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the anchor bracket of the present invention;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the toe board of the present invention installed on an upright stanchion;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the one-way swivel bracket of the present invention for use on top of an upright stanchion;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a two-way swivel bracket of the present invention for use on top of an upright stanchion;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the one-way, mid-rail bracket of the present invention for use with a rail support collar;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the two-way mid-rail bracket of the present invention for use with a rail support collar;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the guard rail extension post of the present invention;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 17 is side elevational view of the guide post leverage strap of the present invention installed in its functional position;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the ground plate adapter of the present invention; and  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the roof plate adapter of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION  
       [0040]    With further reference to the drawings, the temporary guard rail system in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 2 and indicated generally at  10 . The temporary guard rail system  10  comprises a plurality of upright stanchions  11  as shown in FIG. 1. In the preferred embodiment, stanchions  11  are formed from solid steel bars in order to comply with OSHA strength regulations. However, it will be appreciated that other materials such as aluminum, fiberglass and similar composites may be utilized in alternative embodiments.  
         [0041]    The lower end of each stanchion  11  has integrally formed therewith or otherwise fixed thereto an anchor bracket, indicated generally at  12 , for attaching each stanchion  11  to the building subfloor  13  or other suitable forming members (not shown). In the preferred embodiment, stanchion  11  is positioned in a predetermined location on anchor bracket  12  and is attached in perpendicular relation thereto by weldment or other suitable means as illustrated in FIG. 1.  
         [0042]    As shown in FIG. 1, anchor bracket  12  includes a plurality of mounting apertures  12   a  extending through the same in predetermined locations. Mounting apertures  12   a  each have a center axis that is disposed in perpendicular relation to the plane of anchor bracket  12 .  
         [0043]    Anchor bracket  12  may be securely attached to building subfloor  13  by installing a plurality of lag screws  14  or other suitable fasteners to secure stanchion  11  in position as illustrated in FIG. 2.  
         [0044]    Referring now to FIG. 10 there is shown therein an alternative embodiment of the anchor bracket, indicated generally at  12 ′, for attaching each stanchion  11 ′ to the building subfloor or other suitable framing members. In this embodiment anchor bracket  12 ′ includes a cylindrical cup  12   b ′ that is positioned in a predetermined location on anchor bracket  12 ′ and is attached in perpendicular relation thereto by weldment or other suitable means.  
         [0045]    Cup  12   b ′ includes an internal bore  12   c ′ having an inside diameter that is slightly larger than an outside diameter of stanchion  11 ′. Thus, cup  12   b ′ is adapted to receive a lower end of stanchion  11 ′ therein.  
         [0046]    Stanchion  11 ′ is provided with a cross-drilled hole  11   a ′ at the lower end thereof and in perpendicular relation to a longitudinal axis of stanchion  11 ′.  
         [0047]    Similarly, cup  12   b ′ includes a pair of cross-drilled holes (not shown) having a common axis of symmetry and being positioned so as to enable axial alignment with cross-drilled hole  11   a ′ in stanchion  11 ′ when the same is inserted within cup  12   b′.    
         [0048]    In this embodiment a safety bolt, indicated generally at  30 ′, is inserted through cup  12   b ′ and stanchion  11 ′ to retain the same in position. Safety bolt  30 ′ includes a safety spring  31 ′ as shown in FIG. 10.  
         [0049]    Spring  31 ′ is generally semicircular in configuration having a loop portion  31   a ′ formed at either end thereof. Safety bolt  30 ′ includes a head portion  30   a ′ having a hole  30   a ″ drilled therethrough wherein a loop portion  31   a ′ of safety spring  31 ′ may be inserted and permanently captured. An opposite end of the safety spring  31 ′, also having a loop portion  31   a ′ formed thereon, is snapped into position over the terminal end of safety bolt  30 ′ which extends through cup  12   b ′ and is spring-biased against cup  12   b ′ in order to retain bolt  30 ′ therein.  
         [0050]    Since such safety bolts and safety springs are well known to those skilled in the art, further detailed discussion of the same is not deemed necessary.  
         [0051]    In yet another alternative embodiment (not illustrated), anchor bracket  12 ′ includes a cup  12   b ′ having an internal bore  12   c ′ that is provided with internal threads which are adapted to receive and engage a mating external thread formed at the lower end of stanchion  11 ′ so as secure the same therein.  
         [0052]    Since such internally threaded fittings are well known to those skilled in the art, further detailed discussion of the same is not deemed necessary.  
         [0053]    Referring to FIG. 2 it will be appreciated that stanchion  11  is positioned at a predetermined location on anchor bracket  12  which is offset in a lateral direction from a center point  15  of the top surface of anchor bracket  12 .  
         [0054]    The above predetermined positioning of stanchion  11  on anchor bracket  12  in conjunction with the predetermined location of mounting apertures  12   a  in anchor bracket  12  is designed to gain a mechanical advantage in counteracting the potential force which could be exerted against horizontal side rails, indicated generally at  16 , generated as a result of an adult or child falling against the same while moving through and around the building site thereby preventing serious bodily injury.  
         [0055]    Still referring to FIG. 2, it will be appreciated that stanchion  11  has formed thereon an upper rail stop  17   a  and a lower rail stop  17   b . Rail stops  17   a  and  17   b  are preferably fabricated as steel rings having an axial opening that is slightly larger than the outside diameter of stanchion  11 . Upper rail stop  17   a  and lower rail stop  17   b  are disposed about the outside diameter of stanchion  11  and positioned at a predetermined vertical height generally corresponding to the vertical height of lower horizontal side rails  16   b  as shown in FIG. 2.  
         [0056]    It will be more clearly seen by referring to FIG. 1, that upper rail stop  17   a  and lower rail stop  17   b  are disposed about stanchion  11  in perpendicular relation to the longitudinal axis thereof. Rail stops  17   a  and  17   b  are positioned in spaced relation from each other to accommodate the installation of at least two rail support collars  18  therebetween as clearly seen in FIGS. 1 and 2.  
         [0057]    In the preferred embodiment, rail support collars  18  are also fabricated from steel having an axial opening that is somewhat larger than the outside diameter of stanchion  11  but smaller than rail stops  17   a  and  17   b  enabling collars  18  to be freely rotated 360 degrees about the longitudinal axis of stanchion  11 .  
         [0058]    Formed on the outside diameter of collars  18  are at least one threaded stud  19  extending outwardly therefrom in perpendicular relation to the longitudinal axis of stanchion  11  as shown in FIG. 3. In the embodiment shown, threaded studs  19  are fabricated from hexagonal steel stock and are attached to the exterior surface of collar  18  by weldment or other suitable means. There is also provided with each threaded stud  19  a wing nut  20  having cooperating threads for engaging therewith.  
         [0059]    It will be understood that during the manufacturing process of stanchion  11  as shown in FIG. 3, rail stops  17   a  and  17   b  with at least two rail support collars  18  therebetween are slideably positioned at a predetermined location on stanchion  11 . After the aforesaid components are precisely located in their operative positions, rail stops  17   a  and  17   b  are attached to stanchion  11  by weldment thereby permanently retaining collars  18 . Collars  18  remain freely rotatable 360 degrees about the longitudinal axis of stanchion  11 .  
         [0060]    Referring now to FIG. 4, it can be seen that each end of lower horizontal side rails  16   b  includes a side rail extension bracket  16   c  that is attached in substantial linear alignment thereto by weldment. Side rail extension brackets  16   c  include at least one mounting aperture  16   f  through which threaded stud  19  may be inserted to mount lower horizontal side rails  16   b  in their functional position as shown in FIG. 4.  
         [0061]    Wing nut  20 , or other suitable fastener, may then be screwed into engagement with extension bracket  16   c  to secure lower horizontal side rail  16   b  in position.  
         [0062]    It will be appreciated that lower side rail  16   b  may now be rotated in a horizontal plane or pivoted vertically to conform to the shape of the building structure where it will be deployed.  
         [0063]    Now, turning to FIG. 5, there is shown the top end of upright stanchion  11  whereon an tipper horizontal side rail  16   a  is secured. It will be seen that the top end of stanchion  11  includes a threaded stud  19  that is integrally formed or otherwise fixed thereon. There is also provided with threaded stud  19  a wing nut  20  including cooperating threads therein.  
         [0064]    It can also be seen that upper side rail  16   a  includes a side rail extension bracket  16   c  that is disposed in substantial linear alignment with upper side rail  16   a  and attached thereto by means such as weldment. Extension bracket  16   c  is provided with at least one mounting aperture  16   f  for locating extension bracket  16   c  on threaded stud  19  in its functional. position.  
         [0065]    Referring now to FIG. 6, it will be appreciated that at least two side rail extension brackets  16   c  and their corresponding upper side rails  16   a  may be positioned on threaded stud  19  and secured in this position by engagement with wing nut  20 .  
         [0066]    It will be appreciated that upper horizontal side rails  16   a  may also be rotated 360 degrees in perpendicular relation to the longitudinal axis of stanchion  11  to conform to the shape of the building structure or construction site where it is to be utilized.  
         [0067]    Now, turning to FIG. 7, there is shown therein a detailed view of the telescoping side rail of the present invention, indicated generally at  16 . In the preferred embodiment, side rail  16  is composed of two individual segments, namely internal segment  6   d  and external segment  16   e . It will be understood that both internal segment  16   d  and external segment  16   e  are fabricated from steel tubing that is generally rectangular in cross section. In particular, internal segment  16   d  is fabricated to an outside dimension that is slightly smaller than the inside dimension of external segment  16   e.    
         [0068]    Accordingly, internal segment  16   d  may be slideably engaged with the inside surface of external segment  16   e  in a telescoping manner. Hence, horizontal side rails  16  may be adjusted in length to conform to the dimensions of the building structure on the construction site where it is to be installed.  
         [0069]    The telescoping ends of internal segment  16   d  and external segment  16   e  may be provided with a suitable locking means, such as that indicated generally at  21 , for securing the telescoping side rail  16  in a fixed position after it has been adjusted to the desired length.  
         [0070]    It is noteworthy that each respective telescoping side rail  16  as shown in FIG. 6 is manufactured to the same specifications and, thus, upper side rails  16   a  and lower side rails  16   b  are functionally interchangeable. The respective numerical designations herein are provided for purposes of clarification only.  
         [0071]    Turning now to FIG. 11 there is shown therein a perspective view of the telescoping toe board of the present invention, indicated generally at  35 ′. In the preferred embodiment, toe board  35 ′ is comprised of two individual sections, namely internal section  35   a ′ and external  35   b ′. Both internal section  35   a ′ and external section  35   b ′ are fabricated from steel tubing that is generally rectangular in cross-section. In particular, internal section  35   a  is fabricated to an outside dimension that is slightly smaller than the inside dimension of external section  35   b′.    
         [0072]    Accordingly, internal section  35   a ′ may be slidingly engaged with the inside surface of external section of  35   b ′ in a telescoping manner. Hence, the toe board  35 ′ may be adjusted in length to conform to the dimension of the building structure on the construction site in a manner similar to that of the telescoping side rails  16  of the present invention.  
         [0073]    Internal section  35   a ′ and external section  35   b ′ may be provided with a suitable locking means, such as thumb screw  34 ′ as shown in FIG. 11. Thumb screw  34 ′ threadably engages mating nut  33 ′ that is fixedly attached to an exterior surface of external section  35   b ′ by weldment or other suitable means.  
         [0074]    Thumb screw  34 ′ is of sufficient length to extend through an aperture (not shown) formed in external section  35   b ′ in alignment with nut  33 ′ so as to secure internal member  35   a ′ in a desired position after telescoping adjustment of the toe board  35 ′.  
         [0075]    The opposite ends of internal member  35   a ′ and external member  35   b ′ are each provided with a semicircular yoke bracket, indicated generally at  36 ′, which are adapted to engage upright stanchions  11 ′ adjacent a lower end thereof as shown in FIG. 11. Yoke brackets  36 ′ are secured in axial alignment with toe board  35 ′ by machine screws  37 ′ or other suitable fastening means.  
         [0076]    In practical use, toe board  35 ′ is positioned intermediate an adjacent pair of upright stanchions  11 ′ and telescopingly adjusted to the required length and secured in position by thumb screw  34 ′. It will be appreciated that toe board  35 ′ functions to prevent tools and other materials from accidentally being pushed over the edge of the staircase or balcony whereon the temporary guard rail system is installed and onto persons below thereby preventing potential injury.  
         [0077]    The toe board  35 ′ is designed to withstand in excess of 50 pounds of outward pressure applied thereto in accordance with OSHA standards.  
         [0078]    Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a stair adapter bracket, indicated generally at  24 , designed to receive and support upper side rails  16   a  at varying angles in relation to upright stanchion  11  and particularly in those instances where the temporary guard rail system is utilized as a hand rail on a flight of stairs or other inclines.  
         [0079]    Stair adapter bracket  24  is L-shaped, having a long member  24   a  and a short member  24   b . In the preferred embodiment, stair adapter bracket  24  is fabricated from steel plate material and long member  24   a  is bent or attached in perpendicular relation to short member  24   b  by weldment.  
         [0080]    Short member  24   b  is provided with a mounting aperture (not shown) at a predetermined location designed to receive threaded stud  19  that outwardly projects from the top of stanchion  11  such that long member  24   a  of stair adapter  24  is disposed in substantial parallel relation to the top of stanchion  11  as shown in FIG. 8.  
         [0081]    There is also provided at the distal end of long member  24   a  a threaded stud  19  that is disposed in. perpendicular relation to the plane defining member  24   a . Threaded stud  19  is provided with a wing nut  20  having compatible threads therein.  
         [0082]    In this particular application, anchor brackets  12  are attached to the treads of a convention flight of stairs or other inclines at various intervals. Upper side rails  16   a  are mounted on threaded stud  19  at the distal end of long member  24   a  of the stair adapter bracket  24 . Wing nut  20  is screwed into engagement with side rail extension bracket  16   c . Thereafter, the respective stanchions  11 , each having a stair adapter bracket  24  installed thereon, are connected by a plurality of side rails  16   a  that extend from end to end down the flight of stairs or other inclines.  
         [0083]    It will be appreciated that side rail extension bracket  16   c  is designed and fabricated to provide sufficient clearance between the end of upper side rail  16   a  and stair adapter bracket  24  to enable side rail  16   a  to be pivoted at varying angles to vertical without binding against adapter bracket  24 .  
         [0084]    It is understood that lower side rails  16   b  are designed and fabricated to enable this same pivoting movement at varying angles to vertical without special adaptation.  
         [0085]    In order to facilitate the installation of the temporary guard rail system on a flight of stair or other inclines, various alternative embodiments of stair adapter bracket  24  are provided as illustrated in FIGS.  12 - 15 .  
         [0086]    Referring to FIG. 12 there is shown therein a one-way swivel bracket, indicated generally at  25 ′, designed to receive and support upper side rails  16   a  at varying angles in relation to upright stanchion  11 ′. It will be appreciated that the one-way swivel bracket  25 ′ is a modified version of the stair adapter bracket  24  as shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment bracket  25 ′ includes a swivel plate  25   c ′ that is adapted for rotational movement about pivot pin  29 ′ in a plane generally parallel to that of long member  25   a ′ of bracket  25 ′ as shown in FIG. 12.  
         [0087]    Plate  25   c ′ has mounted thereon a threaded stud  19 ′ that projects outwardly therefrom in perpendicular relation to a plane defining plate  25   c ′. Threaded stud  19 ′ is provided with a wing nut  20 ′ having compatible threads therein.  
         [0088]    It will be understood that the one-way swivel bracket  25 ′ is intended for use on an upright stanchion  11 ′ disposed at a terminal end of an assembled temporary guard rail system  10  whereon only one end of a guard rail  16  will be installed.  
         [0089]    Referring now to FIG. 13, there is shown therein a two-way swivel bracket, indicated generally at  26 ′, designed for installation on the top end of an upright stanchion  11 ′ wherein the same is disposed intermediate two adjacent upright stanchions  11 ′ in an assembled temporary guard rail system  10 .  
         [0090]    Two-way swivel bracket  26 ′ includes a swivel plate  26   c ′ having a pair of threaded studs  19 ′ installed thereon and extending outwardly therefrom in generally perpendicular relation thereto. It will be appreciated that pivot pin  29 ′ is installed intermediate the two threaded studs  19 ′ which are installed adjacent the ends of plate  26   c ′ so as to provide a symmetrical pivoting movement thereof about pin  29 ′.  
         [0091]    In this embodiment bracket  26 ′ is adapted to receive the ends of two adjacent upper side rails  16   a  thereon.  
         [0092]    Referring now to FIG. 14, there is shown therein a one-way mid-rail swivel bracket, indicated generally at  27 ′. It will be appreciated that the one-way mid-rail swivel bracket  27 ′ is adapted for use on an upright stanchion  11 ′ positioned at the terminal end of. an assembled guard rail whereon it functions to receive only one end of a lower side rail  16   b.    
         [0093]    In the preferred embodiment, mid-rail swivel bracket  27 ′ includes an elongated body member  27   a ′ having an aperture (not shown) formed adjacent an end thereof for installation on a threaded stud  19  formed on rail support collar  18 .  
         [0094]    Bracket  27 ′ includes a swivel plate  27   c ′ which is pivotedly attached to body member  27   a ′ by a pivot pin  29 ′ imparting rotational movement thereto in a plane parallel to the plane defining member  27   a ′. Plate  27   c ′ is provided with a single threaded stud  19 ′ projecting outwardly therefrom in perpendicular relation thereto. Threaded stud  19 ′ is provided with a wing nut  20 ′ having compatible threads therein.  
         [0095]    Turning now to FIG. 15 there is shown therein a two-way mid-rail swivel bracket, indicated generally at  28 ′, designed for use on a stanchion  11 ′ disposed intermediate two adjacent stanchions  11 ′ in an assembled temporary guard rail system  10 .  
         [0096]    The two-way mid-rail swivel bracket  28 ′ is adapted to receive the ends of two adjacent lower side rails  16   b  in maimer similar to that described hereinabove for the two-way swivel bracket  26 ′.  
         [0097]    In this embodiment the bracket  28 ′ includes an elongated rectangular member  28   a ′ having an aperture (not shown) formed adjacent an end thereof for installation on a threaded stud  19  formed on rail support collar  18 . Bracket  28 ′ includes a swivel plate  28   c ′ having a pair of outwardly projecting threaded studs  19 ′ installed thereon in a symmetrical arrangement about a pivot pin  291 . Thus, plate  28   c ′ is adapted for symmetrical movement about pivot pin  29 ′ in a plane parallel to the plane defining elongated member  28   a′.    
         [0098]    In each of the above described alternative embodiments shown in FIGS.  12 - 15 , the brackets, swivel plates and pivot pins are fabricated from steel or other suitable materials having sufficient strength to comply with OSHA standards for temporary guard rails.  
         [0099]    Referring now to FIG. 16, there is shown therein a stanchion extension post, indicated generally at  40 ′. Extension post  40 ′ functions to increase the vertical height of stanchions  11 ′ to provide an increased measure of safety for employees working on ladders and stilts as required by OSHA regulations.  
         [0100]    Extension post  40 ′ is similar in overall appearance and includes basically the same features as described hereinabove for stanchion  11 . Extension post  40 ′ differs from stanchion  11  with respect to its overall length which is approximately 24 inches. The extension post  40 ′ includes an internal bore  40   a ′ having an inside diameter which is slightly larger than the outside diameter of stanchion  11 ′. Thus, the extension post  40 ′ is adapted to slide onto the upper end of stanchion  11 ′ to effectively extend the vertical height thereof from  42  inches to approximately 54 inches. When installed in its functional position, the lower end of extension post  401  comes into positive contact with the upper rail stop  17   a  of stanchion  11 ′ as shown in FIG. 17.  
         [0101]    In order to attach the extension post  401  to an assembled temporary guard rail system  10 , the upper side rails  16   a  are detached from their position at the top of stanchion  11 ′ by removing wing nut  20  from threaded stud  19 .  
         [0102]    Next, the extension post  40 ′ is disposed about the top of stanchion  11 ′ such that the same slidingly engages internal bore  40   a ′ and slides downwardly against the upper rail stop  17   a  of stanchion  11 ′.  
         [0103]    Thereafter, upper side rail  16   a  is re-attached to collar  18 ′ by engaging the same on threaded stud  19 ′ with wing nut  20 ′.  
         [0104]    Next an additional telescoping side rail (not shown) having features identical to side rails  16   a  and  16   b  as seen in FIG. 2 is installed at the top of extension post  40 ′ on threaded stud  19 ′ and secured thereto by wing nut  20 ′.  
         [0105]    When installing extension post  40 ′ on the first or last post in the temporary guard rail system which is unsupported by an adjacent stanchion  11 ′, the use of a leverage strap, indicated generally at  41 ′, as shown in FIG. 17 is required to meet OSHA standards. Leverage strap  41 ′ comprises an elongated steel band having an aperture (not shown) at the top end thereof for installation on a threaded stud  19 ′ integrally formed on collar  18 ′ of extension post  40 ′.  
         [0106]    Leverage strap  41 ′ includes a base plate  41   a ′ integrally formed thereto including a plurality of apertures (not shown) positioned at predetermined locations thereon so as to be aligned with apertures  12   a  formed in anchor bracket  12 . Thus, the base plate  41   a ′ of leverage strap  41  may be secured together with anchor bracket  12  by lag screws  14  to the building subfloor in order to support the extension post  401  in the above described configuration.  
         [0107]    In order to adapt the temporary guard rail system  10  of the present invention for use adjacent an open trench or other excavation site, anchor brackets  12  may be installed on a ground adapter plate as shown in FIG. 18 and indicated generally at  45 . In the preferred embodiment, plate  45  is fabricated from a heavy gauge, corrugated sheet metal which is well known in the art. Such corrugated sheet metal is typically formed with alternating ridge portions  45   a  and valley portions  45   b  which are interconnected by upwardly tapered side wall portions  45   c  when viewed in cross-section.  
         [0108]    Since such corrugated sheet metal is well known to those skilled in the art, further detailed discussion of the same is not deemed necessary. the preferred embodiment, the plate  45  is cut into approximately 18 inch squares for use in combination with the present invention. An anchor bracket  12  is mounted on the top surface of ridge portion  45   a  in axially alignment therewith at a predetermined location. Thereafter, anchor bracket  12  is secured in position by a plurality of self-tapping, sheet metal screws  42  which are threadably secured in a plurality of pilot holes  43  formed therein in coaxial alignment thereto.  
         [0109]    It will be understood that any embodiment of anchor bracket  12  described hereinabove is suitable for this installation.  
         [0110]    Plate  45  is provided with a plurality of cylindrical, locating sleeves  46  which are positioned at predetermined locations thereon as shown in FIG. 18. Locating sleeves  46  are disposed in axial alignment with corresponding locating holes  47  formed in plate  45  in axial alignment therewith and being fixedly attached thereto by weldment or other suitable fastening means.  
         [0111]    Each locating sleeve  46  is adapted to receive an anchor pin  48  which loosely penetrates the same and is driven into the ground or asphalt surface  50  adjacent the open trench  55  or other excavation site where the temporary guard rail system  10  is being installed.  
         [0112]    In the preferred embodiment, anchor pins  48  are fabricated from elongated metal rods such as steel rods and measure approximately 36 inches in length. Anchor pins  48  include a head portion  48   a  integrally formed therewith and having a diameter that is larger than that of locating sleeves  46  so as to prevent it passing through the same when anchor pin  48  is driven into its functional position below the surface  50  by a sledge hammer (not shown) or other suitable tool.  
         [0113]    In a similar manner, a plurality of anchor stakes  49  are utilized to secure the peripheral edges of plate  45  in place.  
         [0114]    In the preferred embodiment, anchor stake  49  includes an elongated body member  49   b  that is T-shaped in cross-section. An upper end of body member  49   b  includes an outwardly projecting flange member  49   c  which functions to secure the peripheral edges of plate  45  in position after stake  49  has been driven into the ground  50 . Stake  49  may be provided with a cylindrical head portion  49   a  being attached thereto by weldment so that it may be conveniently driven into the ground  50  by a hammer (not shown) or other suitable tool.  
         [0115]    In the manner described hereinabove, a plurality of ground adapter plates  45  may be positioned about the perimeter of an open trench  55  or other excavation site at predetermined intervals so as to provide support for the installation of the temporary guard rail system  10  thereon.  
         [0116]    It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the ground adapter plates  45  may also be installed on an asphalt surface such as a street or roadway adjacent a trench  55  or excavation site.  
         [0117]    In the construction of modem commercial buildings, panels of corrugated sheet. metal are frequently utilized in the construction of the roof. In order to adapt the temporary guard rail system  10  to such a corrugated metal structure, a roof adapter plate, indicated generally at  60 , is provided as shown in FIG. 19. In the preferred embodiment, the roof adapter plate  60  is fabricated from the same corrugated metal material used in the construction of the roof A panel of corrugated sheet metal is cut into approximately 18-inch squares. Thereafter, a plurality of such squares are stacked and secured together by weldment or other suitable fastening means.  
         [0118]    In this configuration, roof adapter plate  60  may be positioned in the desired location on the surface of the roof  61  for installation as shown in FIG. 19.  
         [0119]    Next, an anchor bracket  12  may be positioned thereon for attachment to the underlying roof  61  by a plurality of self-tapping sheet metal screws  42 . The roof adapter plate  60  is further secured to the roof  61  by a plurality of self-tapping screws which are installed through the ridge portions  60   a  and the upwardly tapered side wall portions  60   c  thereof in predetermined locations.  
         [0120]    It will be understood that in the roof installation described above, anchor bracket  12  is preferably of an embodiment having a cup  12   b ′ including an internal bore  12   c ′ having internal threads formed therein which are adapted to receive an externally threaded portion of stanchion  11  as previously described. After installation of the roof adapter plate  60 , the construction of the roof  61  proceeds in the normal manner wherein a concrete slab is poured permanently capturing the plate  60  and anchor bracket  12  therein. Upon completion the threaded stanchion  11 ′ may be threadably disengaged from the threaded anchor bracket  12 ′ and the resulting void filled with a suitable cap or plug (not shown) when use of the temporary guard rail system is complete.  
         [0121]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the roof adapter plate  60  may be retrofitted to pre-existing commercial buildings using the above described procedure by removing a portion of a pre-existing roof having a corrugated metal structure, matching the roof adapter plate  60  to the roof, installing the roof adapter plate with the attached anchor bracket  12 ′ and patching the retrofitted area with a suitable roof material so as to capture the plate  60  therein.  
         [0122]    It is reiterated that the temporary guard rail system  10  of the present invention has been designed and fabricated to comply with OSHA standards for temporary guard rails. From the above it can be seen that the present invention provides a temporary guard rail system that may be readily adapted to any feature of a building that is under construction to protect against the potential for serious bodily injury from falls particularly when the construction site is unsupervised.  
         [0123]    The terms “upper”, “lower”, “side”, “top”, “bottom” and so forth have been used herein merely for convenience to describe the present invention and its parts as oriented in the drawings. It is to be understood, however, that these terms are in no way limiting to the invention since such invention may obviously be disposed in different orientations when in use.  
         [0124]    The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of such invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.