Onsite temporary fall protection system

[0002] This invention relates to safety devices and more particular to temporary guard rails used on balconies and stairways during construction as onsite temporary fall protection systems.

[0003] There has always been a need for providing safety guard rails prior to permanent railings being installed on decks, balconies, and on elevated floors during the construction of residential and commercial buildings and especially prior to the construction of exterior walls. The Occupational Hazards Safety Act(OSHA) has written specifications concerning the performance of temporary guardrails and handrails.

[0004] In Particular OSHA Standards 1926.1052 Stairways (c) (8) requires “Stair rail systems and handrails shall be so surfaced as to prevent injury to employees from punctures or lacerations, and to prevent snagging of clothing.”

[0005] Aside from nailing up two-by-fours which takes considerable labor time, expense, and materials to assemble and are limited to only a single site application, various patents have been proposed to meet OSHA standards and would be reusable at different future sites.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,074 to Purvis et al. and its' continuation-in-part U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,685 to Purvis et al. each describes a “Temporary Guard Rail System(s)” that attempts to meet OSHA specifications. However, the Purvis patents fails to meet these OSHA specifications. Specifically FIGS. 1-9 of the '074 patent and FIGS. 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,12,13,14,15,16, and 17 of the '685 patent clearly show exposed threaded bolts with large wing nuts, sharp edged brackets and adapters. The exposed thread(s) constitute a possible laceration threat and the combination of exposed bolt(s) and wing nut(s) constitutes a possible clothing snag hazard.

[0007] Furthermore, both the Purvis et al. '074 patent and the Purvis et al. '685 patent describe and show enlarged examples of the necessary adapters, brackets, and related components that must be used for both a balcony guardrail system and a stair case rail system. These adapters, brackets, and related components include sharp edged components such as metal type plates, threaded bolts, nuts, hexagonal nuts, wingnuts and the like, require a complex assembly that also presents a potential laceration and snag hazard during their construction.

[0008] Additionally, the Purvis et al. '685 patent in FIG. 16 uses a vertically extendible post having additional interior components that can result in excessive “play” in the extension portion of the post. The extension pipe along with other components results in a substantial addition of weight that must be transported and then hand carried to the installation location. Thus, the extra weight and assembly thereof causes extra labor costs to the user.

[0009] Furthermore, the Purvis et al. '685 patent employs the use of a leverage strap that connects the post/stanchion to the bottom plate, where significant space exists between the bottom plate and the bottom of the post/stanchion, and would constitute a trip hazard after installation to person(s) walking by the post/stanchion.

[0010] Both the Purvis et al. '074 patent and the '685 patent describes systems having many individual components that requires continuous maintenance. The exposed threads of the bolts that are welded or attached to the rail support collars, the various brackets, and at the top of each stanchion are often crushed and damaged and bent during handling, storage, and transport.

[0011] Purvis et al. '685 in FIG. 16 and Purvis et al. '074 in FIGS. 1-2 shows some rotatable collars on the guardrail posts. However, both the Purvis et al. patents require that the collars use outwardly projecting studs for mounting components thereto. Additionally, both Purvis et al. patents require that their posts use upwardly projecting vertical mounting studs for connecting top rails to the posts. Furthermore, both Purvis et al. patents require additional brackets for connecting the rails in stair applications. As previously mentioned outwardly projecting studs and additional brackets present serious problems.

[0012] Thus, the Purvis et al. '074 and '685 patents describe systems having multiple design flaws which would constitute significant problems in providing an OSHA compliant temporary guardrail system to be used in the construction industry.

[0013] Additionally, not all construction sites require the use of expensive highly adjustable safety guardrails. Commercial sites often require long straight runs of guardrails. Additionally, the commercial use of guardrails can be long term which can result in expensive versatile equipment being tied up for long periods. There is therefore a need for a simple but OSHA compliant guardrail system that can be used for these long straight runs, but can also be interconnected with the more versatile adjustable guard rail systems when the commercial site requires the ability of said flexible equipment.

[0014] Others have attempted to build guard rails but also fail to similarly meet the OSHA standards previously described. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,910,135 to Moore; 5,314,167 to Holloman; 3,351,311 to Melfi; 4,830,341 to Arteau, et al.; 3,662,993 to Lionetto; 5,182,889 to Johnson; 3,733,054 to Storch; 3,863,900 to Dagiel, et al.; 4,015,827 to Brand; RE20,653 to Lamb; and 5,913,508 to Eades.

[0015] The first objective of the present invention is to provide an improved temporary guard rail system that meets all the OSHA requirements for temporary guardrails systems used for both balconies and stairwells, including those relating to laceration, clothing snag hazards, and trip hazards.

[0016] The second object of the present invention is to provide a temporary guardrail system for both balconies and stairwells that has fewer primary components than previous guardrails and thus is simpler to manufacture, stock, assemble, and maintain onsite.

[0017] The third object of the present invention is to provide a temporary guardrail system for balconies and stairwells that has fewer high maintenance components such as exposed stud threads and thus is simpler to maintain onsite.

[0018] The fourth object of the present invention is to provide a temporary guardrail system that offers the simplicity required of long straight runs of guard rails, with the smooth integration of more complex adjustable equipment.

[0019] The fifth object of the present invention is to provide a temporary guardrail system that does not require additional tie down straps for the posts/stanchions.

[0020] The sixth object of the present invention is to provide a temporary guardrail system that weighs less than existing temporary guardrail systems.

[0021] The seventh object of the present invention is to provide a temporary guardrail system having drainage capability for allowing the system to be used during wet weather conditions and reduces corrosion.

[0022] The eighth object of the present invention is to provide a temporary guardrail system that allows for horizontal side rails to be able to be mounted at predetermined heights on each upright post/stanchion.

[0023] The ninth object of the present invention is to provide a temporary guardrail system that allows all horizontal guardrails to be able to rotate a full 360 degrees about the point of attachment on each upright post/stanchion without any laceration and snag hazard protruding components.

[0024] The tenth object of the present invention is to provide a temporary guardrail system having guard boards(toe boards) to prevent items from falling off of balconies and landings.

[0025] The eleventh object of the present invention is to provide a temporary guardrail system that can be easily mounted and disassembled on both vertical and horizontal surfaces.

[0026] The preferred embodiments of the subject invention includes a plurality of improved vertical posts or stanchions that can be firmly attached to floors, flat roofs, elevated platforms, and flights of stairs. These stanchions can be of two different embodiments, (a) long term simple stanchions without rotating mounting collars, or, (b) highly flexible stanchions with rotating mounting collars. Either stanchion can be interconnected with either fixed length horizontal guard rails or internally locking adjustable horizontal guardrails vertically spaced and parallel. Both vertical stanchions represent an improvement over the prior art systems in that the subject invention does not present a laceration or clothing snag hazard. Additionally, the vertical stanchion with the rotating mounting collars represent additional improvements over the prior art in at least four specific ways. First, the improved mounting points do not present exposed threads or wing nuts and thereby lesson the risk of laceration or clothing snags. Additionally, the subject invention's improved mounting points include an unexpected additional benefit as they lock the mounting collar to the stanchion minimizing the inherent “play” or slack in the mounting collar. Second, the mounting point configuration of the subject invention eliminates the need of requiring separate brackets and adapters. For example, the subject invention eliminates some five separate brackets which must be purchased, stocked, transported, and then assembled, each of which additionally presents a laceration/clothing snag hazard as would be required by both the Purvis et al. '074 and '685 patents. Third, the subject invention eliminates the need for post/extension members that are used in prior art systems such as that shown in FIG. 16 of the Purvis '685 patent, thus resulting in less weight. Fourth, the subject invention does not have the loose play in the assembled posts/stanchions that comes with other prior art systems.

[0027] Each of the improved upright stanchions of the temporary guard rail of the subject invention include an anchor bracket integrally formed therewith for attaching the upright stanchions to the sub floor 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.

[0028] The subject invention can further include an anchor plate drain hole combined with the drain slot allow any moisture that might collect in the anchor cup to be drained. This improvement is critical for long term exterior installations where adverse weather can cause eventual corrosion and thus result in equipment failure.

[0029] The subject invention allows for guard rails to be mounted at a predetermined height on each upright stanchion. The flexible pivot stanchion provides rotating mounting collars that 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 without a protruding bolt or wing nut which presents a laceration or snag hazard. Thus, the guard rails can be adapted to virtually any configuration encountered in a building under construction presenting a complete OSHA compliant guardrail system.

[0030] The subject invention can further include an adjustable toe board assembly that prevents items from being bumped or pushed off of a balcony or landing. The novel system is lightweight, flexible, and easy to install and maintain.

[0031] The temporary guard rail system invention can further include additional anchor systems allowing the system to be installed on vertical surfaces as well as horizontal surfaces.

[0032] Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the short pivot post/stanchion, tall pivot post/stanchion, post/stanchion anchors, toe board and interconnecting guard rails used in the subject invention.

[0034] FIG. 2 shows the tall pivot post/stanchion of FIG. 1.

[0035] FIG. 3 shows the short pivot post/stanchion of FIG. 1.

[0036] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the guardrail connection points at the mid rail/hand rail connection point on the tall pivot stanchion of FIGS. 1 and 2. These novel feature allow a stair rail assembly (comprised of short pivot posts/stanchions) to directly transition to a balcony configuration of tall pivot stanchions without any additional brackets.

[0037] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the bottom right guard rail connection point shown in FIG. 1 along arrow A, which illustrates the connecting bolt passing through the mounting/rotation collar to make contact with the stanchion pipe. This bolt therefore not only connects the guardrail to the stanchion, but it additionally locks the rotation of the collar, thereby removing play from the assembly.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a connection of two guardrails to a pivot stanchion, which shows that the novel mounting arrangement does not present a laceration or clothing snag hazard.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an upper guardrail attachment to the top of a pivot stanchion. The offset attachment of guardrail mounting tang 3benables the two guardrails to be attached at different heights, but still maintain similar overall height to meet the OSHA height standard for hand rails. This view shows that the novel mounting arrangement does not present a laceration or clothing snag hazard.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the connection of guardrails at the top, mid rail, and lower point on a tall pivot stanchion along with a toe board. This view shows that the novel mounting arrangement does not present a laceration or clothing snag hazard.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate connection of guardrails to a tall pivot stanchion. This view illustrates the flexibility of the invention of using a tall post/stanchion interconnecting with a stair rail assembly without additional brackets as required in prior art systems.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a stair rail assembly transitioning to a short pivot stanchion guardrail system without the use of any additional brackets as is required by prior art systems.

[0043] FIG. 11ais an enlarged view of the novel stanchion anchor of the preceding figures that eliminates unwanted play in the post/stanchion as well as not presenting a laceration or clothing snag hazard, along with the novel drain hole and slot.

[0044] FIG. 11bshows the drain hole and drain slot of FIG. 11a.

[0045] FIG. 12 is an enlarged exploded view of the anchor load distribution plate that can be installed underneath a stanchion anchor of FIGS. 11a-11b, which eliminates the need for any tie down strap.

[0046] FIG. 13 shows the anchor load distribution plate with the stanchion anchor of FIG. 12 assembled.

[0047] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an internally locking guard rail that can be used in the invention.

[0048] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the internally locking guard rail of FIG. 14 along arrow B.

[0049] FIG. 16 is a side view of the internally locking guard rail of FIG. 15 along arrow C.

[0050] FIG. 17 is a view of the guard rail of FIG. 16 with the locking mechanism engaged.

[0051] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 17 showing the mechanical movement and forces to enable the internal locking mechanism to operate.

[0052] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the brackets used with the toe board in FIGS. 1 and 8.

[0053] FIG. 20 shows an assembled toe board used in FIGS. 1 and 8 with the brackets of FIG. 19.

[0054] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a novel long term tall post/stanchion

[0055] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a novel long term short post/stanchion.

[0056] FIG. 23 is a top cross-sectional view of the mounting points used in the long term stanchion of

[0057] FIG. 21 along arrow D.

[0058] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a typical long term guard rail installation showing a tall long term post/stanchion of FIG. 21 with anchor plate of FIG. 11a, toe boards of FIG. 20, and fixed length guard rails shown in preceding figures.

[0059] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a single fixed length guard rail used in FIG. 24.

[0060] FIG. 26ais a perspective view of a novel guard rail wall mounting plate that can be used.

[0061] FIG. 26bis a perspective view of a guard rail attached to a wall mounting plate of FIG. 26a.

[0062] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a novel wall anchor plate that can be used with the system.

[0063] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a wall corner anchor plate that can be used with the system.

[0064] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of using the wall anchor plate of FIG. 28 and corner plate of FIG. 27.

[0065] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the temporary guard rail system of preceding figures all in use.

[0066] W Weld

[0067] 1 Rotating Mounting Point Tall Stanchion

[0068] 1aStanchion Top Cap

[0069] 1bMounting Collar

[0070] 1dMounting Collar Location Bracket

[0071] 2 Rotating Mounting Point Short Stanchion

[0072] 3 Adjustable Guard Rail External Segment

[0073] 3aAdjustable Guard Rail Internal Segment

[0074] 3bGuard Rail Mounting Tang

[0075] 3cAdjustable Guard Rail Locking Bracket

[0076] 3dAdjustable Guard Rail End Plate

[0077] 3eAdjustable Guard Rail Mounting Tang Hole

[0078] 3fAdjustable Guard Rail Adjustment Rod

[0079] 3gAdjustable Guard Rail Adjustment Nut

[0080] 3hAdjustable Guard Rail Locking Bracket Slide Surface

[0081] 3jAdjustable Guard Rail Inner Tube Slide Surface

[0082] 4 Stanchion Anchor

[0083] 4aStanchion Anchor Bracket

[0084] 4bStanchion Anchor Bracket Mounting Holes

[0085] 4cStanchion Receiver Cup

[0086] 4dStanchion Side Hole For Locking Bolt

[0087] 4eStanchion Anchor Bracket Drain Hole

[0088] 4fStanchion Anchor Bracket Drain Groove

[0089] 5 Load Distribution Plate

[0090] 5aLoad Distribution Plate Mounting Hole

[0091] 6aMachine Nut

[0092] 6bMachine Bolt

[0093] 6cLong Machine Bolt

[0094] 6dMounting Lag Bolt

[0095] 6eStanchion Wall Anchor Machine Bolt

[0096] 6fStanchion Wall Anchor Machine Nut

[0097] 6gInternal Threads within Nut 6a

[0098] 6hSide Hole In Rotatable Collar 1b

[0099] 7 Toe Board Sliding Mounting Bracket

[0100] 7aToe Board Mounting Bracket

[0101] 7bToe Board Mounting Hole

[0102] 7cToe Board Small Mounting Hole

[0103] 7dToe Board Rear Board

[0104] 7eToe Board Forward Board

[0105] 7fToe Board Small Mounting Bolt

[0106] 10 Fixed Mounting Point Tall Stanchion

[0107] 20 Fixed Mounting Point Short Stanchion

[0108] 30 Fixed Length Guard Rail

[0109] 30aFixed Length Guard Rail Mounting Tang

[0110] 30bFixed Length Guard Rail Mounting Slot

[0111] 40 Wall Mounting Plate

[0112] 40aWall Mounting Plate Bracket

[0113] 40bWall Mounting Plate Hole

[0114] 50 Wall Anchor Plate

[0115] 50aWall Anchor Extension

[0116] 50bWall Anchor Receiver Cup

[0117] 50cWall Anchor Mounting Hole

[0118] 50dWall Anchor Receiver Cup Adjustment Hole

[0119] 51 Wall Comer Anchor Plate

[0120] 51aWall Comer Anchor Extension

[0121] 51bWall Comer Anchor Receiver Cup

[0122] 51cWall Comer Anchor Mounting Hole

[0123] 51dWall Comer Anchor Receiver Cup Adjustment Hole

[0124] 100 Deck

[0125] 100aWall

[0126] Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

[0127] The temporary guardrail of the present design is disclosed in two embodiments. A flexible residential embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 1. The temporary guard rail system illustrated comprises a tall upright pivot post/stanchion 1 with a short upright pivot post/stanchion 2. The posts/stanchions 1 and 2 can be formed from heavy steel pipe in order to comply with OSHA strength regulations. Additionally other materials such as aluminum, fiberglass and similar composites can also utilized. The lower end of each pivot stanchion 1 and 2 is fixed to a building subfloor surface 8 such as steps or a balcony by an anchor bracket 4. In the preferred embodiment, stanchions 1, 2 are positioned in a predetermined location on anchor bracket 4 and can be attached in perpendicular relation thereto by weldment FIG. 1 and other techniques such as those shown in FIG. 12.

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 11a-13, anchor bracket 4 can include an upright cylindrical cup 4cfor receiving the lower end of a post/stanchion 1. Perpendicular to cylindrical cup 4cis a base plate 4ahaving a plurality of mounting apertures 4bextending there-through in predetermined locations. Mounting holes 4beach have a center axis that is disposed in perpendicular relation to the plane of anchor bracket 4a.

[0129] Anchor bracket 4amay be securely attached to building subfloor 8 by installing a plurality of fasteners 6dsuch as but not limited to lag screws and the like, which secure stanchions 1 and 2 in position as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0130] Referring now to FIGS. 11a, 11b, 12 and 13, anchor bracket 4ais shown for attaching each stanchion 1 or 2 to the building subfloor or other suitable framing members. Anchor bracket 4aincludes a cylindrical cup 4cthat is positioned in a predetermined location on anchor bracket 4aand is fixably attached in perpendicular relation thereto by weldment and the like.

[0131] Cup 4ccan include an internal bore having an inside diameter that is slightly larger than an outside diameter of the bottom portions stanchions 1 and 2. Thus, cup 4cis adapted to receive a lower end of stanchion 1 or 2 therein.

[0132] Cup 4ccan include a drilled hole 4dlarge enough to receive a bolt 6bmatching a machine threaded nut 6aor equivalent which has been attached to the exterior of cup 4cby weldment or other suitable attachment directly over said drilled hole. The result being a bolt 6bcan be threaded into the threaded nut 6aand then tightened so that the bolt 6bwill extend through the wall hole 4dof cup 4cand come into contact with the exterior of stanchion pipe 1 and 2 thus eliminating all play from said assembly, and lock the posts/stanchions 1, 2 to the cylindrical cup 4c. It should be noted that said bolt 6bcan be of just sufficient length and size to thoroughly tighten against the posts/stanchions without protruding excessively which would constitute a snag hazard.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 11a-11b, it will be appreciated that post/stanchion 1 is positioned at a predetermined location on anchor bracket 4awhich is offset in a lateral direction from a center point of the top surface of anchor bracket 4a. Referring to FIG. 11b, it will be appreciated that the drain hole 4eand the diagonally cut drain slot 4fenable any water that should find its way into the post/stanchion either through rain, snow, or condensation to be drained from the post/stanchion anchor receiver cup 4c. This can be a critical issue in long term exterior installations. Without drainage hole 4eand drain slot 4f, moisture can result in corrosion and possible equipment failure.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 1, posts/stanchions 1 and 2 include a pair of rail stops 1dabout each set of rotatable collars 1b. Each pair of rail stops 1dinclude an upper rail stop and a lower rail stop 1d. Rail stops Id can be fabricated as steel rings having an axial opening that is slightly larger than the outside diameter of posts/stanchions 1, 2. Upper and lower rail stops Id are disposed about the outside diameter of posts/stanchions 1, 2 and positioned at a predetermined vertical height generally corresponding to the vertical height of lower and middle, and upper adjustable horizontal guard rails 3 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0135] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, upper and lower mounting collar location brackets 1dare disposed about each of the posts/stanchions 1, 2 in perpendicular relation to the longitudinal axis thereof. Lower mounting collar location brackets 1don each of the posts/stanchions 1, 2 are positioned in spaced relation from each other to accommodate the installation of two or more mounting collars 1bthere between as clearly seen in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0136] In the preferred embodiment, mounting collars 1bcan also be fabricated from steel. Each of the collars 1bhaving an axial opening that is somewhat larger than the outside diameter of posts/stanchions 1, 2 enabling mounting collars 1bto be freely rotated up to 360 degrees about the longitudinal, Y axis of posts/stanchions 1, 2.

[0137] Formed on the outside diameter of mounting collars 1bare at least one threaded nut 6ain perpendicular relation to the longitudinal Y axis of posts/stanchions 1, 2 as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the bottom right guard rail connection point shown in FIG. 1 along arrow A. Each nut 6ahas an internally threaded through-hole 6g.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 5, threaded nuts 6aare fixably attached to the exterior surface of mounting collars 1bby weldment or other suitable means. Additionally there is a hole 6hdrilled through collars 1bdirectly behind nuts 6aso that a suitable bolt 6bcan be threaded through the nut 6aand through the hole 6hso that the bolt 6bwill come into contact with an exterior surface portion of posts/stanchions 1, 2, thus simultaneously attaching an adjustable guard rail to the stanchion and locking the rotation of the mounting collar 1b.

[0139] During the manufacturing process of posts/stanchions 1 and 2 shown in FIG. 2, lower mounting collar location brackets 1dwith at least two rail support collars 1bthere between are slideably positioned at predetermined locations on posts/stanchions 1, 2. After the aforesaid components are precisely located in their operative positions, mounting collar location brackets 1dare fixably attached to posts/stanchions 1, 2 by weldment thereby permanently retaining rotatable mounting collars 1bbetween each pair of brackets 1d. Rotatable mounting collars 1bremain freely rotatable 360 degrees about the longitudinal Y axis of posts/stanchions 1, 2. It will be noted from FIGS. 2 and 3 that said collars 1bare used for the attachment of lower, mid and upper guard rails 3. Additionally it should be noted from FIGS. 1 and 10 that these same mounting collars, 1balso are used to attach the stair rails without the use of any additional hardware or brackets.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 6, it can be seen that each end of all horizontal guard rails 3, 3aincludes a guard rail mounting tang 3bthat is fixably attached in substantial linear alignment thereto by weldment, and the like. Guard rail mounting tangs 3badditionally are attached along the upper edge of side rail 3 and 3aas shown in FIGS. 7,10, 14, 15 and 16. The offset attachment of these mounting tangs 3benables the side rails 3, 3ato be installed in such a way as to reduce the difference in elevation between rails extending in either direction from the posts/stanchions 1, 2. The offset effectively eliminates the potential height variation that would result in the two guard rail mounting tangs 3bbeing attached to the posts/stanchions 1, 2 at two similar, but different heights. Guard rail mounting tangs 3binclude at least one mounting aperture through which threaded bolt 6bcan be inserted into nut 6a(FIG. 5) to mount all horizontal side rails 3, 3ain their functional position as shown in FIGS. 6-7.

[0141] Referring to FIGS. 6-7, guard rails 3, 3 can now be rotated in a horizontal plane or pivoted vertically to conform to the shape of the building structure where it will be deployed and that this rotation is accomplished without creating a laceration or clothing snag hazard from protruding studs or wing nuts.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 8, guard rail extension brackets 3band their corresponding upper, middle, and lower guard rails 3, 3acan be positioned over a respective threaded nut 6aand secured in this position by insertion and fastening of bolt 6b. As compared to prior art systems previously described, this method of attachment is a superior method that reduces possible laceration or clothing snag hazards.

[0143] It will further be appreciated that lower, middle and upper horizontal side rails 3, 3acan also be rotated 360 degrees in perpendicular relation to the longitudinal Y axis of posts/stanchions 1, 2 to conform to the shape of the building structure and construction site where it is to be utilized before the bolts 6aare tightened. It will also be appreciated that as soon as said bolts 6aare securely tightened, the ability of mounting collars 1bto rotate around the post/stanchion 1, 2 will be removed, thus effectively locking side rails 3 and 3asecurely in place.

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18, there is shown therein a detailed view of the internally locking adjustable telescoping guard rail 3 of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, guard rail 3 is composed of two individual segments, namely internal segment 3aand external segment 3. It will be understood that both internal segment 3aand external segment 3 can be fabricated from steel tubing that can be generally rectangular in cross section. In particular, internal segment 3acan be fabricated to an outside dimension that is slightly smaller than the inside dimension of external segment 3.

[0145] Accordingly, internal segment 3acan be slideably engaged with the inside surface of external segment 3 in a telescoping manner. Hence, horizontal side rails 3 can be adjusted to selected lengths to conform to the dimensions of the building structure on the construction site where it is to be installed.

[0146] The telescoping ends of internal segment 3aand external segment 3 can be provided with a suitable locking means, such as that indicated generally at 3c, for securing the telescoping side rail in a fixed position after it has been adjusted to the selected length. Locking bracket 3cis attached to threaded rod 3fwhich is located inside of internal segment 3a. A small threaded portion of rod 3fprotrudes through bracket 3dby means of a suitable hole in the face of said bracket. Additionally, bracket 3dis permanently fixably attached to internal segment 3atypically by weldment and the like. The protruding threaded portion of rod 3fis terminated by threaded nut 3gon the outside end face of internal segment portion 3a. It can be appreciated that when threaded nut 3gis tightened in a clockwise direction upon threaded rod 3f, the length of threaded rod 3fbecomes shorter. This shortening of threaded rod 3fresults in locking bracket 3cbeing pulled towards bracket 3din the direction of arrow H. FIG. 18 illustrates the forces that enable the locking to be accomplished. Locking bracket 3cis pulled forward in the direction of arrow H by threaded rod 3fforcing surfaces 3hand 3jto make contact. Continued tightening of nut 3gand the continued shortening of rod 3fdemands that locking bracket 3cbe forced outward in the direction of arrow I in relation to rail 3a. Simultaneously a portion of interior segment 3amoves in the opposite direction along arrow J. The sliding motion outward will continue until locking bracket 3cand rail 3amake contact with opposite internal sides within hollow external rail 3. It will be appreciated that sufficient turns applied to nut 3gwill result in substantial force being applied outward to rail 3 and locking bracket 3cresulting in the internal rail segment 3abecoming securely locked to the external segment 3. It will be appreciated that a few loosening turns of nut 3gwill result in a lengthening of threaded rod 3f. This lengthening will result in locking bracket 3csliding along the diagonal faces 3h, 3jof internal segment 3aand locking bracket 3c, thus resulting in a loosening of the internal segment 3ain relationship with the external segment 3.

[0147] Each of the respective telescoping guard rails 3, 3ashown in FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 can be manufactured to the same general specifications and, thus, lower, middle, and upper side rails can be functionally interchangeable.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 20, there is shown therein a perspective view of the telescoping toe board 7d, 7eof the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the toe board can be comprised of two individual sections, segments 7dand 7e. Both segments 7dand 7ecan be fabricated from wood, plastic, steel tubing, or other suitable material that is generally rectangular in cross-section. In particular, segments 7dand 7ecan be fabricated to an outside dimension that when combined is slightly smaller than the inside dimension of bracket 7 or 7a.

[0149] Segments 7dand 7ecan be slidingly engaged along a common surface in a telescoping manner. Hence, the toe board can 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 3, 3apreviously described.

[0150] FIG. 19 illustrates the shape and configuration of brackets 7 and 7awhich hold the toe board segments 7dand 7ein place. It can be seen from FIG. 20 that when segment 7dhas bracket 7 attached at its left end by means of fasteners 7fsuch as bolts and screws through the bracket holes 7c, a resulting an aperture opening is created of sufficient size that segment 7ecan easily slide therethrough in a horizontal fashion. Additionally it can be seen from FIG. 20 that when segment 7ehas bracket 7aattached at its right end by means of fasteners 7fsuch as bolts and screws through the bracket holes 7c, a resulting aperture opening is created of sufficient size that segment 7dcan easily slide in a horizontal fashion.

[0151] In application, toe board 7d, 7ecan be positioned intermediate an adjacent pair of upright posts/stanchions 1, 2 and telescopingly adjusted to the required length and secured in position by fasteners 6dsuch as lag screws, and the like to a subfloor surface through mounting holes 7bas illustrated in FIG. 20. The toe board 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.

[0152] The toe board of FIG. 20 can withstand in excess of 50 pounds of outward pressure applied thereto in accordance with OSHA standards.

[0153] Referring to FIGS. 12-13, there are situations where an enlarged anchor plate 5 is needed to more securely distribute the load weight of the overall temporary guard rail system. When installing a tall post/stanchion 2 on the first or last post/stanchion in the temporary guard rail system which is unsupported by an adjacent stanchion 1, 2, the use of an enlarged anchor plate 5 can be required to meet OSHA standards. Enlarged anchor plate 5 includes an elongated steel plate 5 having various apertures 5adrilled or punched through said plate in a specific pattern that enables a post/stanchion anchor 4 to be placed vertically over said enlarged anchor plate 5 in such a way that the mounting holes 4balign with mounting holes 5a. It can be seen that lag screws 6dcan be screwed through mounting plate holes 4b, 5aand into the deck surface below.

[0154] Typical decking on a multi floor residence is usually plywood or an equivalent. The decking is prone to flexing under the stresses present when outward force is applied to an upper guardrail on a tall stanchion. It can be appreciated that the use of enlarged anchor plate 5 results in a larger foot print of the Anchor Plate assemble. This larger foot print enables the forces that result when outward pressure is applied to the upper guard rail on a tall stanchion 2, to be distributed over a larger portion of the floor or decking resulting in less movement and hence greater safety.

[0155] A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25. Long term post/stanchion 10 is directly fixably attached to its anchor bracket 4athrough weldment, and the like. Anchor bracket 4acan then be firmly attached to deck surface by removable fastener means previously described such as lag bolt, and the like.

[0156] Upper, middle and lower fixed length guard rails 30 are connected to each post/stanchion 10 by the over lapping of fixed length guard rail tangs 30b. Tangs 30bcan be similarly fixably fastened to their respective guard rails 30 like those in the preceding embodiment using weldment, and the like. A long bolt 6cis inserted through holes in both guard rail tangs 30binto the long term stanchion mounting points 6a. Each of the mounting points 6acan be nuts with internal threaded holes where the nuts 6acan be fixably attached to the sides of the post/stanchion 10 by weldment, and the like. This described embodiment will provide an economical temporary guardrail system using simple fixed length guard rails 30 and the simple fixed mounting point stanchions 10, and 20 that is ideally suited for long straight runs of guard rail protection.

[0157] FIG. 23 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the post/stanchion 10 of FIG. 21 showing possible multiple fixed mounting point combinations. Using three or more mounting points as configured in this embodiment at each row of the vertical mounting points on posts/stanchions 10, 20 can result in the potential of attaching a guard rails 30 at 180 degrees, 90 degrees, and 45 degree angles.

[0158] It can be appreciated that these mounting points are similarly vertically spaced as to the mounting points on the more flexible pivot stanchions 1, 2 as shown in FIGS. 2-3. Because of the similar vertical spacing, it is apparent that fixed mounting point posts/stanchions 10, 20 can be intermingled with flexible rotating mounting point stanchions 1, 2. This enables complete versatility when assembling guard rail systems in commercial sites for long term installations.

[0159] It should be noted from FIG. 24 that the toe board of FIGS. 19-20 can be used with the fixed mounting point posts/stanchions 10, 20.

[0160] Referring to FIGS. 26a-26b, a wall mounting plate 40 can be affixed with previously described fasteners such as bolts, and the like, through mounting holes 40bto a balcony wall, or window and thus provide a guard rail mounting point on plate bracket 40awithout any attachment to the deck. FIG. 26billustrates the attachment of guard rail 3, 3a, or 30 to wall mounting plate by the insertion of bolt 6b.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 29 wall anchor plates 50 and 51 shown in more detail in respect to FIGS. 27-28 are attached to the vertical flat and corner surfaces of a wall 100aenabling the insertion of a post/stanchion 2 into respective cups attached to the plates.

[0162] FIG. 27 illustrates the preferred embodiment where wall anchor receiver cup 51bis attached to wall corner anchor extension 51awhich is attached to perpendicular angled wall corner anchor plate 51. These connections typically being made by weldment, and the like. Wall corner anchor plate 51 can be firmly attached to a wall 100a(FIG. 29) by the fasteners 6dsuch as lag bolts, and the like being inserted through mounting holes 51cand into wall 110a. It will be appreciated that wall anchor receiver cup adjustment holes 50denable long bolts 6eto be inserted into any of the holes 50dallowing the adjustment of the base elevation of the stanchion that would be inserted into wall corner anchor receiver cup 51b. It should also be appreciated that bolt 6bcan be threaded through machine nut 6aand that said nut 6ahas been welded in place over a hole in said receiver cup 51b. Thus, allowing the bolt 6bto be tightened through the nut 6a, through the wall of the receiver cup 51band hence to come into contact with the inserted post/stanchion. Thus, tightening bolt 6bfirmly against the inserted post/stanchion will firmly lock the post/stanchion in place.

[0163] FIGS. 28 and 29 show a preferred embodiment where wall anchor receiver cup 50bis attached to wall anchor extension 50awhich is attached to wall anchor plate 50. These connections typically being made by weldment. Wall anchor plate 50 can be firmly attached to wall 100aby fasteners 6dsuch as lag bolts, and the like, being inserted through mounting holes 50cand into wall 100a. It will be appreciated that wall anchor receiver cup adjustment holes 50denable a long bolt 6eto be inserted into any of the holes 50d, allowing the adjustment of the base elevation the post/stanchion that would be inserted into a wall corner anchor receiver cup 50b. It should also be appreciated that bolt 6bcan be threaded through machine nut 6aand that said nut 6ahas been welded in place over a hole in said receiver cup. Thus, allowing the bolt 6bto be tightened through the nut 6a, through the wall of said receiver cup 50band hence to come into contact with the inserted post/stanchion. Thus, tightening bolt 6bfirmly against the inserted stanchion firmly locks the post/stanchion in place.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 29, it can be appreciated that wall anchor plate 50 and corner anchor plate 51 enables the guard rail system to be installed in such a manner as to not require mounting to the deck 100.

[0165] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of using the novel features of the subject invention as temporary and long-term guard rails for both a horizontal and inclined surfaces.

[0166] 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. Additionally, the terms posts and stanchions are interchangeably used to describe the vertical supports.

[0167] Although the preferred embodiments have been described for use as a temporary system, the invention can be assembled for long term use as needed.

[0168] The subject invention system can be used in horizontal, vertical and any inclined angled surfaces where guard rails are needed.

[0169] While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.