Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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A Modular Barrier System
Field of the Invention
[001] The present invention relates to a modular barrier system and, in
particular, to
a modular barrier system for preventing items from falling over an edge of a
surface.
Background to the Invention
[002] In some situations, it is necessary to provide protection at the edge of
a
surface in order to prevent items from falling off the surface. For example,
in high-
rise construction applications, it is imperative that items not be dropped
from higher
floors, lest those falling items injure people below. Thus, a barrier must be
provided
around the edge of the entire work area to prevent items from rolling, sliding
or
otherwise falling from the surface. Similarly, disabled access ramps must be
provided with a barrier that prevents a wheelchair from being able to dismount
off the
ramp or get a wheel stuck, which might cause the occupant to fall out of the
wheelchair or otherwise sustain an injury.
[003] Such surfaces, however, are rarely completely flat and rectangular
shaped,
but often have corners, stairs and ramps of different inclinations. It can
therefore be
difficult and time consuming to build an effective barrier system covering the
entire
area and which conforms to the topography of the surface and complies with
relevant
Standards and/or OHS (Occupational Health and Safety) Regulations. There may,
therefore, be a temptation to take short cuts (both by planners and
installers), which
may leave small, but nonetheless dangerous gaps, breaks, overhangs or
protrusions
in the barrier system.
[004] It would be advantageous to provide a barrier system capable of
conforming
to the surface of any given area.
Summary of the Invention
[005] The present invention provides a modular barrier system comprising
elongate
barriers adapted to conform to a substantially flat surface. An orientation of
a first
barrier with respect to a second adjacent barrier is selectively adjustable
such that
the barrier system provides a continuous barrier at changes in direction of an
edge of
the surface.
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[006] In one form, the modular barrier system further comprises a joiner
adapted to
join the first and the second adjacent barriers. When joined, an orientation
of the first
barrier with respect to the second barrier is selectively adjustable such that
the
barrier system provides a continuous barrier at changes in direction of an
edge of the
surface.
[007] Thus, regardless of the topography and shape of the surface with which
the
barrier system of the present invention is to be used, it is possible to
provide a
continuous barrier system at an edge (although it will be appreciated that the
barriers
do not necessarily need to be situated at the very edge of the surface) of the
surface
that does not have any gaps through which items could pass or become caught in
(e.g. gaps as defined by relevant Standards or Regulations, such as those
discussed
below). The length of the barriers and their joined respective orientations
are
selectively adjustable such that the barrier system can closely follow the
topography
of any given surface (e.g. surface edges which change direction because of a
ramp
going up or down to a higher or lower level, or surface edges which change
direction
because they are at a corner of the surface). The modular nature of the
barrier
system facilitates assembly/disassembly of the barrier system, and the
disassembled
components of the barrier system can be easily relocated for re-use.
[008] In some embodiments, the joiner enables pivotal movement of the first
barrier
with respect to the second barrier (i.e. when joined). For example, the joiner
may
enable a lateral hinging movement of the first barrier with respect to the
second
barrier (i.e. where the first and second barriers can move with respect to
each other
in the same horizontal plane, such as when the barrier system needs to turn a
corner
on a flat surface). Alternatively, the joiner may enable a longitudinal
hinging
movement of the first barrier with respect to the second barrier (i.e. where
the first
and second barriers can move with respect to each other in the same vertical
plane,
such as where the barrier system needs to follow a ramp having an upward or
downward inclination). In some embodiments, the joiner may provide for both a
lateral hinging movement and a longitudinal hinging movement (i.e. where the
first
and second barriers can move with respect to each other in the same vertical
and
horizontal planes, such as where the barrier system needs to turn a corner and
follow
a ramp having an upward or downward inclination).
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[009] In embodiments where the joiner enables a lateral hinging movement of
the
first barrier with respect to the second barrier, the joiner may, for example,
comprise
first and second portions, the first portion being adapted to be rotatably
received
within the second portion. For example, the joiner may comprise a cylindrical
rod
that is rotatable within a sheath.
[0010] In embodiments where the joiner enables a longitudinal hinging movement
of
the first barrier with respect to the second barrier, the joiner may, for
example,
comprise first and second adjacent portions, the first and second portions
being
pivotally connected to each other in an offset manner (e.g. at an upper or
lower
portion thereof). Where the first and second portions are pivotally connected
to each
other at an upper portion thereof, the joiner enables an upwards hinging
movement
of the first barrier with respect to the second barrier (e.g. as would be
required at the
bottom of a ramp). Where the first and second portions are pivotally connected
to
each other at a lower portion thereof, the joiner enables a downwards hinging
movement of the first barrier with respect to the second barrier (e.g. as
would be
required at the top of a ramp).
[0011] In some embodiments, the joiner may comprise first and second tongues
for
receipt at (e.g. inside) the first and second barriers respectively.
Alternatively, the
joiner may comprise first and second grooves or channels that are adapted to
receive
the barriers therein.
[0012] In some embodiments, the system further comprises joiners that simply
join
first and second barriers with no change of direction in the barrier system,
thereby
ensuring the continued integrity of long continuous runs of the barrier.
[0013] Typically, the barrier system of the invention will comprise a
plurality of
joiners. The number and type of joiners will depend on factors such as the
size of
the area to be protected using the barrier system, the topography of the
surface of
the area, engineering requirements and relevant Standards and/or Regulations
that
must be complied with.
[0014] The joiners for use in the system of the present invention can be made
of any
material suitable for their application. In some applications, it may be
appropriate to
provide plastic joiners (e.g. fibre-reinforced plastic joiners or joiners made
out of
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plastics such as HOPE), but in other, more demanding, applications, the
joiners will
need to be metallic. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials include
pressed
metal, aluminium, steel, Nylon, fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) or any
appropriate
combination thereof.
[0015] In some embodiments, the barriers are formed from an extruded material.
Non-limiting examples of suitable materials include aluminium and rigid
plastics
(Pultrusion) Nylon, fibre-reinforced plastic or any appropriate combination
thereof.
[0016] In some embodiments, the barrier system further comprises attachments
via
which the barrier system can be anchored to the surface. Such attachments
include
posts or stanchions that can be secured to the surface (e.g. via appropriate
concrete
fixing or mechanical anchors such as bolts in the case of hard surfaces such
as
concrete, or screws in the case of softer surfaces such as wood, or cast in
place or
fitted into cast-in-place adapters) and then attached to the barriers. The
barriers can
be attached to the post or stanchion via any suitable mechanism known in the
art.
Alternatively (or in addition), the joiners may be adapted for attachment to
the posts
or stanchions. Other suitable attachments include scaffolding, walls (brick or
concrete) and steel structures.
[0017] The barrier system extends from the surface to a height sufficient to
substantially prevent items on the surface from passing the barrier system.
This
height will depend on the requirements of the application for which the
barrier system
is to be used (including any relevant Standards or governance requirements).
For
example, in some embodiments, the barrier system is intended for use in high-
rise
construction applications. In these applications, it is imperative that items
not be
dropped from higher floors, lest those items injure people below. Australian
Standard
number AS 1657-1992 requires that a barrier system in such a location have a
height of at least of 100 mm above the surface. Thus, in some embodiments, the
barrier system may extends to a height from the surface of between about 100mm
and about 120mm (although if compliance with AS 1657-1992 is not an issue, the
barrier system may extend to a height from the surface of between about 80mm
and
about 120mm).
[0018] In other embodiments, the barrier system is intended for use in
preventing
wheelchairs from accidentally rolling off the edge of disabled access ramps.
As will
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be appreciated, the height of such a barrier system from the surface may not
need to
be as great as that for high rise construction applications. Australian
Standard
number AS 1428-2009 requires that a barrier system in such a location be
within a
specific height range (as will be discussed in further detail below).
[0019] The barriers may be of any convenient length, and may be cut to size if
necessary for a particular application. In some embodiments, the barriers are
provided with a uniform length or a variety of uniform lengths (e.g. to best
conform to
standard stanchion spacing, or lengths governed by Australian Standards). For
example, in some embodiments, the barriers may be provided in lengths of about
2.6m and about 4.6m whilst, in other embodiments, the barriers may be provided
in
lengths of about 2.0m and about 4.0m.
[0020] The barriers are adapted to conform to the substantially flat surface.
It is to
be understood that this does not mean that the barriers need to be flush with
the
surface (which could cause problems with water drainage, etc.), but that they
follow
the surface in a close manner and do not provide any substantial gaps between
the
barrier and the surface. For example, Australian Standard number AS 1657-1992
requires that a barrier system for use in the high-rise construction
applications
discussed above must not ever be more than 10mm away from the substantially
flat
surface.
[0021] The barrier system of the present invention may be used for any
application
where a barrier system is required. For example, the barrier system of the
present
invention could be used in elevated areas (as discussed previously) or at the
edge of
a pathway having a ramp, such as those provided for disabled access. The
barrier
system of the present invention could also be used as a barrier or guard rail
as an
alternative to standard tube guardrails.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0022] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way
of
example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0023] Figure 1 shows a barrier system in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0024] Figures 2A, 2B and 2C show components of the barrier system of Figure
1;
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[0025] Figure 3 shows a barrier system in accordance with an alternative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] Figure 4 shows a barrier of the barrier system of Figure 3;
[0027] Figure 5 shows a first joiner of the barrier system of Figure 3;
[0028] Figure 6 shows the first joiner of Figure 5 in use;
[0029] Figure 7 shows a second joiner of the barrier system of Figure 3;
[0030] Figure 8 shows the second joiner of Figure 7 in an alternate
configuration;
[003]] Figure 9 shows a third joiner of the barrier system of Figure 3;
[0032] Figure 10 shows alternate components for use in the barrier system of
Figure
1;
[0033] Figures 11A, 11B and 110 show alternate components for use in the
barrier
system of Figure 1;
[0034] Figures 12A and 12B show alternate components for use in the barrier
system of Figure 1;
[0035] Figures 13A and 13B show alternate components for use in the barrier
system of Figure 1; and
[0036] Figures 14A, 14 B and 140 show alternate components for use in the
barrier
system of Figure 3.
Description of Specific Embodiments of the Invention
[0037] As noted above, in its most general form, the present invention relates
to a
modular barrier system comprising elongate barriers adapted to conform to a
substantially flat surface. An orientation of a first barrier with respect to
a second
adjacent barrier is selectively adjustable such that the barrier system
provides a
continuous barrier at changes in direction of an edge of the surface (e.g. at
a corner
of the surface or where the gradient of the surface changes).
[0038] In a more particular form, the present invention provides a modular
barrier
system comprising elongate barriers adapted to conform to a substantially flat
surface and a joiner adapted to join first and second adjacent barriers. When
joined,
an orientation of the first barrier with respect to the second barrier is
selectively
adjustable such that the barrier system provides a continuous barrier at
changes in
direction of the edge of the surface.
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[0039] General features of general embodiments of the present invention have
been
discussed above. A detailed description of specific embodiments of the present
invention with reference to the drawings will now follow.
[0040] The barrier systems described below are intended for use in high-rise
construction (or other elevated industrial work areas such as fixed platforms,
walkways, stairways, and ladders) and in disabled access applications. The
requirements of barrier systems for use in these applications are governed by
Australian Standard numbers AS 1657-1992 and AS 1428-2009, relevant clauses
of which are set out below.
[0041] AS 1657-1992 contains the following requirements:
3.2.1.2 Toe-board A toe-board complying with Clause 3.4.3 shall be provided
at the edge of a platform, walkway, or landing, which is greater than 10 mm
distant from a permanent structure and where an object could fall more than
2000 mm.
3.4.3 Toe-board The toe-board shall be firmly attached to the floor or posts,
and any gap between the toe-board and the floor shall not exceed 10 mm.
The top of the toe-board shall be not less than 100 mm above the top of the
floor.
[0042] AS 1428-2009 contains the following requirements (in Clause 10.3):
(i) Ramps and intermediate landings shall have kerbs or kerb rails on both
sides that comply with the following:
(i) The minimum height above the finished floor shall be 65 mm.
(ii) The height of the top of the kerb or kerb rail shall not be within the
range 75 mm to 150 mm above the finished floor, as shown in Figure
18 [of the Standard].
(iii) There shall be no longitudinal gap or slot greater than 20 mm in
the kerb or kerb rail within the range 75 mm to 150 mm above the
finished floor.
(j) Kerbs or kerb rails shall¨
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(i) be located so that the ramp-side face is either flush with the ramp-
side face of the handrail or no greater than 100 mm away from the
ramp-side face of the handrail, as shown in Figure 19 [of the
Standard];
(ii) where the handrail is supported on a vertical post, the height of the
top of the kerb or kerb rail shall be not less than 150 mm above the
finished floor, as shown in Figures 19(a), 19(b) or 19(c) [of the
Standard]; and
(iii) where the kerb is at a height of 65 mm to 75 mm, the support
posts shall be set back a minimum of 200 mm from the face of the
kerb or kerb rail, as shown in Figure 19(d) [of the Standard].
[0043] Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, a portion of a barrier system in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in the form of
barrier rail 10. Barrier rail 10 provides a barrier on both sides of a walkway
12 that is
located on an elevated floor of a high-rise building (not shown). Workers on
walkway
12 are prevented from falling off the walkway 12 by railings 14. However,
railings 14
are generally not able to prevent items such as workers' tools and the like
rolling,
sliding or otherwise falling off the walkway 12. Barrier rail 10 conforms to
the surface
of the walkway 12 and provides a gap no more than 10mm between the surface and
the barrier rail 10. Thus, barrier rail 10 can substantially prevent items
from sliding or
rolling (e.g. by being kicked by a worker or due to a slight incline in the
surface) off
the walkway 12.
[0044] Barrier rail 10 is attached to the walkway 12 via posts 16. For
example, a C-
shaped clamp 17 may be used to attach the barrier rail 10 to post 16 in
locations
where the barrier rail is linear (see Figure 2B). The C-shaped clamp 17 may be
provided with apertures 18 which can be aligned with corresponding apertures
19 in
barrier rail 10, and the two connected using a nut and bolt, or other suitable
fastener.
In locations where the barrier rail changes direction, such as at corner 20
(see
Figures 2A and 2C), joining pieces may be provided that are adapted to clamp
or
otherwise be attached to the post 16 and attach to and join adjacent barrier
rails 10
and 10. In some embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 1 and 20, the
barrier
rail 10 is located on the inside of the post 16. However, the barrier rail
could just as
easily be located on the outside of such posts, as shown in Figure 2A, for
example if
a wider walkway was required.
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[0045] As the barrier rails 10 are provided with slots (e.g. apertures 19)
along their
length, it is not necessary to drill holes through them in order to securely
affix them in
place. This not only makes installation easier and less time consuming, but
the rails
are also not damaged with each successive use. As will be appreciated,
drilling
holes through metal products greatly increases the corrosion rate of the
products.
[0046] Barrier systems such as those described above in respect of Figure 1 do
not
necessarily require separate components for joining adjacent rails. Adjacent
rails
could, for example, be joined by bolting them together, or by simply causing
them to
be firmly held in a fixed relationship to each other. At corners, for example,
two rails
could be positioned perpendicularly (or at any other angle) to each other and
then
fixed in that position by attaching the rails to posts in a similar manner to
that
described above. Alternatively, a corner piece adapted to be attached to a
rail at the
corner and also to each of the perpendicularly orientated rails could be used
to
securely join the rails (see Figure 2C).
[0047] Referring now to Figure 3, a portion of a barrier system in accordance
with
another embodiment of the present invention is shown in the form of barrier
rail 21.
Barrier rail 21 provides a barrier on one side of a walkway 22 that includes a
disabled
access ramp 24 (in practice, the barrier rail 21 would also be present on the
other
side of the walkway 22 and ramp 24, but this has been omitted for clarity).
People
using walkway 22 and ramp 24 are prevented from falling off the walkway and
ramp
by railings 26. However, railings 26 might not prevent the wheels of a
wheelchair
from falling off the edge of the walkway 22 and ramp 24 (as required by AS
1428). In
order to prevent this occurring (and, indeed, complying with Australian
Standards), it
is necessary for disabled access ramps etc. to be provided with preventative
measures. Existing barrier systems do not necessarily provide a continuous
system,
and have gaps or exposed edges where the wheels of a wheelchair can become
stuck, with potentially unacceptable consequences. However, as will be
described
below, barrier rail 21 is a continuous barrier rail which does not have such
gaps or
edges, but instead conforms to the surface of the walkway 22, both as it turns
a
corner and then inclines to go down the ramp 24. Obviously, in such
applications,
the barrier rail 20 must be on the inside of the railings 26 to prevent the
wheel of a
wheelchair being caught by the railings 26.
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[0048] A detailed view of barrier rail 21 is shown in Figure 4. Barrier rail
21 is formed
from extruded aluminium and can be provided in any desired length. Barrier
rail 21
can readily be cut (e.g. with a power saw, angle grinder or hacksaw) during
installation into pieces of the appropriate length. Barrier rail 21 includes
recessed
portions 28, which have a narrower cross section and through which screws or
the
like can be passed, with the head of the fastener recessed to avoid catching
something (e.g. a person's shoes or clothes, or a wheel). The interior 30 of
the rail
21 is shaped to receive joiners of the type which will be discussed below.
Barrier rail
21 also has an attachment portion 32 via which a face board or the like can be
attached to the rail, and a lip 34, which can assist in locating the rail 21
with respect
to an edge.
[0049] As discussed above, in some embodiments the joiner enables a
longitudinal
hinging movement (i.e. an in-plane hinging movement) of the first barrier with
respect
to the second barrier. An example of such a joiner is shown in Figures 5 and 6
as
joiner 40. Joiner 40 has first and second portions 42 and 44, which are
capable of
being joined at their lower portions by a fastener in the form of bolt 46
(although not
shown, portions 42 and 44 could also be joined at an upper extremity by bolt
46 or
another form of fastener). First and second portions 42 and 44 each have a
tongue
48 and 50, respectively, which is shaped to be received within the interior 30
of a
barrier rail 21. Once tongue 48 (for example) is received within the interior
of a first
rail 21, it can be securely affixed thereto by passing one or more screws or
other
suitable fastener through the rail 21 and tongue 48 at the recessed portions
28.
[0050] Joiner 40 is moveable between two positions; a closed position (not
shown),
and an open position (as shown in Figures 5 and 6). Joiner 40 joins two rails
21 and
21 in a manner whereby the two rails 21 and 21 can be positioned on a flat
surface
and an angled surface, respectively (e.g. at the top or bottom of the ramp 24
shown
in Figure 3), but whilst providing a continuous barrier (via barrier 21,
joiner 40 and
barrier 21). A continuous barrier is provided because the joiner 40, when in
its
opened position to join barriers 21, 21 at an angle to each other, does not
have any
gap or hole.
[0051] Figure 6 shows joiner 40 joining two rails 21, 21 at the junction of
walkway 22
and ramp 24. Rail 26 supports the barrier 21 and keeps the barrier system in
place
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in order to prevent a wheel from falling off the walkway/ramp, even if struck
with
some force.
[0052] As also discussed above, in some embodiments the joiner enables a
lateral
hinging movement of the first barrier with respect to the second barrier. An
example
of such a joiner is shown in Figures 7 and 8 as joiner 60. Joiner 60 has first
and
second portions 62 and 64, which are joined via hinge 66. Hinge 66 has an
inner
cylindrical portion 68 that is part of second portion 64 and a sheath 70 that
is part of
first portion 62. Cylindrical portion 68 and sheath 70 cooperate to enable the
first 62
and second 64 portions to move hingedly with respect to each other, as can be
seen
by comparing Figures 7 and 8.
[0053] First and second portions 62 and 64 each have a tongue 72 and 74,
respectively, which is shaped to be received within the interior 30 of a
barrier rail 21.
Once tongue 72 (for example) is received within the interior of a first rail
21, it can be
securely affixed thereto in the manner described above.
[0054] Joiner 60 joins two rails 21 and 21 in a manner whereby the two rails
21 and
21 can be positioned on a flat surface at any angle up to and including
perpendicular
with respect to each other (e.g. at the corner of the walkway 22 shown in
Figure 3),
but whilst providing a continuous barrier (via barrier 21, joiner 60 and
barrier 21).
[0055] Figure 9 shows a further joiner 80 which has two tongues 82 and 84 that
are
aligned with each other and shaped to be received within the interior 30 of a
barrier
rail 21 and secured as discussed above. Joiner 80 is intended for use when it
is
necessary to join two co-linear barrier rails 21, 21, but with no change in
direction of
the barrier system required.
[0056] In some embodiments (not shown), it is possible to join two co-linear
barrier
rails 21, 21, with no change in direction of the barrier system, using joiner
40 or joiner
60. Whilst joiners 40 and 60 are more structurally complicated than joiner 80,
it may
be more convenient in some circumstances to use fewer components in the
barrier
system.
[0057] In some embodiments (not shown), it is possible to provide one of the
barriers
21 having an end that is not substantially perpendicular, but which has been
cut at an
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angle to match that of the ramp. In such embodiments, a joiner 60 or 80 could
be
used at the top or bottom of the ramp instead of a joiner 40. As would be
appreciated, cutting an end of the barrier to conform exactly to the surface
of the
ramp would require precise measurements and cutting tools and, once cut, the
barrier may well not be useful for other applications. Such a barrier may,
however,
be useful in conjunction with a joiner 60 in situations where the edge of the
surface
changes angle and direction at the same time (e.g. where there is a corner
directly at
the bottom of a ramp).
[0058] The barriers and joiners for use in the present invention can be made
from
any suitable metallic or non-metallic materials, including aluminium,
aluminium alloys,
mild steel (optionally galvanised), fibre reinforced plastics or engineering
plastics
such as Nylon and HDPE. The barriers and joiners can be produced by any
suitable
process, including roll-forming, moulding or casting processes.
[0059] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that modifications or changes
to the
particular embodiments described above can be made without departing from the
scope of the invention. All such modifications and changes are intended to be
included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0060] For example, an alternate form of a joiner for joining barriers 10, 10
at a
selectively adjustable change of direction at an edge of a surface is shown in
Figure
10. Joiner 100 has a nut 102 and bolt 104, with two wings 106, 106 locatable
on the
shaft of the nut 102 between the nut head and bolt 104. Each of wings 106 has
an
aperture 108 via which the joiner 100 can be affixed to adjacent barriers 10,
10 (e.g.
as discussed above). As will be appreciated, once the nut 102 and bolt 104 are
tightened together, the relative orientation of wings 106, 106, and hence the
barriers
10, 10 to which they are affixed, will be fixed. Joiner 100 can be used to
join
adjacent barriers 10, 10 at practically any angle to each other, provided that
the
joined barriers do not physically contact each other (e.g. as would be the
case if the
barriers were at a very tight angle).
[0061] Advantageously, the joiner 100 does not require a post 16 in order to
join
barriers 10, 10 at a corner. Rails such as rails 16 shown in Figure 2B could
be
provided at a short distance from the corner in order to provide a barrier
system
having an appropriate strength.
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[0062] Yet another form of a joiner for joining barriers 10, 10 at a
selectively
adjustable change of direction at an edge of a surface is shown in Figures
11A, 11B
and 11C. Joiner 110 has two parts 112 and 114. Part 112 has a wing 116 which
has
apertures 118, via which wing 116 can be affixed to a barrier 10 (e.g. as
discussed
above). Part 112 also has a joining portion 120 that has an arc shaped wall
122
which projects outwardly from a rim 124. Similarly, part 114 has a wing 126
which
has apertures 128, via which wing 126 can be affixed to a barrier 10 (e.g. as
discussed above). Part 114 also has a joining portion 128 that has an arc
shaped
wall 130 which projects outwardly from a rim 132 and is co-axial with the arc
shaped
wall 122 of part 112.
[0063] Parts 112 and 114 are couplable together, with arc shaped wall 122
being
configured to be matingly received within arc shaped wall 130. In this
position, the
distal end of arc shaped wall 122 abuts rim 132 and the distal end of arc
shaped wall
130 abuts rim 124, with parts 112 and 114 being capable of rotating with
respect to
each other about a central axis (not shown) of arc shaped walls 122 and 130.
[0064] When connected, walls 122 and 130 define a substantially circular wall
which
is adapted to receive and clamp a rail (e.g. rail 16) therein. In use, a rail
can be
positioned where two barriers 10, 10 are to be joined and anchored to the
surface.
Each of the parts 112, 114 can then be slid onto the rail via the gaps in the
walls/rims. The wings 116 and 126 can then be rotated such that they are at a
desired angle to each other, and screw 134 tightened to effectively lock parts
112
and 114 together in that configuration, as well as fastening the joiner 110 to
the rail.
[0065] Advantageously, joiner 110 can be used to join barriers 10, 10 at a
range of
angles, but can also be positioned on the inside (i.e. the barriers would join
on the
outer side of the rail 16 (not shown)) of a barrier system (as would be the
case, for
example, when the parts 112 and 114 are in the configuration shown in Figure
11A)
or on the outside (i.e. the barriers would join on the inner side of the rail
16 (not
shown)) of a barrier system (as would be the case, for example, when the parts
112
and 114 are in the configuration shown in Figure 11C). Thus, joiner 110 could
be
used to join all barriers 10, 10 to form a barrier system having practically
any shape.
As would be appreciated, providing a single joiner capable of joining barriers
at
practically any angle could greatly simplify the installation process.
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[0066] Another form of a joiner for joining barriers 10, 10 at a corner of a
surface is
shown in Figures 12A and 12B. Joiner 140 includes a number of plates which,
when
assembled (as is shown in Figure 12A), provide surfaces adapted for fastening
to an
end of a barrier 10 and a stanchion 141 (or a rail 16, not shown), hence
attaching the
barrier 10 to the stanchion 141. In the Figures, the joiner 140 is shown
having six
plates for illustrative purposes only; in normal use only two plates would be
required.
In the embodiment shown, joiner 140 has three left-leading plates 142A, 142B
and
1420, and three right-leading plates 144A, 144B and 1440. Plates 142A and 144A
are identical to each other, but rotated by 180 degrees. Similarly, plates
142B and
144B and 1420 and 1440 are identical to each other, but rotated by 180
degrees.
[0067] Plate 142A (by way of example) has a barrier attachment portion 146, an
angled portion 148, and a stanchion attachment portion 150. Barrier attachment
portion 146 has two elongate apertures 151 which can align with the apertures
19 in
the barrier rail 10, with fastening mechanisms (e.g. a nut and bolt, not
shown) being
passable through apertures 151, 151 and 19. 19 to attach the barrier 10 to the
plate
142A. Stanchion attachment portion 150 has a number of apertures shown
generally
at 152, which are adapted to receive screws 153 (or other suitable fasteners)
to
attach the plate 142A to the stanchion 141. As can be seen in Figures 12A and
12B,
apertures 152 are alignable with corresponding apertures on the stanchion
attachment portions of other left-leading plates (i.e. plates 142B and 1420 in
Figure
12) and right leading plates (i.e. plates 144A, 144B and 1440 in Figure 12) so
that all
of the plates can, if desired, be attached to the stanchion 141. In normal
use,
however, only one left-leading and one right-leading plate would be attached
to the
stanchion 141, depending on the desired configuration and orientation of the
barriers
10, 10 with respect to the stanchion 141 or rail 16.
[0068] When attached to the stanchion 141, the barrier attachment portion of
the
respective corresponding left- and right-leading plates are either
substantially
perpendicular or parallel to one another. Thus, barriers 10, 10 attached to
the barrier
attachment portion of the respective corresponding left- and right- leading
plates are
also either substantially perpendicular or parallel to each other, as would be
required
at a corner of a surface or where two in-line barriers meet, respectively. In
the
embodiment shown in Figure 12, six plates are depicted in order to illustrate
the
various positions and orientations of the barrier attachment portions 146 of
the
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respective plates 142, and hence the numerous possibilities available to
position the
barrier 10 with respect to the stanchion 141 (and hence the rails 16 etc., as
shown in
Figure 1). In some embodiments, just two corresponding plates (e.g. plates
142A
and 144A) may be all that is required. As will be appreciated, providing just
a few
plates for use in this embodiment results in a number of potential barrier
configurations at surface corners, thereby giving an installer many options to
meet
the specific requirement of any given installation site. As would also be
appreciated,
the respective angles of the barrier attachment portion 146, angled portion
148,and a
stanchion attachment portion 150 could be varied to allow for configurations
other
than parallel and perpendicular.
[0069] Other forms of joiners for joining barriers 10, 10 at a corner of a
surface are
shown in Figures 13A and 13B. Joiner 154 has substantially perpendicular arms
155, 155 which are separated by a bend 156 having a relatively small radius.
In
contrast, joiner 157 has substantially perpendicular arms 158, 158 which are
separated by a bend 159 having a relatively large radius. Arms 155 and 158 are
adapted to be received in the grooves of the barrier 10 (see Figure 2) to
provide a
flush fitting between the joiners 154, 157 and barriers 10. The apertures in
the arms
155, 158 can align with the apertures 19 in the barrier rail 10, with
fastening
mechanisms (e.g. a nut and bolt, not shown) being used to attach the barriers
10 to
each side of the joiner 154, 157.
[0070] Finally, an alternate form of a joiner for joining barriers 21, 21 at a
selectively
adjustable change of direction at an edge of a surface is shown in Figures
14A, 14B
and 14C in the form of joiner 160. Joiner 160 enables a lateral hinging
movement of
a first barrier (not shown for clarity) with respect to a second barrier (also
not shown).
Joiner 160 has first and second portions 162 and 164, which are joined via
hinge
166. Hinge 166 is formed by an arc shaped edge portion 168 of first portion
162 and
an arc shaped edge portion 170 of second portion 164. In the orientation shown
in
Figure 12A, an upper side of arc shaped edge portion 168 has a pin 172 that is
shaped to be matingly received in a corresponding sheath 174 accessible from a
lower side of arc shaped edge portion 170. Each edge portion 168, 170 is
substantially arc shaped and extends for approximately half the respective
portions'
162, 164 height. As can be seen from Figures 14A and 14B, once pin 172 is
inserted
into sheath 174 the upper side of edge portion 168 abuts the lower side of
edge
portion 170, and the first and second portions 162 and 164 are hingedly
coupled to
one another, as can be seen by comparing Figures 14B and 140.
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[0071] First and second portions 162 and 164 each have a tongue 176 and 178,
respectively which, in this embodiment, is provided by three ribs that are
shaped to
be received within respective channels within the interior 30 of a barrier
rail 21. Once
tongue 176 (for example) is received within the interior of a first rail 21,
it can be
securely affixed thereto in the manner described above. Joiner 160 joins two
rails 21
and 21 in a manner whereby the two rails 21 and 21 can be positioned on a flat
surface at any angle up to and including perpendicular with respect to each
other
(e.g. at the corner of the walkway 22 shown in Figure 3), but whilst providing
a
continuous barrier (via barrier 21, joiner 160 and barrier 21).
[0072] As will be appreciated, embodiments of the present invention can
provide a
number of advantages over existing barrier systems. Such advantages include:
= the modular nature of the barrier rails and other components enables the
barrier system to be used in almost any application (many existing systems
include components which need to be modified for each specific application)
= the modular nature of the barrier system enables it to be used as is",
with no
special design or engineering being required prior to installation
= the components of the barrier system are reusable, relocatable and
adjustable
= only a small number of components are required to construct the barrier
system
= many of the components of the barrier system can be formed from
recyclable
materials
= the barrier system can be easily disassembled and, once disassembled,
easily transportable to other locations (e.g. the next floor up on a high rise
construction site). In contrast, many existing systems include cumbersome,
long and heavy components, which require specialist equipment (e.g. cranes)
to move them and have an attendant risk of worker injury
= the barrier system can increase the safety provided when compared to
existing barrier systems, and in a more cost effective manner
= due to the method of construction, components of the barrier system are
unlikely to corrode or break quickly, which can dramatically increase the
safety of the barrier systems
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= it is not necessary to weld any components, which would require skilled
welders, a suitable source of electricity and permanently affix components
together
= there is no need to predrill, drill or tap holes through the barrier
rails for fixing
them in place ¨ fixing can be achieved by simply self-tap screwing the barrier
rails in place
= In many embodiments, any screws or bolts in the barriers are recessed,
making them less likely to snag hazards (e.g. for shoes or the wheels of
wheelchairs)
[0073] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the
invention,
except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or
necessary
implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or
"comprising" is
used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated
features but not
to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various
embodiments of the
invention.
