Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
TITLE: A kit for a barrier system
This invention relates to temporary barricades or barrier systems which may be
erected
and dismantled as desired or necessary. More specifically, the present
invention relates to
a (portable) barrier kit as well as a temporary barrier (system) erectable
therefrom. A
barrier system, erectable from the kit, may be used for temporarily
barricading dangerous
areas such as elevated floor side edges, holes, openings, etc.
A barrier system of the present invention (including a kit therefore) may by
way of
example be exploited in relation to building construction sites. However, a
barrier
system of the present invention (including a kit therefore) may be used in
relation to other
environmental contexts where a barrier is desired; e.g. in any area where a
barricade may
be sought for example to prevent entry into unauthorized or dangerous areas.
In the (building) construction industry some type of barrier or barrier system
is invariably
needed to prevent people as well as objects from entering a danger zone and in
particular
from falling from dangerous heights. Thus, for example, during the
construction of a
multi-floor building, it is common to first put in place the floors, ceilings
and
intermediate support pillars or posts interconnecting the floors and ceilings;
stairwells,
elevator shafts, etc. are also put in place. Thereafter the outer and inner
side walls for the
floors are put in place. However, the period during which floor sidewalls are
not yet in
place represents a particularly dangerous time, since there is an ever present
risk that
people may accidentally pass over unguarded floor side edges or through floor
openings
and fall to their injury or even death. There is also an ever present risk
that objects may
also accidentally pass (e.g. be kicked) over unguarded floor side edges or
through floor
openings and fall below risking injury or even death to unwary persons below.
Barriers are known which comprise some type of rigid fencing (e.g. rigid
rails)
components. The various components of such known rigid barriers are relatively
heavy
and bulky. Such known types of rigid barriers thus present transportation and
storage
challenges as well as challenges related to the erection and removal thereof
with respect
to a given worksite. For example, since the rigid components of such known
rigid
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barriers are heavy and bulky there is a significant storage space requirement
as well as
transportation requirement (i.e. to and from a worksite). Examples of rigid
barriers with
rigid rail members may be seen in US patent nos. 6,015,139; 6,336,623; and
7,338,033.
Barriers are also known which comprise some type of flexible fencing (e.g.
flexible rail)
components. Examples of barriers with flexible rail members may be seen in US
patent
nos. 3,880,405 (strap rail); 4,480,819 (cable rail); and 6,336,623 (cable
rail).
Barriers are further known which comprise some type of flexible fencing (e.g.
rail)
components which include means for subjecting the flexible rail component to
tension.
Examples of barriers with tensioned flexible rail members may be seen in US
patent nos.
406,642; 997,725; and 6,053,281.
A portable barricade is in particular disclosed in US patent application no.
11/656886
published under US 20080173854. The portable barricade has a plurality of
horizontally
extending straps. The horizontally extending straps are attached to the
provided support
poles. The horizontally extending straps may be set to a desired tension
between terminal
support poles by a disclosed tension producing ratchet device(s). The
barricade also has a
plurality of vertical straps which are disposed between and interconnect the
horizontal
straps.
However, a problem with respect to known barriers or barricades having strap-
rail
members (i.e. flexible elongated members) is that (even under tension) such a
strap-rail
member in the region spanning between terminal structural support members may
undesirably sag or more significantly be displaced downwardly under the weight
of a
person or heavy object. Such downward displacement can effectively defeat the
barrier
function of the strap-rail member and lead to undesired injury, spill over,
etc. It would be
advantageous to have a barrier system which could attenuate or avoid such
intermediate
sagging of the strap-rail member.
A further problem with respect to known barriers is that rail support
structures are
provided by the barrier system itsel It would be advantageous to be able to
have a
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barrier system that could exploit the in-situ support columns or posts
presently available
as rail support structures (i.e. in particular as terminal anchor element(s)).
Accordingly it would be advantageous to have a barrier system which may be
relatively
easily erected and thereafter dismantled; which can attenuate intermediate
strap-rail
member sag; and/or which may exploit in situ posts (or columns), walls and the
like as
(e.g. terminal) support members for the barrier.
It would be advantageous to have means for automatic or controlled disposition
of the
strap-rail member at a(predetermined) height relative to an underlying support
structure
(e.g. floor, ground etc.) as may be required to conform to safety regulations.
It is further well known in the art that safety barriers typically have to
conform to certain
government safety regulations, and even regulations maintained by owners of
properties
or structures.
It would be advantageous to have a removeable barrier system which is easy to
erect and
dismantle and which may be configured to comply with government guidelines for
barriers or barricade systems.
Thus the present invention, as described herein, relates not only to a
(removeable or
temporary) barrier system itself but also to a kit for the construction of
such a
(removeable or temporary) barrier system. In other words, a barrier system as
described
herein may be erected and dismantled as desired or necessary.
A barrier system as described herein may, for example, be designed as a safety
barrier
meeting government regulations for the prevention of damage to equipment as
well as
injuries to persons.
It to be understood herein that the terms "strap means", "strap member" and
the like refer
to an elongated object of pliant material which has sufficient flexibility so
as to be able to
be rolled or coiled up and includes without limitation such objects in the
form of a web,
strap, band, strip, ribbon, rope, line, cable, chain or the like. It is
further to be understood
herein that any "strap means", "strap member" and the like may (keeping in
mind the
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purpose thereof) be of any (suitable) metallic, plastic, composite material,
as well as any
combinations thereof. Thus for example a strap member may be manufactured of
woven type material and may, for example, have a form similar to a seat belt.
Any such
woven type of material is of course to be formed so as to provide the
elongated object
with characteristics lending itself to the prevention of persons and/or
objects such as
equipment from passing therethrough.
It is to be understood herein that the expression "height support member" as
used in
relation to a "strap member", a "strap anchor segment", and the like, refers
to a member
which is rigid as defined herein.
Thus it is in particular to be understood that as used herein the word "rigid"
characterizes
an element, member, component, segment, etc. as at least being able to resist
deformation
thereof (i.e. compression, bowing or otherwise) when subjected to compressive
forces as
well as bending forces in the context of the use to which a strap support
element (of the
barrier as herein described) is to be put - i.e. in order to resist vertically
downward
displacement of the strap member - including but not limited to being
incapable of
bending.
Thus in accordance with the present invention, a height support member of a
strap-
support component is for example to be understood as being resistant to
compression
and/or bending.
It is to be understood herein that the expression "predetermined height level"
includes not
only a specific height (e.g. above a support such as the ground, a floor or
other equivalent
surface) but a height range as well. For example, the expression
"predetermined height
level" includes a height which is equivalent to a desired or necessary height
above for
example a floor; in other words, this expression includes any height (e.g.
range) which
for all intents and purposes is acceptable, keeping in mind the purposes of a
desired or
necessary barrier system.
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It is further to be understood that as used herein the expression "pillar
member" is to be
understood as comprising any type of vertically extending (e.g. existing)
support
whatsoever whether free standing or disposed between horizontal structural
and/or floor
members (e.g. pillar, column, piling, post, and the like).
Furthermore as described herein a (tensioned) length of strap member may span
the
distance between "terminal" pillars which may optionally be further separated
by one or
more intermediate pillars so that any elevation support elements may not only
be
disposed between terminal pillars but also be associated with (i.e. attached
to)
intermediate pillars.
Additionally, unless otherwise indicated or dictated by the context of the
following
description of the present invention, it is to be understood that a kit or
barrier system
may be exploited by having recourse to tensioning (i.e. ratcheting) devices
which may be
commercially available; see also the above mentioned patent documents for
particular
examples of tensioning (i.e. ratchet) type devices.
Thus in accordance with an aspect, the present invention relates to a barrier
kit for the
construction of a removable barrier system wherein said barrier system
comprises an
anchor component fixed to an underlying support structure,
said kit comprising a barrier component, said barrier component comprising a
removable
strap-rail component
said removable strap-rail component comprising strap means, anchor attachment
means configured for the releasable attachment of a length (i.e. span or
section) of the
strap means to said anchor component, and tensioning means for releasable
tensioning of said length (i.e. span) of said strap means when said length
(i.e. span) of
the strap means is attached to said anchor component by said anchor attachment
means
said kit further comprising height stabilization means for releasably
maintaining the strap
means at a predetermined height level relative to (i.e. above) said underlying
support
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structure at one or more predetermined points along the tensioned length (i.e.
span) of
said strap means when said strap means is tensioned by said tensioning means.
In accordance with the present invention a span height stabilization means may
for
example comprise clamp means. The clamp means may take any suitable form in
mind
the purpose thereof as described herein. The clamp means may for example
comprise a
first clamp member, a second clamp member, and clamp adjustment means for
displacement of the first and second clamp members relative to each other for
engagement and disengagement of said strap means therebetween.
In accordance with another particular aspect the present invention provides a
barrier kit
for the construction of a removable barrier system wherein said barrier system
comprises
an anchor component comprising two or more anchor elements fixed to an
underlying
support structure,
said kit comprising a barrier component, said barrier component comprising a
removable
strap-rail component and a removable strap-support component,
said removable strap-rail component comprising a strap member, a first anchor
attachment member, and a second anchor attachment member, said anchor
attachment
members being configured for the releasable attachment of a length (i.e. span)
of the
strap member to said anchor component,
said removable strap-rail component further comprising tensioning means for
releasable tensioning of said length (i.e. span) of strap member when said
length of
strap member is attached to said anchor component by said first and second
anchor
attachment members
wherein said removable strap-support component comprises at least one
elevation
support element comprising a height support member (or segment) and a
releasable
strap engagement member connected to said height support member,
said height support member comprising a ground engagement element for
engagement with said underlying support structure,
and
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wherein said releasable strap engagement member and said height support member
are configured such that said releasable strap engagement member is disposed
to
releasably maintain said length of strap member at a first predetermined
height level
relative to said underlying support structure when said length of strap member
is
tensioned by said tensioning means.
In accordance with the present invention an anchor component may take any form
whatsoever keeping in mind the purpose thereof as described herein. An anchor
component may for example comprise in situ components of a (building)
structure (e.g. a
wall type structure). An anchor component may for example comprise in-situ
(floor)
support columns/posts) fixed to the underlying support structure of a
building. For
example, the anchor component may comprise anchor elements wherein one (or
more) of
the anchor elements comprises a (e.g. in situ) pillar member. Thus in
accordance with the
present invention when one (or more) of the anchor elements comprises a pillar
member,
there may also be provided means for releasable attachment of at least one of
said span
support elements to a respective pillar member. In any event, the anchor
component as
mentioned above may take any form whatsoever keeping in mind the purpose
thereof as
described herein, i.e. to provide an anchor for tensioning purposes.
As mentioned the present invention further relates to a barrier system itself.
Thus in
accordance with another aspect the present invention provides a removeable
barrier
system comprising
an anchor component and
a barrier component,
said anchor component comprising two or more anchor elements fixed to an
underlying support structure, one or more of said anchor elements comprising a
pillar
member,
said barrier component comprising a removable strap-rail component and a
removable strap-support component,
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said removable strap-rail component comprising a strap member, a first anchor
attachment member, and a second anchor attachment member, said anchor
attachment
members releasably attaching a length (i.e. span) of the strap member to said
anchor
component,
said removable strap-rail component further comprising tensioning means
releasably
tensioning said length (i.e. span) of strap member attached to said anchor
component
by said first and second anchor attachment members
wherein said removable strap-support component comprises at least one
elevation
support element comprising a height support member and a releasable strap
engagement member connected to said height support member,
said height support member comprising a ground engagement element engaging
said
underlying support structure,
and
wherein said releasable strap engagement member and said height support member
are
configured such that said releasable strap engagement member is disposed to
releasably
maintain said tensioned length of strap member at a first predetermined height
level
relative to said underlying support structure at a predetermined point along
the tensioned
length of said strap member.
It is to be understood herein that in accordance with the present invention,
an elevation
support element may be configured so as to maintain a strap member at any
desired or
necessary height level; for example a height level determined by an individual
site or by
government regulation.
In accordance with the present invention a barrier component may as desired or
necessary
comprise one or more strap-rail components exploited in association with one
or more
common elevation support elements.
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Thus in accordance with the present invention a barrier component may comprise
a
further (i.e. second) removeable strap-rail component as defined herein,
said further strap-rail component being a second strap-rail component
comprising a
respective tensioning means for releasable tensioning of a respective length
(i.e. span)
of the respective strap member thereof when said length of said respective
strap
member is attached to said anchor component by respective first and second
anchor
attachment members of said second strap rail component,
wherein said elevation support element of the removable strap-support
component
comprises an additional (i.e. second) releasable strap engagement member,
and
wherein said additional releasable strap engagement member and said height
support
member are configured such that said additional releasable strap engagement
member is disposed to releasably maintain the respective length of the strap
member
of the second strap-rail component at a second predetermined height-level
below said
first predetermined height-level when said respective length of strap member
is
tensioned by the respective tensioning means of said second strap rail
component.
In accordance with the present invention the second strap-rail component may
be a
toe-strap rail component,
and
the additional releasable strap engagement member and said height support
member
may be configured such that said additional releasable strap engagement member
is
disposed to releasably maintain the respective length of the strap member of
the toe-
strap rail component at a second predetermined height-level below said first
predetermined height-level and adjacent said underlying support structure.
In accordance with the present invention a barrier system may be based on one
or
more barrier components. Thus in accordance with the present invention a
barrier
system may for example be based on three of the barrier components, wherein
one of
said barrier components is a top-rail barrier component, another of said
barrier
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components is a toe-rail barrier component and the remaining barrier component
is a
mid-rail barrier component,
wherein the elevation support element of the top-rail barrier component
comprises a
releasable top-rail strap engagement member, the releasable top-rail strap
engagement
member and the height support member of the top-rail barrier component being
configured such that the releasable top-rail strap engagement member of the
top-rail
barrier component is disposed to releasably-maintain the strap member of the
top-rail
barrier component at said first predetermined height-level,
wherein the elevation support element of the mid-rail barrier component
comprises a
releasable mid-rail strap engagement member, the releasable mid-rail strap
engagement member and the height support member of the mid-rail barrier
component being configured such that the releasable mid-rail strap engagement
member of the mid-rail barrier component is disposed to releasably maintain
the
strap member of the mid-rail barrier component at a second predetermined
height-
level, said second predetermined height-level being below said first
predetermined
height-level,
wherein the elevation support element of the toe-rail barrier component
comprises a
releasable toe-rail strap engagement member, the releasable toe-rail strap
engagement member and the height support member of the toe-rail barrier
component
being configured such that the releasable toe-rail strap engagement member of
the
toe-rail barrier component is disposed to releasably maintain the strap member
of the
toe-rail barrier component at a third predetermined height-level, said third
predetermined height level being below said second predetermined height-level
and
adjacent said underlying support structure.
In accordance with the present invention, as desired or as necessary, a
barrier system may
exploit or be based on the exploitation of a common elevation support element
(i.e. one
or more such elements) which defines the elevation support element of each of
the top-
rail, mid-rail and toe-rail barrier components.
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In accordance with the present invention a ground engagement member may take
any
form whatsoever keeping in mind its purpose as described herein. A ground
engagement
element may simply be configured for abutting (i.e. unfixed) engagement with
the
underlying support structure; alternatively a ground engagement element may be
configured for being releasably fixed (in any suitable manner, e.g. be
provided with a
foot member boltable ) to an underlying support structure. However, abutting
engagement is an advantageous structure since it facilitates minimal
installation and
dismantling steps.
In accordance with the present invention, a releasable strap engagement member
for a
(e.g. at least the top-rail) barrier component may comprise clamp means, said
clamp
means comprising a first clamp member, a second clamp member, and clamp
adjustment
means for displacement of the first and second clamp members relative to each
other for
engagement and disengagement of said strap member there between. In accordance
with
the present invention, a height support member may define one of such clamp
members.
In accordance with the present invention an anchor component may, for example,
(i.e. in
relation to a strap-rail component) comprise one or two terminal anchor
elements and
optionally as desired or as necessary one or more intermediate anchor elements
disposed
between terminal anchor elements. A length of strap member may be tensioned
between
respective terminal anchor elements (which may be the same or different) to
which the
length strap member is attached by the respective anchor attachment members;
i.e. if two
or more strap members are exploited the terminal anchor elements may be the
same or
different.
In accordance with the present invention each of the anchor attachment members
may be
configured (in any (suitable) manner whatsoever) for the releasable attachment
of the
(tensioned) length of strap member to a respective anchor element (which may
be a
terminal anchor element). A height location means may also be provided for
releasable
maintenance of the length of strap member at a first predetermined height
level at least
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adjacent to (e.g. at) said respective terminal anchor element. The height
location means
may take any desired or necessary form. Such height location means may, for
example,
take the form of an elevation support element as described herein.
As mentioned an anchor element may comprise a pillar member. Thus in
accordance
with the resent invention each of the anchor attachment members may be
releasably
attach a (tensioned) length of strap member to an anchor element which is a
terminal
anchor element comprising a pillar member; wherein said anchor component may
comprise two of said terminal anchor elements; wherein each of said anchor
attachment
members may comprise a strap anchor segment defining a girdle element about
said pillar
member; and wherein each of said anchor attachment members may comprise a
strap
attachment element attaching said girdle element to the strap member. A girdle
element
may for example take the form of a loop, noose, ring, eye, or the like which
is disposable
about a pillar member or the like for embracing/surrounding/encircle/girdle
engagement
of the pillar member or the like.
In accordance with the present invention a strap member may comprise the strap
anchor
segment of one or both anchor attachment members. Alternatively, a strap
anchor
segment of one or both anchor attachment members may be separate from the
respective
strap member.
In accordance with the present invention a barrier system may exploit an
anchor
component which may comprise two of the above mentioned terminal anchor
elements,
and wherein the removable strap-support component may further comprise two
terminal
support elements,
wherein each of said terminal support elements comprises a terminal height
support
member for a respective strap anchor segment, each terminal height support
member
comprising a ground engagement element for engagement with said underlying
support structure,
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wherein each of said terminal support elements further comprises a strap
anchor
segment engagement means connected to a respective terminal height support
member,
wherein a respective strap anchor segment engagement means and a respective
terminal height support member are configured such that said respective strap
anchor
segment engagement means is disposed to releasably maintain the girdle element
at
said first predetermined height level above said underlying support structure.
In accordance with the present invention each of the terminal support elements
may
comprise means for releasable immobilization thereof to a respective terminal
anchor
element. As mentioned the strap anchor segment of each of said anchor
attachment
members may be separate from the strap member.
In accordance with the present invention a barrier system may, as mentioned,
in addition
to terminal anchor elements (i.e. which may be the same as or different for
each barrier
component) may exploit an anchor component which may further comprise one or
more
intermediate anchor elements comprising a respective pillar member. A barrier
system
may also further comprise means for releasable immobilization of at least one
of said
elevation support elements to the respective pillar member of one or more of
said
intermediate anchor elements.
In accordance with the present invention an anchor component may comprise two
spaced
apart terminal anchor elements, each of said terminal anchor elements (which
may be
defined by a separate respective anchor element) being fixed to the underlying
support
structure and wherein each anchor attachment member is configured for the
releasable
attachment of the strap member to a respective terminal anchor element. For
this
configuration an elevation support element(s) may be disposed independently
between
the terminal anchor elements.
In accordance with the present invention an anchor component may as desired or
necessary further comprise one or more intermediate anchor elements disposed
between
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the terminal anchor elements and wherein height location means may be provided
for
releasable maintenance of a strap member at a first (or other) predetermined
height level
adjacent to or at said terminal as well as at the intermediate anchor
elements. For this
configuration an elevation support element(s) may be disposed independently
between
the terminal anchor elements and the intermediate anchor elements as well as
between
intermediate anchor elements as the case may be.
Although two terminal anchor elements may be a usual configuration, an anchor
component may comprise two or more spaced apart anchor elements but wherein
the
terminal anchor elements are defined by a common anchor element fixed to the
underlying support structure (i.e. the terminal anchor elements are a shared
(i.e.
common) anchor element).
As mentioned above the present invention may exploit a releasable strap
engagement
member (for the elevation support element of a strap-support component) which
may
comprise a clamp structure as mentioned herein. However, a releasable strap
engagement
member may take any desired or necessary form keeping in mind the function
thereof.
A releasable strap engagement member may if desired comprise a closed loop
such as a
closed U-shaped member which is described below; however such a closed loop
allows
only for a longitudinal freedom of movement of a strap member through the
strap
aperture thereof. Thus a strap member would have to be longitudinally threaded
thru the
closed loop prior to anchoring of the strap member(s) to for example a pillar
member as
well as prior to tensioning of the strap member(s).
On the other hand, a releasable strap engagement member may if desired
comprise a loop
element which may be split by a strap opening (as described herein) which may
allow for
a second degree of freedom of movement of a strap member i.e. allow for
lateral
engagement of a strap member already attached to an anchor element or even if
the strap
member is already tensioned.
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For example, a releasable strap engagement member may comprise grip means
which
may generally comprise a loop element. The loop element may define an aperture
for
(longitudinally) receiving the strap member but may also be split by a
straight or by a
convoluted lateral strap opening (i.e. slot, passageway, etc.) for lateral
displacement of a
strap member into and out of the aperture.
If the loop element is a convoluted lateral strap opening (i.e. slot,
passageway, etc. ), the
loop element and the strap opening may be configured such that lateral
displacement of
the strap member out of the loop aperture thru such a convoluted strap opening
is
inhibited (e.g. when the strap member is under tension). For this type of
structure the
loop element and said convoluted strap opening may be configured for sideways
threading of the strap member through the convoluted the strap opening into
and out of
the aperture; in other words for this type of grip means, the strap member in
un-tensioned
state is to be deformed relative to the tensioned state thereof and in the
deformed state
may be passed into or out of the aperture defined by the loop element. The
convoluted
opening is however, configured such that when the strap member is in a
tensioned state
the convoluted nature of the lateral strap opening inhibits lateral or
sideways
displacement of the strap member out of the aperture of the loop element.
As mentioned the loop element may also be split by a straight lateral strap
opening (i.e.
slot, passageway, etc.). An example embodiment of this type of grip means may
take the
form of simple U-shaped member. The open mouth of such U-shaped member may be
disposed so at face upwardly when a strap member, under (horizontal) tension,
is
disposed in the aperture thereof. Such a grip means may rely on the tension of
the strap
member to maintain the strap member in the aperture of the loop element. If
desired
however, the elevated support element may be associated with lock means (e.g.
a padlock
type mechanism) for closing off the mouth of the U-shaped member during use.
However, for example in the case of a toe-rail strap member the mouth of the U-
shaped
member may be disposed so as to face downwardly such that the U-shaped mouth
is
adjacent the underlying support structure, i.e. when a strap member, is under
(horizontal)
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
tension, the underlying support structure essentially block off the mouth of
the U-shaped
opening.
Alternatively a releasable strap engagement member may comprise grip means,
the grip
means comprising a loop element defining an aperture for receiving the strap
member,
said loop element being split by a strap opening dimensioned/configured for
passage of
the strap member through said strap opening into and out of said aperture,
said grip means further comprising a closure means displaceable between an
open
position and a closed position,
said loop element and closure means being configured for inhibiting
displacement of
the strap member out of said aperture thru said strap opening when the closure
means
is in said closed position, and
said loop element and said closure means being configured such that when said
closure means is in said open position, said strap opening is unobstructed by
the
closure means with respect to passage of the strap member thru said strap
opening.
In particular, a releasable strap engagement member may comprise grip means
wherein
the grip means comprises a loop element defining an aperture for receiving the
strap
member, said loop element being split by a strap opening
dimensioned/configured for
lateral passage of the strap member through said strap opening into and out of
said
aperture,
said grip means further comprising a lock swing arm mounted to the loop
element for
pivotal displacement between an open position within said aperture and a
closed
position,
said lock swing arm being biased in said closed position,
said loop element and said swing arm being configured for inhibiting
displacement of
the strap member out of said aperture thru said strap opening when the swing
arm is
in said closed position, and
said loop element and said swing arm being configured such that when said
swing
arm is in said open position, said strap opening is unobstructed by the swing
arm with
respect to passage of the strap member thru said strap opening.
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As an additional example a releasable strap engagement member may comprise
grip
means which may comprise a[displaceable] (i.e. slider) first grip element and
a second
grip element, said second grip element and said first grip elements being
configured
such that said first grip element is (e.g. Linearly) displaceable relative to
said second
element between a strap lock-in position and a strap release position
wherein, when said first grip element is in said strap lock-in position, said
second grip
element and said first grip element define a closed loop element, said closed
loop
element defining an aperture for receiving the strap member, said closed loop
element
being configured for inhibiting sideways (radial) (i.e. lateral and vertical)
displacement (passage) of the strap member out of the aperture defined
thereby,
wherein, when said first grip element is in said strap release position, said
second grip
element and said first grip element define an open loop element, said open
loop
element defining a respective strap aperture and being split by a strap
opening
dimensioned/configured for sideways displacement (passage) of the strap member
through said strap opening into and out of said respective strap aperture,
In accordance with an additional example a releasable strap engagement member
means
may comprise grip means which comprises a first slider grip element and a
second grip
element, said second grip element and said first slider grip elements being
configured
such that said first slider grip element is linearly displaceable relative to
said second
element between a strap lock-in position and a strap release position
wherein, when said first slider grip element is in said strap lock-in
position, said
second grip element and said first slider grip element define a closed loop
element,
said closed loop element defining an aperture for receiving the strap member,
said
closed loop element being configured for inhibiting sideways (radial) (i.e.
lateral and
vertical) displacement of the strap member out of the aperture defined
thereby,
17
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
wherein, when said first slider grip element is in said strap release
position, said
second grip element and said first slider grip element define an open loop
element,
said open loop element defining a respective strap aperture and being split by
a strap
opening dimensioned/configured for passage of the strap member through said
strap
opening into and out of said respective strap aperture.
In accordance with the present invention the above mentioned additional
releasable strap
engagement member may comprise grip means, said grip means comprising a loop
element defining an aperture for receiving the strap member, said loop element
being
split by a strap opening configured for unobstructed sidewise/lateral passage
of the strap
member through said strap opening into and out of said aperture, said loop
element and
said strap opening being configured such that said strap opening is disposed
for
cooperation with the underlying support structure for inhibiting displacement
of the strap
member out of said aperture thru said strap opening.
Thus in accordance with the present invention the above mentioned a releasable
strap
engagement member of a common strap stabilizer support element for a toe-rail
barrier
component may comprise grip means, said grip means comprising a loop element
defining an aperture for receiving the strap member, said loop element being
split by a
strap opening configured for unobstructed sidewise/lateral passage of the
strap member
through said strap opening into and out of said aperture, said loop element
and said strap
opening being configured such that said strap opening is disposed for
cooperation with
the underlying support structure for inhibiting displacement of the strap
member out of
said aperture thru said strap opening.
In accordance with the present invention, each releasable strap engagement
member of a
common elevation support element may comprises grip means, said grip means
comprising a loop element defining an aperture for receiving the strap member,
said loop
element being split by a [straight/convoluted] strap opening (i.e. slot,
passageway, etc. ),
said loop element and said strap opening being configured such that
displacement of the
strap member out of said aperture thru said strap opening is inhibited, said
loop element
18
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
and said strap opening being configured for sideways threading of the strap
member
through said strap opening into and out of said aperture.
In drawings which illustrate example embodiments of the present invention:
Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a tensioned strap member;
Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a vertically stressed tensioned strap
member of
Fig.1;
Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of an example embodiment barrier system
in
accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of an example barrier system in
accordance with the
present invention comprising two barrier components;
Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an example barrier system in
accordance with the
present invention exploiting a common height support member;
Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of an example barrier system in accordance
with the
present invention comprising terminal pillar members;
Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of an example barrier system in accordance
with the
present invention comprising intermediate pillar members;
Fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of an example barrier system in accordance
with the
present invention comprising terminal and intermediate pillars;
Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of an example barrier system in accordance
with the
present invention comprising terminal (elevation) support element;
Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of an example barrier system in accordance
with the
present invention comprising two barrier components exploiting common height
support
members;
Fig. 11 is a schematic illustration of an example barrier system in accordance
with the
present invention comprising four barrier components exploiting common height
support
members;
Fig. 12 is a schematic illustration of an example barrier system in accordance
with the
present invention comprising three barrier components exploiting common height
support
members;
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CA 02651731 2009-01-30
Fig. 13 is a side perspective view of an example elevation support element
exploiting
strap member clamp means;
Fig. 14 is a side view of the example elevation support element of fig. 13;
Fig. 15 is a side perspective view of a modified version of the example
elevation support
element of fig. 13 (i.e. without a padlock);
Figure 16 is an exploded view of the example elevation support element of fig.
13 but
without an installed padlock;
Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of the top releasable strap engagement member of
the
example elevation support element of fig. 16;
Fig. 18 is a schematic illustration of the example elevation support element
of fig. 15
being attached to tensioned strap members which are attached to anchor
elements (not
shown);
Fig. 19 is a schematic illustration of the example elevation support element
of fig. 15
attached in vertically upstanding fashion to tensioned strap members which are
attached
to anchor elements (not shown);
Fig. 20 is a schematic illustration of the example elevation support element
of fig. 13
attached in vertically upstanding fashion to tensioned strap members which are
attached
to anchor elements (not shown);
Fig. 21 is a side perspective view of another example elevation support
element
exploiting loop elements split by strap openings;
Fig. 22 is a side view of the example elevation support element of fig. 21;
Fig. 23 is a side perspective view of a modified version of the example
elevation support
element of fig. 21 (i.e. without a padlock);
Fig. 24 is a side view of the example elevation support element of fig. 23;
Fig. 25 is a schematic illustration of the example elevation support element
of fig. 21
being attached to un-tensioned strap members which are attached to anchor
elements (not
shown);
Fig. 26 is a schematic illustration of the example elevation support element
of fig. 21
attached in vertically upstanding fashion to tensioned strap members which are
attached
to anchor elements (not shown);
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
Fig. 27 is a schematic illustration of the example elevation support element
of fig. 23
attached in vertically upstanding fashion to tensioned strap members which are
attached
to anchor elements (not shown);
Fig. 28 is a side perspective view of further example elevation support
element exploiting
loop elements split by convoluted strap openings;
Fig. 29 is a front view of the example elevation support element of fig. 28;
Fig. 30 is a schematic illustration of the example elevation support element
of fig. 28
being attached to un-tensioned strap members which are attached to anchor
elements (not
shown);
Fig. 31 is a schematic illustration of the example elevation support element
of fig. 28
attached in vertically upstanding fashion to tensioned strap members which are
attached
to anchor elements (not shown);
Fig. 32 is a side perspective view of an additional example elevation support
element
exploiting loop elements split by slot strap openings;
Fig. 33 is a side perspective view of a modified version of the example
elevation support
element of fig. 32 (i.e. without a padlock);
Fig. 34 is a schematic illustration of the example elevation support element
of fig. 33
being attached to un-tensioned strap members which are attached to anchor
elements (not
shown);
Fig. 35 is a schematic illustration of the example elevation support element
of fig. 33
attached in vertically upstanding fashion to tensioned strap members which are
attached
to anchor elements (not shown);
Fig. 36 is a schematic illustration of the example elevation support element
of fig. 32
attached in vertically upstanding fashion to tensioned strap members which are
attached
to anchor elements (not shown);
Fig. 37 is a side perspective view of a further embodiment of an example
elevation
support element exploiting contoured slot strap openings;
Fig. 38 is a side view of the example elevation support element of fig. 37;
Fig. 39 is a schematic illustration of the example elevation support element
of fig. 37
being attached to un-tensioned strap members which are attached to anchor
elements (not
shown);
21
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
Fig. 40 is a schematic illustration of the example elevation support element
of fig. 37
attached in vertically upstanding fashion to tensioned strap members which are
attached
to anchor elements (not shown);
Fig. 41 is a side perspective view of a slider type example elevation support
element in
open configuration;
Fig. 42 is a side perspective view of the slider type example elevation
support element of
fig. 41 in closed configuration;
Fig. 43 is an exploded view of the example elevation support element of fig.
41;
Fig. 44 is a schematic illustration of the example elevation support element
of fig. 41
being attached to tensioned strap members which are attached to anchor
elements (not
shown);
Fig. 45 is a schematic illustration of the unclosed example elevation support
element of
fig. 41 attached in vertically upstanding fashion to tensioned strap members
which are
attached to anchor elements (not shown);
Fig. 46 is a schematic illustration of the closed example elevation support
element of fig.
42 attached in vertically upstanding fashion to tensioned strap members which
are
attached to anchor elements (not shown);
Fig. 47 is a side perspective view of another slider type example elevation
support
element in open configuration which has a padlock;
Fig. 48 is a side perspective view of the slider type example elevation
support element of
fig. 47 in closed configuration;
Fig. 49 is a schematic illustration of the closed example elevation support
element of fig.
48 attached in vertically upstanding fashion to tensioned strap members which
are
attached to anchor elements (not shown);
Fig. 50 is a side perspective view of another type example elevation support
element with
a carabiner type gate;
Fig. 51 is a side perspective view of the example elevation support element of
fig. 50;
Fig. 52 is an enlarged schematic side perspective illustration of the top
releasable strap
engagement member in the process of engaging the (tensioned) top-rail strap
member;
Fig. 53 is an enlarged schematic side perspective illustration of the top
releasable strap
engagement member vertically engaging the top-rail strap member;
22
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
Fig. 54 illustrates an example strap member and associated anchor attachment
components;
Fig. 55 illustrates the example strap member of fig. 54 with associated anchor
attachment
components defining a girdle element;
Fig. 56 illustrates an example barrier system of the present invention
exploiting the
example strap member and associated anchor attachment components of fig. 54;
Fig. 57 illustrates a modified example barrier system of the present invention
exploiting
the example strap member and associated anchor attachment components of fig.
54 as
well as terminal support elements;
Fig. 58 illustrates an example embodiment of a tensionable connector ring for
attachment
of an elevation support element to a pillar member;
Fig. 59 illustrates another example strap member and associated anchor
attachment
components;
Fig. 60 illustrates the example strap member of fig. 59 with an associated
anchor
attachment component in the process of defining a girdle element;
Fig. 61 illustrates the example strap member of fig. 59 with associated anchor
attachment
components defining girdle elements;
Fig. 62 illustrates an example barrier system of the present invention
exploiting the
example strap member and associated anchor attachment components of fig. 62;
Fig 63 illustrates example barrier components of fig. 56 connected to common
terminal
pillar members;
Fig 64 illustrates example barrier components of fig. 62 connected to common
terminal
pillar members;
Fig. 65 illustrates another example strap member and associated anchor
attachment
components for daisy chaining barrier components;
Fig. 66 illustrates an example embodiment of a tensionable anchor attachment
member of
fig. 65 for attachment of an elevation support element to a terminal pillar
member
Fig. 67 illustrates example tensionable anchor attachment members of fig. 66
defining
girdle elements about a common terminal pillar member to daisy chain strap
members
of fig. 65 to the common terminal pillar member;
23
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
Fig. 68 illustrates example tensionable anchor attachment members of fig. 58
immobilizing an elevation support element to an intermediate pillar member;
Fig. 69 shows an example barrier system of the present invention with a top
strap rail
only;
Fig. 70 shows an example barrier system of the present invention with a top
and mid
strap rail;
Fig.71 shows an example barrier system of the present invention with a top and
toe strap
rail;
Fig. 72 shows an example barrier system of the present invention with a top,
mid and toe
strap rail;
Fig. 73 shows an example barrier system of the present invention with a top,
mid and toe
strap rail which exploits a single type of elevation support element as both
span and
terminal support elements;
Fig. 74 illustrates a front side view of a further example elevation support
element which
may be exploited as part of an anchor component;
Fig. 75 is a side view of the further example elevation support element shown
in fig. 74;
and
Fig.76 is a perspective view of the example elevation support element of fig.
74
releasably bolted to an anchor wall and connected to top, mid and toe-rail
strap members
by carabiner type connectors.
In the following, unless indicated to the contrary or dictated from the
context, common
reference designations are used to designate common or similar elements.
Turning to figs. 1 and 2, these figures illustrate in schematic fashion the
problem related
to undesired displacement (i.e. vertical) of a tensioned strap (rail) member.
Fig. 1 and 2 illustrate (a length of) a strap member 1 which is (horizontally)
tensioned
(above a floor 2 or other similar type of support) in the direction of the
horizontally
outwardly pointing arrows 5 and 7. The ends of the strap member 1 are not
shown but
are each suitably anchored to a respective terminal anchor means such as for
example a
24
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
pillar or post member(s) or even a wall member(s) by suitable connectors,
fasteners, etc.
Similarly the tensioning device for subjecting the (length of the) strap
member 1
spanning the distance between the terminal anchor elements is not shown; the
tensioning
device may, for example, be any (known) tensioning device such as for example
a
device(s) as described in US published patent application no. US 20080173854
mentioned above or in any of the other above mentioned US patent documents.
Fig. 1 shows the tensioned length of strap member 1 in a vertically unstressed
disposition
wherein the length of strap member 1 shows no vertical deflection.
On the other hand, fig. 2 shows the tensioned length of strap member 1 of fig.
1 in a
vertically stressed disposition wherein the length of strap member 1 shows
vertical
deflection in the direction of the deflection arrow 9, i.e. downwardly towards
the floor 2.
Such deflection may be induced for example by the weight of a person being
applied in
unrestrained fashion to the length (of tensioned) strap member 1 in the
direction of the
deflection arrow. In the absence of some means to inhibit such deflection, the
deflection
may be significant enough to result in the person being able to undesirably
pass over the
strap member.
Referring to fig. 3, this figure illustrates in general fashion (by way of
example only) an
aspect of the present invention, namely a strap-support component which
comprises an
elevation support element indicated generally by reference numeral 11. The
elevation
support element 11 comprises a height support member 13 and a releasable strap
engagement member 15. As may be seen the height support member 13 extends
vertically in relation to the floor. The (length of) strap member 17 is under
tension (see
arrows 19 and 21) as in the case for strap member 1 of figs. 1 and 2. The
height support
member 13 has a ground engagement element 23 which in the embodiment shown is
able
to simply sit on or abut the floor 2 (e.g. is not fixed to the floor). The
releasable strap
engagement member 15 has the form of a closed loop which is defined by a
closed U-
shaped member. The closed loop defines a strap opening (for horizontally)
receiving the
strap member 17 in longitudinal (i.e. lengthwise) fashion, i.e. the strap
member is
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
longitudinally threaded thru the closed loop before the strap member is
attached to the
anchor structures (not shown) and before the strap member is tensioned. The
closed loop
is connected to the height support member 13 (e.g. by welds, bolts, and the
like) and is
disposed such that, with the ground engagement element 23 sitting on the
floor, the strap
member 17 is able to be maintained at a predetermined height leve125 relative
to the
floor in the face of a downward stress indicated by the arrow 27. As shown the
predetermined height level 25 is indicated as being between the floor 2 and
the underside
of the tensioned (length of) strap member 17; the predetermined height level
could of
course be taken from the top side of the tensioned strap member 17 or some
point
between the bottom and top sides of the length of tensioned strap member 17.
The
height support member 13 may be of a compression and/or bend resistant
material (e.g. a
metal such as aluminum, of a plastic material, etc.) such that it is able to
provide a
counterforce (indicated by arrow 29) to the downward stress indicated by arrow
27.
The closed loop defined by the closed U-shaped member inhibits (horizontal as
well as
vertical) lateral (or sidewise) displacement of the strap member 17 out of the
strap
opening (relative to the height support member); on the other hand horizontal
(longitudinal) displacement of the strap member (in the direction of its
length) through
the strap opening is not inhibited by the structure of the closed loop. Other
example
embodiments of loop structures will be described below which while also
inhibiting such
lateral (or sidewise) displacement may allow for (manual) lateral displacement
(i.e.
manipulation) of the strap member into or out of the strap opening.
If desired or necessary the ground engagement element 23 may, for example,
comprise
(i.e. be provided with or be releasably engageble with) a stabilizer member.
The
stabilizer member may, for example, take the form of a foot member which may,
for
example, comprise a plate (not shown) or a counter weight such as shown for
example in
US patent no. 7,338,033. A plate may for example be provided with a relatively
large
undersurface which may abut the floor surface. Such a foot member may be
provided
when it is desired or necessary for augmenting vertical stability of the
height support
member, i.e. to inhibit the height support member from a tendency to
(laterally) pivot or
26
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
rotate about the longitudinal axis of the strap member 17. The foot member may
for
example have a (seating) cavity for releasable engagement with the tip end of
the ground
engagement member or element.
Fig. 4 illustrates an example barrier system having two barrier components,
each barrier
component comprising a respective independent elevation support element
designated
generally by the reference numerals 31 and 33. Each of the elevation support
elements
31 and 33 has a respective height support member 35 or 37. Each of the
elevation
support elements 31 and 33 also has a respective releasable strap engagement
member 39
or 41. As may be seen the elevation support members 35 and 37 extend
vertically in
relation to the floor 2. As in the case of the (length of the) strap member 1
of figs. 1 and
2, both of the (lengths of the) strap members 43 and 45 of fig. 4 are shown as
being
tensioned as indicated by the respective pairs of arrows 47 and 49 and 51 and
53. As
shown upper strap member 43 may, for example, be part of a top-rail component
(i.e. be a
top-rail strap member) and the lower strap member 45 may be part of a lower-
rail
component (i.e. be a mid-rail strap member). Accordingly, as may also be
appreciated
the height support member (33, 35) of each elevation support element (31, 33)
in
conjunction with a respective closed loop attached thereto, may maintain a
respective
strap member 43 or 45 at a respective predetermined height level above the
floor 2,
namely a respective first upper height level 55 and a respective second lower
height level
57 below the first height level.
As shown in fig. 4 each elevation support element and its corresponding height
support
member is distinct. Alternatively, the barrier system illustrated in fig. 4
may be adapted
so as to exploit a common elevation support element which has a single or
common
height support member associated with two releasable strap engagement members
disposed so as to be able to engage the two (horizontally offset) strap
members.
Thus fig. 5 illustrates an alternate example embodiment which differs from
that as shown
in fig. 4 in that a single common height support member 59 is exploited to
maintain the
top-rail strap member 43 and the lower mid-rail strap member 45 at respective
27
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
predetermined height levels. The common height support member 59 is associated
with
two releasable strap engagement members 61 and 63. The common height support
member 59 has a ground engagement element 65 which in the embodiment shown
also
simple sits on or abuts the floor 2 (e.g. is not fixed to the floor). The dual
engagement of
both the upper and lower strap members connected to the common height support
member 59 provides (vertical) stability to the vertically extending common
height
support member 59, i.e. the common height support member 59 is inhibited from
a
tendency to (laterally) pivot or rotate about the longitudinal axis of the
(upper) strap
member 43.
Thus it is to be appreciated that a barrier system as described herein may
advantageously
exploit common elevation support elements which may as desired or necessary
have a
single or common height support member associated with any desired or
necessary
number of releasable strap engagement members for engaging a plurality of
horizontally
offset strap members.
Referring to figs. 6 to 12, these figures show, in schematic fashion and by
way of
example only, various embodiments of barrier systems in accordance with the
present
invention.
The illustrated example barrier systems are shown as exploiting terminal
pillar members
(designated a) as terminal anchor elements and intermediate pillar members
(designated
(3) as intermediate anchor elements. Anchor pillar members (designated a/P)
are also
shown which serve as a terminal anchor element for one (length of) strap
member and
also function as an intermediate anchor element for another (length of) strap
member.
The pillar members may for example be structural support members of a building
or other
similar covering structure; the pillar members may thus support and space
apart a ceiling
structural component from an underlying floor structural component. The
ceiling
structural component is not shown in the figs 6-12. Furthermore, the upper
portions of
the pillar members connected to the ceiling structural component are shown as
being cut
away in figs. 6 to 12.
28
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
For the figs. 6 to 12, the tensioning devices for subjecting the various
(lengths of the)
strap members spanning the distances between the respective terminal anchor
elements
(i.e. between pillar members which are designated a and/or designated a/(3)
are indicated
by a common reference numeral, namely 67. The tensioning devices 67 are shown
as
being on the inner sides of the pillar members, i.e. between the pillar
members. A
tensioning device 67 may thus, as shown, be part of a tensioned length of a
strap member.
Alternatively, a tensioning device 67 may be disposed so as to be outside the
tensioned
length i.e. on an opposite or outer side of a terminal pillar member. The
tensioning
devices 67 for barrier components may of course be the same or different.
Figs. 6 to 12, show elevation support elements which may as illustrated be
span support
elements, terminal support elements or both; the expression "elevation support
element"
may thus sometimes be used below to refer to one or all of such support
elements.
In particular figs. 6 to12 show span support elements for various (i.e.
tensioned lengths
of) strap members. The span support elements are disposed to engage the strap
members
at any of various (predetermined) points along the tensioned lengths of the
strap
members; in other words, a span support element is disposed to engage a strap
member at
a point along the length of the strap member spanning the distance between the
terminal
anchor elements (i.e. between pillar members which are designated a and/or
designated
a/ (3).
As shown in figs. 6 to 12 span support elements may be freestanding span
support
elements, namely span support elements which are not associated with a pillar
member
i.e. are not attached or immobilized to a pillar member.
Span support elements are also shown in figs 6 to 12 which alternatively are
attached
span support elements, namely span support elements which are associated with
a pillar
member functioning as an intermediate pillar member. Such attached span
support
29
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
elements are thus attached or immobilized to a pillar member designated (3 or
to a pillar
member designated a/(3.
Terminal support elements are also shown in figs 6 to 12 which are also
attached support
elements, namely terminal support elements which are associated with a pillar
member
functioning as a terminal pillar member. Such terminal support elements are
thus
attached or immobilized to a pillar member designated a or to a pillar member
designated
a/(3.
Thus for figs. 6 to 12 as may be understood from the above:
a) Span support elements, which are freestanding and thus not attached or
immobilized to a pillar member, are commonly designated with the reference
numera169;
b) Span support elements which are attached or immobilized to an intermediate
pillar member 0, are commonly designated with the reference numera171;
c) Terminal support elements which are attached or immobilized to a terminal
pillar member designated a, are commonly designated with the reference numeral
73; and
d) Elevation support elements which function both as a span support element
and
a terminal support element, and which are attached or immobilized to a pillar
member a/ (3 are commonly designated with the reference numeral 75.
In accordance with the present invention although the elevation support
elements
(whether freestanding or immobilized) are for illustration purposes given the
above
respective common designations for figs 6 to 12, it is to be understood herein
that the
elevation support elements whether functioning as span support elements,
terminal
support elements or both, may each independently have the same or different
configurations. Thus each of the span support elements, each of the terminal
support
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
elements, etc. as shown in figs. 6 to12 may in particular, for example, have a
configuration which may be independently selected from among those such as
shall be
described below by way of example in relation to figures 13 to 53.
In the figs. 6 to12 the elevation support elements whether functioning as span
support
elements, terminal support elements or both, and comprising a height support
member
(commonly designated by the reference numeral 76) may have a releasable top-
rail strap
engagement member (commonly designated with the reference numera177) for
releasably engaging a top-rail strap member commonly designated by the
reference
numeral78.
On the other hand, as the case may be, the elevation support elements whether
functioning as span support elements, terminal support elements or both, and
comprising
a common height support member (commonly designated by the reference
numera179)
may also have
a releasable toe-rail strap engagement member (commonly designated with the
reference
numeral 80) for releasably engaging a toe-rail strap member commonly
designated by the
reference numeral 82;
and/or
a releasable mid-rail strap engagement member (commonly designated with the
reference
numeral 84) for releasably engaging a mid-rail strap member commonly
designated by
the reference numeral 86.
With reference to figs. 6 to 12, a top-rail strap engagement member 77 is
connected or
attached to the height support member or common height support member for
maintaining a respective length of tensioned strap member at a top
predetermined height
level indicated by the double headed arrow commonly designated by the
reference
numeral 88.
With reference to figs. 10 and 11 a toe-rail strap engagement member 80 is
connected or
attached to the common height support members for maintaining a respective
length of
31
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
tensioned toe-rail strap member at a low predetermined height level indicated
by the
double headed arrow commonly designated by the reference numera190.
With reference to fig. 12 a mid-rail strap engagement member 84 is connected
or attached
to the common height support members for maintaining a respective length of
tensioned
mid-rail strap member 86 at a middle predetermined height level indicated by
the double
headed arrow commonly designated by the reference numeral 92.
As mentioned, as shown in figs 6 to 12, the elevation support elements
(whether as a
freestanding or immobilized), each comprise a respective height support
member. In
each case, the height support member 76 or the common height support member 79
has a
ground engagement element which in the embodiments shown is simply able to sit
on or
abut the floor 2 (e.g. is not fixed to the floor).
In figs 6, and 8 tol2 the various lengths of the tensioned strap members is
attached to a
respective terminal pillar designated a or designated a/(3 by exploiting a
girdle element
disposed about the pillar member; the girdle elements are commonly identified
in these
figures by the reference numeral 94. The girdle elements 94 may be the same or
different as desired or necessary. The girdle elements 94 may for example
comprise a
strap anchor segment and be attached to a respective strap member by a
respective strap
attachment element. Various examples of girdle elements and strap attachment
techniques are described below.
In figs. 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12, immobilized elevation support elements
(including terminal
support elements) may be immobilized to respective pillar members designated
a,
designated 0 or designated a/ 0 by respective strap/ratchet type elements
having strap
members which may be tensioned about the pillar members using known ratchet
techniques; the strap/ratchet type elements are commonly identified in these
figures by
the reference numeral 96. The strap/ratchet type elements 96 may be the same
or
different as desired or necessary. An example strap/ratchet element is
described below.
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CA 02651731 2009-01-30
Referring to fig 6, the illustrated barrier system has two terminal pillar
members a. The
strap member 78 tensioned between these two pillar members by the tensioning
device 67
has a tensioned strap member length which is indicated by the parenthesis
designated by
reference numeral 100. Although the barrier system is shown with a single span
support
element 69 such a barrier system may have two or more of such span support
elements;
an additional span support element is shown in dotted outline. The span
support element
69 may for example be centrally disposed between the pillar members a. If two
such
span support elements are exploited they may be disposed as desired or
necessary along
the span of tensioned strap member (e.g. they may be equidistantly spaced from
a
respective pillar member a).
Referring to fig. 7, the illustrated barrier system has two intermediate
pillar members (3.
The parenthesis (designated by reference numeral 102) as well as the strap
member 78
has terminal dotted lines to indicate that the illustrated barrier system may
comprise
additional intermediate pillar members 0 along with associated elevation
support
elements. The terminal dotted lines of the parenthesis 102 and strap member 78
are also
to be understood as being indicative that while the terminal anchor elements
may take the
form of pillar members, the terminal anchor elements may alternatively take
any other
desired or necessary form provided that the strap member 78 is attached
thereto by
suitable connector means. As may be appreciated the strap member 78 is
tensioned
between two terminal anchor elements (not shown) by a tensioning device 67
indicated
in dotted outline such that the strap member 78 has a tensioned strap member
length
which is indicated by the above mentioned parenthesis 102.
Figure 8 illustrates a barrier system which is a combination of the systems
shown in
figures 6 and 7. Thus in fig 8, the illustrated barrier system has two
terminal pillar
members a and two intermediate pillar members 0. The strap member 78 which is
tensioned between the two pillar members a by the tensioning device 67 has a
tensioned
strap member length which is indicated by the parenthesis designated by
reference
numeral 104. The barrier system is shown with a single span support element 69
disposed between pillar members; as may be appreciated such a barrier system
may have
33
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
additional span support elements disposed between pillar members. Furthermore
as
desired or necessary the barrier system may also include one or more elevation
support
elements disposed just adjacent the pillar members a as shown in dotted
outline; these
additional adjacent elevation support elements may be so disposed so as to
maintain strap
member adjacent the pillar members a at the above mentioned top predetermined
height
level 88 .
As an alternative to disposing elevation support elements just adjacent the
pillar members
a as shown in dotted outline in fig. 8, the terminal pillar members a may be
associated
with respective terminal support elements which are immobilized thereto as
shown in
figure 9 by respective girdle elements 94. As in the case of figure 6, the
strap member
tensioned between these two pillar members a by the tensioning device 67 has a
tensioned strap member length which is indicated by the parenthesis designated
by
reference numeral 106.
Fig. 10 shows a modified version of the barrier system indicated in fig. 9.
The illustrated
modified barrier system of fig. 10 has two barrier components one of which has
the top-
rail strap member 78 while the other has a toe-rail strap member 82. The
illustrated
barrier components however, share the same elevation support elements
designated 69
and 73 which have a common height support member 79 for maintaining the top-
rail
strap member and the toe-rail strap member at respective predetermined height
levels 88
and 90; as may be seen in the case of the toe-rail strap member, the second
height level
90 is such that this strap member 82 is disposed adjacent the floor 2. An
optional
additional span support element is also shown in dotted outline. The strap
members 78
and 82 which are each tensioned between the two pillar members a by respective
tensioning devices 67, each have a tensioned strap member length which is
indicated by
the parenthesis designated by reference numeral 108.
Referring to Fig. 12, this figure illustrates a modified version of the
barrier system
indicated in figure 10. Thus in fig 12, the illustrated barrier system has two
terminal
pillar members a and two intermediate pillar members P. The illustrated
modified
34
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
barrier system of fig. 12 also has three barrier components one of which has
the top-rail
strap member 78, another of which has the toe-rail strap member 82 and the
remaining of
which has a mid-rail strap member 86. The illustrated barrier components
however,
share the same elevation support elements designated 69, 71 and 73 which have
a
common height support member 79 for maintaining the top-rail strap member 78,
the toe-
rail strap member 82 and the mid-rail strap member 86 at respective
predetermined height
levels 88, 90 and 92. Optional additional shared elevation support member(s)
are also
shown in dotted outline. The strap members 78, 82 and 86 which are tensioned
between
the two pillar members a by the respective tensioning devices 67, each have a
tensioned
strap member length which is indicated by the same parenthesis designated by
reference
numeral 110.
Referring now to fig. 11, this figure illustrates a modified version of the
barrier system
shown in fig. 12. The barrier system of figure 11 differs from the system
shown in figure
12 in that the barrier system of fig. 11 does not exploit strap/ratchet type
elements 96 to
immobilize the elevation support elements 73 to the terminal pillar members;
the
elevation support elements 73 are immobilized by the girdle elements 94 alone.
The
barrier system of figure 11 also differs from the system shown in figure 12 in
that the
barrier system of fig. 11 only has a top-rail structure and a toe-rail
structure. The barrier
system of figure 11 additionally differs from the system shown in figure 12 in
that there
are four barrier components each of which comprises a respective tensioned
strap
member length. In other words, there are four tensioned strap member lengths.
The top
rail structure is thus defined by the two (upper) tensioned strap member
lengths
designated by the two parenthesis indicated by reference numerals 112 and 114.
The
toe rail structure is defined by the two (underlying) tensioned strap member
lengths
designated by the tow parenthesis indicated by reference numerals 116 and 118.
The
illustrated barrier components, furthermore, share the same elevation support
elements
designated 69, 73 and 75 which have a common height support member 79 for
maintaining the top-rail strap members 78 and the toe-rail strap members 82 at
respective
predetermined height levels 88 and 90. .
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
Referring to figs. 13 to 53, these figures illustrate various example
embodiments of
elevation support elements which may be used as an elevation support element
having a
common height support member. Thus the illustrated elevation support elements
each
have a respective common height support member (which for illustration
purposed herein
is designated by the same reference numeral 120. The common height support
members
120 each includes a respective ground engagement element (which for
illustration
purposes herein is designated by the same reference numeral 122).
In the figs. 13 to 53 three respective releasable strap engagement members are
attached to
a respective common height support member 120. Thus in the figs. 13 to 53 for
illustration purposes releasable top-rail strap engagement members are
commonly
designated by the reference numeral 124; releasable mid-rail strap engagement
members
are commonly designated by the reference numeral 126; and releasable toe-rail
strap
engagement members are commonly designated by the reference numeral 128. These
releasable strap engagement members are each attached to, connected to, or
part of a
respective common height support member 120 for releasably engaging a
respective top-
rail, mid-rail and toe-rail strap member (commonly designated in these figs by
the
reference numerals 130, 132 and 134). These rail strap members 130, 132 and
134 are
to be understood as being un-tensioned unless they are shown is association
with
opposed arrows indicative of tensioning thereof.
In accordance with the present invention a releasable strap engagement member
for a
elevation support element may take any desired or necessary form keeping in
mind the
function thereof. As mentioned above, the present invention may be exploited
by
having recourse to a releasable strap engagement member for the elevation
support
element which may, for example, take the form of a clamp structure.
Figs. 13 to 20 illustrate elevation support elements having a clamp type
structure which is
essentially the same for all three respective releasable strap engagement
members 124,
126 and 128. Figs. 13 and 17 show the same type of elevation support elements
except
that the elevation support element of figs. 13 and 14 differs from that of
fig. 15 in that
36
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
the elevation support element of figs 13 and 14 is additionally associated
with a padlock
mechanism described below.
Referring in particular to figs. 16 and 17, each of the illustrated releasable
clamp
structures comprises a first clamp member 140 and a second clamp member 142;
the
second clamp member 142, as may be seen, is defined by a portion of the
structure of the
common height support member 120 which is juxtaposed with the first clamp
member
140. The first clamp member 140 is connected to the height support structure
by a
connector element and by an adjustable locking element.
The connector element comprises a bolt member 144 and a mating nut member 145
The
stem 146 of the bolt member 144 is able to pass through aligned openings 147
and 148 so
that the threaded end 149 of the bolt member 144 is seated into the interior
thread of the
nut member 145 just enough to provide for a default clearance 150 (i.e. a
clearance
space) between the first and second clamp members. The default clearance 150
is at least
sufficient to allow a (tensioned) rail strap member to pass between the first
and second
clamp members when the adjustable locking element is in a loosened state, i.e.
for
disposition of a strap member in and out of the space defined by the default
clearance
150. The connector element is present to maintain this minimum connection
between the
first and second clamp members 140 and 142.
The adjustable locking element comprises an eye bolt member 154 and a nut like
rivet
member 158 which is machine pressed (in any known manner) to the height
support
member 120. The eye bolt member 154 has a threaded end 160 for screw
engagement
with the interior thread of the nut like member 158. The eye bolt member154
also has a
stopper member 162 which is fixed to its stem just rearward of the threaded
end 160 so
that the threaded end 160 is exposed. The exposed threaded end 160 is sized to
pass
through an opening 164 (in the first clamp member 140) which is aligned with
the
opening 166 of the threaded interior of the nut like member 158 so that the
threaded end
160 can screw engage the threaded interior of the nut like member 158.
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CA 02651731 2009-01-30
As may be appreciated the exposed threaded end 160 of eye bolt member154 and
the
interior thread of the nut like member 158 are configured such that rotation
of the
threaded end 160 of the eye bolt into the nut like member (i.e. in a
tightening rotational
direction) will induce or cause the stopper member162 to bear down on the
first clamp
member 140. As the stopper member 162 bears down on the first clamp member
140, the
first clamp member 140 is urged (i.e. is displaced) towards the second clamp
member
142 which in turn reduces the clearance between the first and second clamp
members
relative to the mentioned default clearance 150. If a rail strap member is
disposed
between the first and second members it will eventually be squeezed or clamped
between
these two clamp members. A rail strap member so clamped may be released by
rotation
of the threaded end 160 of the eye bolt out of the nut like member 158 so that
the above
mentioned default clearance 150 is obtained.
In more general terms the first clamp member is displaceable relative to the
second clamp
member by (eye bolt) adjustment means configured for facilitating displacement
of the
first and second clamp members relative to each other for engagement and
disengagement of a strap member there between.
If desired, a releasable strap engagement member 124 may be provided with
suitable
means for locking the two clamp members 140 and 142 together in place. As may
be
seen in figs. 13, 14 and 17 such a locking mechanism, may comprise openings
170 and
172 (see fig. 17) which are suitably provided in the first clamp member140 and
the
second clamp member 142 respectively. As may be seen from figs. 13 and 14 the
openings 170 and 172 may be configured to receive the U-shaped shackle 174 of
a
padlock mechanism for locking the first and second clamp members together.
This type
of locking mechanism may provide an extra security feature in that the
tensioned strap
member may, for example, not be undesirably tampered with i.e. disengaged from
the
clamp member. The padlock mechanism is of course installed once the releasable
strap
engagement member 124 engages a strap member.
38
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
Turning to figs. 18 and 19 these figure illustrate the engagement of an
elevation support
element of figs 13 to 17 with a tensioned top-rail strap member, a tensioned
mid-rail strap
member and a tensioned toe-rail strap member. In particular fig. 18 shows in
general the
process for engagement of the clamp type elevation support element of figs. 13
to 17 into
engagement with the three tensioned strap members 130, 132 and 134. For such
engagement it is of course understood that the clamp structures are disposed
so as to
provide the default clearance 150 for insertion of the rail strap members
between the first
and second clamp members. The tensioned rail strap members 130, 132 and 134
are
inserted into respective clearance spaces 150 by positioning the elevation
support element
120 as shown at an angle to the vertical. Once the strap members are
manipulated into a
respect clearance space 150 the elevation support element 120 is rotated to
the vertical
position shown in fig. 19. The adjustable locking element is then manipulated
to clamp
the strap members between respective clamp members. If desired or necessary an
above
mentioned padlock mechanism may then be added; see shown in fig. 20. For
removal of
the elevation support element the reverse process is followed.
Alternatively, as mentioned above, a releasable strap engagement member may
comprise
grip means which generally comprises a loop element.
Figs.21 to 27 show example embodiments of elevation support elements
exploiting grip
means comprising loop elements for the top, mid and toe releasable strap
engagement
members. Figs. 21 to 25 show the same type of elevation support elements
except that
the elevation support element of figs. 21 and 22 differs from that in figs. 24
and 25 in that
the elevation support element of fig. 21 and 22 is additionally associated
with a padlock
mechanism described below.
Referring to figs. 24 and 25 as may be seen each of the exemplified grip means
for the
releasable strap engagement members 124, 126 and 128 comprises a respective
loop
element 180, 182 or 184 in the form a U-shaped member. The loop elements 180,
182
and 184 each have a respective aperture 186, 188 or 190 for (longitudinally)
receiving a
39
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
respective rail strap member 130, 132 or 134. Each (U-shaped) loop element is
also split
by a respective straight lateral strap opening 192, 194 or 196 (i.e. open
mouth) for lateral
displacement of a (e.g. un-tensioned) strap member into and out of the
aperture 186, 188
or 190 defined by the loop element. Referring to figs. 26 and 27 the
(tensioned) rail strap
members 130, 132 or 134 are shown longitudinally disposed and longitudinally
seated in
a respective aperture of a respective loop element.
Referring back to fig. 25, this figure is illustrative of the steps to
longitudinally seat the
rail strap members 130, 132 and 134 in respective apertures 186, 188 and 190.
For
example the un-tensioned toe-rail strap member 134 may be seated first,
followed by
seating of the un-tensioned op-rail strap member 130 and the un-tensioned mid-
rail strap
member 132,
In particular, for seating of the toe-rail strap member 134, the height
support member 120
is vertically disposed as shown in fig. 25 so that the open mouth 196 of the
respective (U-
shaped) loop element is disposed so as to face downwardly. The (un-tensioned)
toe-rail
strap member 134 is then manipulated thru the respective open mouth 196 so as
to be
disposed in the respective aperture 190 and thereafter the open mouth 196 is
disposed
adjacent the underlying support structure, i.e. the open mouth 196 is thus
(essentially)
closed or blocked off by the floor 2.
On the other hand, with the height support member 120 being vertically
disposed as
shown in fig. 25, the respective open mouths 192 and 194 of the (U-shaped)
loop
elements are disposed so as to face upwardly for receiving respectively the
(un-tensioned)
top-rail strap member 130 and the (un-tensioned) mid-rail strap member 132. At
this
point, the respective (un-tensioned) strap members 130 and 132 are manipulated
thru the
respective open mouths 192 and 195 so as to be disposed in the respective
apertures 186
and 188.
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
Once each strap member 130, 132 and 134 is seated in a respective aperture
186, 188 and
190 the strap members are each tensioned in place (see fig. 26). For removal
of the
elevation support element the reverse process is followed.
As may be appreciated once the rail strap members 130, 132 and 134 are
tensioned in a
respective aperture 186, 188 or 190, each respective grip means may rely on
the
(horizontal) tension of the strap members to maintain the strap members in the
respective
aperture of the respective loop element. However, if desired, the elevated
support
element may (as shown in fig. 26) be associated with a padlock type mechanism
for
closing off the mouth 192 of the uppermost (U-shaped) loop element during use,
i.e. in a
manner analogous to that as discussed above with respect to figs. 14 and 20).
Fig. 27
illustrates the elevation support element in place with no padlock mechanism.
As an alternative approach, a grip means may generally comprise a loop element
which is
split by a convoluted lateral strap opening (i.e. convoluted passageway) which
provides
for lateral access to the aperture of the loop element. For this type of
example grip
means, the loop element and associated convoluted strap opening are configured
such
that lateral displacement of a tensioned rail strap member out of the aperture
thru the
convoluted lateral strap opening is further inhibited by the disposition and
configuration
of the convoluted strap opening. The loop element and the convoluted strap
opening are,
however, configured for sideways (manual) threading of an un-tensioned rail
strap
member through the convoluted strap opening into and out of aperture of the
loop
element. Example embodiments of this type of grip means are shown in figs. 28
to 31.
Turning to figs. 28 to 31, these figures show an elevation support element
exploiting the
above mentioned type of constricted strap opening structure in relation to the
top, mid
and toe releasable strap engagement members 124, 126 and 128. Thus for the
illustrated example elevation support element, the loop elements 202, 204 and
206 are
each defined by respective pairs of spaced apart (i.e. offset) mirrored L-
shaped brackets.
A space separating each of the L-shaped brackets (of such pairs of brackets)
defines a
respective convoluted strap opening 208, 210 and 212 (see fig. 29). The
convoluted
41
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
strap openings 208, 210 and 212 are each configured for sideways threading of
a
respective (un-tensioned) rail strap member through such convoluted strap
opening into
and out of the aperture of the respective loop elements 202, 204 and 206. In
other
words, for this type of grip means, a strap member in un-tensioned state is
deformed
relative to the tensioned state thereof and in the deformed state may be
passed into or out
of the aperture defined by the loop element. The convoluted opening strap
openings 208,
210 and 212 are however, configured such that when a strap member is in a
tensioned
state, the convoluted nature of the convoluted strap opening contributes to
the inhibition
of lateral or sideways displacement of a rail strap member out of the aperture
of a
respective loop element. Figure 30 shows un-tensioned rail strap members 130,
132 and
134 being threaded sideways (i.e. laterally) through the convoluted opening
into the
aperture of the loop elements. Fig. 31 shows the rail strap members 130, 132
and 134 in
a tensioned state longitudinally seated in the aperture defined by respective
L-shaped
brackets. For removal of the elevation support element the reverse process is
followed.
In accordance with the present invention, an aperture defined by a loop
element of a grip
means may, for example, take a more slot like form. The loop element may be
split by a
strap opening for providing access to and from the slot like aperture which
may also be
slot like. Such slot like strap opening may be straight or it may be
convoluted as desired
or necessary. The height support member for these types of elevation support
elements
may have a T-like cross-section.
Figs 32 to 36 illustrate an alternate structure for an elevation support
element which
exploits a straight slot like lateral strap opening technique in relation to
the top and mid
releasable strap engagement members 124 and 126. As may be seen the loop
element for
each of the releasable strap engagement members 124, 126 and 128 defines a
respective
elongated slot aperture 220, 222 or 224. The top and mid elongated slot
apertures 220
and 222 are each split by a respective straight inclined slot opening 226 or
228 for
communication with the (interior of a) respective elongated slot aperture. On
the other
hand, in the case of the toe releasable strap engagement member 242, the grip
means
comprises a (U- shaped) loop element defining the elongated slot aperture 224
but
42
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
wherein the mouth 229 thereof is disposed so as to face downwardly such that
the mouth
229 is adjacent the underlying support structure, i.e. when the toe-rail strap
member 134,
is under (horizontal) tension, the underlying support structure essentially
blocks or closes
off the mouth 229 (see fig. 35).
If desired or necessary a padlock mechanism 230 (having a structure as
described above)
may be exploited; see fig. 32.
The height support member 120 of figs. 32 to 35 may be provided with web
openings 232
and 234 for receiving the web of a pillar attachment mechanism such as shall
be
described below.
Turning to fig. 34, this figure illustrates the engagement of an elevation
support element
of fig. 33 (or 32) with an un-tensioned top-rail strap member 130, an un-
tensioned mid-
rail strap member 132 and an un-tensioned toe-rail strap member 134. In
particular fig.
34 shows in general the sideways threading process for engagement of the
elevation
support element of fig. 33 into engagement with the three un-tensioned rail
strap
members 130, 132 and 134. For such engagement it is of course understood that
the un-
tensioned strap members 130, 132 and 134are manipulated (i.e. inserted) into
respective
elongated slot apertures 220, 222 or 224 either via an inclined slot opening
226 or 228 or
via the mouth 229. Once the rail strap members are manipulated into respective
elongated slot apertures and the elevation support element is vertically
disposed the rail
strap members 130, 132 and 134 are tensioned as seen in fig. 35. As shown in
figure 36,
an above mentioned padlock mechanism 230 may as desired also be exploited. For
removal of the elevation support element the reverse process is followed.
Figs 37 to 40 illustrate an alternate structure for an elevation support
element which
exploits a convoluted slot like lateral strap opening technique in relation to
top and mid
releasable strap engagement members.
43
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
Apart from the convoluted slot openings, the elevation support element of
figs. 37 to 40
has a structure analogous to the structure as shown in above figures 32 to 36.
Thus as
may be seen the loop element for each of the releasable strap engagement
members 124,
126 and 128 defines a respective elongated slot aperture 240, 242 or 244. The
top and
mid elongated slot apertures 240 and 242 are each split by a respective
contorted slot
opening 246 or 248 for communication with the (interior of a) respective
elongated slot
aperture. On the other hand, in the case of the toe releasable strap
engagement member
128, the grip means comprises a (U- shaped) loop element defining the
elongated slot
aperture 244 but wherein the mouth 250 thereof is disposed so as to face
downwardly
such that the mouth 250 is adjacent the underlying support structure, i.e.
when the toe-rail
strap member 134, is under (horizontal) tension, the underlying support
structure (i.e.
floor 2) essentially closes or blocks off the mouth 250 (see fig. 35).
The height support member may be provided with web openings 260 and 262 for
receiving the web of a pillar attachment mechanism such as shall be described
below.
Turning to fig. 39, this figure illustrates the engagement of an elevation
support element
illustrated in figs. 38 and 39 with an un-tensioned top-rail strap member 130,
an un-
tensioned mid-rail strap member 132 and an un-tensioned toe-rail strap member
134. In
particular fig. 39 shows in general the sideways threading process for
engagement of the
elevation support element of figs. 38 and 39 into engagement with the three un-
tensioned
rail strap members 130, 132 and 134. For such engagement it is of course
understood
that the un-tensioned strap members 130, 132 and 134 are manipulated (i.e.
inserted) into
respective elongated slot apertures 240, 242 or 244 either via a convoluted
slot opening
246 or 248 or via the mouth 250. Once the rail strap members are manipulated
into
respective elongated slot apertures and the elevation support element is
vertically
disposed the rail strap members 130, 132 and 134 are tensioned as seen in fig.
40. For
removal of the elevation support element the reverse process is followed.
In accordance with the present invention a further alternative mechanism for a
releasable
strap engagement member may comprise grip means which has a loop element which
44
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
defines a rail aperture for receiving a strap member and wherein the rail
aperture may be
accessed by a closeable lateral strap opening. Thus for this type of grip
means, a loop
element may be provide which may be (actively) split by a strap opening
structure
dimensioned/configured for passage of a rail strap member through the
(closable) strap
opening into and out of said aperture. In accordance with such further
alternative
structure, the grip means may comprise a closure means displaceable between an
open
position and a closed position. The loop element and the closure means may
thus be
configured for inhibiting displacement of the strap member out of the aid
aperture thru
the strap opening when the closure means is in said closed position, and be
configured
such that when said closure means is in said open position, the strap opening
may be
unobstructed by the closure means with respect to passage of the strap member
thru the
strap opening. In accordance with such further alternative structure, the grip
means may
be a slider type grip means. Such slider type grip means may comprise such
closure
means which is displaceable between an open position and a closed position.
Figs 41 to 49 illustrate the slider type structure for an elevation support
element which
exploits grip means having a closure means displaceable between an open
position and a
closed position in relation to the top and mid releasable strap engagement
members 124
and 126. Figs 41 and 42 show respectively the open and closed configuration of
this
alternative embodiment. As may be seen from fig. 41, which shows an open
configuration, the upper loop elements for the top and mid strap engagement
members
124 and 126, are split by a respective strap opening 268 or 270. The strap
openings 268
and 270 provide for rail strap member communication with the thus opened
elongated
slot aperture 272 or 274 as the case may be. However, referring to fig 42,
which shows
a closed configuration, the loop elements for the top and mid releasable strap
engagement
members 124 and 126 are in a closed elongated slot aperture configuration. On
the other
hand, in the case of the toe releasable strap engagement member 128 the grip
means
comprises a (U- shaped) loop element also defining an elongated aperture 276
but
wherein the mouth 280 is disposed so as to face downwardly such that the mouth
280 is
adjacent the underlying support structure, i.e. when a toe rail strap member,
is under
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
(horizontal) tension, the underlying support structure (i.e. floor 2)
essentially blocks or
closes off the mouth 280.
If desired or necessary an above mentioned padlock mechanism (e.g. see fig.
22) may be
exploited; see figs. 47 to 49 which apart from the padlock mechanism
illustrate the same
elevation support element as shown in figs. 41 to 46 The elevation support
element of
figs. 47 and 48 have openings for receiving a padlock shackle.
Turning to fig. 43, this figure shows, in exploded view, the general structure
of the
exemplified elevation support element of figures 41 and 42. As may be seen the
elevation support element is composed of three main members, namely two outer
post
members 290 and an inner slider member 292.
The two outer post members 290 each have the same structure which is similar
to that of
the elevation support element which is shown in side view if figure 24. Thus,
as may be
seen from fig. 43, each outer member 290, defines, for each of the top, mid
and toe
releasable strap engagement members 124, 126 and 128, an outer loop component
which
comprises a U-shaped member. The U-shaped members define respective elongated
slots 292, 294 and 296.
The U-shaped members 290 of the outer post members for the top-rail strap
member 130
and the mid-rail strap member 132 each have an open mouth 298 which is
disposed so as
to face upwardly. On the other hand, in the case of the toe-rail strap member
134, the
mouth 300 of the lowest U- shaped member of each of the outer post members 290
is
disposed so as to face downwardly. In other words, the mouth 300 of the lowest
U-
shaped member is to be disposed adjacent the underlying support structure,
i.e. when a
strap member, is under (horizontal) tension, the underlying support structure
(i.e. floor 2)
essentially close or blocks off the mouth 300 of this lowest U-shaped member.
The
lowest U-shaped member thus has a structure similar to that for the elevation
support
element of figure 24.
46
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
The inner slider member 292 is configured and attached to slide up and down
between
the two outer post members 290. For this purpose, each of the outer post
members 290
is provided with three attachment openings 304. These openings 304 are able to
be
aligned with an opposed corresponding attachment opening 304 of the other post
member
290. On the other hand, the inner slider member 292 is provided with three
equal length
longitudinally extending (linear) motion travel slots 305 which may each be
aligned with
a respective pair of opposed attachment openings 304 of the outer post members
290.
The (threaded) stem of each bolt member 308 is able to pass through a pair of
aligned
attachment openings 304 as well as an intermediate respective aligned linear
motion slot
305 such that the threaded end portion of the bolt stem may engage with a
respective nut
309 for holding the outer post members 290 and the slider member 292 together
as an
assembly when the assembly is in either a closed or an open configuration (see
figs 41
and 42). Furthermore, the engagement between the threaded stem of at least one
such
bolt 308 and its respective (locking) nut 309 is such that such nut 309 may be
tightened
onto the bolt stem so as to induce the nut 309 and bolt 308 to clamp (i.e.
lock) the outer
post members 290 to the slider member 292 for maintaining the slider member
292 in a
predetermined position; additionally such nut 309 may be loosened to release
such
clamping action so as to allow the slider member 292 to be displaced (i.e.
slide) between
an open position and a closed position (see figs 41 and 42).
More generally, the assembled stems of bolts 308 and the motion slots 305 are
so
disposed such that the slider member 292 may be displaced longitudinally up
and down
within the limits of motion dictated by the length of at least one such motion
slot 305, i.e.
when a locking nut 305 is in a loosened state. In conjunction with the motion
slots 305,
the inner slider member 292 is sized such that the lower end thereof will not
impinge
upon a toe rail strap member when the assembly is in a closed configuration.
Still referring to fig. 43 with respect to the open configuration of the
assembly, the inner
slider member 290 is also provided with an upper and a mid U-shaped member
having
respective elongated slots 312 and 314 provided with respective mouths 316 and
318
which are each disposed so as to face downwardly.
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CA 02651731 2009-01-30
Referring back to figs. 41 and 42, it is thus to be appreciated that in
accordance with the
illustrated embodiment the outer post members 290 and the inner slider member
292 are
configured and interconnected such that the inner slider member 292 is
linearly
displaceable relative to the outer post members 290 between a strap lock-in
position (i.e.
closed configuration) and a strap release position (i.e. open configuration).
Fig. 42 shows
a strap lock-in position while fig. 41 shows a strap release position.
Referring to fig.41 when the slider member 292 is in the illustrated strap
release position,
the outer post members 290 and the inner slider member 292 define two upper
opened
loop elements, the opened loop elements each defining a respective strap
aperture 272
and 274 which is split by a respective strap opening 268 and 272. The strap
openings
268 and 272 are dimensioned/configured for passage of a rail strap member
through such
strap opening into and out of the respective strap aperture. Figs. 44 and 45
show the
process of engagement of the (open configuration) elevation support element to
tensioned
rail strap members 130, 132 and 134; the engagement process is similar to the
process for
the clamp structure as seen aboOve (i.e. see fig. 18). The toe rail strap
engagement
member of the embodiment shown engages the toe rail member the same as for the
elevation support element of fig 40.
Referring to fig. 42, when the slider member 292 is in the strap lock-in
position, the outer
post members 290 and the inner slider member 292 define closed loop elements,
the
closed loop elements defining the (closed) slot apertures 272 and 274 for
engaging the
respective rail strap members, the closed loop elements being configured for
inhibiting
sideways (radial) (i.e. lateral and vertical) displacement of a respective
rail strap member
out of a (closed) slot aperture 272 or 274. Fig. 46 shows the engagement of
the elevation
support element to tensioned strap members, the top and mid rail strap
engagement
members 124 and 126 being in the strap lock-in configuration therefore. The
toe rail
strap engagement member 128 of the embodiment shown still engages the toe rail
member the same as for the elevation support element of fig 40.
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CA 02651731 2009-01-30
Figs. 47 to 49 show the same height elevation support element as illustrated
in previos fis
41 to 46 but which are also provided with shackle openings 320 and 321 to
receive the
shackle 325 of a padlock mechanism.
Referring to figures 50 to 53 these figs illustrate another example elevation
support
element wherein the releasable strap engagement members comprises grip means
which
take the same general form as the grip means of the elevation support elements
as
illustrated in fig. 24. Thus, the grip various means comprise loop elements
330, 332 and
334 in the form of U-shaped members. The loop elements 330, 332 and 334 each
have
an elongated aperture 336, 338 or 340 for (longitudinally) receiving a
respective rail strap
member. Each (U-shaped) loop element is also split by a respective straight
lateral strap
opening (i.e. open mouth) for lateral displacement of a (e.g. un-tensioned)
rail strap
member into and out of the elongated aperture 336, 338 or 340 defined by the
loop
element. The open mouth of such U-shaped member for the top-rail strap member
and
the mid-rail strap member is disposed so as to face upwardly when a rail strap
member is
disposed in the aperture thereof.
However, the illustrated grip means for the top-rail strap member and the mid-
rail strap
member further comprises a respective stopper member 350 or 352 and a
respective
spring biased lock swing arm 354 or 356. Each stopper member is mounted on one
side
of a respective open mouth while a respective spring biased lock swing arm is
pivotally
mounted to the other side of the respective open mouth.
Referring to figs. 52 and 53, the lock swing arms 354 and 356 are each able to
pivot into
a respective aperture 336 or 338 but are prevented from pivoting out of such
apertures by
the stopper member 350 or 352. For this example embodiment the lock swing arms
354
and 356 are spring biased (in any suitable way) in a respective position
wherein they each
respectively abut a respective stopper member350 or 352
The lock swing arms 354 and 356 are each biased in a position wherein it
closes off a
respective open mouth (see fig. 53). The lock swing arms may however be urged
(see
49
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
fig. 52) to pivot to a position within a respective aperture wherein it no
longer blocks off
the respective open mouth. In other words, a lock swing arm is disposed for
pivotal
displacement between an open position within the respective aperture wherein
the open
mouth is unobstructed and a closed position wherein the lock swing arm abuts
the stopper
member and obstructs the respective open mouth. Thus a loop element,
respective
stopper member and respective lock swing arm are configured for inhibiting
displacement of a rail strap member out of the respective aperture thru the
strap opening
(i.e. open mouth) when the lock swing arm is in the closed position, and are
also
configured such that when the lock swing arm is in the open position, the
strap opening
(i.e. open mouth) is unobstructed by the swing arm with respect to passage of
the strap
member thru the strap opening.
Referring to fig. 52, this figure shows the basic step for seating a rail
strap member in
the grip means aperture, namely by the pressing downward of the lock swing arm
to slip
the strap member into the aperture. Once the strap member is seated in the
aperture, the
lock swing arm is biased back to the closed position (see fig. 53 ) wherein
the lock swing
arm will impede lateral displacement of the strap member out of the aperture.
For the
removal of the strap member the lock swing arm is first biased downwardly to
free up the
open mouth and the strap member is thereafter removed.
As mentioned above, each of the anchor attachment members may comprise a
respective
strap anchor segment for defining a girdle element for disposition about
a(terminal)
pillar member. Each of the anchor attachment members may further comprise a
strap
attachment element for attaching the girdle element to a strap member.
Turning to figs. 54 to 73, these figures illustrate various example
embodiments of anchor
attachment members for attachment of illustrated example strap members to (in
situ)
pillar type anchor elements. The embodiments have common features which are
designated by common reference numerals.
Figs. 54 and 59 illustrate example strap member embodiments. The strap member
embodiments shown in Figs. 54 and 59 each have two separate band parts,
namely, band
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
parts 365 and 366. As seen, the strap members also include a tensioning or
ratchet device
367 able to interconnect the band parts 365 and 366. As may be understood the
band
part 366 is fixed at one end to the tensioning device 367 in any suitable way
whereas the
other band part 365 has an end which is able to be releasably fed into the
ratchet
mechanism of the tensioning device 367 so at to allow thereby the tensioning
and un-
tensioning of the strap member.
For the strap member embodiments shown in figs. 54 and 59, opposite ends of
each of the
illustrated example strap members include a strap anchor segment which is
exploitable as
part of the anchor attachment members which define the girdle elements for
disposition
about terminal (anchor) pillar members.
Referring to fig. 54 opposite ends of the illustrated strap member are
provided with a
respective carabiner type connector (i.e. a hook connector having spring gate
member and
which has a releasable connectivity structure analogous to that of the gated
structure of
the elevated support element shown in fig. 52). The carabiner type connectors
are herein
generally designated with the common reference numera1370. The carabiner type
connectors 370 may be releasably connected (in known fashion) to ring
connector
elements 375 which are also provided to act as strap attachment elements.
As seen in fig. 55 a respective carabiner type connector 370 may be connected
to a
respective ring connector element 375 to form a girdle element 380 for
disposition about
a respective (terminal) pillar member. As may also be surmised, the
illustrated strap
member is connected to a terminal pillar member by pulling the carabiner type
connector
370 around a terminal pillar member until it is able to quick connect (i.e.
hook) to the
respective ring connector element 375 . With both ends of the strap member so
connected to respective terminal pillar members the strap member may then be
(releasably) tensioned in place by the tensioning device 367. A barrier system
comprising the illustrated strap member may be dismantled by, inter alia,
releasing the
tension on the strap member and then decoupling the carabiner type connectors
370.
Example barrier systems exploiting the strap member illustrated in figs. 54
and 55 are
illustrated in figs. 56 and 57.
51
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
Fig. 56 shows an example barrier system which exploits an elevation support
element
commonly designated hereinafter by the reference numeral 382; elevation
support
element 382 has the structure of the elevation support element as illustrated
in fig. 13.
Fig. 56 also shows the girdle attachment of the strap member illustrated in
figs. 54 and 55
to terminal pillar members using girdle elements 380 as seen in fig. 55.
Fig. 57 shows a modified barrier system similar to that shown in fig. 56
except that the
barrier system exploits three elevation support elements commonly designated
by the
reference numeral 384; an elevation support element 384 has the structure of
the
elevation support element as illustrated in fig. 32. Two of the elevation
support elements
382 shown in fig. 57 are immobilized to a respective terminal pillar member by
a pair of
respective tensionable ring connectors; these tensionable ring connectors are
herein
generally designated with the common reference numera1386.
Fig. 58 is an enlarged view of a tensionable ring connector 386. As may be
seen in fig.
58 a tensionable connector ring 386 comprises a web element 390 one end 392 of
which
is fixed to a tensioning or ratchet device 394 and the other end of which may
be
(removeably) fed to or removed from the tensioning device 394 (in known
manner). For
the immobilization of an elevation support elements 384 to the terminal pillar
members
the free end of respective webs 390 is first fed through respective web
opening g 232 and
234 of the respective elevation sup[port element 384 before being fed to the
respective
tensioning device 394. Thereafter each web 390 is tensioned to immobilize a
respective
elevation support element 384 to a respective terminal pillar member. The
tensioning
device 394 may have a configuration the same as or similar to the ratchet
device used to
tension a strap member as seen in fig. 54 and 55.
Turning to fig. 59 this figure illustrates an alternate strap member and
anchor attachment
mechanism. As seen, the opposite ends of the illustrated trap member are be
provided
with respective loops ends 400. As seen in fig. 60 and 61 the looped ends 400
may be
looped within themselves in order to form a noose (i.e. a girdle element 402)
for
disposition about respective terminal pillar members. The illustrated strap
member is as
mentioned above connected to the tensioning device 367 in two parts, one of
which is
52
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
fixed to the tensioning device (in known manner) and the other releasable part
is able to
be releaseably fed to or removed from the tensioning device. As may be
surmised, each
part of the strap member may be looped about itself so as to form the above
mentioned
girdle element 402 girdle around a respective terminal pillar member. The
releasable
strap part 365 is then fed (i.e. connected ) to the tensioning device 367 in
suitable (i.e.
known) manner. With both ends of the strap member so connected to respective
terminal pillar members the strap member may then be tensioned in place. The
barrier
system may subsequently be dismantled by, inter alia, releasing the tension on
the strap
member and then decoupling the releasable strap part from the tensioning
device
followed by removal of the strap member parts from the terminal pillar
members..
Fig. 62 shows an example barrier system which exploits the previously
mentioned
elevation support element 382. Fig. 62 also shows the attachment of the strap
member to
terminal pillar members using the girdle elements 402 seen in figs. 60 and 61
to
The types of anchor attachment members shown in figs 54 to 62 are suitable for
a single
length of strap member to be attached to respective terminal pillar members.
However, if
the single strap member is not long enough and it is desired to cascade or
daisy chain two
or more strap members using common terminal pillar members(s) a problem arises
with
respect to maintaining strap height level consistency. The nature of the
anchor
attachment mechanisms of figs 54 to 62 is such that strap members on opposite
sides of a
common terminal pillar member would be set at different heights. This may be
seen from
figs. 63 and 64 where strap members on opposite sides of the terminal pillar
members are
set at different height levels. As may be seen, if the same type of elevation
support
elements 384 are to be used then the height support elements on one side of a
common
terminal pillar member would be too short (as indicated by the arrows 410) and
would
not be able to touch the ground or floor.
Accordingly for (daisy) chaining strap members to common terminal pillar
members,
recourse may be had to an example strapping combination as shown in fig. 65,
namely a
combination which comprises a strap member and at least one anchor attachment
member
53
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
(two being shown). This type of anchor attachment member has the advantage
that the
(daisy) chained strap members may be independently tensioned or un-tensioned.
As may be seen the strap member has the form as shown in fig. 54 (but without
ring
connector elements 375). The anchor attachment members each have the form of
the
tensionable ring connector as shown in fig 58 (but are also provided with two
connector
rings commonly designated with the reference numera1412) . An anchor
attachment
member which is illustrated in fig. 66 is essentially the same as the
tensionable connector
ring as seen in fig. 58, i.e. the anchor attachment members of fig. 66 is
releasably
tensionable about a pillar member by passing the web 390 thru respective strap
member
apertures of the elevation support element. The ring connector elements 412
are provided
to act as strap attachment elements for attaching respective strap members to
the same or
common terminal pillar member (i.e. by strap member carbiner type connectors
370).
Thus, as may be appreciated and referring to fig. 65, each of the anchor
attachment
members comprises a separate strap attachment segment (i.e. web 390 of fig.
66)
associated with two attachment ring connectors 412 and a respective tensioning
device
394. On the other hand, the example strap member illustrated in fig. 65 is (as
mentioned
above) provided at both ends with a respective quick clip element (i.e.
carabiner type
fasteners 370) for connection to respective ring connectors.
The strap attachment segment 390 may be used to define a girdle element 414
about a
respective terminal pillar member. Turning to fig. 67 this fig. illustrates
three such girdle
elements 414 for connection to respective strap members to define top, mid and
toe
strap-rails, i.e. a girdle element 414 may be exploited to attach two strap
members to a
common terminal pillar member on opposites sides of the common terminal pillar
member. In fig. 67 the elevation support element is the above mentioned
elevation
support element 384. The girdle elements 414 are each (releasably) maintained
at a
predetermined height level by engagement of the web 390 thereof with a
respective
aperture 220, 222 and 224 of the elevation support element 384 (see fig. 32).
As an optional feature the elevation support element 384 is (also) immobilized
to the
terminal pillar by a pair of tensionable connector rings illustrated 386 (i.e
see fig. 58).
54
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
For comparison, fig 68 shows the tensionable connector rings 386 being used to
releasably immobilize an elevation support element 384 to an intermediate
pillar
member; the web 390 passing thru the web attachment openings 232 and 234 (see
in
particular fig. 32 for the web attachment openings 232 and 234) .
Thus, by exploiting anchor attachment members such as seen in fig. 65 it is
possible to
(daisy) chain a two or more lengths of strap members using a common terminal
pillar
while conserving a common height level on either side thereo The anchor
attachment
member(s) may as shown comprise a connector combination which may for example
comprise at least one a ring connector 412. Alternatively, the anchor
attachment
member may have carabiner type connectors 370 while the ends of the strap
member may
have ring connectors 375. In any case, the connection of the anchor attachment
member to the strap member may be modified in other (suitable) manner keeping
in mind
the desired result, namely a consistent height on both sides of a terminal
pillar member.
Referring back to fig. 57, this figure shows a barrier system in accordance
with the
present invention with one rail strap member (i.e. top-rail strap member) as
shown in fig.
55 and wherein above mentioned girdle elements 380 attach the strap member to
terminal
pillar members. The anchor attachment members comprise the previously
mentioned
quick clip connectors (i.e. carabiner type connectors 370) attached at both
ends of the
strap member and which are in turn hooked up to the previously mentioned ring
connectors 375. The barrier system shown exploits the same type of elevation
support
member 384 as terminal elevation support elements and as a span elevation
support
element, namely, the elevation support element of figure 32. The terminal
elevation
support elements 384 are immobilized to both of the terminal pillar members by
the strap
attachment segment 386. The elevation supports elements 384 immobilized to the
terminal pillars are also connected to the girdle elements 380 via apertures
220 (see fig.
32). Although not shown in fig, 57 the girdle elements 380 disposed about one
or both
of the terminal pillar members may as desired comprise an additional ring
connector (for
daisy) chaining of another similar strap member to the same terminal pillar.
Such
secondary ring connectors are shown in dotted lines in fig. 55.
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
Figs. 69 to 73 illustrate barrier systems in accordance with the present
invention which
each have a top strap-rail. The systems exploit three in-situ pillar members,
two of which
are terminal pillar members and one of which is an intermediate pillar member.
The
barrier systems exploit (terminal) elevation support elements 384 (as
characterized
above) which are immobilized to respective terminal pillar members by
tensionable ring
connectors 386; the systems also exploit an elevation support element 384
which is
immobilized to a respective intermediate pillar member also by tensionable
ring
connectors 386. The terminal girdle elements 414, however, shown with a single
(i.e.
not two) connector rings 412. The barrier systems are shown as exploiting a
span
(elevation) support element 382 or 384 (both as characterized above). Although
the
same style of elevation support elements are shown for immobilization to the
terminal
pillar members, the elevation support elements as shown may take any other
form as
shown herein. In other words in accordance with the present invention the
elevation
support elements may take the same or different style as desired or necessary.
Fig. 69 shows a barrier system with a top strap rail only. The system uses the
elevation
support element (designated previously with the reference numeral) 382 for the
span
elevation support elements and elevation support element (designated
previously with the
reference numeral 384) as terminal elevation support elements.
Fig. 70 shows a barrier system with a top and mid strap rail. The system also
uses the
elevation support element (designated previously with the reference numeral)
382 for the
span elevation support elements and elevation support element (designated
previously
with the reference numeral 384) as terminal elevation support elements.
Fig.71 shows a barrier system with a top and toe strap rail. The system shown
also uses
the elevation support element (designated previously with the reference
numeral) 382 for
the span elevation support elements and elevation support element (designated
previously
with the reference numeral 384) as terminal elevation support elements.
Fig. 72 shows a barrier system with a top, mid and toe strap rail. The system
again uses
the elevation support element (designated previously with the reference
numeral) 382 for
56
CA 02651731 2009-01-30
the span elevation support elements and elevation support element (designated
previously
with the reference numeral 384) as terminal elevation support elements.
Fig. 73 shows a barrier system with a top, mid and toe strap rail such as
illustrated in
prior fig. 72 but which exploits a single type of elevation support element as
both span
and terminal support elements (i.e. an elevation support element 384); the
barrier system
also includes (daisy) chained strap members i.e. the terminal girdles have two
ring
connectors.
It is to be understood herein that structures other than those shown above by
way of
example may be exploited as strap members, as supports and/or anchors for
barrier
systems and for kits to make such barrier systems (keeping in mind the
purposes herein).
For example, other types of structures may be used to anchor strap members for
barrier
system purposes. Figs. 74 to 76 thus illustrate an alternate form of anchor
attachment
member 500 which may be attached to a pillar member by tensionable ring
connectors
386 or be (releasably) bolted to a wall structure 502 as shown in fig. 76; one
bolt being
designated 504. The anchor attachment mechanism shown exploits an alternate
form of
an elevation support element which is described above with respect to figs. 3
to 5, namely
an elevation support element which exploits closed U-shaped members designated
by the
common reference numeral 510 in figs. 74 to 76. As seen from fig. 76 carabiner
type
connectors 370 may be used to connect the strap members to the alternate
elevation
support element shown in figs. 74 and 75.
As may be understood from the above, a kit for a barrier system herein may
comprise any
combination of the herein described elevation support elements, strap members
as well as
anchor attachment members for the erection of a temporary barrier system. A
kit in
accordance with the present invention may also be used (i.e. configured) to be
associated
with any type of suitable or desired anchor component so as to erect a desired
or
necessary barrier system (e.g. a safety barrier system).
57
