Safety stanchion

Abstract

A safety stanchion comprises an elongate support member and first and second clamp members. The elongate support member has an intermediate portion interconnecting first and second ends and a side support member with a third end extending outward laterally proximate the intermediate portion. The first clamp member has a connector with a longitudinal axis and an extension portion extending outward from the connector laterally relative to the longitudinal axis. The second clamp member has a connector with a longitudinal axis and an extension portion extending outward from the connector in alignment with the longitudinal axis. The first clamp member is connected to the first end and the second clamp member is connected to the third end for connection to a horizontal structure, and the first clamp member is connected to the third end and the second clamp member is connected to the first end for connection to a vertical structure.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a safety stanchion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Safety stanchions are commonly used to support various types of safety systems including, but not limited to, safety netting systems, horizontal lifeline systems, and guardrail systems. Safety netting systems may be used during construction for capturing any debris that falls from a work area. Horizontal lifeline systems provide an anchorage structure for workers performing tasks in proximity of the horizontal lifeline system. Guardrail systems assist in preventing workers from walking off of a support structure.

Examples of possible applications include, but are not limited to, areas left undecked during construction, areas proximate the perimeter of the building, elevator shafts, service chases, tower cranes, skylights, bridges, towers, drilling rigs, power and electrical plants, oil refineries, silos, dams, and ships' holds.

It is preferred that the safety stanchions be quickly and easily installed and removed from the support structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention provides a safety stanchion comprising an elongate support member, a first clamp member, and a second clamp member. The elongate support member has an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end and a side support member extending outward laterally proximate the intermediate portion. At least one first aperture is between the intermediate portion and the first end, and the side support member has a third end and at least one second aperture. The first clamp member has a first connector with a third aperture. The first connector is configured and arranged to be releasably connected to the first end and the third end, and the third aperture is alignable with the at least one first aperture and the at least one second aperture. The second clamp member has a second connector with a fourth aperture. The second connector is configured and arranged to be releasably connected to the first end and the third end, and the fourth aperture is alignable with the at least one first aperture and the at least one second aperture. The first clamp is connected to the first end and the second clamp is connected to the third end for connection to a horizontal structure, and the first clamp is connected to the third end and the second clamp is connected to the first end for connection to a vertical structure. Fasteners are inserted through the respective apertures to secure the first clamp and the second clamp to the elongate support member.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a safety stanchion comprising an elongate support member, a first clamp member, and a second clamp member. The elongate support member has an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end and a side support member extending outward laterally proximate the intermediate portion. The side support member has a third end. The first clamp member has a first connector with a first longitudinal axis and a first extension portion extending outward from the first connector in a lateral direction from the first longitudinal axis. The second clamp member has a second connector with a second longitudinal axis and a second extension portion extending outward from the second connector in alignment with the second longitudinal axis. The first clamp member is connected to the first end and the second clamp member is connected to the third end for connection to a horizontal structure, and the first clamp member is connected to the third end and the second clamp member is connected to the first end for connection to a vertical structure.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of converting a safety stanchion from a first configuration for use with a horizontal support structure to a second configuration for use with a vertical support structure. The safety stanchion includes an elongate support member with a first end and a side support member extending outward from an intermediate portion of the elongate support member. In the first configuration, a first clamp member is operatively connected to the first end and a second clamp member is operatively connected to the side support member. The first clamp is disconnected from the first end of the elongate support member and the second clamp is disconnected from the side support member. The first clamp member is connected to the side support member and the second clamp member is connected to the first end of the elongate support member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a safety stanchion constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective exploded view of the safety stanchion shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial side view of the safety stanchion shown in FIG. 1 rotated 180 degrees connected to a support structure;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the safety stanchion shown in FIG. 3 in dashed lines in a first configuration illustrating how a first clamp member and a second clamp member are disconnected from the first configuration and connected in a second configuration;

FIG. 5 is a partial side view of the safety stanchion shown in FIG. 4 in the second configuration connected to another support structure;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the safety stanchion shown in FIG. 3 illustrating deployment of a netting panel connected to the safety stanchion;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bracket of the safety stanchion shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the bracket shown in FIG. 7 connected to a support structure;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the bracket shown in FIG. 7 connected to another support structure;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the bracket shown in FIG. 7 connected to another support structure;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the bracket shown in FIG. 7 connected to another support structure;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the bracket shown in FIG. 7 connected to another support structure;

FIG. 13 is a side view of another embodiment safety stanchion constructed according to the principles of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a side perspective exploded view of the safety stanchion shown in FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A safety stanchion constructed according to the principles of the present invention is designated by the numeral 100 and 700 in the drawings.

The safety stanchion 100 includes an elongate support member 101, which is preferably a post-like member positioned in a vertical orientation with a first end 102 proximate the bottom and a second end 108 proximate the top. An intermediate portion 104 interconnects the first end 102 and the second end 108, and a plurality of apertures 105 extending through the elongate support member 101 are spaced along the intermediate portion 104 proximate the first end 102. Above the plurality of apertures 105 is an aperture 106, which extends through the elongate support member 101 on opposing sides adjacent the sides through which the plurality of apertures 105 extend. An aperture 109 extends through the elongate support member 101 above the aperture 106 on the same side as the aperture 106. On one side of the elongate support member 101 is a nut (not shown) proximate the aperture 106 and a nut 109a proximate the aperture 109. Preferably, the nuts are welded onto the elongate support member 101 and have threaded bores in fluid communication with the apertures.

A side support member 122 is operatively connected to the elongate support member 101, preferably by welding, and extends outward from the intermediate portion 104 proximate one side of the aperture 106. A first end 123 of the side support member 122 is connected to the elongate support member 101, and a second end 124 of the side support member 122 extends outward from the elongate support member 101. A plurality of apertures 125 extend through the side support member 122.

The elongate support member 101 and the side support member 122 are preferably square-shaped cylindrical tubes made out of steel. The apertures in the elongate support member 101 and the side support member 122 are corresponding apertures in opposing sides of the square-shaped cylindrical tubes. Therefore, the corresponding apertures could also be bores extending through the elongate support member 101 and the side support member 122.

Proximate the second end 108 of the elongate support member 101 are first and second brackets 110 and 113, which are rectangular plates bent along their longitudinal axis to be generally L-shaped. One side of each bracket 110 and 113 is operatively connected to the second end 108, preferably by welding, and the other side extends outward from the second end 108 like a flange. Approximately half of the brackets 110 and 113 are connected to the second end 108 and approximately half of the brackets 110 and 113 extend upward beyond the top of the elongate support member 101. The brackets 110 and 113 are connected to the sides of the elongate support member 101 adjacent the side from which the side support member 122 is connected. Preferably, the flanges extend outward proximate the side of the elongate support member 101 opposite the side from which the side support member 122 extends. The flange of the first bracket 110 includes a slot 111 proximate the bottom and the flange of the second bracket 113 includes a slot 114 proximate the bottom. A webbing 116 is threaded through the slots 111 and 114, and the webbing 116 includes a buckle 117. Alternatively, rather than using the webbing 116, any suitable elongate or strap member could be used such as, but not limited to, a chain with at least one end including a hook. Proximate the tops of the brackets 110 and 113, corresponding apertures 112 and 115 extend therethrough, and a fastener 118, including a bolt 118a and a nut 118b, is inserted through the apertures 112 and 115.

The first end 102 of the elongate support member 101 and the second end 124 of the side support member 122 are configured and arranged to be releasably connected to first and second clamp members 130 and 140. The first and second clamp members 130 and 140 are interchangeable on the first and second ends 102 and 124 depending upon the desired configuration. The first clamp member 130 includes a cylindrical connector portion 131 configured and arranged to slide over the first and second ends 102 and 124. The connector portion 131 includes an aperture 132, which corresponds to at least one of the apertures 105 and 125, proximate a first end of the connector portion 131. A fastener 133, including a bolt 133a and a nut 133b, is inserted through the apertures to releasably connect the first clamp member 130.

A first bracket 134 and a second bracket 136 are operatively connected, preferably by welding, to the connector portion 131 proximate a second end of the connector portion 131. The connector portion 131 includes a longitudinal axis, and the brackets 134 and 136 extend outward from the connector portion 131 in a lateral direction from the longitudinal axis. The brackets 134 and 136 are preferably rectangular plates bent along their longitudinal axis to be generally L-shaped. One side of each bracket 134 and 136 is operatively connected to the connector portion 131, preferably by welding, and the other side extends outward from the connector portion 131 like a flange. Preferably, the flanges extend outward from the connector portion 131 more proximate the aperture 132 than the second end of the connector portion 131. The flange of the first bracket 134 includes an aperture 135 and the flange of the second bracket 136 includes an aperture 137. The side of the flange adjacent the connected side of the bracket 134 includes a nut (not shown) proximate the aperture 135, and the side of the flange adjacent the connected side of the bracket 136 includes a nut 138 proximate the aperture 137. In the orientation shown in FIG. 2, the nuts are proximate the bottom surfaces of the flanges. Preferably, the nuts are welded onto the flanges and have threaded openings in fluid communication with the apertures. Fasteners 151 (shown in FIG. 5), which are used in one configuration of the stanchion 100, have threads that mate with the threads of the nuts and are inserted through the nuts and the apertures. An end plate 139 interconnects the distal ends of the brackets 134 and 136.

The second clamp member 140 includes a cylindrical connector portion 141 configured and arranged to slide over the first and second ends 102 and 124. The connector portion 141 includes an aperture 142, which corresponds to at least one of the apertures 105 and 125, proximate a first end of the connector portion 141. A fastener 143, including a bolt 143a and a nut 143b, is inserted through the apertures to releasably connect the second clamp member 140. A first bracket 144 and a second bracket 146 are operatively connected, preferably by welding, to the connector portion 141 proximate a second end. The connector portion 141 includes a longitudinal axis, and the brackets 144 and 146 extend outward from the connector portion 141 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

The brackets 144 and 146 are preferably rectangular plates bent along their longitudinal axis to be generally L-shaped. One side of each bracket 144 and 146 is operatively connected to the connector portion 141, preferably by welding, and the other side extends outward from the connector portion 141 like a flange. Preferably, the flanges extend outward from the connector portion 141 proximate the same side of the connector portion 141. The flange of the first bracket 144 includes an aperture (not shown) and the flange of the second bracket 146 includes an aperture 147. The side of the flange adjacent the connected side of the bracket 144 includes a nut (not shown) proximate the aperture (not shown), and the side of the flange adjacent the connected side of the bracket 146 includes a nut 148 proximate the aperture 147. In the orientation shown in FIG. 2, the nuts are proximate the top surfaces of the flanges. Preferably, the nuts are welded onto the flanges and have threaded openings in fluid communication with the apertures. An end plate 149 interconnects the distal ends of the brackets 144 and 146. Fasteners 150, which have threads that mate with the threads of the nuts, are inserted through the nuts and the apertures.

An optional bracket 160, which is preferably a rectangular plate member, includes an aperture proximate each corner, apertures 161a, 161b, 161c, and 161d. Proximate the top, between apertures 161a and 161b, is an aperture 162a, and proximate the bottom, between apertures 161c and 161d, is an aperture 162b. First and second brackets 163 and 166 are connected, preferably by welding, to the bracket 160. The brackets 163 and 166 are generally L-shaped and the adjacent edges of the sides are connected to the bracket 160 so that the sides extend outward from the bracket 160. The top of the first bracket 163 is connected between the aperture 162b and 161d, and the bottom extending outward laterally from the top is connected below the aperture 161d. The top of the second bracket 166 is connected between the aperture 162b and 161c, and the bottom extending outward laterally from the top is connected below the aperture 161c. Thus, the tops are parallel to one another, and the bottoms extend outward away from one another with the aperture 162b between them.

The first bracket includes an aperture 164 in the top and an aperture 165 in the bottom, and the second bracket 166 includes an aperture 167 in the top and an aperture 168 in the bottom. A fastener 169 extends through the top apertures 164 and 167. An optional extension arm 173 is pivotally connected to the bracket 160 with the fastener 169. Fasteners 170 extend through the apertures 162a and 162b of the bracket 160 and through the corresponding apertures 106 and 109 in the elongate support member 101 to connect the bracket 160 thereto.

There are two possible configurations of the safety stanchion and an option of using the bracket 160 on its own. The first configuration is shown in FIGS. 1-3. The first clamp member 130 is connected to the first end 102 of the elongate support member 101. The connector portion 131 is slid onto the first end 102, the apertures 132 are aligned with the desired aperture 105, the bolt 133a is inserted through the apertures 132 and 105, and the nut 133b is threaded onto the bolt 133a to secure the first clamp member 130 to the first end 102. The second clamp member 140 is connected to the side support member 122. The connector portion 141 is slid onto the second end 124 toward the first end 123 so that the second end 124 is proximate the end plate 149, the apertures 142 are aligned with the first aperture 125 closest to the elongate support member 101, the bolt 143a is inserted through the apertures 142 and 125, and the nut 143b is threaded onto the bolt 143a to secure the second clamp member 140 to the second end 124.

This first configuration allows the stanchion 100 to be connected to a horizontal support structure such as a concrete slab. Depending upon the thickness of the support structure, the first clamp member 130 is slid along the elongate support member 101 to the aperture 105 that creates an opening between the first clamp member 130 and the second clamp member 140 appropriate for the thickness of the support structure. Preferably, the opening is slightly larger than the thickness of the support structure. Once the stanchion 100 is positioned on the support structure, the fasteners 150 are tightened to secure the stanchion to the support structure. FIG. 3 shows the stanchion connected to a support structure 200.

FIG. 6 shows this first configuration of the stanchion 100 in one possible application. The stanchion 100 is connected to a support structure 800, and a user is positioned on a support structure 800′ above the support structure 800. The extension arm 173, to which a netting panel 174 is connected, is pivotally connected to the bracket 160 and is lowered into position to extend the netting panel 174 outward from the support structure 800. This provides a debris barrier for any debris falling off the support structures. During non-use and installation, before the extension arm 173 is pivoted downward, the webbing 116 is used to hold the extension arm 173 in a vertical position proximate the elongate support member 101. When it is desired to lower the extension arm 173, the webbing 116 is released from the buckle 117, which releases the extension arm 173.

Preferably, the stanchion 100 in the first configuration accommodates concrete slabs or other suitable support structures within a range of 6 to 12 inches thick. The distance between the stanchions 100 should not exceed 25 feet, and if the assembly wraps around a corner, the corner stanchions 100 should be installed as close to the corner as possible. The extension arm 173 should have a tie-back cable 175 extending back to the brackets 110 and 113 at approximately a 45 degree angle. One end of the tie-back cable 175 is connected to the fastener 118 proximate the top of the elongate support member 101 and the other end of the tie-back cable 175 is connected to a connector 176 on the extension arm 173. The clamp member 130 should be adjusted to create an opening between the clamp members 130 and 140 to the closest position that is slightly larger than the concrete slab thickness. After the stanchion 100 has been slid onto the outside edge of the concrete slab at a desired location, the slab is positioned between the clamp members 130 and 140. The fasteners 150 are tightened onto the concrete slab, biting into the topside of the concrete slab to secure the clamp members 130 and 140. The fasteners 150 should not be over-tightened as over-tightening could bend the clamp members 130 and 140.

FIG. 4 shows how the first clamp member 130 and the second clamp member 140 are interchangeable to switch from the first configuration to the second configuration. The first clamp member 130 is removed from the first end 102 of the elongate support member 101, and the second clamp member 140 is removed from the side support member 122. The first clamp member 130 is connected to the side support member 122 so that the brackets 134 and 136 extend downward. The connector portion 131 is slid onto the second end 124, the apertures 132 are aligned with the desired aperture 125, the bolt 133a is inserted through the apertures 132 and 125, and the nut 133b is threaded onto the bolt 133a to secure the first clamp member 130 to the side support member 122. The second clamp member 140 is connected to the elongate support member 101. The connector portion 141 is slid onto the first end 102 and upward on the intermediate portion 104 so that the first end 102 is proximate the end plate 149, the apertures 142 are aligned with the aperture 105 closest to the side support member 122, the bolt 143a is inserted through the apertures 142 and 105, and the nut 143b is threaded onto the bolt 143a to secure the second clamp member 140 to the elongate support member 101.

The second configuration, shown in FIG. 5, allows the stanchion 100 to be connected to a vertical support structure 300 such as a concrete parapet wall. Depending upon the thickness of the support structure 300, the first clamp member 130 is slid along the side support member 122 to the aperture 125 that creates an opening between the first clamp member 130 and the second clamp member 140 appropriate for the thickness of the support structure 300. Preferably, the opening is slightly larger than the thickness of the support structure 300. Once the stanchion 100 is positioned on the support structure 300, the fasteners 150 and 151 are tightened to secure the stanchion 100 to the support structure 300.

The bracket 160 may be removed from the stanchion 100 and used individually as a flush mount bracket either vertically, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 12, or horizontally, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Holes should be drilled in the desired location according to the pattern of the apertures in the bracket 160, and then suitable fasteners should be used to secure the bracket 160 to the support structure. For vertical installation, position the bracket 160 with the bottom portions (the portions including apertures 165 and 168) of the brackets 163 and 166 parallel to the ground. FIG. 8 shows the bracket 160 mounted to a wall 400 with fasteners extending through the wall 400 and nuts securing the bolts on the side opposite the bracket 160. FIG. 9 shows the bracket 160 mounted to a wall 400′ with fasteners extending only partially through the wall 400′. For horizontal installation, position the bracket 160 with the bottom portions (the portions including apertures 165 and 168) of the brackets 163 and 166 proximate and parallel to the edge of the surface. FIG. 10 shows the bracket 160 mounted to a floor 500 with fasteners extending through the floor 500 and nuts securing the bolts on the side opposite the bracket 160. FIG. 11 shows the bracket 160 mounted to a floor 500′ with fasteners extending only partially through the floor 500′.

As shown in FIG. 12, the bracket 160 may also be used as a column adapter mounted to a column 600. The brackets 163 and 166 are placed proximate the base of the column 600 with the horizontal portions proximate the bottom, and a connecting strap 601 is positioned about the column 600 and connected to the brackets 163 and 166. The connecting strap 601 includes a connector 602 at each end, and the connectors 602 are inserted through the apertures 165 and 168. The connecting strap 601 includes a ratchet 603, which tightens the strap 601 about the column 600. The extension arm 173 includes a cable 175′, which is also connected to the column 600 with a connecting strap 605. The connectors 606 of the connecting strap 605 are connected to the cable 175′, and a ratchet 607 is used to tighten the connecting strap 605 about the column 600. The safety netting (not shown) is connected to the extension arm 173 to provide a debris barrier.

The safety stanchion 700 is similar to the safety stanchion 100 and, therefore, only the significant differences will be described. The second clamp member 740 includes an anchor member 753 connected, preferably by welding, to the connector portion 741 proximate the first and second brackets 744 and 746. The anchor member 753 provides a structure to which a lifeline could be anchored. The first and second brackets 744 and 746 each include an additional aperture so that each bracket 744 and 746 includes two apertures. Nuts 748a and 748b are connected, preferably by welding, to the bracket 746 and have threaded openings in fluid communication with the apertures. Nuts (not shown) are similarly connected to the bracket 744. Fasteners 750a-d, which have threads that mate with the threads of the nuts, are inserted through the nuts and the corresponding apertures. The fasteners 750a-d assist in securing the second clamp member 740 to a support structure. There are similarly two possible configurations for the stanchion 700 and an option of using the bracket 760 on its own.

Although the safety stanchions 100 and 700 are shown and described for use with a safety netting system, it is recognized that the safety stanchions could also be used with horizontal lifeline systems, guardrail systems, netting systems, and other suitable types of safety systems. For example, the safety systems could be connected to the elongate support member 101, the bracket 160, the elongate support member 701, the anchor member 753, and the bracket 760. Alternatively, other types of connectors could be connected to the safety stanchions 100 and 700 to connect the horizontal lifeline systems, guardrail systems, and netting systems.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

Claims

1. A safety stanchion, comprising:

an elongate support member having an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end and a side support member extending outward laterally proximate the intermediate portion, at least one first aperture between the intermediate portion and the first end, the side support member having a third end and at least one second aperture;

a first clamp member having a first connector with a third aperture, the first connector being configured and arranged to be releasably connected to the first end and the third end, the third aperture being alignable with the at least one first aperture and the at least one second aperture;

a second clamp member having a second connector with a fourth aperture, the second connector being configured and arranged to be releasably connected to the first end and the third end, the fourth aperture being alignable with the at least one first aperture and the at least one second aperture; and

wherein the first clamp is connected to the first end and the second clamp is connected to the third end for connection to a horizontal structure, wherein the first clamp is connected to the third end and the second clamp is connected to the first end for connection to a vertical structure, and wherein fasteners are inserted through the respective apertures to secure the first clamp and the second clamp to the elongate support member.

2. The safety stanchion of claim 1, further comprising a bracket releasably connectable to the elongate support member on an opposing side of the intermediate portion proximate the side support member.

3. The safety stanchion of claim 2, wherein an extension arm is pivotally connected to the bracket, the extension arm including a safety netting panel.

4. The safety stanchion of claim 2, wherein the bracket is configured and arranged for individual use apart from the elongate support member.

5. The safety stanchion of claim 1, wherein the first connector has a longitudinal axis and the first clamp extends outward from the first connector in a lateral direction relative to the longitudinal axis.

6. A safety stanchion, comprising:

an elongate support member having an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end and a side support member extending outward laterally proximate the intermediate portion, the side support member having a third end;

a first clamp member having a first connector with a first longitudinal axis and a first extension portion extending outward from the first connector in a lateral direction from the first longitudinal axis;

a second clamp member having a second connector with a second longitudinal axis and a second extension portion extending outward from the second connector in alignment with the second longitudinal axis; and

wherein the first clamp member is connected to the first end and the second clamp member is connected to the third end for connection to a horizontal structure, wherein the first clamp member is connected to the third end and the second clamp member is connected to the first end for connection to a vertical structure.

7. The safety stanchion of claim 6, further comprising a bracket releasably connectable to the elongate support member on an opposing side of the intermediate portion proximate the side support member.

8. The safety stanchion of claim 7, wherein an extension arm is pivotally connected to the bracket, the extension arm including a safety netting panel.

9. The safety stanchion of claim 7, wherein the bracket is configured and arranged for individual use apart from the elongate support member.

10. A method of converting a safety stanchion from a first configuration for use with a horizontal support structure to a second configuration for use with a vertical support structure, the safety stanchion including an elongate support member with a first end and a side support member extending outward from an intermediate portion of the elongate support member, a first clamp member being operatively connected to the first end and a second clamp member being operatively connected to the side support member, comprising:

obtaining the safety stanchion;

disconnecting the first clamp from the first end of the elongate support member;

disconnecting the second clamp from the side support member;

connecting the first clamp member to the side support member; and

connecting the second clamp member to the first end of the elongate support member.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising securing the first and second clamps with fasteners.