Guardrail System

Abstract

A guardrail support comprising a base having a first side with attachment holes suitable for attachment to a surface beneath the base using one or more fasteners at a penetrating angle, and a second side one or more attachment holes suitable for attachment to the surface beneath the base using one or more fasteners at a penetrating angle, a post extending vertically from the base, a support member extending at an angle from the first side of the base to the post, where an upper portion of the post is positioned at a distance of between 48 inches and 60 inches from the base, and wherein when the base of the guardrail support is attached to the surface beneath the base, the guardrail support will withstand a 200 pound outward or downward force applied to the upper portion of the post.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to a guardrail system and components thereof used during construction projects. For example, when a high rise building is erected, it is important that the safety of the construction workers is provided for. A guardrail system serves to protect the construction workers from falling from a building under construction, or provide “fall protection.” The guardrail system may also serve to prevent any construction materials from falling from the worksite and damaging or injuring workers or equipment located on the ground below. In the United States, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (“OSHA”) has promulgated Safety and Health Regulations for Construction at 37 C.F.R. §1926 that include regulations directed to fall protection. In particular, 37 C.F.R. §1926.502(b)(1) requires that a top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members used for fall protection, shall be 42 inches (1.1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. Thus, the OSHA regulations require that the guardrail system must have a nominal top rail height of 42 inches above the walking/working level.

In addition to the 42-inch height requirement, the OSHA regulations also require that the guardrail system is sufficiently strong and capable of withstanding a certain force applied to the top rail of the guardrail system. In particular, 37 C.F.R. §1926.502(b)(3) requires that guardrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied within 2 inches (5.1 cm) of the top edge, in any outward or downward direction, at any point along the top edge.

As a result of these applicable OSHA regulations, a number of different guardrail systems having a height of 42 inches have been designed that are capable of withstanding a force of at least 200 pounds applied within 2 inches of the top edge, in any outward or downward direction. However, in certain applications and construction projects, it may be desirable to provide fall protection above and beyond that mandated by the OSHA regulations. For example, it may be desirable to provide a guardrail system that has a height greater than 42 inches to provide even greater fall protection safety to construction workers. Thus, some construction projects may request or specify that the height of the guardrail systems are as high as 60 inches to provide even greater fall protection for the construction project.

Pursuant to OSHA regulations, a guardrail system may exceed 42 inches in height, but must comply with the OSHA regulations pertaining to guardrail systems used for fall protection. In particular, 37 C.F.R. §1926.502(b)(1) provides that when conditions warrant, the height of the top edge may exceed the 45-inch height limitation (42 inches+3 inches), provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria within the paragraph. Therefore, a guardrail system having a height of 60 inches must still meet the criteria of 37 C.F.R. §1926.502(b)(3), that requires that guardrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied within 2 inches (5.1 cm) of the top edge, in any outward or downward direction, at any point along the top edge. Existing guardrail systems having a 42-inch height do not meet these requirements. In view of the foregoing, there is a need to provide a guardrail system having a top rail height up to 60 inches that is OSHA compliant and thus capable of withstanding a force of at least 200 pounds applied within 2 inches of the top edge of the guardrail system in any outward or downward direction at any point along the top edge.

SUMMARY

The present embodiments disclose a guardrail support comprising a base having a first side that includes a first set of one or more attachment holes suitable for attaching the first side of the base to a surface beneath the base, and a second side opposite the first side having a second set of one or more attachment holes suitable for attaching the second side of the base to the surface beneath the base; a post extending vertically from the base; a support member extending at an angle from the first side of the base to the post; wherein an upper portion of the post is positioned at a distance of between 48 inches and 60 inches from the base; and wherein when the base of the guardrail support is attached to the surface beneath the base, the guardrail support will withstand a 200 pound force applied to the upper portion of the post in a direction perpendicular to the post and in a direction from the second side of the base to the first side of the base.

Further embodiments include a guardrail support comprising a base having a first side that includes a first set of one or more attachment holes suitable for attaching the first side of the base to a surface beneath the base by inserting one or more fasteners through the first set of attachment holes at a penetrating angle, and a second side opposite the first side having a second set of one or more attachment holes suitable for attaching the second side of the base to the surface beneath the base by inserting one or more fasteners through the second set of attachment holes at a penetrating angle; a post extending vertically from the base; a support member extending at an angle from the first side of the base to the post; wherein an upper portion of the post is positioned at a distance of between 48 inches and 60 inches from the base.

Example embodiments also disclose a guardrail system comprising a first guardrail support comprising a base having a first side that includes a first set of one or more attachment holes and a second side opposite the first side having a second set of one or more attachment holes; a post extending vertically from the base; and a support member extending at an angle from the first side of the base to the post; wherein an upper portion of the post is positioned at a distance of between 48 inches and 60 inches from the base; and wherein the base is attached to a surface beneath the base by one or more fasteners inserted through one or more of the first set of one or more attachment holes on the first side of the base at a penetrating angle, and one or more fasteners inserted through the second set of attachment holes on the second side of the base at a penetrating angle; a second guardrail support comprising a base having a first side that includes a first set of one or more attachment holes and a second side opposite the first side having a second set of one or more attachment holes; a post extending vertically from the base; and a support member extending at an angle from the first side of the base to the post; wherein an upper portion of the post is positioned at a distance of between 48 inches and 60 inches from the base; and wherein the base is attached to a surface beneath the base by one or more fasteners inserted through one or more of the first set of one or more attachment holes on the first side of the base at a penetrating angle, and one or more fasteners inserted through the second set of attachment holes on the second side of the base at a penetrating angle; and a span of fence extending from the first guardrail support to the second guardrail support and retained by the first guardrail support and the second guardrail support wherein a top rail of the span of fence is between 48 and at least 60 inches above the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like reference numerals, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a guardrail support for use in a guardrail system;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the guardrail support shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is top view of the guardrail support taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is cross-sectional view of the right side of the base of the guardrail support of FIG. 2 shown attached to a surface beneath the base with a fastener;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the base of the guardrail support shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6A is side view of a first angle member positioned on the left side of the base of the guardrail support shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the first angle member shown in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a side view of a second angle member positioned on the right side of the base of the guardrail support shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the second angle member shown in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of an upper portion of the post of the guardrail support shown in FIG. 1, including fencing positioned in a fence holder located on the upper portion of the post;

FIG. 9 is a front side view of a single span of a fence that may be used with the guardrail support shown in FIG. 1 to form a guardrail system;

FIG. 10 is a front side view of a double span of a fence that may be used with the guardrail support shown in FIG. 1 to form a guardrail system; and

FIG. 11 is a front side view of a guardrail system shown using the double span of a fence shown in FIG. 10 positioned on two guardrail supports of the type shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a guardrail support 10 that is used as a part of a guardrail system to provide fall protection to construction workers. Guardrail support 10 includes a base 12 having a first side 14 located on a front side of guardrail support 10, and a second side 16 positioned opposite from first side 14 and located on the rear side of guardrail support 10. The first side of the base 14 includes a set of attachment holes 20a and 20b, as well as 20c and 20d (shown in FIG. 3) that are positioned on a first angle member 30. The second side of the base 16 includes an additional set of attachment holes that are positioned on second angle member 32. A vertical post 50 extends upwardly from base 12 and support member 40 extends from the first side of the base 14 to the vertical post 50. The post 50 has an upper portion 52 that includes a fence rail holder 60 that is adapted to retain the top rail of a span of fence. Fence rail holder includes a through hole 71 that is aligned with a through hole 70 located on the post 50. Through holes 71 and 70 are designed to allow a retention pin to extend therethrough to retain the top rail of a span of fence in place within the fence rail holder 60. In addition, a second fence rail holder 64 is shown positioned on post 50 beneath the fence rail holder 60. Second fence rail holder 64 is designed to retain a rail of a span of fence, and includes a retention pin 72 that serves to retain a rail of span of fence in place within the second fence rail holder 64.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the guardrail support 10 shown in FIG. 1. Fastener 36 is shown extending through an attachment hole on first angle member 30 and extending through the first side of the base 14 at a penetrating angle. Similarly, fastener 38 is shown extending through an attachment hole on the second angle member 32 and extending through the second side of the base 16 at a penetrating angle. When the base 12 of the guardrail support 10 is attached to a surface beneath the base 12, the guardrail support 10 is capable of withstanding a 200 pound force applied outwardly in the direction of the arrow at a top portion 52 of the post 50 at a distance D from the base 12. The guardrail support 10 will also withstand a downward force of 200 pounds applied to fence rail holders 60 and 64. In a preferred embodiment, the guardrail support 10 will withstand an outward force of 200 pounds applied at a distance D of 48 inches, 54 inches, and even 60 inches from the base. In a most preferred embodiment the distance D from the upper portion 52 of the post 50 to the base 12 is 60 inches.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of guardrail support 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Vertical post 50 is shown positioned closer to attachment holes 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d positioned on second angle member 32 than to attachment holes 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d positioned on first angle member 30. Support member 40 is shown extending from post 50 to first side angle 30. In a preferred embodiment the attachment holes 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are 3/16 inch in diameter, and holes 20a and 20b are spaced apart from each other 1½ inches and holes 20c and 20d are spaced from each other 1½ inches. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, holes 20b and 20c are spaced from each other 3 inches. In this manner, an end of support member 40 may abut first angle member 30 between attachment holes 20b and 20c. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, attachment holes 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d of the second angle member 32 also have a diameter of 3/16 inches and are spaced apart from each other 2 inches.

In addition, in a preferred embodiment the line of attachment holes 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are spaced apart from the line of attachment holes 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d by 14 19/32 inches. However, the attachment holes do not need to be spaced in a line. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the distance from the front edge of vertical post 50 to the end of the first side of base 14 is 9 inches and the distance from the center of the post 50 to the end of the second side of the base 16 is 6¼ inches. In addition, in a preferred embodiment the post 50 is a 1½ inch by 1½ square tube. Preferably, the post 50 has a wall thickness of ⅛″ and is comprised of ASTM 513 Grade 1010 steel. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that other suitable materials for the post 50 could also be used provided that the requirement that the post will withstand a 200 pound outward force applied at a distance D above the base of 48, 54, and/or 60 inches depending on the desired guardrail height. In addition, the post could have a cross section that is round, rectangular, or have some other cross-sectional geometry. Furthermore, as used herein the term vertical post or extending vertically, does not require that post extend from the base at exactly a 90 degree angle, and those terms shall be interpreted to cover a post extending 90 degrees from the base, plus or minus 30 degrees. Nonetheless, in a preferred embodiment, the post extends at a 90 degree angle from the base and has a length of 62 inches. Preferably, the post 50 is welded to the base 12.

The support member 40 shown in FIGS. 1-3 is preferably formed of an angle member that is 1 inch by 1 inch and ⅛ inches thick and 12 inches long. Preferably, the support member is comprised of A36 steel. In addition, the support member 40 is preferably positioned at an angle of 45 degrees from the base, although an angle of from 30 to 60 degrees could also be used. In a preferred embodiment, the support member 40 is welded to the first angle member 30 and the post 50. In a preferred embodiment, the support member 40 attaches to the post 50 at 8½ inches above the base. The use of support member 40 forms a truss with the base 12 and the post 50 to provide strength and stability to the guardrail support 10. It will be appreciated that the support member 40 could have any number of different cross sections. For example, it could have a square, circular, rectangular, etc. cross-section provided that it had the same strength as the support member comprised of an angle member described above.

In FIG. 4, an enlarged view of the lower right side of FIG. 2 is shown where the second side 16 of the base 14 is shown with fastener 38 positioned at a penetrating angle α through the second angle member 32, base 12 and into the surface 18 located beneath the base 12. The surface 18 beneath the base 12 may comprise a plywood decking that is commonly used during construction projects. For example, the plywood decking could be made from grade BB plywood having a thickness of ⅝ of an inch. Additionally, the surface 18 may comprise concrete. In a preferred embodiment the penetrating angle α of fastener 38 is 45 degrees from the base, although a penetrating angle from 30 to 60 degrees could also be used. In addition, the fastener 38 may comprise a nail, screw, or bolt. However, when surface 18 is plywood, in a preferred embodiment, a 2½ inch drywall/multipurpose screw is used such as a size #8×2½ inch coarse phosphate-plated bugle head Philips drywall screw manufactured by Grip-Rite having Model number 212CDWS5 and available at Home Depot. Where the surface 18 is concrete, the fastener 18 may comprise a nail, screw, or bolt, and anchors may also be used. However, in a preferred embodiment, when surface 18 is concrete, a size 16d double headed screw with tie wire may be used to attach the base 12 to surface 18. Inserting the fastener 38 at a penetrating angle provides additional resistance to the moment of force created when a 200 pound force is applied to the upper portion 52 of the post 50.

FIG. 5 illustrates base 12 which is shown having a rectangular shape which in a preferred embodiment is 16 inches long and 8 inches wide with a thickness of ¼ inch. Using a base 12 having these dimensions with post 50 positioned thereon as shown in FIGS. 1-3 provides for a freestanding guardrail support 10. It is desirable to have a guardrail support that is freestanding because that will minimize the chances that the guardrail support will tip over and fall off of the construction site before it has been secured to the surface of the construction site.

In addition, a base 12 having a thickness of ¼ inch is also desirable because OSHA regulations require that a guardrail system include a toeboard that prevents nails and materials from falling from the worksite that must have a gap of no more than ¼ inch from the working surface to the bottom of the toeboard. In particular, 37 C.F.R. §1926.502(j)(3) specifies that toeboards shall have not more than ¼ inch (0.6 cm) clearance above the walking/working surface. As a result, with a base 12 of ¼ inch thick, a span of a fence may be placed atop the base 12 and the OSHA toeboard maximum clearance requirement for a toeboard may still be met.

On the first side 14 of base 12, a first set of attachment holes 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d are positioned. This first set of attachment holes 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d preferably have a diameter of 9/16 inches and correspond to attachment holes 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d in the first angle member so that a fastener such as fastener 36 shown in FIG. 2 may pass through attachment holes of the first angle member 30 and the first set of attachment holes on the first side 14 of the base 12 and enter the surface 18 beneath the base 12 at a penetrating angle. Similarly, on the second side 16 of base 12, a second set of attachment holes 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d are positioned. This second set of attachment holes 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d preferably have a diameter of 9/16 inches and correspond to attachment holes 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d in the second angle member so that a fastener such as fastener 38 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 may pass through attachment holes of the second angle member and the second set of attachment holes on the second side 16 of the base 12 and enter the surface 18 beneath the base 12 at a penetrating angle. The spacing of the first set of attachment holes on the first side 14 of the base 12 is preferably the same as the spacing of the attachment holes positioned on the first angle member 30, and the second set of attachment holes on the second side 16 of the base 12 preferably has the same as the spacing of the attachment holes positioned on the second angle member 32. In a preferred embodiment, the base is comprised of SAE1010 steel.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show first angle member 30 having a first side 31 perpendicular to a second side 33. As noted above, in a preferred embodiment the attachment holes 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are 3/16 inch in diameter, and holes 20a and 20b are spaced apart from each other 1½ inches and holes 20c and 20d are spaced from each other ½ inches. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, holes 20b and 20c are spaced from each other 3 inches. However, different spacing and a fewer or greater number of attachment holes could be provided. Moreover, the holes could have a larger diameter to accommodate larger fasteners if desired.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show second angle member 32 having a first side 37 perpendicular to a second side 35. As noted above, in a preferred embodiment the attachment holes 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d are 3/16 inch in diameter, and equally spaced from each a distance of two inches. However, different spacing and a fewer or greater number of attachment holes could be provided. Moreover, the holes could have a larger diameter to accommodate larger fasteners if desired. In a preferred embodiment the first and second angle members 30 and 32 are comprised of A36.

In a preferred embodiment, first angle member 30 is welded to the first side 14 of base 12 to provide a penetrating angle for fasteners such as fastener 36 to extend through the base 12 and into surface 18 beneath the base 12. Similarly, in a preferred embodiment second angle member 32 is welded to the second side 16 of base 12 to provide a penetrating angle for fasteners such as fastener 38 to extend through the base 12 and into surface 18 beneath the base 12. However, angle members 30 and 32 are preferred, but not required. For example, an angled surface could be formed directly into the first side 14 or second side 16 of base 12 through, for example, a milling operation, to provide an angled surface that provides a penetrating angle for the fasteners that are used. Alternately, the fasteners could be inserted at a penetrating angle without a permanent angled portion on the first and second sides 14, 16 of base 12 by, for example, providing removable tooling or a workpiece that allows fasteners to be inserted through the attachment holes on the first and second sides 14, 16 of base 12 at a desired penetrating angle. However, the use of first angle member 30 and second angle member 32 is preferred.

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of the top of the guardrail support 10 shown in FIG. 2. Post 50 having upper portion 52 is shown with first fence rail holder 60 shown holding a top rail of fence 80, as well as a top rail of fence 82 with a separator therebetween. Thus first fence rail holder 60 may accommodate a first span of fence, as well as an overlapping second span of fence used in a guard rail system. The same is true of fence rail holder 64 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Fence rail holder 60 includes a through hole 71, preferably having a diameter of ⅝ inches designed to have a retention pin inserted therethrough to retain the top rails 80 and 82 of a fence in place within the fence rail holder 60. Fence rail holder 60 is preferably comprised of a 3 inch wall and a perpendicular 2¼ inch wall each having a thickness of ¼ inch, and is preferably welded to post 50. In addition, fence rail holders 60 and 64 are preferably comprised of A36 steel.

FIG. 9 shows a single span of a fence 90 having a top rail 80, middle rails 82 and 84, and bottom rails 86 and 88, as well as vertical posts 92 and 94 joining rails 80, 82, 84, 86, and 88 to form a rectangular shape. The single span of fence 90 preferably has a length of 4½ feet.

FIG. 10 shows a double span of a fence 100 having a top rail 80, middle rails 82 and 84, and bottom rails 86 and 88, as well as vertical posts 92, 93, and 94 joining rails 80, 82, 84, 86, and 88 to form a rectangular shape. The double span of fence 100 preferably has a length of 8½ feet.

The rails and posts of the single span of a fence 90 and the double span of a fence 100 are preferably welded together and are preferably comprised of ¾ inch by ¾ inch steel tube having a wall thickness of ⅛ of an inch. The steel tube is preferably comprised of ASTM 513 steel. In addition, rails and posts could also have a different cross sectional geometry such as circular, rectangular, etc. provided they have the same strength as the preferred ¾ inch by ¾ inch steel tube described above. In addition, a toeboard may be positioned between rails 86 and 88 to meet OSHA's toeboard requirements.

FIG. 11 shows a guardrail system 110 having a first guardrail support 10 and a second guardrail support 10 with a double span of fence 100 positioned thereon. A number of tests were conducted on the guardrail system to establish that the guardrail support and guardrail system complied with the OSHA requirements for a guardrail having a top rail height of 60 inches. Testing of the guardrail support shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and a guardrail system attached to a decking surface comprised of BB grade plywood having a thickness of ⅝″ attached to 6½ foot aluminum joists with a nailer strip and size 6d coated sinker nails was undertaken. In particular, guardrail posts were mechanically fastened to the plywood decking using size #8×2½ inch drywall/multipurpose screws described above through attachment holes on the first and second sides of the base. A span of fence was hung and pinned into place bearing on the guardrail supports.

A 200 pound outward load was applied by hanging a 200 pound load from a pulley attached to a fixed overhead anchorage point. The 200 pound load was applied to a single guardrail support having 2 fasteners in the first side 14 and 2 fasteners in the second side 16 of the base. The guardrail support 10 withstood the 200 pound outward force applied at a height of 60 inches above the base 12. The guardrail support 10 also withstood a 200 pound outward force applied at a height of 60 inches above the base 12 using 2 fasteners in the first side 14, and 3 fasteners in the second side 16, as well as when using 3 fasteners in the first side 14 and 2 fasteners in the second side 16.

Next, testing was performed on a guardrail system having a single span of fence retained between two guardrail supports 10 of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The guardrail supports were spaced apart from each other by 8 feet. The 200 pound load was outwardly applied to the top rail of the span of fence at a distance of 60 inches above the base. The guardrail system withstood the 200 pound force applied at a height of 60 inches above the base 12 where one fastener was inserted through the first side 14 of the base 12 of the guardrail supports 10 and 2 fasteners were inserted through the second side 16 of the base 12 of the guardrail supports 10.

The guardrail system with a single span of fencing also withstood a 200 pound outward force when using 2 fasteners in the first side 14 and 2 fasteners in the second side 16 of the base 12 of the guardrail supports 10. The guardrail system also withstood a 200 pound outward force applied at a height of 60 inches above the base 12 using 2 fasteners in the first side 14, and 3 fasteners in the second side 16, as well as when using 3 fasteners in the first side 14 and 2 fasteners in the second side 16 of the base 12 of the guardrail supports.

Further testing was performed on a guardrail system having a double span of fence as shown in FIG. 11 with the double span of fence retained between two guardrail supports 10 of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The guardrail supports were spaced apart from each other by 8 feet. The 200 pound load was outwardly applied to the top rail of the span of fence at a distance of 60 inches above the base. The guardrail system withstood the 200 pound force applied at a height of 60 inches above the base 12 where one fastener was inserted through the first side 14 of the base 12 of the guardrail supports 10 and 2 fasteners were inserted through the second side 16 of the base 12 of the guardrail supports 10. The guardrail system with a double span of fencing also withstood a 200 pound outward force when using 2 fasteners in the first side 14 and 2 fasteners in the second side 16 of the base 12 of the guardrail supports 10. The guardrail system also withstood a 200 pound outward force applied at a height of 60 inches above the base 12 using 2 fasteners in the first side 14, and 3 fasteners in the second side 16, as well as when using 3 fasteners in the first side 14 and 2 fasteners in the second side 16 of the base 12 of the guardrail supports. In each of the tests above the fasteners used were size #8×2½ inch drywall/multipurpose screws described above.

Additional testing was performed on a guardrail support attached to a concrete surface using fasteners comprising size 16d double head nails with tie wire. A 200 pound outward load was applied in the manner described above when the guardrail support was attached to plywood decking. The guardrail support 10 withstood a 200 pound outward force applied at a height of 60 inches above the base 12 where one fastener was inserted through the first side 14 of the base 12 of the guardrail support 10 and 2 fasteners were inserted through the second side 16 of the base 12 of the guardrail support 10. The guardrail support 10 also withstood a 200 pound outward force when using 2 fasteners in the first side 14 and 2 fasteners in the second side 16 of the base 12 of the guardrail support 10.

Thus, the guardrail support 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the guardrail system shown in FIG. 11 using the guardrail supports 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 were able to withstand a 200 pound force applied outwardly at a distance of 60 inches above the base. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments provide for a guardrail support and guardrail system that meet the OSHA fall restriction regulations for a guardrail system having a height of 60 inches, providing a significant improvement in safety over guardrail systems having a height of 42 inches.

Example embodiments of the present invention have been described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that changes and modifications may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the present invention, which is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A guardrail support comprising:

a base having a first side that includes a first set of one or more attachment holes suitable for attaching the first side of the base to a surface beneath the base, and a second side opposite the first side having a second set of one or more attachment holes suitable for attaching the second side of the base to the surface beneath the base;

a post extending vertically from the base;

a support member extending at an angle from the first side of the base to the post;

wherein an upper portion of the post is positioned at a distance of between 48 inches and 60 inches from the base;

and wherein when the base of the guardrail support is attached to the surface beneath the base, the guardrail support will withstand a 200 pound force applied to the upper portion of the post in a direction perpendicular to the post and in a direction from the second side of the base to the first side of the base.

2. The guardrail support of claim 1, wherein the first set of one or more attachment holes on the first side of the base are adapted so that one or more fasteners may extend through the one or more attachment holes at a penetrating angle to attach the first side of the base to the surface beneath the base.

3. The guardrail support of claim 2, wherein the penetrating angle provides an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees between the one or more fasteners and the base.

4. The guardrail support of claim 3, wherein the penetrating angle provides an angle of 45 degrees between the one or more fasteners and the base.

5. The guardrail support of claim 2, wherein the second set of one or more attachment holes on the second side of the base are adapted so that one or more fasteners may extend through the second set of one or more at attachment holes at a penetrating angle to attach the second side of the base to the surface beneath the base.

6. The guardrail support of claim 5, wherein the penetrating angle provides an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees between the one or more fasteners extending through the second set of one or more attachment holes and the base.

7. The guardrail support of claim 6, wherein the penetrating angle provides an angle of 45 degrees between the one or more fasteners extending through the second set of one or more attachment holes and the base.

8. The guardrail support of claim 1, wherein a first angle member is positioned on the first side of the base having a third set of one or more attachment holes that correspond to the first set of attachment holes positioned on the first side of the base, and

wherein the third set of attachment holes on the first angle member are positioned on a surface of the first angle member at an angle such that one or more fasteners may extend through the first set of attachment holes on the first side of the base and the third set of attachment holes on the first angle member at a penetrating angle of between 30 and 60 degrees from the base.

9. The guardrail support of claim 8, wherein the penetrating angle between the one or more fasteners and the base is 45 degrees from the base.

10. The guardrail support of claim 8, wherein a second angle member is positioned on the second side of the base having a fourth set of one or more attachment holes that correspond to the second set of attachment holes positioned on the second side of the base, and wherein the fourth set of attachment holes on the second angle member are positioned on a surface of the second angle member at an angle such that one or more fasteners may extend through the second set of one or more attachment holes on the second side of the base and the fourth set of attachment holes on the second angle member at an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees from the base.

11. The guardrail support of claim 10, wherein the angle between the one or more fasteners extending through the fourth set of one or more attachment holes on the second angle member and the base is 45 degrees from the base.

12. The guardrail support of claim 1, wherein when the base of the guardrail support is attached to the surface beneath the base, the guardrail support will withstand a 200 pound force applied to the upper portion of the post at a distance of 60 inches from the base in a direction perpendicular to the post and in a direction from the second side of the base to the first side of the base.

13. The guardrail support of claim 1, wherein the support member extends at an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees from the base.

14. The guardrail support of claim 13, wherein the support member extends at an angle of 45 degrees from the base.

15. The guardrail support of claim 1, wherein a first fence rail holder is positioned on the upper portion of the vertical post that is adapted to retain a top rail of a fence.

16. The guardrail support of claim 15, wherein the first fence rail holder is capable of withstanding a 200 pound downward force.

17. The guardrail support of claim 15, wherein the guardrail support will stand on its own before it is secured to a surface beneath the base.

18. A guardrail support comprising:

a base having a first side that includes a first set of one or more attachment holes suitable for attaching the first side of the base to a surface beneath the base by inserting one or more fasteners through the first set of attachment holes at a penetrating angle, and a second side opposite the first side having a second set of one or more attachment holes suitable for attaching the second side of the base to the surface beneath the base by inserting one or more fasteners through the second set of attachment holes at a penetrating angle;

a post extending vertically from the base;

a support member extending at an angle from the first side of the base to the post;

wherein an upper portion of the post is positioned at a distance of between 48 inches and 60 inches from the base.

19. The guardrail support of claim 18, wherein when the base of the guardrail support is attached to the surface beneath the base, the guardrail support will withstand a 200 pound force applied to the upper portion of the post in a direction perpendicular to the post and in a direction from the second side of the base to the first side of the base.

20. The guardrail support of claim 18, wherein one of the first set of one or more attachment holes on the first side of the base is positioned at least 14.5 inches from one of the second set of one or more attachment holes on the second side of the base.

21. The guardrail support of claim 20, where a second one of the first set of one or more attachment holes on the first side of the base is positioned at least 14.5 inches from one of the second set of one or more attachment holes on the second side of the base.

22. The guardrail support of claim 18, wherein the vertical post has a 1½ in×1½inch square cross section.

23. The guardrail support of claim 18, wherein the base is no more than 16 inches long and 8 inches wide and no more than one quarter of an inch thick.

24. The guardrail support of claim 20, wherein a first side of the vertical post is positioned at least 7 inches from one of the first set of attachment holes positioned on the first side of the base.

25. The guardrail support of claim 24, wherein a second side of the vertical post is positioned at least 4½ inches from one of the second set of attachment holes positioned on the second side of the base.

26. The guardrail support of claim 18, wherein the support member is attached to a first side of the post at a distance of 8½ inches from the base.

27. The guardrail support of claim 26, wherein the support member is comprised of an angle member having a length of 12 inches and two 1-inch long members having a thickness of ⅛ of an inch.

28. The guardrail support of claim 18, wherein a first fence rail holder is positioned on the upper portion of the vertical post and is adapted to retain a top rail of a fence.

29. The guardrail support of claim 28, wherein the first fence rail holder is capable of withstanding a 200 pound downward force.

30. The guardrail support of claim 28, wherein the first fence rail holder is formed from an angle member that extends 2¼ inches and is 1½ inch wide and ¼ inch thick.

31. The guardrail support of claim 28, wherein the first fence rail holder is positioned to retain a top rail of a fence 60 inches above the base.

32. The guardrail support of claim 28, wherein the fence rail holder has a hole positioned therein that is adjacent a hole positioned in the upper portion of the post and the hole on the fence rail holder and the post are adapted to receive a retention pin therethrough to retain a top rail of a fence.

33. A guardrail system comprising:

a first guardrail support comprising:

a base having a first side that includes a first set of one or more attachment holes and a second side opposite the first side having a second set of one or more attachment holes;

a post extending vertically from the base; and

a support member extending at an angle from the first side of the base to the post;

wherein an upper portion of the post is positioned at a distance of between 48 inches and 60 inches from the base; and

wherein the base is attached to a surface beneath the base by one or more fasteners inserted through one or more of the first set of one or more attachment holes on the first side of the base at a penetrating angle, and one or more fasteners inserted through one or more of the second set of attachment holes on the second side of the base at a penetrating angle;

a second guardrail support comprising:

a base having a first side that includes a first set of one or more attachment holes and a second side opposite the first side having a second set of one or more attachment holes;

a post extending vertically from the base; and

a support member extending at an angle from the first side of the base to the post;

wherein an upper portion of the post is positioned at a distance of between 48 inches and 60 inches from the base; and

wherein the base is attached to a surface beneath the base by one or more fasteners inserted through one or more of the first set of one or more attachment holes on the first side of the base at a penetrating angle, and one or more fasteners inserted through one or more of the second set of attachment holes on the second side of the base at a penetrating angle; and

a span of fence extending from the first guardrail support to the second guardrail support and retained by the first guardrail support and the second guardrail support wherein a top rail of the span of fence is between 48 and at least 60 inches above the base.

34. The guardrail system of claim 33, wherein at least two of the second set of one or more attachment holes on the second side of the base have a fastener extending therethrough at a penetrating angle into the surface beneath the base and at least one of the first set of one or more attachment holes on the first side of the base have a fastener extending therethrough at a penetrating angle into the surface beneath the base.

35. The guardrail system of claim 34, wherein the at least two attachment holes on the second side of the base are positioned at least 14.5 inches from the at least one attachment hole positioned on the first side of the base.

36. The guardrail system of claim 34, wherein the guardrail system will withstand a 200 pound outward or downward force applied anywhere along the top rail.

37. The guardrail system of claim 36, wherein the vertical posts in the first and second guardrail supports have a 1½ in×1½ inch square cross section.

38. The guardrail system of claim 36, wherein the support member extends at a 45 degree angle from the base and is 12 inches in length.

39. The guardrail system of claim 36, wherein the vertical post in the first and second guardrail supports is positioned closer to the two attachment holes on the second side of the base than the one attachment hole on the first side of the base.

40. The guardrail system of claim 38, wherein the support member is comprised of an angle member having a length of 12 inches and two 1-inch long members having a thickness of ⅛ of an inch.

41. The guardrail system of claim 36, wherein the span of fence is positioned within a first fence rail holder located on the upper portion of the vertical post on the first guardrail support, and also positioned within a second fence rail holder that is located on the upper portion of the vertical post of the second guardrail support.

42. The guardrail system of claim 36, wherein the top rail of the fence is positioned 60 inches above the base.

43. The guardrail system of claim 36, wherein the top rail of the fence is comprised of ¾ inch by ¾ inch steel tube having a wall thickness of ⅛ of an inch.

44. The guardrail system of claim 43, wherein the span fence has a height of five feet and includes the top rail, a middle rail, and a bottom rail that are parallel to one another and attached to a first vertical member on a first side and a second vertical member on a second side.

45. The guardrail system of claim 36, wherein the fasteners are inserted into the surface beneath the base at a penetrating angle of 45 degrees from the base.