SUPPORT FRAME AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a support frame for use with an edge protection system for elevated structures, such as building rooves. The support frame includes a first frame portion and a second frame portion mounted together so as to be axially slidable relative one another between an extended position for locating a post of the edge protection system alongside a roof edge of a building and a retracted position. The support frame further includes a coupling mount extending from an uppermost frame member for coupling to a portion of the building adjacent the roof edge and for receiving and supporting the post in an upright position alongside the roof edge of the building.

Claims

1. A support frame for an edge protection system, said frame comprising: a first frame member and a second frame member mounted together so as to be axially slidable relative to one another between an extended position for locating a post of the edge protection system alongside a roof edge of a building and a retracted position; a coupling mount extending from an uppermost said frame member of either the first frame member or the second frame member for coupling to a portion of the building and for receiving and supporting the post in an upright position alongside the roof edge of the building; and a threaded shaft actuating mechanism comprising a threaded shaft rotatably coupled to the first frame member and upon which the second frame member is mounted for movement therealong by rotation of the threaded shaft between the extended position and the retracted position.

2. The frame of claim 1, wherein the first frame member is an uppermost frame member and the second frame member is a lowermost frame member when mounted together and in an upright position.

3. The frame of claim 1, wherein the second frame member comprises a shaped groove or channel extending linearly at least partially along its length and the first frame member is slidably connected to the shaped groove or channel.

4. The frame of claim 3, wherein the first frame member further comprises at least one retaining member configured to be retainable and slidable within the shaped groove or channel such that the first frame member is slidable along the shaped groove or channel but is prevented from separating away from the shaped groove or channel.

5. The frame of claim 4, wherein the at least one retaining member comprises an enlarged head configured to engage and be retained within the shaped groove or channel.

6. The frame of claim 1, wherein the first frame member and the second frame member are mounted together in a telescopic arrangement in which one of the first frame member and the second frame member is at least partially received within an end of the other of the first frame member and the second frame member so as to be axially slidable relative to the other of the first frame member and the second frame member.

7. The frame of claim 6, wherein the second frame member is at least partially received in a lower end of the first frame member and is axially slidable relative to the first frame member between the extended position and the retracted position.

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. The frame of claim 1, wherein the threaded shaft is rotatably coupled to or near an upper end of the first frame member and extends along and through an internal passage of the first frame member and at least partially along an internal passage of the second frame member.

12. The frame of claim 8, wherein the threaded shaft comprises an enlarged head that protrudes from an upper end of the first frame member.

13. The frame of claim 9, wherein the enlarged head is configured for engaging with a tool for applying torque to the threaded shaft and turning or rotating the shaft relative to the first frame member and the second frame members.

14. The frame of claim 1, wherein the second frame member has a closed upper end comprising a central opening for receiving the threaded shaft therethrough and for threadingly engaging with the threaded shaft.

15. The frame of claim 1, wherein the second frame member comprises a screw mounting portion configured to receive and threadingly engage with the threaded shaft, said screw mounting portion being located within an internal passage of the second frame member.

16. The frame of claim 1, wherein the coupling mount is configured to couple with a fascia, a soffit beam, a rafter, a truss or any other like structural frame member of the building extending about a roof edge of the building.

17. The frame of claim 1, wherein the coupling mount comprises a flanged portion configured to be fastened to a portion of the building, said flanged portion comprising one or more openings each configured to receive a mechanical fastener therethrough for fastening the flanged portion to the portion of the building.

18. The frame of claim 1, wherein the coupling mount comprises a pair of engagement members and at least one coupling mount frame member extending outwardly from a side of an upper portion of the first frame member, said engagement members arranged on an outer end of the coupling mount frame member for engaging with the portion of the building.

19. The frame of claim 15, wherein the pair of engagement members are arranged in a spaced arrangement on the outer end of the coupling mount frame member for at least partially receiving and coupling with the portion of the building received therebetween.

20. (canceled)

21. The frame of claim 15, wherein each of said engagement members comprises a projection extending or protruding upwardly from and at least partially across an upper surface of the coupling mount frame member in a lateral direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the coupling mount frame member.

22. The frame of claim 15, wherein the coupling mount further comprises a second coupling mount frame member extending between the first frame member and the coupling mount frame member for supporting or bracing the coupling mount frame member.

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. A method of installing an edge protection system, said method comprising: extending at least two support frames as defined in claim 1 to the extended position such that the coupling mount of each support frame is positioned alongside or adjacent a roof edge of a building; coupling the coupling mount of each said support frame to a portion of the building at or near the roof edge; mounting a post of the edge protection system to a post mount of each said support frame; and spanning at least one rail between adjacently positioned posts.

27. The method of claim 19, wherein the extending comprises applying torque to a threaded shaft actuating mechanism for moving each support frame to the extended position.

28. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0102] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0103] FIG. 1 is a sectional perspective view of a support frame for use with an edge protection system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0104] FIGS. 2A and 2B respectively show a sectional side view and a non-sectional side view of the support frame as shown in FIG. 1 coupled to a base;

[0105] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a first frame member and a second frame member of the support frame as shown in FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B in a telescopic arrangement in which the frame members are axially slidable relative to one another; and

[0106] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a building with an edge protection system according to an embodiment of the present invention installed around the building.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0107] FIG. 1 shows a support frame (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention for use with an edge protection system in providing a temporary barrier around a roof edge of a building.

[0108] The support frame (100) includes: a first frame member (110) and a second frame member (120) mounted together so as to be axially slidable relative to one another between an extended position for locating a post of the edge protection system alongside a roof edge and a retracted position as shown; a coupling mount (140) extending from a side of the first frame member (110) for coupling to a fascia of a building and for receiving and supporting the post of the edge protection system in an upright position alongside the roof edge; and an actuating mechanism in the form of a threaded shaft (160) rotatably coupled to the first frame member (110) and upon which the second frame member (120) is threadingly mounted for movement therealong, by rotation of the threaded shaft (160), between the extended and retracted positions.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 1, the support frame (100) is generally formed from aluminium with the exception of the threaded shaft (160), which is formed from steel.

[0110] The frame members (110, 120), including the coupling mount (140), are formed from extrusions and are thus of tubular construction with substantially rectangular cross sections.

[0111] The frame members (110, 120) each include a pair of opposed ends, including a lower end (112, 122) and an opposed upper end (114, 124). Each frame members (110, 120) extending longitudinally in a linear direction between the opposed ends (112, 114, 122, 124).

[0112] Referring briefly to FIG. 2A, the first and second frame members (110, 120) are mounted together in a telescopic arrangement in which the frame members (110, 120) are axially slidable relative to one another between the extended and retracted positions.

[0113] The second frame member (120) is at least partially received in the lower end (112) of the first frame member (110) and is axially slidable relative to the first frame member (110) between the extended positon (not shown) and the retracted position (shown).

[0114] As shown in the retracted position, the second frame member (120) is fully retracted within the first frame member (110).

[0115] Conversely, in the extended position, the second frame member (120) is almost fully extended from out of the lower end (112) of the first frame member (110). Generally, at least a portion of the upper end (124) of the second frame member (120) remains within the lower end (112) of the first frame member (110) when in the extended position so as not to compromise the structural integrity of the support frame (110).

[0116] Referring briefly to FIG. 3, in the telescopic arrangement, the first frame member (110) includes inwardly protruding rails or projections (310) extending longitudinally at least partway along an internal surface of one or more walls and the second frame member (120) includes corresponding grooves or channels (320) extending longitudinally at least partway along an outer surface of one or more corresponding walls and configured to engage with and at least partially receive the one or more inwardly protruding rails or projections (310) when the second frame member (120) is slidably received within the first frame member (110).

[0117] Referring back to FIG. 2A and as indicated above, the support frame (100) includes an actuating mechanism in the form of a threaded shaft (160) rotatably coupled to the first frame member (110) and upon which the second frame member (120) is threadingly mounted for movement therealong, by rotation of the threaded shaft (160), between the extended and retracted positions.

[0118] The threaded shaft (160) includes a pair of opposed ends, including a lower end (162) and an opposed upper end (164). The shaft (160) extends longitudinally between the opposed ends (162, 164) in a linear direction.

[0119] The threaded shaft (160) includes an external thread extending at least partially along a length of the shaft (160). The external thread has an Acme thread form.

[0120] As shown, the threaded shaft (160) is rotatably coupled to or near the upper end (114) of the first frame member (110) and extends along and through an internal passage of the first frame member (110) and at least partially along an internal passage of the second frame member (120).

[0121] The upper end (164) of the threaded shaft (160) is rotatably coupled to upper end (114) of the first frame member (110) such that the threaded shaft (160) is able to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

[0122] In the embodiment shown, the upper end (164) of the threaded shaft (160), which protrudes through an opening in the upper end (114) of the first frame member (110), has an enlarged shaft head (166) which is unable to pass through the opening and thereby secures the shaft (160) to the upper end (114) of the first frame member (110).

[0123] In use, the shaft head (166) has a hexagonal shape for engagement with a wrench or impact wrench for applying torque to the threaded shaft (160) and turning or rotating the shaft (160) relative to the first frame member (110).

[0124] As also shown, the second frame member (120) is threadingly mounted to the threaded shaft (160) for movement therealong by rotation of the threaded shaft (160) between the extended and retracted positions.

[0125] Like the first frame member (110), the second frame member (120) also includes an opening defined in its upper end (124) having an internal thread sized and shaped for receiving the threaded shaft (160) therethrough and for threadingly engaging with the external thread extending along the threaded shaft (160).

[0126] Referring to FIG. 2B and as indicated above, the support frame (100) includes the coupling mount (140) for coupling to a fascia of a building and for receiving and supporting a post of an edge protection system in an upright position alongside the roof edge.

[0127] The coupling mount (140) includes a pair of engagement members (142) and two coupling mount frame members (150, 170) that extend outwardly from a side of the first frame member (110) for positioning the pair of engagement members (142) for coupling to a fascia of a building.

[0128] The coupling mount frame members (150, 170) include a first mount frame member (150) that extends outwardly from an upper portion of a side of the first frame member (110) in a perpendicular direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the first frame member (110) and a second mount frame member (170) that extends at an angle between a lower portion of a side of the first frame member (110) and an outer portion of the first mount frame member (150) for supporting or bracing the first mount frame member (150).

[0129] Each coupling mount frame member (150, 170), like the first and second frame members (110, 120), are extrusions having a pair of opposed ends, including an inner end (152, 172) and an opposed outer end (154, 174). The respective inner ends (152, 172) of the frame members (150, 170) are permanently joined to a side of the first frame member (110) using conventional welding techniques.

[0130] The pair of engagement members (142) are arranged in a spaced arrangement near an outer end (154) of the first coupling mount frame member (150) for at least partially receiving and coupling with a lower edge portion of a fascia of the building received therebetween.

[0131] Each engagement member (142) is in the form of a projection or protrusion extending upwardly from and at least partially across an upper surface of the outer end (154) of the first coupling mount frame member (150). Each member (142) extends in a lateral direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the frame member (150).

[0132] As also shown, the coupling mount (140) includes a post mount (144) for snugly receiving and supporting a post of an edge protection system in a substantially upright position. The post mount (144) is in the form of a socket located on an upper side of the first coupling mount frame member (150) near its inner end (152).

[0133] Best shown in both FIGS. 2A and 2B, the support frame further includes a base (200) for at least partially stabilising the support frame (100) in an upright position atop a support surface.

[0134] The base (200) is in the form of a rubber plate having a substantially rectangular shape.

[0135] The base (200) includes opposed surfaces extending substantially parallel to one another, including a lower surface and an opposed upper surface (202). The opposed surfaces are interconnected by opposing edges, including opposed end edges and opposed side edges.

[0136] The base (200) includes an opening defined in the upper surface (202) within which a lower end (122; visible only in FIG. 2A) of the second frame member (120; visible only in FIG. 2A) is received for coupling the base (200) to the support frame (100).

[0137] FIG. 4 shows an edge protection system (400) according to an embodiment of the present invention installed around a building (900).

[0138] The edge protection system (400) includes a plurality of the support frames (100), a plurality of posts (700) each mounted to a support frame (100) and a plurality of rails (800) arranged to span between and be coupled to the posts (700) to provide a temporary barrier about a roof edge (910) of the building (900).

[0139] As shown, the plurality of the support frames (100) arranged at spaced intervals around a perimeter of the building (900) and each is shown in the extended position extending between the support surface and the roof edge (910).

[0140] Each support frame (100) is coupled to the fascia of the building (900) as shown for supporting a post (700) of the edge protection system (400) in a substantially upright position. Each post (700) is mounted to the post mount (144; not visible) of the coupling mount (140; not visible) of each support frame (100).

[0141] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0142] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0143] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.