GB2558175A

GB2558175A - Safety barrier

Info

Publication number: GB2558175A
Application number: GB1610895.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jaiyeola Charles
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-06-22
Filing date: 2016-06-22
Publication date: 2018-07-11
Also published as: GB201610895D0

Abstract

A personnel protection system for a flatbed truck or trailer having a bed to receive goods for transport comprises a plurality of personnel platforms 2, moveable between a stowed position 2B in which the platform is located substantially within the periphery of the bed 6 to an operational position where the platforms extend from the edge of the truck bed. The platforms may be slidably mounted in channels 4 of beams 3 which extend across the bed, said platforms having legs (9, figures 5 and 6) which may be withdrawn from the depth of the platforms when they are in their in-use positions so as to extend to a ground surface. The platforms may also be provided with pivotally mounted posts (16, figure 12) which lie parallel to a face of the platforms when not in use, but which can be pivoted into an upright position so as to provide, in conjunction with an extendable sheet material (18), a personnel barrier.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Safety barrier

Abstract Title: Edge protection system for a flatbed truck (57) A personnel protection system for a flatbed truck or trailer having a bed to receive goods for transport comprises a plurality of personnel platforms 2, moveable between a stowed position 2B in which the platform is located substantially within the periphery of the bed 6 to an operational position where the platforms extend from the edge of the truck bed. The platforms may be slidably mounted in channels 4 of beams 3 which extend across the bed, said platforms having legs (9, figures 5 and 6) which may be withdrawn from the depth of the platforms when they are in their in-use positions so as to extend to a ground surface. The platforms may also be provided with pivotally mounted posts (16, figure 12) which lie parallel to a face of the platforms when not in use, but which can be pivoted into an upright position so as to provide, in conjunction with an extendable sheet material (18), a personnel barrier.

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Edge Protection System

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to edge protection systems to provide protection against falls and other injuries when personnel are loading or unloading goods from trucks.

Background and Prior Art

When trucks, and especially flatbed trucks, are loaded with goods and need to be unloaded at site, there is often risk posed by the inaccessibility of the goods to the operators, leaving them needing to climb over the goods to access them, e.g. to attach lifting apparatus required for unloading. As a result, there is a very real danger of operators falling from the edge of the truck, especially where work is carried out on building sites, and especially where space is constrained.

A number of systems exist that attempt to provide such protection. For example, some operators attempt to provide fall protection from the edge of trailers by bolting metal railings onto the edge of the truck bed. Whilst this does provide protection, unless there are clear areas on the truck bed, no space is available for operators top safely work. Where loads exceed the width of the truck bed, the railings cannot be installed. Furthermore, the railings are heavy and bulky, and are thus time-consuming to fit, and difficult to store - they might be fitted at the site that the truck is loaded, but are unlikely to be available at the unloading site.

In other scenarios, some degree of protection may be provided by positioning straps (e.g. the ratchet straps used to hold loads in place) between uprights inserted into sockets on the truck bed. Unfortunately, this again can only be effective where there is clear space on the truck bed. The system also does not provide protection against operators slipping under straps and falling from the truck bed.

In yet further systems, trailer edge protection may be provided by a railing arrangement, mounted on the floor adjacent a truck, and extending upwardly beyond the plane of the truck bed. Whilst this might be a solution for the loading site of trucks (assuming again that there is free area on the truck bed), it not a workable solution when trucks are being unloaded in a busy, site, with limited access.

It is amongst the objects of the present invention to attempt a solution to these and other problems.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the invention provides a personnel protection system for a flatbed truck having a bed to receive goods for transport, said system comprising a plurality of personnel platforms, each platform being moveable between a first stowed position in which said platform is located substantially within the periphery of the bed and a second operational position in which said platform extends from the periphery of the bed, thereby providing a personnel platform to allow access to goods on said bed.

Where wide loads overhang the edge of the truck bed, the platforms may be extended beyond the load, to provide safe access. If the load is extremely wide, extending in parts beyond the widest extend of a platform when in its operational position, platforms at that extremity can be left in their stowed position, the other adjacent platforms still providing a safe working platform.

Preferably, said platforms, when extended to their operational positions, form a walkway extending substantially along the complete length of one side of said bed.

Preferably also, said platforms, when extended to their operational positions, form walkways extending substantially along each side of said bed.

In any aspect of the invention it is preferred that said platforms are slideably mounted in channels.

Also in any aspect of the invention it is preferred that at least one of said platforms is provided with a securing mechanism to secure said platform in a plurality of operational positions.

Also in any aspect of the invention it is preferred that at least one of said platforms is provided with a support leg, moveable between a first retracted position in which said leg is substantially parallel to the face of the platform and a second supporting position in which said leg extends downwardly. Preferably, said leg, when in its retracted position, lies substantially within the thickness of the platform. More preferably, said leg is extendable to provide ground-engaging contact and support, in use.

In any aspect of the invention it is preferred that an edge of at least one of said personnel platforms is provided with a personnel barrier, moveable between a first position in which said barrier is retracted and a second position in which said barrier extends upwardly from said platform, adjacent an outside edge of said platform.

Preferably, said barrier comprises one or more pivotally-mounted posts, moveable between a first position in which said post(s) lie substantially par allel to the face of the platform and a second position in which said posts extend upwardly, and said post(s) are provided with an attachment device to enable the attachment of a barrier element extending from said post, or between said posts.

More preferably, said barrier element comprises sheet material, and said sheet material is extendable from a first configuration in which the sheet material is stored to a second configuration in which the sheet material extends between said posts.

Also included in the scope of the invention is a protection system substantially as described herein, with reference to and as illustrated by any appropriate combination of the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Figures

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a partially exploded perspective view of elements of the invention; Figure 2 shows a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 3 and 4 show perspective views of a cross-member forming part of an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 5 and 6 show perspective views of a personnel platform forming part of an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 illustrates, in perspective view, material suitable for constructing a personnel platform;

Figure 8, 9 and 10 illustrate, in perspective view, a cross-member supporting a barrier support arm forming part of an embodiment of the invention; and

Figures 11 and 12 illustrate in perspective view, an embodiment of the invention.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

Figure 1 illustrates, in perspective view, component parts of a personnel protection system of the invention, generally indicated by 1. The system comprises a number of personnel platforms 2. Five such platforms 2 are illustrated in Figure 1, one 2A in its operational position, one 2B in its stowed position, and three 2C in exploded view. In the configuration illustrated here, twelve such platforms 2 would normally be installed; the others have been omitted, for clarity.

In this embodiment, cross-members 3 are provided, each of which having a channel 4, or channels to receive the edges of each of the platforms 2. The cross-members at each end of the system have a single, inwardly-facing channel 4, and the cross-members between these each having two channels 4, one located on each side of the cross-members 3.

The embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 would be suitable for retro-fitting to an existing flatbed truck. Each of the cross-members 3 is provided with attachment arms 5 at each end, and which may be used to attach the cross-members to the existing bed 6 of a flatbed truck.

For flatbed trucks where the protection system is to be incorporated at time of manufacture, then the mechanism may be incorporated below the existing bed of the truck.

In this specification, the term “flatbed truck” is used generically, and should be understood to include haulage transport of all forms that are provided with flat “beds” on which goods are transported, and which are accessed from a side of the transport. So, the term includes, without limitation, such vehicles that might be provided with removable side panels, or sheets. The vehicles might be in the form of road vehicles, or, e.g. railway flatbed units.

Figure 2 illustrates, in exploded perspective view, a personnel protection system of the present invention. This again shows how such a system might be configured as a retro-fitted protection system. Like elements are numbered accordingly.

A number of cross-members 3 are secured on the surface of the existing bed 6 of a truck. The cross-members are provided with channels 4 to receive the personnel platforms 2, only two of which are illustrated in exploded form, for clarity. For an operational system, it is envisaged that two such platforms 2 would be located between each adjacent pair of cross-members 3, each of which arranged to extend, independently, from corresponding sides of the existing bed 6.

Mounted on top of the cross-members 3, and attached thereto, is a support frame 7, on top of which is further mounted a supplementary bed 8 on which goods may be loaded. The support frame 7 may be conveniently manufactured from any suitably strong material, such as box section steel. The supplementary bed 8 may also be made from any suitably strong material, such as wood or steel sheet.

Figure 3 illustrates, in perspective view, a cross-member 3 forming part of a personnel protection system of the invention. In this embodiment, the cross-member 3 is formed from steel, and has a channel 4 on each side, to receive a personnel platform 2 (not illustrated).

The cross-members may also be provided with securing mechanisms (not illustrated) to allow a platform to be secured at a number of positions within the channel, such as a stowed position and one or more operational positions. Such securing mechanisms might include e.g. end-stops on the cross-member 3 to interact with a portion of the platform 2, or locking pins that form a releasable connection between a platform 2 and a cross-member 3.

The cross member 3 is also provided with an attachment arm 5 at each end. These may be used to secure the cross-members 3 to an existing truck bed 6, e.g. by bolting the arm 5 to the side of the existing bed 6 using one or more horizontal holes 7 located in a downwardly extending portion of an L-shaped arm 5 to secure the arm 5 to a side face of an existing bed 6, e.g. by the use of bolts or clamps. Alternatively, one or more vertical holes 8 may be used to secure the cross-member to the top surface of an existing bed 6. The vertical holes 8 may also be used to secure a personnel barrier, as discussed below.

Figure 4 illustrates an end cross-member 3 that may be used at the forward-most or rearwardmost extent of the protection system, and is provided with just a single channel 4 on one side of the member. Other features are as described for Figure 3, and are numbered correspondingly.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate, in perspective view, a personnel platform 2 forming part of a protection system of the invention. In this embodiment, the platform 2 is provided with a pivotally-mounted leg 9 moveable from a stowed position as illustrated in Figure 5, in which the leg 9 is substantially parallel to the face 10 of the platform to an operational position (illustrated in Figure 6) where the leg extends downwardly from the platform, preferably substantially perpendicular to the face 10 of the platform 2. In this embodiment, the leg 9 is contained within the envelope of the platform 2 when in its stowed position, and may be held there by a convenient mechanism (not illustrated) that may readily be provided by the skilled addressee. A similar locking mechanism may be provided to maintain the leg 9 in its operational position. In other embodiments, the leg 9 may sit adjacent a face of the platform when in its stowed position.

In this embodiment, the leg 9 is furnished with a telescopic portion 11, allowing its length to be adjusted to engage the ground when in use. As illustrated, the telescopic mechanism is provided by a smaller box section sliding within the upper, larger leg portion. Adjustment is provided by a series of holes 12 through which a locking pin (not illustrated) may be placed. Other telescopic mechanisms may also be employed.

In preferred embodiments, the platform 2 is constructed from grating known as “Kennedy Grating”, illustrated in perspective view in Figure 7, in which parallel, spaced-apart slats 13 (usually formed of metal, such as steel) are joined together by rods 14 passing through the slats 13, or mounted on the surface formed by corresponding edges 15 of the slats 13. The use of this material prevents water accumulating on the surface in wet conditions, and provides good grip for personnel using the platform.

Figures 8-10 illustrate, in perspective view, part of an embodiment of the invention in which a personnel barrier is provided comprising moveable posts 16 and sheet material (not illustrated). In this embodiment, an L-shaped post 16 is pivotally-mounted to a cross-member of the invention by providing an aperture lying between the platform-receiving channels 4 of the cross-member, as described above. Figure 8 illustrates the relationship between the post 16 and the aperture 17 in exploded view.

The post 16 may be locked in either its stowed position (as illustrated in Figure 9) and its operational position (as illustrated in Figure 10) by any convenient mechanism, such as a pin (not illustrated) extending through the post into a corresponding hole 8 in the attachment arms 5. Such a mechanism may also provide for adjustment of the extent to which the posts extend in a horizontal direction, from the edge of the truck bed. The post may alternatively be pivotally mounted to the platform 2 itself.

Figure 11 illustrates, in perspective view, an embodiment of a protection system. For clarity, some personnel platforms 2 are omitted, and one is shown in exploded view. In this embodiment, cross-members 3 are mounted on the existing truck bed 6, and secured thereto. Personnel platforms 2 are slideably mounted in the channels 4 of the cross-members 3, as described previously. Pivotally mounted posts 6 are also provided (not illustrated in Figure

11, for clarity). Sheet material 18 for forming a personnel barrier is stored in a roll 19 mounted for rotation at a convenient location on the truck, for example at a forward position on the truck bed, behind the upright barrier 20 typically found on flatbed trucks.

Figure 12 Illustrates, in partial perspective view, the protection system of Figure 11 in its operational configuration. The personnel platforms 2 are extended beyond the edge of the truck bed 6, and posts 16 have been moved Into their upwardly-extending configuration. The posts are provided with attachment devices 21, in this embodiment in the form of hooks, to allow attachment of sheet material 18 that has been unwound from the roll 19, thereby io providing a personnel barrier adjacent the edge of the personnel platforms. In preferred embodiments, the sheet material comprises netting, thereby providing visibility of personnel on the platform 2, and goods stored on the truck bed.

For clarity, in Figures 11 and 12, the support frame 7 and supplementary bed 8, as illustrated in Figure 2 are omitted for the sake of clarity. Additionally, horizontal members extending from one side of the truck bed may be provided, to aid loading and unloading by forklift truck. Such arrangements will be familiar to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A personnel protection system for a flatbed truck having a bed to receive goods for transport, said system comprising a plurality of personnel platforms, each platform being moveable between a first stowed position in which said platform is located substantially within the periphery of the bed and a second operational position in which said platform extends from the periphery of the bed, thereby providing a personnel platform to allow access to goods on said bed.

2. A protection system according to Claim 1 wherein said platforms, when extended to their operational positions, form a walkway extending substantially along the complete length of one side of said bed.

3. A protection system according to Claim 1 wherein said platforms, when extended to their operational positions, form walkways extending substantially along each side of said bed.

4. A protection system according to any preceding claim wherein said platforms are slideably mounted in channels.

5. A protection system according to any preceding claim in which at least one of said platforms is provided with a securing mechanism to secure said platform in a plurality of operational positions.

6. A protection system according to any preceding claim in which at least one of said platforms is provided with a support leg, moveable between a first retracted position in which said leg is substantially parallel to the face of the platform and a second supporting position in which said leg extends downwardly.

7. A protection system according to Claim 6 wherein said leg, when in its retracted position, lies substantially within the thickness of the platform.

8. A protection system according to either one of Claims 6 or 7 wherein said leg is extendable to provide ground-engaging contact and support, in use.

9. A protection system according to any preceding claim wherein an edge of at least one of said personnel platforms is provided with a personnel barrier, moveable between a first position in which said barrier is retracted and a second position in which said barrier extends upwardly from said platform, adjacent an outside edge of said platform.

10. A protection system according to Claim 9 wherein said barrier comprises one or more

5 pivotally-mounted posts, moveable between a first position in which said post(s) lie substantially parallel to the face of the platform and a second position in which said posts extend upwardly, and said post(s) are provided with an attachment device to enable the attachment of a barrier element extending from said post, or between said posts.

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11. A protection system according to Claim 10 wherein said barrier element comprises sheet material, and said sheet material is extendable from a first configuration in which the sheet material is stored to a second configuration in which the sheet material extends between said posts.

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12. A protection system substantially as described herein, with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

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