WO2010088476A1

WO2010088476A1 - Magnetic safety pole

Info

Publication number: WO2010088476A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/022526
Authority: WO
Inventors: Will Harris; Gerald L. Dasbach
Original assignee: Romar Mec LLC
Current assignee: Romar Mec LLC
Priority date: 2009-01-30
Filing date: 2010-01-29
Publication date: 2010-08-05
Anticipated expiration: 2011-07-30

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for supporting a safety rail are provided. The apparatus can include a base; at least one elongated member extending from a first side of the base; and at least one magnet disposed on a second side of the base, wherein the magnet includes a contact side that is switchable between a magnetized state and a non-magnetized state.

Description

MAGNETIC SAFETY POLE

BACKGROUND

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application having Serial No. 61/148,819, filed on January 30, 2009, which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to apparatus and methods for supporting a safety rail. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatus and methods for supporting a safety rail on a magnetically susceptible surface.

[0003] During construction of ships, for example, temporary safety fences or safety rails must be installed about the ship for the safety of those building the ship. Conventionally poles are welded to the structure and chains, solid rails, ropes, and the like are then connected to the poles to provide a safety rail system.

[0004] Welding safety poles onto a structure during construction requires considerable time, effort, and expense. Moreover, once construction of the structure is complete the safety poles need to be removed, which requires more time, effort, and expense. Furthermore, removal of the welded safety poles usually damages the surface of the structure, which then requires refinishing; thereby adding even more to the cost and time associated with the installation and removal of the safety rail system.

[0005] There is a need, therefore, for new apparatus and methods for efficiently and effectively installing a safety rail on a structure, such as a ship, during construction thereof.

SUMMARY

[0006] Apparatus and methods for supporting a safety rail are provided. In one or more embodiments, the apparatus can include, but is not limited to, a base, at least one elongated member extending from a first side of the base and at least one magnet disposed on a second side of the base. The magnet can include a contact side that is switchable between a magnetized state and a non-magnetized state.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, a method for supporting a safety rail can include, but is not limited to, locating two or more safety poles onto a magnetically susceptible surface. The safety poles can include, but are not limited to, a base, at least one elongated member extending from a first side of the base and at least one magnet disposed on a second side of the base. The magnet can include a contact side that is swϊtchable between a magnetized state and a non- magnetized state. The method can also include securing the safety poles to the magnetically susceptible surface by switching the at least one magnet disposed on each of the two or more safety poles to the magnetized state. The method can also include disposing a rail between at least two of the two or more safety poles.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, a system for supporting a safety rail can include two or more safety poles disposed on a magnetically susceptible surface. The safety poles can include, but are not limited to, a base, at least one elongated member extending from a first side of the base, and at least one magnet disposed on a second side of the base. The magnet can include a contact side that is switchable between a magnetized state and a non-magnetized state. The system can further include at least one rail supported by the two or more safety poles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION QF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0010] Figure 1 depicts an isometric view of an illustrative support member; according to one or more embodiments described.

[0011 ] Figure 2 depicts an elevation view of the support member shown in Figure 1.

[0012] Figure 3 depicts an isometric view of an illustrative elongated member, according to one or more embodiments described.

[0013] Figure 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of the elongated member shown in Figure 3 along line 4-4.

[0014] Figure 5 depicts an isometric view of an illustrative base, according to one or more embodiments described.

[0015] Figure 6 depicts a bottom view of the illustrative base shown in Figure 5. [0016] Figure 7 depicts an illustrative safety rail system secured to the deck of a ship, according to one or more embodiments described.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] A detailed description will now be provided. Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. Each of the inventions will now be described in greater detail below, including specific embodiments, versions and examples, but the inventions are not limited to these embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventions, when the information in this patent is combined with available information and technology.

[0018] Figures 1 and 2 depict an isometric view and an elevation view, respectively, of an illustrative support member 100, according to one or more embodiments. The support member 100 can include a base 105, at least one elongated member 110, and at least one switchable magnet (two are shown 115). The elongated member 110 and the switchable magnets 115 can be disposed on or about the base 105. The elongated member can be disposed on a first or "top" side 107 of the base 105 and the switchable magnets 115 can be disposed on a second or "bottom" side 109 of the base 105.

[0019] The support member 100 can further include one or more reinforcement members or "gussets" (three are shown 125) and/or one or more connectors (two are shown 130, 135). The gussets 125 can be connected to the elongated member 110, the base 105, or both. The guessets 125 can provide support and/or reinforcement to the elongated member 110. As illustrated, three gussets 125 can be disposed about the proximal end of the elongated member 110 and the first side 107 of the base 105 to provide additional support thereto. The gussets 125 can prevent or reduce movement of the elongated member 110 relative to the base 105. For example, a force can be applied toward the distal end of the elongated member 110 and the gussets 125 can reduce or prevent the elongated member 110 from flexing or bending at the base 105. [0020] The connectors 130, 135 can be disposed on or about the elongated member 110. For example, the connector "end connector" 130 can be disposed about the distal end of the elongated member 110 and the connector "intermediate connector" 135 can be disposed about the elongated member 110 intermediate the base 105 and the end connector 130. In one or more embodiments, a plurality of intermediate connectors 135 can be disposed on or about the elongated member 110.

[0021] Still referring to Figures 1 and 2, the switchable magnets 115 can be switchable between a magnetized state ("on") and a non-magnetized state ("off). The switchable magnets 115 can be switched between the "on" position and the "off position via a handle, lever, switch, or other member 119. In one or more embodiments, the switchable magnets 115 can be any magnet capable of being switched between an "on" position and an "off position. In one or more embodiments, the switchable magnets 115 can be an electromagnet. In one or more embodiments, the switchable magnets 115 can be or include one or more permanent magnets.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the switchable magnet 115 can include a housing 121 which can at least partially house or enclose the switchable magnet disposed therein. In one or more embodiments, the housing 121 can be or include one or more materials having a low magnetic reluctance. The low magnetic reluctance materials can be ferrimagnetic or ferromagnetic ("magnetically susceptible material"). In one or more embodiments, at least one permanent magnet can be disposed within the housing 121. The at least one permanent magnet can be at least partially rotatable about an axis. For example, the at least one permanent magnet can be capable of rotating about 180° within the housing 121. In one or more embodiments, an illustrative switchable magnet can be similar as discussed and described in U.S. Patent No. 4,652,845.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, within the housing 121, a first magnet or "lower magnet" can be held in a fixed position beneath a second magnet or "upper magnet" that can be rotated about its axis. In one or more embodiments, the lower surface of the lower magnet can form part of a lower surface or "contact side" 123 of the switchable magnet 115. In one or more embodiments, the lower surface of the lower magnet can be recessed within the housing 121, such that the sides of the housing 121 provide a gap between the lower surface of the lower magnet and the contact side 123 of the switchable magnet 115. [0024] The switch 119 can rotate the second magnet relative to the first magnet within the housing 121. The second magnet can include a notch or groove adapted to engage or receive a bar (not shown) in communication with the switch 119. The bar can be received inside a groove formed on a boss (not shown) that is connected to the switch 119. The switch 119 can have two or more positions, at least one of which is an "on" position and at least one of which is an "off position.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, rotating the second magnet 180° about its axis can align the poles of both the first magnet and the second magnet in the "on" position to produce an external magnetic field. When so aligned, the north (positive) and south (negative) poles of the second magnet can substantially overlie the north and south poles of the first magnet, creating a strong external magnetic field about the housing 121. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the strong external magnetic field can be directed toward the contact side 123 of the switchable magnet 115. The contact side 123 can provide a surface along the switchable magnet 115 that can, when switched to the "on" position, magnetically attach to a magnetically susceptible surface (not shown).

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the housing 121 can be or include one or more pole pieces that can enhance the magnetic functionality of the switchable magnet 115. The shape or wall thickness of the pole pieces forming the housing 121 can increase or decrease the external magnetic field strength. For example, to provide a higher external magnetic field, the pole pieces can be shaped in such a way that they reflect the variation of the magnetic field strength around the perimeter of the permanently magnetized first and second magnets.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the switchable magnet 115 can include one, two, three, four, five, or more independent switchable magnets. In one or more embodiments, a switchable magnet 115 that includes a plurality of switchable magnets disposed within the housing 121 can be switched between the "on" and "off positions via a single switch 119. In one or more embodiments, a switchable magnet 115 that includes a plurality of switchable magnets disposed within the housing 121 can include two or more switches 119 that can switch one or more of the switchable magnets between the "on" position and the "off position.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the housing 121 can provide a waterproof and/or dustproof housing to protect the one or more switchable magnets disposed therein. This can provide a switchable magnet 115 suitable for use in harsh, dusty, and/or wet environments. Additional details of a suitable switchable magnet 115 is further discussed and described in U.S. Patent Nos.: 6,707,360 and 7,012,495 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No.: 2004/0239460.

[0029] Figures 3 depicts an isometric view of the elongated member 105 shown in Figures 1 and 2 and Figure 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of the elongated member 105 shown in Figure 3 along line 4-4, according to one or more embodiments. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the elongated member 110 can be or include an elongated rigid member, such as a rod, bar, pole, pipe, beam, or the like. The elongated member 110 can be solid, hollow, or a combination thereof. The elongated member 110 can have any suitable cross-section, for example the cross- section can be circular, triangular, rectangular, or any other geometrical shape, or any combination thereof. As illustrated, the elongated member 110 can be an elongated, cylindrical member.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the diameter of a cylindrical elongated member 110 can range from a low of about 1 cm, about 2 cm, or about 3 cm to a high of about 5 cm, about 7 cm, or about 10 cm. In one or more embodiments, the elongated member 110 can have any suitable length. For example, the elongated member 110 can have a length ranging from a low of about 15 cm, about 50 cm, about 75 cm, or about 100 cm to a high of about 120 cm, about 140 cm, or about 160 cm, about 180 cm or more.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the elongated member 110 can include one or more grooves or channels disposed thereon, and/or therein, and/or therethrough. In one or more embodiments, the elongated member 110 can include a central bore or channel 305 disposed therethrough. In one or more embodiments, the elongated member 110 can include one or more bores or channels (two are shown 307) disposed between the central bore 305 and an outer surface 303 of the elongated member 110. In one or more embodiments, the elongated member 110 can include one or more channels, slots or grooves (three are shown 309) disposed between the central bore 305 and the outer surface 303 and having a gap or slot along the outer surface 303 that extends along at least a portion of the length of the channels or grooves 309. The central bore 305, channels 307, and/or channels 309 can reduce the weight of the elongated member 110, while retaining structural strength and rigidity. [0032] In one or more embodiments, the central bore 305 at the proximal end of the elongated member 110 can be threaded to receive a bolt (not shown) that can secure the elongated member 110 to the first side 107 of the base 105. In one or more embodiements, the central bore 305, at the distal end of the elongated member 110, can be threaded to receive a bolt disposed through or a threaded stud disposed on (not show) the end connector 130, which can secure the end connector 130 to the distal end of the elongated member 110. In one or more embodiments, the elongated member 110 can be permanently connected to the first side 107 of the base 105, for example by welding, adhesion, riveting, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the elongated member 110 can be integral with the base 105. For example, the elongated member 110 and the base 105 can machined from an integral body, cast, forged, or the like.

[0033] Figure 5 depicts an isometric view of an illustrative base 105, according to one or more embodiments. As depicted, the base 105 can be any suitable shape, for example the base can be triangular having three corners 501, 503, 505. With reference to Figures 1, 2, and 5, the switchable magnets 115 can be disposed along or about an edge or side 507 of the base 105 between corners 501 and 503. As illustrated, the switches 119 of the switchable magnets 115 can pass through holes 509 disposed through the edge 507 and toward the corners 501 and 503, which can position the magnets 115 at or toward the corners 501, 503. If the thickness of the base 105 is less than the height of the switchable magnets 115, the base 105 can be raised along the edge 507 relative to the rest of the base 105, such that the contact sides 123 of the switchable magnets 115 can be planar with the second side 109 of the rest of the base 105.

[0034] Referring to Figures 1-5, the base 105 can include a hole 515 disposed through the base 105. The hole 515 and the central bore 305 at the distal end of the elongated member 110 can be aligned and a bolt (not shown) can be disposed through the hole 515 from the second side 109 of the base 105 and threadedly connected to the elongated member 110 within the central bore 305. The switchable magnets 115 can be secured to the base via one or more screws or bolts 117 disposed through holes 517 in the base 105 and into the housing 121 of the switchable magnets 115. The elongated member 110 and the switchable magnets 115 can be attached or otherwise secured to the base using any suitable method. Other illustrative devices or methods for securing the elongated member 110 and/or the switchable magnets 115 to the base can include, but are not limited to, bolts and nuts, rivets, welds, adhesives, and the like. [0035] The first side 107 of the base 105 can include one or more tracks 510 that can include a groove or channel 512 disposed therein. The channels 512 can be equal in number to the channels 309 disposed through at least a portion of the elongated member 110. The channels 512 and the channels 305 can be disposed about the base 105 and the elongated member HO₅ respectively, such that the channels 512, 305 align when the elongated member 110 is properly positioned on the base 105. The gussets 125 can include a protrusion that can slide within the channels 512 and 305, thereby securing the gussets 125 to the base 105 and the elongated member 110. Other illustrative types of connections between the gussets 125 and the base 105 and the elongated member 110 can include, but are not limited to, welding, bolts and nuts, pins, rivets, screws, adhesives, or the like. The gussets can be any shape, for example triangular, rectangular, or the like.

[0036] The corner 505 opposing the edge 507 of the base 105 can provide support for the support member 100. The corner 505 can extend away from the edge 507 any suitable distance. The greater the length the corner 505 extends from the edge 507 of the base 105, the more stable and secure the support member 100 can be when a force is exerted toward the elongated member 110 from the direction of the edge 507.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, one or more holes 127 can be disposed through the base 105. As illustrated, a hole 127 can be disposed through the base 105 proximate the corner 505. In one or more embodiments, an adjustable member 520 can be disposed through the hole 127. The adjustable member 520 can be adjustably extended through the base 105 from the first side 107 to the second side 109. In one or more embodiments, the adjustable member 520 can be a bolt or screw. In one or more embodiments, the adjustable member can be a threaded rod having a "T" shaped end or handle to provide easy manual adjustment of the adjustable member 520.

[0038] Referring again to Figures 1-4, the end connector 130 and the intermediate connector 135 can include one or more protrusions that can be aligned with one or more of the channels 309. The intermediate connector 135 can be placed about the elongated member 110 at any suitable position. One or more first spacers (not shown) can be disposed within one or more of the channels 309 from the base 105 to the position at which the intermediate connector 135 is to be located along the elongated member 110 to provide a support or rest for the intermediate spacer 135. One or more second spacers can be disposed within one or more of the channels 309 to fill or occupy the channels 309 between the intermediate connector 135 and the end connector 130. The end connector 130 can then be secured to the elongated member 110 to provide fixed or stationary connectors 130, 135 about the elongated member 110.

[0039] Figure 6 depicts a bottom view of an illustrative base 105 of the support member 100, according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, traction pads (four are shown 605) can be disposed about the second side 109 of the base 105. The traction pads 605 can provide a support member 100 that resists movement about a surface upon which the support member 100 can be disposed on. For example, the support member 100 can be disposed on the deck of a ship (not shown) while the ship undergoes construction, maintenance, and the like. The traction pads 605, in addition to the external magnetic field provided from the switchable magnets 115 when in the "on" position, can prevent or reduce lateral movement of the support member 100 about the deck of the ship. When the switchable magnets 115 are in the "off position the traction pads 605 can provide a slip or skid resistant support member 100. The traction pads 605 can be made from any suitable material. Illustrative materials can include, but are not limited to, one more thermoplastics, elastomers, rubbers, and/or urethan.es.

[0040] Figure 7 depicts an illustrative safety rail system 700 secured to a magnetically susceptible surface 705, according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the safety fence or safety rail system 700 can include two or more support members 100 positioned or aligned relative to one another to provide a support for a fence, rail(s), or other barrier(s).

[0041] The safety rail system 700 can be disposed on any suitable magnetically susceptible surface 705. Illustrative magnetically susceptible surfaces on which the safety rail system 700 can be used can include, but are not limited to, magnetically susceptible beams, floors, walls, and other surfaces used for, during, and/or in the construction of buildings, ships, submarines, other off shore structures, storage tanks, and the like. Off-shore platforms, such as semi- submersibles, drill ships, tanker ships, floating production ("FP") units or vessels, floating production offloading ("FPO") units or vessels, floating, production, storage and offloading ("FPSO") units or vessels, SPAR platforms, compliant towers ("CT"), and tension leg platforms can also provide suitable structures about which the safety rail system 700 can be disposed.

[0042] For simplicity and ease of description, the system 700 will be further described below with reference to a safety rail for personnel protection disposed on a deck 705 of a ship during construction of the ship. In at least one specific embodiment, two or more support members 100 can be disposed on the ship deck 705, such that the contact side 123 of the switchable magnet 115 can be disposed on or proximate to the ship deck 705. At least one of the switchable magnets 115 of the support members 100 can be switched from the "off¹ position to the "on" position via the switch 119, thereby securing the support members 100 to the magnetically susceptible surface 705, providing a support for a fence, rail(s), or other personnel accident prevention and/or detainment system. Before of after the switchable magnets 115 of the support members 100 are actuated to the "on" position, the rails (three are shown) 710, 715, 720 can be connected, either permanently or detachably to the support members 100. The individuals rails 710, 715, 720 can be connected using the connectors 130, 135 discussed above. For example, the first rail 710 can be connected to or otherwise supported by the end connectors 130, the second rail 715 can be connected to or otherwise supported by two first intermediate connectors 135 and the a third rail 720 can be connected to or otherwise supported by two second intermediate connectors 135 of the system 700.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the rails 710, 715, 720 can be any suitable elongated member that can be supported between two or more properly positioned support members 100. The rails 710, 715, 720 can be or include a flexible elongated member, a rigid elongated member, or a combination thereof. Illustrative flexible rails can include, but are not limited to, ropes, cables, wires, chains, straps, cords, or any combination thereof. Illustrative rigid rails can include, but are not limited to, rods, bars, tubulars, boards, or any combination thereof. Although not shown, in one or more embodiments, the three individual rails 710, 715, 720 can be replaced by a plastic or other flexible or even non-flexible mesh, screen, metal fencing, and the like.

[0044] Referring to Figures 1-7, in one or more embodiments, an end of the adjustable member 520 can be extended through the hole 127 disposed in the base 105 to provide an extendable support that can extend from the bottom side 109 of the base 105. For example, if the switchable magnets 115 are disposed along the side the ship deck 705, the corner 505 can be located toward the outer edge of the ship deck 705, which can slope downward or away from the base 105. In other words, the contact sides 123 of the switchable magnets 115 can be in contact with the ship deck 705, but a gap can be present between the bottom side 109 of the base 105 toward the corner 505 and the ship deck 705. To reduce or eliminate any play or movement between the bottom side 109 of the base 105 and the sloped ship deck 705, the adjustable member 520 can be extended toward and/or placed in contact with the ship deck 705, thereby providing a more solid and stable support member 100.

[0045] Referring again to Figure 7, the safety rail system 700 can be of sufficient durability, rigidity, and/or strength such that the safety rail system 700 meets or exceeds all requirements established by, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ("OSHA") and/or the American Society for Testing and Materials ("ASTM") International, for example. The support members 100 can be strengthened by increasing the number and/or strength of the one or more switchable magnets 115, the type and thickness of material used to make the elongated member 110, base 105, and/or one or more gussets 125, and/or the size and shape of the base 105, for example. Increasing the size of the base 105 can provide a base 105 that increases or adds leverage to the holding force that can be provided by the one or more switchable magnets 115.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the one or more switchable magnets 115, when switched to the "on" position, can resist a pulling force, in the vertical or direction perpendicular to the contact side 123 of the switchable magnets 115, of about 100 kg or more, about 200 kg or more, about 500 kg or more, or about 1,000 kg or more. In one or more embodiments, the one or more switchable magnets 115, when switched to the "on" position, can resist a pulling force, in the vertical or direction perpendicular to the contact side 123 of the switchable magnets 115, of about 1,200 kg or more, about 1,400 kg or more, about 1,500 kg or more, or about 1,630 kg or more.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the one or more switchable magnets 115, when switched to the "on" position, can provide a safety rail system 700 that can withstand a horizontal or lateral force exerted toward the elongated member that can be about 100 kg or more, about 133 kg or more, about 166 kg or more, or about 200 kg or more. In one or more embodiments, the one or more switchable magnets 115, when switched to the "on" position, can provide a safety rail system 700 that can withstand a horizontal or lateral force exerted toward the elongated member that can be about 175 kg or more, about 400 kg or more, about 800 kg or more, or about 1,200 kg or more.

[0048] Any one or more of the components described herein, such as the elongated member 110, the base 105, and the gussets 125, for example, can be made from one or more metallic materials, non-metallic materials, or composite materials. Illustrative metallic materials can include, but are not limited to, non-ferrous metals, ferrous metals, alloys thereof, or any combination thereof. The metallic materials can include, for example, aluminum, tin, copper, steel, and/or iron. Illustrative non-metallic materials can include, but are not limited to, engineered plastics, fiberglass, fiber reinforced plastics (FRP), carbon fiber, polymeric materials, wood, or combinations thereof.

[0049] Embodiments of the present invention further relate to any one or more of the following paragraphs:

[0050] 1. An apparatus for supporting a safety rail, comprising a base, at least one elongated member extending from a first side of the base, and at least one magnet disposed on a second side of the base, wherein the magnet includes a contact side that is switchable between a magnetized state and a non-magnetized state.

[0051] 2. The apparatus according to paragraph 1, further comprising one or more gussets disposed about the first side of the base and about the elongated member.

[0052] 3. The apparatus according to paragraphs 1 or 2, further comprising at least one connector disposed on the elongated member and adapted to support a rail.

[0053] 4. The apparatus according to any of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein the elongated member comprises one or more longitudinal slots extending from a first end of the elongated member toward a second end of the elongated member, wherein one or more connectors can be disposed about the elongated member and secured within the one or more longitudinal slots.

[0054] 5. The apparatus according to any of paragraphs 1 to 4, further comprising an end connector disposed on a distal end of the elongated member and one or more intermediate connectors disposed intermediate the end connector and the base, wherein the end connector and the one or more intermediate connectors are each adapted to support a rail.

[0055] 6. The apparatus according to any of paragraphs 1 to 5, wherein the base further comprises at least one hole disposed through the base at an end of the base that opposes the magnet, wherein an adjustable member is disposed within the hole, and wherein the adjustable member can be extended from the second side of the base.

[0056] 7. The apparatus according to any of paragraphs 1 to 6, wherein at least two magnets are disposed on the second side of the base. [0057] 8. The apparatus according to any of paragraphs 1 to 7, wherein the magnet comprises a housing, at least one permanent magnet, and a switch for causing relative rotation of the permanent magnet.

[0058] 9. A method for supporting a safety rail, comprising locating two or more safety poles onto a magnetically susceptible surface, the safety poles comprising a base, at least one elongated member extending from a first side of the base, at least one magnet disposed on a second side of the base, wherein the magnet includes a contact side that is switchable between a magnetized state and a non-magnetized state, securing the safety poles to the magnetically susceptible surface by switching the at least one magnet disposed on each of the two or more safety poles to the magnetized state, and disposing a rail between at least two of the two or more safety poles.

[0059] 10. The method according to paragraph 9, wherein the safety poles further comprise a connector disposed on the elongated member, and wherein the rail disposed between at least two of the two or more safety poles is supported by the connector.

[0060] 11. The method according to paragraphs 9 or 10, wherein the safety poles further comprise one or more gussets disposed about the first side of the base and about the elongated member.

[0061] 12. The method according to any of paragraphs 9 to 11, wherein the rail comprises a flexible elongated member, a rigid elongated member, or a combination thereof.

[0062] 13. The method according to any of paragraphs 9 to 12, wherein the flexible elongated member comprises a rope, cable, wire, chain, strap, cord, or any combination thereof.

[0063] 14. The method according to any of paragraphs 9 to 13, wherein the rigid elongated member comprises a rod, bar, tubular, board, or any combination thereof.

[0064] 15. A system for supporting a safety rail, comprising two or more safety poles disposed on a magnetically susceptible surface, the safety poles comprising a base, at least one elongated member extending from a first side of the base, and at least one magnet disposed on a second side of the base, wherein the magnet includes a contact side that is switchable between a magnetized state and a non-magnetized state, and at least one rail supported by the two or more safety poles. [0065] 16. The system according to paragraph 15, further comprising at least one connector disposed on the elongated member and adapted to support the rail.

[0066] 17. The system according to paragraphs 15 or 16, further comprising an end connector disposed on a distal end of the elongated member and one or more intermediate connectors disposed intermediate the end connector and the base, wherein the end connector and the one or more intermediate connectors are each adapted to support a rail.

[0067] 18. The system according to any of paragraphs 15 to 17, further comprising one or more gussets disposed about the first side of the base and about the elongated member.

[0068] 19. The system according to any of paragraphs 15 to 18, wherein the rail comprises a flexible elongated member, a rigid elongated member, or a combination thereof.

[0069] 20. The system according to any of paragraphs 15 to 19, wherein the rail comprises a rope, cable, wire, chain, strap, cord, or any combination thereof.

[0070] Certain embodiments and features have been described using a set of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. It should be appreciated that ranges from any lower limit to any upper limit are contemplated unless otherwise indicated. Certain lower limits, upper limits and ranges appear in one or more claims below. AU numerical values are "about" or "approximately" the indicated value, and take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

[0071] Various terms have been defined above. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined above, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Furthermore, all patents, test procedures, and other documents cited in this application are fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this application and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation is permitted.

[0072] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMS:What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for supporting a safety rail, comprising: a base; at least one elongated member extending from a first side of the base; and at least one magnet disposed on a second side of the base, wherein the magnet includes a contact side that is switchable between a magnetized state and a non-magnetized state.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising one or more gussets disposed about the first side of the base and about the elongated member.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising at least one connector disposed on the elongated member and adapted to support a rail.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated member comprises one or more longitudinal slots extending from a first end of the elongated member toward a second end of the elongated member, wherein one or more connectors can be disposed about the elongated member and secured within the one or more longitudinal slots.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an end connector disposed on a distal end of the elongated member and one or more intermediate connectors disposed intermediate the end connector and the base, wherein the end connector and the one or more intermediate connectors are each adapted to support a rail.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the base further comprises at least one hole disposed through the base at an end of the base that opposes the magnet, wherein an adjustable member is disposed within the hole, and wherein the adjustable member can be extended from the second side of the base.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least two magnets are disposed on the second side of the base.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the magnet comprises a housing, at least one permanent magnet, and a switch for causing relative rotation of the permanent magnet.

9. A method for supporting a safety rail, comprising: locating two or more safety poles onto a magnetically susceptible surface, the safety poles comprising: a base; at least one elongated member extending from a first side of the base; at least one magnet disposed on a second side of the base, wherein the magnet includes a contact side that is switchable between a magnetized state and a non-magnetized state; securing the safety poles to the magnetically susceptible surface by switching the at least one magnet disposed on each of the two or more safety poles to the magnetized state; and disposing a rail between at least two of the two or more safety poles.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the safety poles further comprise a connector disposed on the elongated member, and wherein the rail disposed between at least two of the two or more safety poles is supported by the connector.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the safety poles further comprise one or more gussets disposed about the first side of the base and about the elongated member.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the rail comprises a flexible elongated member, a rigid elongated member, or a combination thereof.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the flexible elongated member comprises a rope, cable, wire, chain, strap, cord, or any combination thereof.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the rigid elongated member comprises a rod, bar, tubular, board, or any combination thereof.

15. A system for supporting a safety rail, comprising: two or more safety poles disposed on a magnetically susceptible surface, the safety poles comprising: a base; at least one elongated member extending from a first side of the base; and at least one magnet disposed on a second side of the base, wherein the magnet includes a contact side that is switchable between a magnetized state and a non-magnetized state; and at least one rail supported by the two or more safety poles.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising at least one connector disposed on the elongated member and adapted to support the rail.

17. The system of claim 15, further comprising an end connector disposed on a distal end of the elongated member and one or more intermediate connectors disposed intermediate the end connector and the base, wherein the end connector and the one or more intermediate connectors are each adapted to support a rail.

18. The system of claim 15, further comprising one or more gussets disposed about the first side of the base and about the elongated member.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the rail comprises a flexible elongated member, a rigid elongated member, or a combination thereof.

20. The system of claim 15, wherein the rail comprises a rope, cable, wire, chain, strap, cord, or any combination thereof.