AU2015330951B2

AU2015330951B2 - Hand rail improvements

Info

Publication number: AU2015330951B2
Application number: AU2015330951A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Euan BUTCHER; Greg BUTCHER; Lachlan BUTCHER
Original assignee: Treadwell Group Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Treadwell Group Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-10-07
Filing date: 2015-10-07
Publication date: 2020-10-15
Anticipated expiration: 2035-10-07
Also published as: WO2016054676A1; AU2015330951A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system for the assembly of a handrail for use with an elevated platform or the like. In one form, the system comprises at least one elongate member employable either vertically, or as a rail extending between vertical members, and a plurality of connector elements for connecting a plurality of the elongate members, and wherein each of the connector elements is adjustable, so that an angle of all rails relative to all vertical elongate members is adjustable. Each of an adjustable cross connector, a T-piece connector, and a corner connector are also disclosed.

Description

HAND RAIL IMPROVEMENTS PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2014903997 titled "HAND RAIL IMPROVEMENTS" and filed on 7 October 2014, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a system for the assembly of an elevated platform, and to a system for the assembly of a handrail for use with the elevated platform.

BACKGROUND

[0003] In Australia, occupational health and safety laws charge both an employer, and a person with management and control of a workplace, with a general duty of care, and a legal duty, to ensure that the workplace is safe and without risks to health. Where work is routinely carried out in an elevated position, such as around large, stationary machinery, this will likely require provision of fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and/or ladders, which themselves must comply with Australian Standard AS 1657. Other countries have similar laws and standards.

[0004] In most cases, handrails for platforms, walkways, stairways and/or ladders must be purpose built for a particular application, at considerable cost. One means for reducing this cost is to assemble these handrails from a system of specially prepared components. If it is to meet most foreseeable needs, a component system of this type must comprise an extremely high number of parts, the development and manufacture of each of which will be costly.

[0005] It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed.

[0006] Certain objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

SUMMARY

[0007] According to a first aspect, there is provided a handrail assembly comprising at least one elongate member employable either vertically, or as a rail extending between vertical members, and a plurality of connector elements for connecting a plurality of the elongate members, wherein each elongate member and connector is comprised of a composite material, wherein the connector elements comprise at least one adjustable corner connector and at least one adjustable cross connector, wherein the adjustable cross connector comprises a body comprising a through opening via which the adjustable cross connector is adapted to be disposed on a vertical elongate member and the through opening is adapted so that an angle at which the vertical elongate member extends through the opening is adjustable, and wherein each of the connector elements allows for an adjustable connection, so that an angle of all rails relative to all vertical elongate members is adjustable.

[0008] According to a further aspect there is provided a modular handrail system comprising at least one elongate member employable either vertically, or as a rail extending between vertical members, and a plurality of connector elements for connecting a plurality of the elongate members, wherein each elongate member and connector is comprised of a composite material, wherein the connector elements comprise at least one adjustable corner connector and at least one adjustable cross connector, wherein the adjustable cross connector comprises a body comprising a through opening via which the adjustable cross connector is adapted to be disposed on a vertical elongate member and the through opening is adapted so that an angle at which the vertical elongate member extends through the opening is adjustable, and wherein each of the connector elements allows for an adjustable connection, so that an angle of all rails relative to all vertical elongate members is adjustable.

[0009] In this way, the assembled handrail can be used as either a platform railing assembly with horizontal rails, or a stairway railing assembly with rails extending at an angle which is adjustable to suit the stairway or ladder as the case may be, thereby potentially reducing the number of components required to form a system, or kit of parts.

[0010] In one form, the vertical members comprise posts and vertical rail ends.

[0011] In one form, the plurality of connectors comprises at least 2-way connectors, 3-way connectors, and 4-way connectors, where 2-way connectors connect two elongate members, 3-way connectors connect three elongate members, and so on.

[0012] In one form, the connector elements comprise an adjustable corner connector for adjustably connecting a rail to a vertical elongate element.

[0013] In one form, the adjustable corner connector comprises first and second substantially identical, pivotally interconnected coupling portions, each of which comprises connection means for the rail and vertical elongate element.

2a

[0014] In one form, the connector elements comprise an adjustable cross connector for adjustably connecting a pair of post intersecting rails endwise, and to the post.

[0015] In one form, the adjustable cross connector comprises a body comprising a through opening via which the adjustable cross connector is adapted to be disposed on the vertical elongate member, and a connection means to either side of the through opening for connecting the connector with each of the pair of rails endwise, wherein the through opening in the cross connector is adapted so that an angle at which the vertical elongate member extends through the through opening is adjustable.

[0016] In one form, the through opening narrows between a wider pair of ends thereof.

[0017] In one form, the connector elements comprise an adjustable T-piece connector for adjustably connecting a pair of rails endwise, and to a top of the post.

[0018] In one form, the adjustable T-piece connector comprises pivotally interconnected head and neck portions, wherein the head portion is adapted to join the pair of rails endwise, and the neck portion is adapted for connection to the top of the vertical elongate element.

[0019] According to a further aspect there is provided a modular system for assembly of an elevated platform, the elevated platform comprising a stairway and a handrail, where the system is substantially comprised of components of composite material.

[0020] In one form, the platform comprises a plurality of at least a column member, a beam member and a brace member.

[0021] In one form, the stairway comprises a plurality of at least a stringer member and a tread member.

[0022] In one form, the composite material is a fibre reinforced plastic (FRP), which is a composite of fibres (such as glass or carbon fibres) in a polymer matrix. FRP combines low weight with high strength and provides corrosion resistance and excellent thermal and electrical insulation. Because FRP materials have low thermal conductivity they can have particular benefits when used in hot or cold weather conditions. Other advantageous properties may include low electrical conductivity and electromagnetic transparency. Moreover, both the fibre material and the polymer matrix material can be selected on the basis of the required properties.

[0023] According to a further aspect, there is provided an adjustable cross connector for both a platform railing assembly where rails extend orthogonal to posts, and a stairway railing assembly where the rails are inclined away from an orthogonal orientation with respect to the posts, the adjustable cross connector comprising a body comprising a through opening via which the adjustable cross connector is adapted to be disposed on a first elongate element, and a connection means to either side of the through opening for connecting the connector with a second and a third elongate member, wherein the through opening in the cross connector is adapted so that an angle at which the first elongate member extends through the through opening is adjustable.

[0024] In one form, the through opening narrows between a wider pair of ends thereof.

[0025] According to a further aspect there is provided an adjustable T-piece connector for both a platform railing assembly where rails extend orthogonal to posts, and a stairway railing assembly where the rails are inclined away from an orthogonal orientation with respect to the posts, the adjustable T-piece connector comprising pivotally interconnected head and neck portions, wherein the head portion is adapted to join a pair of elongate members, and the neck portion is adapted for connection to a third elongate member.

[0026] According to a further aspect there is provided an adjustable corner connector for both a platform railing assembly where rails extend orthogonal to posts, and a stairway railing assembly where the rails are inclined away from an orthogonal orientation with respect to the posts, the adjustable corner connector comprising first and second substantially identical, pivotally interconnected coupling portions, each of which comprises connection means for an elongate member.

[0027] In one form, the tubular section of the modular handrail system comprises a circular cross section. However, embodiments of the present invention may have tubular sections which have different cross-sections, such as oval, ellipsoid, rectangular or polygonal. In one form, the tubular sections are of the same cross-sectional shape and dimensions to allow for interconnection of the tubular sections using connector elements.

[0028] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention. While the invention is described in connection with such embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any embodiment. On the contrary, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. For the purpose of example, numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.

[0029] The present invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the present invention is not unnecessarily obscured.

[0030] For ease of description, a handrail assembly embodying the present invention is described below in its usual assembled position as shown in the accompanying drawings and terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, horizontal, longitudinal etc., may be used with reference to this usual position. However, the handrail assembly may be manufactured, transported, sold, or used in orientations other than that described and shown here.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 is an isometric view of an elevated platform assembly;

[0033] Figure 2 is a front view of the elevated platform assembly of Figure 1;

[0034] Figure 3 is an end view of the elevated platform assembly of Figure 1;

[0035] Figure 4 is a plan view of the elevated platform assembly of Figure 1;

[0036] Figure 5 is an isometric view of an adjustable cross connector for use with a railing of an elevated platform assembly;

[0037] Figure 6 is a plan view of the adjustable cross connector of Figure 5;

[0038] Figure 7 is an end view of the adjustable cross connector of Figure 5;

[0039] Figure 8 is an outer side view of the adjustable cross connector of Figure 5;

[0040] Figure 9 is a plan view of a half of the adjustable cross connector of Figure 5;

[0041] Figure 10 is an inner side view of the adjustable cross connector half of Figure 9;

[0042] Figure 11 is an isometric view of an adjustable T-piece connector for use with a railing of an elevated platform assembly;

[0043] Figure 12 is a side view of the adjustable T-piece connector of Figure 11;

[0044] Figure 13 is a plan view of the adjustable T-piece connector of Figure 11;

[0045] Figure 14 is a side view of the adjustable T-piece connector of Figure 11;

[0046] Figure 15 is an isometric view of an adjustable corner connector for use with a railing of an elevated platform assembly;

[0047] Figure 16 is a side view of the adjustable corner connector of Figure 15;

[0048] Figure 17 is a top view of the adjustable corner connector of Figure 15;

[0049] Figure 18 is a plan view of a half of the adjustable corner connector of Figure 15;

[0050] Figure 19 is an outer side view of the adjustable corner connector half of Figure 18;

[0051] Figure 20 is an inner side view of the adjustable corner connector half of Figure 18; and

[0052] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view through the adjustable corner connector half of Figure 18, taken along line A-A of Figure 18.

[0053] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0054] Referring now to Figure 1, where there is illustrated an elevated platform assembly 1 comprised of a first elevated platform 4 and a second elevated platform 2, a first 6 and a second stairway assembly 8 extending from a ground level to the first elevated platform 4, and a third stairway assembly 10 extending from the first elevated platform 4 to the second elevated platform 2.

[0055] Each elevated platform 2 and 4 comprises a bolted framework of FRP beams 12 supporting sheets of FRP grating 13. Each elevated platform 2 and 4 is supported atop four FRP columns 14, braced by diagonal FRP braces 16. Each of the FRP columns 14 stands on an FRP foot 18.

[0056] Each stairway assembly 6, 8 and 10, comprises a pair of FRP stringers 20, which are bridged by and a plurality of FRP treads 22 which are bolted to the stringers 20.

[0057] Each of the elevated platforms 2 and 4 comprises at least one platform railing assembly 30, and each of the stairway assemblies 6, 8 and 10, comprises at least one stairway railing assembly 40. Each of the platform railing assemblies 30 and the stairway railing assemblies 40 comprises at least a pair of spaced FRP posts 24, each of which is supported at a lowermost end by a post support bracket 26, and further comprising at least a pair of spaced apart and parallel extending FRP rails 28 (comprising an upper rail 28 and a lower rail 28 bridged at ends by a bridging rail 29) bridging the FRP posts 24.

[0058] Each of the posts and the rails is comprised of an FRP tube, which is also referred to herein as "an elongate member".

[0059] The tubular section of the FRP tube comprises a circular cross-section. However, embodiments of the present invention may have tubular sections which have different cross-sections, such as oval, ellipsoid, rectangular or polygonal. In one form, the tubular sections are of the same cross-sectional shape and dimensions to allow for interconnection of the FRP tubes using connector elements.

[0060] The elongate members (i.e. post and rails) are joined by both fixed and adjustable FRP connectors. These connectors comprise both fixed and adjustable 2-way connectors, 3-way connectors, and 4-way connectors, where 2-way connectors connect two elongate members (be they rails and/or vertical members/posts), 3-way connectors connect three elongate members (be they rails and/or vertical members/posts), and so on.

[0061] Referring once more to the platform railing assemblies 30, each of which comprise a fixed "T piece" (i.e. 3-way) connector 32 at the top of each post 24, for connecting a pair of upper rails 28 to the top of the post 24, and a fixed corner connector 34 (or elbow) connecting rails 28 and bridging rails 29 at corners of the platform railing assemblies 30.

[0062] Although not illustrated in Figures 1 through 4, where lower rails 28 intersect a post 24, an adjustable cross connector 50 may be utilised. With reference to Figures 5 through 10, it can be seen that each adjustable cross connector 50 comprises an elongate body 52 comprising a through opening 54 via which the adjustable cross connector 50 is adapted to be disposed on a first elongate element (generally a post 24), and a connection means 56 to either side of the through opening 54 for connecting a second and a third elongate member (generally a pair of rails 28) endwise. Each connection means 56 comprises a socket for receiving an end of the elongate member (i.e. the rails 28). Alternatively however, the connection means 56 may comprise a male connecting portion such as a spigot, for insertion in an end of the tubular elongate member.

[0063] The through opening 54 in the cross connector 50 is adapted so that an angle at which the first elongate member (i.e. the post 24) extends through the through opening 54 is adjustable. In this way, the adjustable cross connector 50 can be utilised in both a platform railing assembly 30 where the rails 28 extend orthogonal to the posts 24, and a stairway railing assembly 40 where the rails 28 are inclined away from an orthogonal orientation with respect to the posts 24.

[0064] The elongate body 52 of the adjustable cross connector 50 comprises opposing ends, where each of these ends comprises one of the sockets 56. The through opening 54 extends orthogonal to the direction of elongation of the body 52, and comprises a pair of slotted opposing ends 58, where each slot extends in the direction of elongation of the body 52 for the adjustable cross-connector 50.

[0065] The through opening 54 in the cross connector is adapted for angular adjustment by way of each of the slotted ends 58 thereof tapering inwardly lengthwise, while a width of each end 58 remains constant.

[0066] The cross connector 50 is manufactured by securing mirrored halves together using bolts 59.

[0067] Although not illustrated in Figures 1 through 4, the stairway railing assemblies 40 may be assembled using the above described adjustable cross connectors 50, as well as the hereinafter described adjustable "T-piece" connectors 60, and adjustable corner connectors 70. In this instance, the adjustable "T-piece" connectors 60 are secured atop of each post 24, for connecting a pair of upper rails 28 endwise and to the top of the post 24, and an "adjustable" corner connector 70 is employed at each corner between a rail 28 and a vertical rail end 29.

[0068] With reference to Figures 11 through 14, it can be seen that each adjustable T-piece connector 60 comprises first and second pivotally interconnected FRP coupling portions 62 and 66.

[0069] The first coupling portion is a head portion 62, and the second coupling portion is a stem portion 66. The head portion 62 comprises a head 63 comprising a means for connecting a pair of rails 28 endwise (namely a double headed socket in this case), and a neck portion 64 which extends from the head 63, and which is half the thickness of the head 63. The neck portion 64 comprises a bearing face and a through pivot bore for accepting a pivot pin 65 in the form of a barrel bolt and nut.

[0070] The stem portion 66 comprises a body portion 67 extending to a shoulder 68, and a neck portion 69 extending from the shoulder 68 and comprising a bearing face. The body portion 67 comprises a socket for receiving a post 24, and the neck portion 69 which is half the thickness of the body portion 67, with the transition being made at the shoulder 68. The neck portion 69 comprises a bearing face (for bearing against the bearing face of neck portion 64) and a through pivot bore for accepting the pivot pin 65.

[0071] The terminal end of the neck portion 69 is rounded, and the shoulder 68 is inclined with respect to both the socket bore and the pivot bore so as to permit articulation of the adjustable T-piece connector 60 while setting travel end stops for articulation at preferred angles, or degrees of articulation (see Figure 12).

[0072] With reference to Figures 15 through 21, it can be seen that each adjustable corner connector 70 comprises first and second pivotally interconnected FRP coupling portions 72, each of which comprises connection means 74 for an elongate member (be it a rail 28 or a post 24). Each connection means 74 comprises a socket for receiving an end of an elongate member. Alternatively however, the connection means 74 may comprise a male connecting portion such as a spigot, for insertion in an end of the tubular elongate member.

[0073] Each coupling portion 72 comprises a body portion 76 extending to a shoulder 78, and a head portion 79 extending from the shoulder 78 and comprising a bearing face 82. The body portion 76 comprises the socket 74, and the thickness of the head portion 79 is half that of the body portion 76, with the transition being made at the shoulder 78. The terminal end of the head portion 79 is rounded, and the head portion 79 comprises a through pivot bore for accepting a pivot pin 84 in the form of a barrel bolt and nut.

[0074] Each socket 74 comprises a socket bore having a central axis, the pivot bore extends orthogonal to the socket bore 74, and the shoulder 79 is inclined with respect to both the socket bore and the pivot bore so as to permit articulation of the adjustable corner connector 70 while setting travel end stops for articulation at preferred angles, or degrees of articulation (see Figure 16).

[0075] By using a plurality of each of the adjustable cross connectors 50, adjustable "T-piece" connectors 60, and adjustable corner connectors 70 to connect elongate members, a handrail assembly can be constructed which can be used as either a platform railing assembly 30 with horizontal rails 28, or a stairway railing assembly 40 with rails 28 extending at an angle which is adjustable to suit the stairway or ladder at the case may be, thereby potentially reducing the number of components required to form a system, or kit of parts.

[0076] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0077] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0078] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A handrail assembly comprising at least one elongate member employable either vertically, or as a rail extending between vertical members, and a plurality of connector elements for connecting a plurality of the elongate members to form the handrail assembly, wherein each elongate member and connector is comprised of a composite material, wherein the connector elements comprise at least one adjustable corner connector and at least one adjustable cross connector, wherein the adjustable cross connector comprises a body comprising a through opening via which the adjustable cross connector is adapted to be disposed on a vertical elongate member and the through opening is adapted so that an angle at which the vertical elongate member extends through the opening is adjustable, and wherein each of the connector elements allows for an adjustable connection, so that an angle of all rails relative to all vertical elongate members is adjustable.

2. The handrail assembly of claim 1, wherein the adjustable corner connector is for adjustably connecting a rail to a vertical elongate element.

3. The handrail assembly of claim 2, wherein the adjustable corner connector comprises first and second substantially identical, pivotally interconnected coupling portions, each of which comprises connection means for the rail and vertical elongate element.

4. The handrail assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustable cross connector is for adjustably connecting a pair of rails endwise, and to a vertical elongate member.

5. The handrail assembly of claim 4, wherein the adjustable cross connector further comprises a connection means to either side of the through opening for connecting the connector with each of the pair of rails endwise.

6. The handrail assembly of claim 5, wherein the through opening narrows between a wider pair of ends thereof.

7. The handrail assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector elements further comprise an adjustable T-piece connector for adjustably connecting a pair of rails endwise, and to a top of a vertical elongate element.

8. The handrail assembly of claim 7, wherein the adjustable T-piece connector comprises pivotally interconnected head and neck portions, wherein the head portion is adapted to join the pair of rails endwise, and the neck portion is adapted for connection to the top of the vertical elongate element.

9. A modular handrail system for assembly of a handrail, the modular handrail system comprising at least one elongate member employable either vertically, or as a rail extending between vertical members, and a plurality of connector elements for connecting a plurality of the elongate members to form the handrail assembly, wherein each elongate member and connector is comprised of a composite material, wherein the connector elements comprise at least one adjustable corner connector and at least one adjustable cross connector, wherein the adjustable cross connector comprises a body comprising a through opening via which the adjustable cross connector is adapted to be disposed on a vertical elongate member and the through opening is adapted so that an angle at which the vertical elongate member extends through the opening is adjustable, and wherein each of the connector elements allows for an adjustable connection, so that an angle of all rails relative to all vertical elongate members is adjustable.

10. The modular handrail system of claim 9, wherein the adjustable corner connector is for adjustably connecting a rail to a vertical elongate element.

11. The modular handrail system of claim 10, wherein the adjustable corner connector comprises first and second substantially identical, pivotally interconnected coupling portions, each of which comprises connection means for the rail and vertical elongate element.

12. The modular handrail system as in any one of claims 9 through 11, wherein the adjustable cross connector is for adjustably connecting a pair of rails endwise, and to a vertical elongate member.

13. The modular handrail system of claim 12, wherein the adjustable cross connector further comprises a connection means to either side of the through opening for connecting the connector with each of the pair of rails endwise.

14. The modular handrail system of claim 13, wherein the through opening narrows between a wider pair of ends thereof.

15. The modular handrail system as in any one of claims 9 through 14, wherein the connector elements further comprise an adjustable T-piece connector for adjustably connecting a pair of rails endwise, and to a top of a vertical elongate member.

16. The modular handrail system of claim 15, wherein the adjustable T-piece connector comprises pivotally interconnected head and neck portions, wherein the head portion is adapted to join the pair of rails endwise, and the neck portion is adapted for connection to the top of the vertical elongate element.