Fences – Wire
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-16
2001-08-07
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Fences
Wire
C256SDIG006, C256S065080
Reexamination Certificate
active
06270057
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to guardrail systems, and more particularly to a reusable guardrail system to provide perimeter support during construction of a multi-story building and does not interfere with subsequent elevated slab concrete pouring or the construction of building wall systems.
BACKGROUND ART
Applicants are aware of many efforts to provide a satisfactory handrail system in order to provide fall protection during the construction of multi-story buildings. For example, it is known to utilize wood structures, steel tubes welded to the building frame, and orange mesh-type fencing in order to provide fall protection to construction workers during construction of a multi-story building. More recently, OSHA has set forth certain minimum requirements for guardrail systems that include (among other requirements) that the guardrail withstand a load of 200 pounds applied within 2.0 inches of the top.
As is well known to those familiar with the construction of multi-story buildings, the aforementioned prior art guardrail systems all suffer shortcomings in performance and typically require patching of the concrete slab in proximity thereto when the prior art guardrail systems are removed. Moreover, prior art handrail systems are typically not reusable and many times do not meet the aforementioned OSHA guidelines for handrail systems.
Thus, there is a long-felt need for an improved and reusable guardrail system for use in the construction of multi-story buildings that meets OSHA requirements and is relatively inexpensive and simple to use.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, applicants provide a guardrail system for fall protection during the construction of a multi-story building. The guardrail system comprises an elongated bar element with a flange on one end thereof. The bar element is formed with a first relatively short linear portion that extends perpendicularly from the flange and a second relatively long linear portion that is connected to and extends from the first portion so as to define an obtuse angle therebetween. One or more apertures are provided through the first linear portion of the bar element, and one more apertures are also provided through the second linear portion of the bar element. A securement plate is provided that has one or more apertures therethrough so that the securement plate can be bolted to the first linear portion of the elongate bar element in order to removably attach the bar element to a selected perimeter frame element of a multi-story building under construction. Thereafter, one or more cables are pulled through the one or more apertures in the second linear portion of a plurality of spaced-apart bar elements in order to form a protective guardrail system. Most suitably, the elongated bar elements are each attached to a frame element of the multi-story building with their respective second linear portion extending upwardly and inwardly from the exterior of the building so as to allow for construction of wall systems while the guardrail system is in place.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved guardrail system for use during construction of a multi-story building;
It is another object of the present invention to provide a reusable guardrail system for use in the construction of a multi-story building;
It is another object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive and simple-to-use guardrail system for use in the construction of a multi-story building that does not interfere with elevated slab concrete pours or the installation of wall systems; and
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a guardrail system that can be removed after use without requiring any patching or repair to elevated concrete slabs and that meets all relevant OSHA requirements.
Some of the objects of the invention having been stated hereinabove, other objects will become evident as the description proceeds, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings as best described hereinbelow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a side elevation view of the guardrail system of the present invention;
FIG. 2
is a vertical cross-sectional view of the perimeter of a multi-story building under construction prior to installation of the guardrail system of the present invention;
FIG. 3
is a vertical cross-sectional view of the perimeter construction of a multi-story building subsequent to installation of the guardrail system of the present invention; and
FIG. 4
is a perspective view of a guardrail system in accordance with the present invention installed at a construction site.
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Gurley, Jr. M. Lyle
Heffner Gregory S.
Highley Frank M.
Rasmussen Eric H.
Thompson David C.
Browne Lynne H.
Centurion Construction Company
Cottingham John R.
Jenkins & Wilson, P.A.
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