Fire escape – ladder – or scaffold – Body catcher – Sheet or net type
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-03
2001-02-13
Chin-Shue, Alvin (Department: 3634)
Fire escape, ladder, or scaffold
Body catcher
Sheet or net type
C182S112000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06186274
ABSTRACT:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A warehouse or similar style building typically includes an open-sided mezzanine level which is used for storing pallets of material, as well as a loading dock which is open to the outside at a predetermined height so that trucks, once backed up to the dock, can be easily unloaded. The open sides of the mezzanine and the loading dock pose serious safety risks. A misplaced step by a worker can send the worker over the edge of the mezzanine or loading dock, posing danger to the worker as well as any workers below. A misplaced carton or pallet can also tumble off the mezzanine or loading dock and possibly injure people or materials located below. Injuries resulting from workers or material falling off of open mezzanines and loading docks are one of OSHA's top ten most frequently violated standards.
Previous attempts to reduce the risk of open-sided mezzanines and loading docks have proven relatively unsuccessful. Yellow warning lines painted on the floor have achieved limited results at best. Steel fencing systems have proven effective when closed, but require a great deal of floor space since they typically are swung into and out of position. Further, operating a steel fence system places a worker at the edge of the mezzanine or loading dock, creating a safety hazard of its own. The opening and closing of steel systems require substantial time by one or more employees and as such are costly to use as well as to purchase. Workers tend to avoid using safety systems which interrupt work flow, and when a safety system is not used, it can not afford protection.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A motorized safety system is disclosed which protects the open side of a mezzanine, loading dock or other elevated work area when in use. The safety system is easy to use while requiring only minimal floor space. The safety system comprises two posts, each post having a motor mounted on the top of the post, a control unit for controlling and sychronizing motor operation mounted on the side of one post, a movable arm having a safety net and associated hardware such that when the safety system is in a first position the opening of the mezzanine or loading dock is substantially covered by the net. When the safety system is in a second position, the arm and net are out of the way, allowing access by workers and machinery to and from the open side. The operation of the safety system from the first position to the second position or vice versa is performed using a wireless hand held device that transmits instructions to the control unit, thus further reducing the risk of falling.
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Kiniry William G.
Reynolds Charles Gregory
Bay Nets, Inc.
Chin-Shue Alvin
Weingarten, Schurgin Gagnebin & Hayes LLP
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