FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to fall protection devices. More specifically, the present invention is a fall protection apparatus that can be easily mounted to an external structure and includes modular components that can be reconfigured depending on the desired task.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Fall protection devices provide safety measures for individuals working at height. Fall protection devices prevent an individual from falling or from being severely injured if the individual does fall. A type of fall protection is a fall arrest device which includes an apparatus that is fixed to the ground or structure and tethered to an individual therefore, preventing the individual from being severely injured if the individual falls. There are flaws with conventional fall arrest devices. Specifically, conventional fall arrest devices are typically expensive and difficult to install. In more detail, conventional fall arrest devices cannot be installed to most structures and usually require a structure to be permanently altered. Conventional fall arrest devices, when used with tractor trailers, for example, require the trailers to be permanently altered during installation.
It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a fall protection apparatus that can be easily mounted to an external structure and includes adjustable and/or fixed braces and a mast. The present invention may include a base to be mounted to a ground surface using fasteners and the adjustable braces can be mounted to any external structure including, but not limited to, a tanker truck or a dump truck. Additionally, the present invention is designed to build a walkway that enables the individual to traverse the external structure without fear of falling.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the adjustable frame used in present invention.
FIG. 2 is a left-side view of the adjustable frame used in present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention where the connective brace is formed into a pair of brackets.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a separate alternative embodiment of the present invention where the connective brace is formed into a ladder.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention formed into a scaffolding.
FIG. 6 is a right-side view of the present invention while mounted onto a trailer.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the present invention in a deployed configuration and mounted onto a trailer.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the present invention in a collapsed configuration and mounted onto a trailer.
DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION
All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 8, the present invention, the modular fall protection system, is a system that enables a user to build a scaffold around an external structure. This scaffold is designed to support the weight of the user and prevent the user from becoming injured from falling off the external structure. To achieve this functionality, the present invention comprises at least one adjustable frame 1. The adjustable frame 1 forms the foundational components of the system and is used to support the weight of the entire fall protection scaffold and to provide a mast capable of suspending the user in midair after a fall. Additionally, the adjustable frame 1 comprises at least one length-adjustable mast 2, at least one connective brace 3, and at least one anchor point 4. The length-adjustable mast 2 is designed to be mounted onto the external structure and used to prevent the user from being injured by falling from several heights. To accomplish this, the length-adjustable mast 2 comprises an exterior sleeve 21, an interior post 22, and an adjustment mechanism 23. The interior post 22 is slidably engaged into the exterior sleeve 21 so that the length-adjustable mast 2 forms a telescoping system. As such, the user is able to modify the length of the length-adjustable mast 2 by sliding the interior post 22 within the exterior sleeve 21. The adjustment mechanism 23 is a mechanical system that governs the movement of the interior post 22 relative to the exterior sleeve 21. Additionally, the adjustment mechanism 23 is mechanically integrated in between the interior post 22 and the exterior sleeve 21. As a result, the user is able to lock the interior post 22 at a desired position along the exterior sleeve 21. Thus, retaining the length-adjustable mast 2 at a desired length. The connective brace 3 is laterally mounted onto the exterior sleeve 21 so that the connective brace 3 can act as a connective member that maintains the length-adjustable mast 2 in a desired position. Specifically, the connective brace 3 forms a rigid connection between the length-adjustable mast 2 and the external structure. The anchor point 4 is laterally mounted onto the interior post 22. Additionally, the anchor point 4 is positioned offset from the exterior sleeve 21 along the interior post 22. Consequently, the location of the anchor point 4, relative to the ground and the external structure, can be adjusted to provide necessary fall protection. The user is designed to be tethered to the anchor point 4 so that the user is prevented from smashing into the ground after falling. To that end, some embodiments of the present invention comprise a retractable cable reel that is connected between the anchor point 4 and the user. The retractable cable reel is designed to dampen the shock felt by the user when the present invention system is employed to prevent injury from a fall.
Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, the connective brace 3 is designed to mount the present invention onto external structures of varying shape and size. To achieve this functionality, the connective brace 3 comprises a length-adjustable support 31, a first adjustable fastener 32, and a second adjustable fastener 33. The connective brace 3 is designed to maintain the length-adjustable mast 2 in a desired position relative to the external structure. As such, the first adjustable fastener 32 is terminally connected to the length-adjustable support 31. Additionally, the second adjustable fastener 33 is terminally connected to the length-adjustable support 31, opposite to the first adjustable fastener 32. Further, the first adjustable fastener 32 is connected in between the length-adjustable support 31 and the exterior sleeve 21. As a result, the length-adjustable support 31 is able to be connected in between the length-adjustable mast 2 and the external structure. Additionally, the first adjustable fastener 32 and the second adjustable fastener 33 can be repositioned to retain the length-adjustable mast 2 in an orientation that facilitates function as a fall protection system. In an alternative embodiment, the protective brace is a rigid bracket that is used to mount the length-adjustable mast 2 directly onto the external structure. In a separate embodiment, the connective brace 3 is designed to be a multi-rung structure that forms a ladder with the exterior sleeve 21. Preferably, the at least one connective brace 3 comprises a first brace 34 and a second brace 35. The first brace 34 is positioned offset from the second brace 35 along the exterior sleeve 21. Thus positioned, the first brace 34 and the second brace 35 facilitate the construction of a sturdy scaffold that does not buckle or become deformed when supporting the weight of the user.
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, as described above, the present invention is designed to function as a fall protection system for external structures of varying shape and size. To facilitate this the adjustable frame 1 further comprises a base 24. The base 24 is designed to enable the adjustable frame 1 further comprises a base 24. The base 24 is terminally mounted onto the exterior sleeve 21, opposite to the interior post 22. As a result, the length-adjustable mast 2 is able to function as a free-standing system or be mounted onto the external structure. In some embodiments the base 24 is pivotably mounted onto the exterior sleeve 21 so that the length-adjustable mast 2 can be pivoted into a desired orientation.
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the adjustment mechanism 23 is designed to enable the user to modify the overall length of the length-adjustable mast 2. To achieve this, the adjustment mechanism 23 comprises a slot 231 and a locking device 232. The slot 231 traverses through the exterior sleeve 21 and is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the length-adjustable mast 2. As a result, the locking mechanism is able to travel along the slot 231. The locking device 232 is slidably engaged along the slot 231 and is mechanically integrated in between the exterior sleeve 21 and the interior post 22. Consequently, the user is able to modify the length of the length-adjustable mast 2 and then lock the interior post 22 in a desired length. The user is able to further modify the length of the length-adjustable mast 2 by disengaging the locking mechanism and then sliding the locking device 232 along the length of the slot 231. In some embodiments a linear actuator is mounted in between the exterior sleeve 21 and the interior post 22. Thus positioned, the linear actuator can automatically adjust the length of the length-adjustable mast 2 when directed by the user.
Referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 8, the present invention is designed to be a modular system that can employ a variety of components to function as a fall protection system in a variety of situations. To that end, the present invention further comprises at least one collapsible handrail assembly 6. The collapsible handrail assembly is a component that can be mounted onto the adjustable frame 1 to provide additional protection to the user while performing a potentially dangerous activity. Preferably, the first brace 34 and the second brace 35 are beams that are positioned offset from each other and connected in between the length-adjustable mast 2 and the external structure. The collapsible handrail assembly comprises a primary rail 61, a secondary rail 62, a first linkage 63, a second linkage 64, and a plurality of balusters 65. The first linkage 63 is pivotably connected in between the primary rail 61 and the secondary rail 62. Additionally, the second linkage 64 is pivotably connected in between the primary rail 61 and the secondary rail 62. Further, the second linkage 64 is positioned offset from the first linkage 63 across the primary rail 61. As a result, the primary rail 61, the secondary rail 62, the first linkage 63, and the second linkage 64 form a frame that can be collapsed when not in use. Relatedly, the primary rail 61 is terminally and pivotably connected to each of the plurality of balusters 65. Likewise, the secondary rail 62 is pivotably connected to each of the plurality of balusters 65. Further, each of the plurality of balusters 65 is terminally and pivotably mounted adjacent to the first brace 34, opposite to the primary rail 61. As a result, the plurality of balusters 65 forms the pivoting connection that enables the collapsible handrail assembly to remain connected to the adjustable frame 1 while the collapsible handrail assembly is in a collapsed configuration. Additionally, the collapsible handrail assembly functions as a physical barrier that prevents the user from falling while moving along the length of the first brace 34.
Referring to FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8, as described above, the present invention is designed to function as a modular system that can be quickly deployed or stowed. To facilitate this, the collapsible handrail assembly further comprises a plurality of pivoting couplers 66 and at least one rail actuator 67. The plurality of pivoting couplers 66 is a collection of disengageable fasteners that enable the adjustable handrail assembly to be pivotably attached to an external device. The plurality of pivoting couplers 66 is mounted adjacent to the walkway 5. Additionally, each of the plurality of balusters 65 is terminally and pivotably connected to a corresponding coupler 661 from the plurality of pivoting couplers 66. As a result, the plurality of pivoting couplers 66 enables the adjustable handrail assembly to be pivotably and detachably mounted onto the first brace 34 of the adjustable frame 1. The rail actuator 67 is operatively coupled between the first brace 34 and the collapsible handrail assembly, wherein the rail actuator 67 governs the collapsible functionality of the collapsible handrail. That is, the rail actuator 67 is coupled in between the adjustable handrail assembly and the first brace 34 so that the rail actuator 67 can cause the adjustable handrail assembly to be transitioned between the collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration.
Referring to FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8, preferably, the present invention is designed to be a fall protection system that is mounted onto tractor trailers and oil tankers. The present invention is designed to provide a sturdy platform that enables the user to mount and traverse the oil tanker without fear of being damaged during a fall. To achieve this functionality, the present invention further comprises a walkway 5. Additionally, the at least one adjustable frame 1 comprises a first frame 7 and a second frame 8. The first frame 7 and the second frame 8 are identically constructed and used to form a support structure for the walkway 5. The first frame 7 and the second frame 8 each comprise a mast 71, a primary brace 72, and a secondary brace 73. Preferably, the mast 71, the primary brace 72, and the secondary brace 73 are analogous components to the length-adjustable mast 2, the first brace 34 and the second brace 35, respectively. The first frame 7 is positioned offset from the second frame 8. Additionally, the first frame 7 is oriented parallel to the second frame 8. Thus positioned, the first frame 7 and the second frame 8 are able to support the weight of the walkway 5 and evenly distribute the weight of the user during a fall. Further specifying the configuration of components, the primary brace 72 and the secondary brace 73 are laterally mounted onto the mast 71 and positioned offset from each other across the mast 71. Consequently, the first frame 7 and the second frame 8 are formed into U-shaped support structures that facilitate distributing the load of the user and the walkway 5. Additionally, the walkway 5 is connected in between the primary brace 72 of the first frame 7 and the primary brace 72 of the second frame 8. As a result, the walkway 5 is maintained in a position that facilitates traversing the oil tanker. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one collapsible handrail assembly 6 comprises a first collapsible handrail assembly 68 and a second collapsible handrail assembly 69. The first collapsible handrail assembly 68 is mounted adjacent to the primary brace 72 of the first frame 7. Similarly, the second collapsible handrail assembly 69 is mounted adjacent to the primary brace 72 of the second frame 8. Accordingly, the first collapsible handrail assembly 68 and the second collapsible handrail assembly 69 frame the walkway 5 and form physical barriers that prevent the user from falling. In a supplementary embodiment, the first frame 7 and the second frame 8 are designed with different masts 71. For example, the first frame 7 can be constructed with a fixed-length mast 71 while the second frame 8 is constructed with a variable-length mast 71.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
Patent Application
20190352920
