Safety barrier for balconies and like structures

Abstract

A safety barrier assembly for a balcony has posts for mounting at spaced positions on the balcony, each post having a foot member supported by the balcony floor and a head member biased against the balcony ceiling. The posts each have an adjustment mechanism enabling height adjustment, and a series of formations along the length of the post at which to mount a mesh screen so that the screen stretches from floor to ceiling and stretches around the posts. The mesh screen thereby defines a confined usable balcony space but presents a barrier to a balcony occupant other than through an access door.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to safety barriers for balconies and like structures.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART[0002]Apartment balconies are of great value for apartment dwellers in offering the opportunity to go outside for a breath of fresh air without having to make a time-consuming expedition to the ground floor and back again. Balconies also provide a better viewing experience than simply looking through a window. It is known, however, that balconies present a danger of falling. In particular, children are frequently curious and not able to foresee danger. A balcony wall offers the challenge of finding out what is on the other side. Pets, too, may, through curiosity or illness, venture onto a balcony wall without realizing the danger of falling. In such cases, any distraction or misstep can result in a fall and serious injury or death.[0003]Statistics related to falls in Canada show the following:[0004]Deaths from falls from, out of or through building or str...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention provides a kit of parts for assembly as a safety barrier, including a post and a flexible mesh. The kit also includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length of the post and mounting means for anchoring a part of the mesh to the post. The assembly can also include a lock member to secure the mesh to the post. The kit and assembly can be used to create a safety barrier in building structures, with the posts mounted vertically or at corners of balconies. The technical effects of the invention include providing a simple yet effective kit for assembly of a safety barrier and a secure and adjustable attachment of the mesh to the post."

Problems solved by technology

It is known, however, that balconies present a danger of falling.

In particular, children are frequently curious and not able to foresee danger.

In such cases, any distraction or misstep can result in a fall and serious injury or death.

Of course, the easiest solution in the case of apartment balconies is to keep the balcony access door barred at all times but, while comparatively safe, such a solution does mean that many of the usual advantages of a balcony cannot be enjoyed.

In addition, the openable windows present risk of an unattended child or pet falling.

In addition, the structures disclosed have operable windows which, again, present the risk of inadvertent falls.

While safety aspects of the structures disclosed in the patent publications identified above may have merit, they are generally not deployable in many circumstances owing to landlord or condominium rules which bar the installation of any structure which may alter the structural integrity of the balcony floor or walls, such as the drilling of holes.

Moreover, several either do not effectively present a safety barrier or, if they do improve safety, they detract markedly from the desirable airiness experience of balconies.

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