Safety guardrail

Abstract

A safety guardrail (1) is provided. The safety guardrail (1) has a length (L), a width (W) and a height (H). The guardrail (1) has end connectors (10) at the ends of the safety guardrail, and the end connectors are arranged to be connected to corresponding end connectors of another safety guardrail. The end connectors include receiving spaces (11) that are adapted to receive at least a part of the end connectors of another safety guardrail, and connection and disconnection with the corresponding end connectors of another safety guardrail are achieved only by the relative movement of these safety guardrails in the direction of the height of the safety guardrail. The distance of the receiving space between the wall surfaces of the receiving space in the length direction of the safety guardrail is the smallest between the upper end and the lower end of the end connector and is larger at these ends.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a safety guardrail. Background Art

[0002] In the fields of construction and road construction, as well as in fields similar and / or related to construction and road construction, it is important to separate construction workers from passers-by such as vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians and / or to separate vehicles from each other. In the case of road construction, attention may also be paid to changing traffic routes. Therefore, the solution is to separate the construction / site by means of safety guardrails (also known as Jersey barriers) and / or to change traffic routes. It should be noted that safety guardrails are sturdy, and once installed, these safety guardrails are basically immovable. Further, since construction only takes a limited amount of time, it may only be temporarily necessary to use safety guardrails. Therefore, the need for sturdy (i.e., heavy-duty and / or robust) and temporary safety guardrails has led to the emergence of safety guardrails that can be joined / linked together to form a safety guardrail chain. It is well known in the art to join safety guardrails by lifting one safety guardrail above the corresponding safety guardrail and then lowering it so that the connecting part of one of these safety guardrails can be inserted into another safety guardrail. In other words, the way of joining safety guardrails is the same as the way of joining two pieces of tangram. The connecting part of such a safety guardrail is hook-shaped, such as the guardrail shown in WO 2014 / 036237A1. However, due to the need to quickly install safety guardrails and the fact that safety guardrails are heavy, it poses a great health risk to the construction workers installing the safety guardrails. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above discussion, the focus of the present invention is to provide a safety guardrail that is easier and safer to connect to each other. To address at least one of these concerns and other concerns, a safety guardrail defined by the following technical features is provided.

[0004] The safety guardrail has a length, a width and a height. The guardrail has end connectors at the ends of the guardrail. The end connectors are arranged to connect with corresponding end connectors of another guardrail. The end connectors include receiving spaces which are adapted to receive at least a part of the end connectors of another guardrail, and the connection and disconnection with the corresponding end connectors of another guardrail are achieved only by the relative movement of the guardrails in the direction of the height of the guardrails with respect to each other. The distance of the receiving space between the wall surfaces in the length direction of the guardrail is the smallest between the upper end and the lower end of the end connector, and is larger at these ends. It should be understood that, in the context of the present application, the term "temporary" means, for example, non-permanent, temporary, provisional, and / or time-limited. It should be noted that the safety guardrail is advantageous for temporary use due to its installation / dismantling characteristics, but the safety guardrail is also suitable for long-term or permanent use. The height of the safety guardrail can be understood as the vertical extension of the safety guardrail. The length of the safety guardrail can be understood as the longitudinal extension of the safety guardrail. The length and the width can be perpendicular to each other. Further, the length and the width can each be understood as the horizontal extension of the safety guardrail. The smallest distance of the space between the wall surfaces of the receiving space between the upper end and the lower end of the connector can allow a firm connection between the guardrails. The larger distance of the space between the wall surfaces of the receiving space at the ends can allow the guardrails to be connected more easily, and thus faster and safer, because there is more space at the ends of the end connectors. Additionally, it can be allowed that two joined guardrails are arranged at an angle to each other, while there are connectors between the guardrails to remain firm between the upper end and the lower end of the end connector. The term "at an angle to each other" means, for example, that the guardrails are arranged with respect to each other such that the longitudinal axis, the lateral axis and / or the transverse axis of the guardrails are arranged at an angle to each other. The term "firm" means, for example, joining, locking, interlocking, tight, connecting, establishing and / or stabilizing. The features mentioned above can increase the versatility of the guardrail, because the guardrail can be installed on uneven terrain while still having a tight fit. To join two guardrails, the guardrail can be raised such that the end connector of the guardrail is above the end connector of the corresponding end connector of another guardrail, and then the end connectors of these guardrails are joined by lowering the raised guardrail. In the case of a larger distance at the ends, it is easier to join the end connectors of the guardrails, thereby improving the safety of the guardrails. The end connector can be understood as including a hook shape or a J-shaped hook shape, which can be configured to engage with the corresponding end connector of another guardrail.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment, the distance of the receiving space between the wall surfaces in the width direction of the guardrail of the receiving space is minimum between the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the end connector, and is larger at these ends. Thus, since the distance in the width direction of the guardrail is minimum between the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the end connector and is larger at these ends, the guardrail can allow a more stable connection between the guardrails and even connect the guardrails more easily.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment, the end connector is elongated in the height direction of the guardrail, and the distance is minimum at the longitudinal middle portion of the end connector. Thereby, the versatility of the guardrail can be increased because the guardrail can be installed on a relatively uneven terrain.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment, the distance is maximum at the longitudinal ends of the end connector. Thus, the distance of the space between the wall surfaces of the receiving space is maximum at the ends, which allows the guardrails to be connected more easily.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment, the end connector has a longitudinal extension along the height of the guardrail, a lateral extension along the width of the guardrail, and a transverse extension along the length of the guardrail. The transverse protrusion of the end connector is maximum between the longitudinal ends of the end connector and is smaller at these ends. The transverse extension can allow a stable connection between the guardrails between the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the end connector while leaving room at these ends. The transverse extension can allow the guardrails to be joined to each other inclinedly with respect to an axis along the length of these guardrails. For example, it may be necessary to install a safety guardrail along a section of terrain including a flat section and an inclined section, then the concept of the present invention can be installed where there is such a sudden increase in inclination. Thus, a continuous connection of the guardrails can be made, which increases the robustness of the joined guardrails, thereby increasing the degree of safety provided by the safety guardrail.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment, the transverse protrusion is maximum at the longitudinal middle portion of the end connector. Thereby, the guardrail can be inclined equally in two directions with respect to the corresponding joined guardrail. The ability to be inclined equally can allow a more versatile guardrail.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment, the transverse protrusion is minimum at the longitudinal ends of the end connector. Thus, two guardrails can be connected more easily, thereby increasing the safety and efficiency of the guardrail.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment, the end connector further includes a base portion and a connecting portion. The connecting portion projects from the base portion in the length and width directions of the guardrail. Each of the base portion and the connecting portion is elongated and has a longitudinal extension along the height of the guardrail, a lateral extension along the width of the guardrail, and a transverse extension along the length of the guardrail. The base portion and the connecting portion can be understood to include a hook shape or a J-shaped hook shape. The base portion and the connecting portion can increase the strength of the connection between the guardrails. Further, the base portion and the connecting portion can ensure that the guardrails do not separate in all directions except along the height of the guardrail.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment, the base portion includes a longitudinal groove, wherein the wall surface of the groove and the wall surface of the connecting portion define a receiving space. The receiving space is adapted to receive the connecting portion of another guardrail, wherein the connecting portion is arranged to engage with the corresponding connecting portion of another guardrail.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment, the distance of the receiving space between the wall surface of the groove and the wall surface of the connecting portion is minimum between the longitudinal ends of the connecting portion and is larger at these longitudinal ends. Thereby, the connection can be made firm while allowing the guardrails to be connected more easily. Additionally, the different distances allow different orientations of the connected guardrails while maintaining a firm connection.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment, the transverse extension of the connecting portion is maximum between the longitudinal ends of the connecting portion and is smaller at these longitudinal ends. This can allow the two connected guardrails to rotate and / or tilt relative to each other.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment, the lateral extension of the connecting portion is maximum between the upper longitudinal end and the lower longitudinal end of the connecting portion and is smaller at these longitudinal ends. Thus, from between the upper longitudinal end and the lower longitudinal end to these longitudinal ends, the lateral extension can decrease. This decrease can be regarded as, for example, a funnel shape and / or a guiding section, which can make it easier to connect two safety guardrails. This decrease can allow reducing the height required to lift one guardrail to connect it to another guardrail, which can improve the efficiency and safety of the guardrail. Further, the lateral extension of the connecting portion can be maximum at the longitudinal middle portion of the end connector. Additionally, the lateral extension of the connecting portion can be minimum at the longitudinal ends of the end connector.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment, the end connector includes a shape that allows the guardrail to rotate and / or tilt with respect to another guardrail when received by the receiving space of another guardrail. The term "received by the receiving space of another guardrail" further means, for example, that the end connector engages with the corresponding end connector of another guardrail.

[0017] The end connector can be integral with the body of the guardrail. The body of the guardrail and the end connector can be made of the same material. The body of the guardrail and the end connector can be formed together. For example, the body of the guardrail can be composed of a frame and guardrail material, where the guardrail material can include the end connector. The end connector integral with the body of the guardrail can be more durable. The guardrail can be formed by a housing of one material and then filled with another material. For example, the guardrail can be composed of an external metal housing and then filled with concrete. The guardrail can be integral. In other words, the guardrail can be formed from a single piece of material. For example, the guardrail can be formed from a single block of concrete. The concept of the present invention is not limited to the material concrete and can be formed from any material (such as any metal material or plastic material). The integral guardrail can be produced more easily, thus having a lower production cost. Further, the guardrail can have a support frame disposed inside the guardrail. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a safety guardrail according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a safety guardrail according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a safety guardrail according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a safety guardrail according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of two joined safety guardrails according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an end connector of a safety guardrail according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figures 7 to 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an end connector of two joined safety guardrails according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] All the figures are schematic, not necessarily drawn to scale, and generally only show the parts necessary to illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, where other parts can be omitted or only presented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The present invention will now be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments of the present invention set forth herein; rather, these embodiments of the present invention are provided by way of example so that this disclosure conveys the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. In the figures, unless otherwise noted, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components having the same or similar functions.

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a safety guardrail according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The safety guardrail 1 has a length L, a width W, and a height H. The length L of the safety guardrail 1 is greater than the height H of the safety guardrail 1. The height H of the safety guardrail 1 is greater than the width W of the safety guardrail 1, although it should be noted that in other embodiments, the width can be greater than the height. The safety guardrail 1 has a bottom 2 and a top 3, wherein the width of the bottom is greater than the width of the top. The larger bottom width increases the stability of the safety guardrail 1. Further, the safety guardrail 1 has a body 4. The body 4 of the safety guardrail 1 has substantially the same cross-section along the entire length L of the body 4. The body 4 includes a middle body portion 17 and two side body portions 18 on both sides of the middle body portion 17. The shape of the cross-section of the body 4 is basically composed of three shapes, wherein the cross-section of the middle body portion 17 is rectangular, and the cross-section of the side body portion 18 is triangular. The two triangles are arranged such that the short side of the rectangle and one side (i.e., the right-angled side) of each triangle form the base of the safety guardrail 1. Thus, the other side of the triangle extends along the long side of the rectangle and reaches a height corresponding to at least a part (usually less than half of the height) of the total height of the guardrail 1. Figure 1 The safety guardrail 1 in [the figure] further includes four feet 5, which are substantially arranged at the corners of the lower side of the safety guardrail 1. The shown safety guardrail 1 further includes two holes 6, which pass through the safety guardrail 1 in the direction of the width W of the safety guardrail 1. The holes 6 can be adapted for use when lifting and / or moving the guardrail 1, for example, by means of a forklift or another work vehicle. Additionally, the safety guardrail 1 includes three notches 7, which are arranged on one side of the safety guardrail 1. The safety guardrail 1 further includes corresponding notches 7 on the opposite side. The notches 7 can be adapted for gripping the guardrail 1. The guardrail 1 includes an elongated recess 15 at its top 3. The recess 15 extends between two opposite edge sections 16 along the length L of the safety guardrail 1. The recess 15 and the edge sections 16 can be used for attaching accessories such as sound insulation walls, sign holders, etc. It should be noted that the number of notches given above, etc., can be different, depending on the length of the safety guardrail 1.

[0029] The safety guardrail 1 further includes end connectors 10 which are arranged at the ends of the safety guardrail 1. The end connectors 10 are arranged to engage with corresponding end connectors 10 of another safety guardrail, see Figure 5 . To obtain this engagement, the end connector 10 includes a receiving space 11 which is adapted to receive at least a part of the end connector of another guardrail, and the connection and disconnection with the corresponding end connector of another guardrail will only be achieved by the relative movement of the safety guardrails 1 in the direction of the height H of the safety guardrail 1 with respect to each other. The distance of the receiving space 11 between the wall surfaces of the receiving space 11 in the direction of the length L of the safety guardrail 1 is minimum between the upper longitudinal end 19 and the lower longitudinal end 20 of the end connector 10, and is larger at the upper longitudinal end 19 and the lower longitudinal end 20.

[0030] The end connector 10 includes a base portion 12 and a connecting portion 13 which projects laterally from the base portion 12. In combination Figure 2 The base portion 12 and the connecting portion 13 are further described. The shown end connector 10 is a separate part which has been attached to the body 4 of the safety guardrail 1, more particularly to the end of the body 4. However, it should be understood that the end connector 10 can be integral with the body 4 of the safety guardrail 1. In this embodiment, the safety guardrail 1 includes one end connector 10 at each of its ends. The end connectors 10 are mirror images, so it does not matter which direction is turned to connect the two safety guardrails 1 to each other. The end connectors 10 will fit together anyway.

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic orthogonal view of the safety guardrail 1 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 The safety guardrail 1 as seen from above is shown. More particularly, Figure 2Shows a part of the safety railing 1, where this part includes the end of the safety railing 1. The end connector 10 is arranged at this end of the safety railing 1. The width of the end connector 10 is the same as the width of the top 3 and the width of the intermediate body part 17 of the body 4. The safety railing 1 includes end caps 9, and these end caps are arranged on the longitudinal ends of the side body parts 18. Each end cap 9 has a transverse extension along the length of the safety railing 1, and this transverse extension varies in the lateral direction (i.e., along the width W of the safety railing 1) and has a minimum value at the transition between a triangle and a rectangle. The end connector 10 is elongated in the direction of the height of the safety railing 1 and has a transverse extension along the length L of the safety railing 1. This transverse extension is the largest between the upper longitudinal end 19 and the lower longitudinal end 20 (i.e., the longitudinal ends) of the end connector 10, and is smaller at the upper longitudinal end 19 and the lower longitudinal end 20. Preferably, the transverse extension is the largest at the longitudinal middle part M of the end connector 10. Preferably, the transverse extension of the end connector 10 is the smallest at its upper longitudinal end 19 and lower longitudinal end 20. The transverse extension of the end connector 10 is defined as the distance from the planar two-dimensional interface between the end connector 10 and the body 4 (i.e., the interface along the height and width of the safety railing 1) to the free end of the end connector 10. Therefore, according to this definition, the transverse extension is equivalent to the transverse protrusion of the end connector 10.

[0032] The base part 12 has: a first side part 21, which is at the first side of the safety railing 1; a second side part 22, which is at the second side of the safety railing 1 and is laterally opposite to the first side part 21; and an intermediate part 23, which is laterally located between the first side part 21 and the second side part 22. The base part 12 includes a longitudinal groove 24. The connecting part 13 has: a first transverse part 25, which projects laterally away from the base part 12 at the first side part 21; a lateral part 26, which projects laterally away from the first side part 21 of the base part 12 from the first transverse part 25; and a second transverse part 27, which projects laterally towards the intermediate part 23 of the base part 12 from the lateral part 26. Therefore, the first transverse part 25 and the second transverse part 27 project in opposite transverse directions.

[0033] The wall surfaces of the longitudinal groove 24 and the wall surface of the connecting portion 13 define a receiving space 11 such that the receiving space 11 is adapted to receive the connecting portion 13 of another safety guardrail 1. Alternatively, this can be regarded as that the surface portions of the longitudinal groove 24 and the connecting portion 13 facing each other define the receiving space 11. More particularly, the cross-section of the receiving space 11 and the cross-section of the connecting portion 13 are similar in shape, but the cross-sectional area of the receiving space 11 is slightly larger than the cross-sectional area of the connecting portion 13. The connecting portion 13 is arranged to engage with the corresponding connecting portion of another guardrail, see Figure 5 . Due to the shape of the connecting portion 13 (e.g., similar to a hook shape), the connecting portion can only be received in the receiving space 11 by entering the connecting portion 13 from above or below the end connector 10 (i.e., in the direction of the height of the safety guardrail 1). Therefore, the engagement of the two end connectors 10 prevents disconnection by pulling the safety guardrail 1 apart or pulling these guardrails towards both sides in opposite directions. The receiving space 11 has a longitudinal opening 28 that extends along the entire length of the connecting portion 13.

[0034] Both the first side portion 21 and the second side portion 22 have a lateral extension that varies along the length of the base portion 12. More particularly, the first side portion and the second side portion project laterally by different degrees at different positions along the base portion 12. Figure 2 The differences in the protrusions are indicated by d1 and d6 respectively in

[0035] Like the entirety of the end connector 10, each of the base portion 12 and the connecting portion 13 has a longitudinal extension along the height H of the guardrail, a lateral extension along the width W of the guardrail, and a transverse extension along the length L of the guardrail. The transverse extension of the connecting portion 13 varies along the length of the connecting portion such that the transverse extension of the connecting portion 13 is maximum between the longitudinal ends 29, 30 of the connecting portion 13 and is smaller at the longitudinal ends 29, 30 of the connecting portion. Preferably, the transverse extension of the connecting portion 13 is maximum at the longitudinal middle portion M of the end connector 10. Preferably, the transverse extension of the connecting portion 13 is minimum at the longitudinal ends 29, 30 of the connecting portion 13. More particularly, according to an embodiment of the safety guardrail 1, the transverse extension of the connecting portion 13 at the second transverse portion 27 is maximum between the longitudinal ends 29, 30 of the connecting portion 13 and is minimum at the longitudinal ends 29, 30 of the connecting portion. Figure 2 In Figure 2 , the difference between the maximum transverse protrusion and the minimum transverse protrusion of the relative surface of the second transverse portion 27 facing the longitudinal groove 24 is indicated by d7, and the difference in the transverse protrusion of the lateral portion 26 in the opposite direction (i.e., the surface facing away from the longitudinal groove 24) is indicated by d2. As Figure 6 shown, the sum of the two last-mentioned differences d7, d2 is the transverse extension E of the connecting portion 13 along the length of the connecting portion 13 at the second transverse portion 27 T The transverse distance D is between the opposite wall sections of the receiving space 11 T The transverse distance D at the part of the receiving space 11 that is to receive the second transverse portion 27 T has a minimum value between the longitudinal ends of the end connector 10, and this minimum value is adapted to the maximum transverse extension E of the connecting portion 13 at the second transverse portion 27 T This minimum transverse distance D of the receiving space 11 T is slightly longer than the maximum transverse extension E T Accordingly, the lateral extension E of the connecting portion 13 at the maximum lateral protrusion of the lateral portion 26 L is less than the minimum lateral distance D of the corresponding part of the receiving space 11 L Thus, there is a clearance P between the connecting portion 13 and the receiving space 11. Thereby, the connecting portion 13 will be stably engaged in the receiving space 11 but is still movable in the receiving space. As Figure 7 shown, when approaching the opening 28 of the receiving space 11, the clearance P increases. This is to permit the interconnected safety guardrails 1 to pivot horizontally relative to each other, i.e., to be positioned at an angle relative to each other in a horizontal plane. Figure 2In it, the difference in the extension of the lateral part 26 (which is also the difference in the lateral protrusion towards the second side part of the safety guardrail 1) is indicated by d4. The first lateral part 25 has a surface that slopes towards the first side part of the safety guardrail 1. This surface is at least non-planar in the longitudinal direction and provides a varying lateral / transverse extension of the first lateral part 25. Figure 2 In it, the overall difference in extension is indicated by d3.

[0036] Additionally, the transverse and lateral differences in the extension enable the interconnected safety guardrails 1 to be angled in a vertical plane, which facilitates the use of these guardrails on uneven ground. If a lateral force causes the interconnected safety guardrails 1 to pivot about the end connector 10, then at the maximum pivot angle, the clearance P on one side of the connecting part 13 of this end connector will become zero, and the connecting part 13 will impact the wall surface of the groove of another safety guardrail 1. This may result in a relatively large force being applied to the connecting part 13. To reduce this force, the end caps 9 of the safety guardrail 1 project laterally to such an extent that just before the side of the connecting part 13 impacts the wall surface of the longitudinal groove 24, the end caps 9 on one side of the safety guardrail 1 will impact each other and absorb at least a part of the moving force. Therefore, the size of the clearance and the lateral protrusion of the end caps 9 are adapted to each other such that the end caps 9 and the end connector 10 cooperate to absorb the lateral force that causes excessive pivoting about the end connector 10.

[0037] Furthermore, the second side part 22 of the base part 12 has a greater transverse extension than the first side part 21. However, the difference in the transverse extension d1 of the first side part 21 and the difference in the transverse extension d6 of the second side part 22 are the same. The transverse protrusion of the connecting part 13 is greater than the transverse protrusion of the second side part 22 of the base part 12. The connecting part 13 has a hook shape or a J-shaped hook shape, that is, this connecting part forms a hook part. Thus, in summary, the differences d1 - d7 in the transverse and lateral extensions of the end connector 10 form the clearance P between the wall surface of the receiving space 11 and the connecting part 13 received by the receiving space 11. The clearance P has a minimum value between the upper longitudinal end 19 and the lower longitudinal end 20 of the end connector 10, and is larger at the upper longitudinal end 19 and the lower longitudinal end 20.

[0038] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a safety guardrail 1 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that Figure 3 includes features, elements, and / or functions as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 and described in the relevant text. Therefore, for a better understanding, reference is also made to those figures and the description related thereto. Figure 3The safety guardrail 1 shown is viewed from above and at an angle. Accordingly, the end portion of the safety guardrail 1, a part of the side portion of the safety guardrail 1, and a part of the top 3 of the safety guardrail 1 are shown.

[0039] The end connector 10 includes a base portion 12 and a connecting portion 13. The base portion 12, the connecting portion 13, and the receiving space 11 are elongated along the height H of the safety guardrail 1. However, the longitudinal extension of the connecting portion 13 is smaller than the longitudinal extension of the base portion 12, wherein the longitudinal extensions of the first side portion 21 and the second side portion 22 of the base portion 12 extend up to the top 3 of the safety guardrail 1, while the longitudinal extension of the connecting portion 13 ends at a certain longitudinal distance from the top 3 and is flush with the bottom of the recess 15.

[0040] The lateral extension of the end connector 10 and the lateral extension of the connecting portion 13 are maximum at the longitudinal middle portion M of the end connector 10. The lateral extension of the end connector 10 is smaller at the longitudinal ends of the end connector 10. The lateral extension of the connecting portion 13 is smaller at the longitudinal ends 29, 30 of the connecting portion 13. The connecting portion 13 has a lateral extension (i.e., a lateral protrusion towards the second side portion of the safety guardrail 1) towards the second side portion of the safety guardrail 1, and this lateral extension is the same along the longitudinal middle section d11 of the connecting portion 13. From the longitudinal ends of the longitudinal middle section d11 to the longitudinal ends of the connecting portion 13, i.e., the longitudinal end sections d12, the lateral extension towards the second side portion of the safety guardrail 1 decreases such that the lateral extension is minimum at the longitudinal ends of the connecting portion 13, and the same is true for the overall lateral extension of the connecting portion 13. The connecting portion 13 partially covers the receiving space 11.

[0041] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a safety guardrail according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that Figure 4 includes features, elements, and / or functions as shown and described in the relevant text. Accordingly, for a better understanding, reference is also made to those figures and the description related thereto. Figures 1 to 3 The perspective view of makes the end portion and the side portion of the body 4 of the safety guardrail 1 shown. Figure 4 The perspective view of shows the end portion and the side portion of the body 4 of the safety guardrail 1.

[0042] The base portion 12 and the connecting portion 13 are obscured views of the left side of the end connector 10. Figure 4Shows how the lateral protrusion of the connecting portion 13 is greater than the lateral protrusion of the second side portion 22 of the end connector 10. There is a lateral distance between the edge of the connecting portion 13 and the wall surface of the second side portion 22 of the base portion 12. Further, there is a lateral distance between the second lateral portion 27 of the connecting portion 13 and the opposite wall surface of the receiving portion 11. This latter lateral distance is minimum at the longitudinal middle portion M of the end connector 10 and maximum at the longitudinal ends of the end connector 10. The combination of the characteristics that the lateral extension of the connecting portion 13 is maximum at the longitudinal middle portion M and minimum at the longitudinal ends of the end connector 10 with the above-mentioned characteristics of the lateral distances defines the distance between the wall surfaces of the receiving space 11, which distance is minimum between the upper longitudinal end and the lower longitudinal end of the connecting portion 13 and greater at these longitudinal ends. Preferably, the distance between the wall surfaces of the receiving space 11 is minimum at the longitudinal middle portion M of the end connector.

[0043] Figure 5 Is a schematic perspective view of two joined safety barriers 1 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that Figure 5 Includes features, elements, and / or functions as Figures 1 to 4 Shown and described in the relevant text. Therefore, for better understanding, reference is also made to those figures and the description related thereto. Figure 5 The two joined safety barriers shown in are viewed from above.

[0044] Two safety barriers 1 are joined. In other words, the two barriers are, for example, interlocked, locked together, or connected. The two joined safety barriers 1 are arranged to be aligned with each other. In other words, the longitudinal axes of the safety barriers 1 are parallel. However, the safety barriers 1 are not limited to being parallel with respect to their longitudinal axes. It should be understood that the concept of the present invention allows the two joined barriers to be arranged at an angle with respect to their longitudinal axes.

[0045] The end connectors 10 of each safety guardrail 1 are joined to the end connectors 10 of the corresponding safety guardrail 1. In other words, the connecting portions 13 of each safety guardrail 1 have been inserted into the receiving spaces 11 of the corresponding safety guardrail 1 and are joined to the wall portions of the receiving spaces 11 provided by the base portions 12 and the connecting portions 13 of the corresponding guardrails. The receiving space 11 is larger than the connecting portion 13, i.e., there is a clearance P therebetween. However, at the narrowest joint point, there is substantially no clearance between the connecting portions 13 of the safety guardrails 1, while the clearance expands towards the longitudinal ends of the connecting portions 13. In other words, in the vertical orientation, the clearance P between the connecting portion 13 and the corresponding connecting portion 13 of another safety guardrail 1 is minimum between the upper longitudinal end and the lower longitudinal end of the connecting portion 13 and is larger at these longitudinal ends. This is the case at least when the ground on which the safety guardrails 1 rest is flat. Similarly, in the horizontal orientation, the clearance P is minimum at the ends (which can be regarded as outer ends or free ends) of the connecting portion 13 and increases towards the opening 28 of the receiving space 11. The clearance in the vertical orientation is also denoted as the vertical clearance P V , as Figure 8 shown in, and the clearance in the horizontal orientation is also denoted as the horizontal clearance P H , as Figure 7 shown in. Figure 7 A horizontal cross-sectional view of the end connector 10 is shown. As explained above, the end caps 9 are arranged to project laterally such that if the safety guardrail 1 rotates about the interconnection between these guardrails, then the end cap 9 of one safety guardrail 1 will contact the end cap 9 of another safety guardrail 1 and then the clearance at the interconnection (i.e., the horizontal clearance P H ) becomes zero.

[0046] In the vertical cross-section taken along the line I-I in Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 show how the clearance in the end connector 10 (which has been obtained by the shapes of the connecting portion 13 and the receiving space 11) allows a vertical angle α between two interconnected safety guardrails 1, which vertical angle is usually caused by uneven ground. More particularly, as Figure 8 shown, when the safety guardrail 1 is placed on flat ground, the clearance (i.e., the vertical clearance P V ) is minimum at the longitudinal middle portion M of the end connector 10 and increases towards the longitudinal ends of the connecting portion 13. At the maximum vertical angle α, the vertical clearance P V is zero. This means that the surface portion of the connecting portion 13 of each safety guardrail 1 abuts the corresponding surface portion of the receiving space 11 of the end connector 10 of another safety guardrail 1.

Claims

1. A safety guardrail (1), the safety guardrail (1) having a length (L), a width (W) and a height (H), wherein, The safety guardrail (1) has end connectors (10) at the ends of the safety guardrail, which are arranged to be connected to corresponding end connectors of another safety guardrail, wherein the end connectors include a receiving space (11) adapted to receive at least a part of the end connector of another safety guardrail, and connection and disconnection with the corresponding end connector of another safety guardrail are achieved only by relative movement of these safety guardrails in the direction of the height of the safety guardrail with respect to each other, wherein the distance of the receiving space between the wall surfaces in the length direction of the safety guardrail is minimum between the upper and lower ends of the end connector and larger at these ends, and wherein the end connector includes a shape that allows the safety guardrail to be vertically inclined with respect to the other safety guardrail in the height direction of the safety guardrail when received by the receiving space of the other safety guardrail.

2. The safety guardrail according to claim 1, wherein, The distance of the receiving space between the wall surfaces in the width direction of the safety guardrail is minimum between the upper and lower ends of the end connector and larger at these ends.

3. The safety guardrail according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The end connector is elongated in the height direction of the safety guardrail, and wherein the distance is minimum at the longitudinal middle part (M) of the end connector.

4. The safety guardrail according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The end connector is elongated in the height direction of the safety guardrail, and wherein the distance is maximum at the longitudinal ends of the end connector.

5. The safety guardrail (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The end connector (10) has a longitudinal extension along the height (H) of the safety guardrail (1), a lateral extension along the width (W) of the safety guardrail, and a transverse extension along the length (L) of the safety guardrail, and wherein the transverse protrusion of the end connector is maximum between the longitudinal ends of the end connector and smaller at these ends.

6. The safety guardrail (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The transverse protrusion is maximum at the longitudinal middle part (M) of the end connector.

7. The safety guardrail (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The transverse protrusion is minimum at the longitudinal ends of the end connector.

8. The safety guardrail (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The end connector (10) further includes a base part (12) and a connecting part (13) protruding from the base part in the length and width directions of the safety guardrail, wherein each of the base part and the connecting part is elongated and has a longitudinal extension along the height (H) of the safety guardrail, a lateral extension along the width (W) of the safety guardrail, and a transverse extension along the length (L) of the safety guardrail.

9. The safety guardrail (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The base part (12) includes a longitudinal groove (24), wherein the wall surfaces of the groove and the wall surfaces of the connecting part (13) define the receiving space (11) such that the receiving space is adapted to receive the connecting part of another safety guardrail, wherein the connecting part is arranged to engage with the corresponding connecting part of the other safety guardrail.

10. The safety guardrail (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The distance of the receiving space between the wall surfaces of the groove and the wall surfaces of the connecting part is minimum between the longitudinal ends of the connecting part and larger at these longitudinal ends.

11. The safety guardrail (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The lateral extension of the connecting portion is maximum between the longitudinal ends of the connecting portion and smaller at the longitudinal ends of the connecting portion.

12. The safety guardrail (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The lateral extension of the connecting portion is minimum at the longitudinal ends of the connecting portion.

13. The safety guardrail (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The lateral extension of the connecting portion is maximum between the upper longitudinal end and the lower longitudinal end of the connecting portion and smaller at these longitudinal ends.

14. The safety guardrail (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The lateral extension of the connecting portion is minimum at the longitudinal ends of the end connector.

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