Foldable guardrail

Abstract

The invention discloses a foldable guardrail. The foldable guardrail comprises a base, a middle handrail, a top handrail, a left lower side supporting leg, a left upper side supporting leg, a right lower side supporting leg and a right upper side supporting leg. The foldable guardrail has an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a foldable guardrail. Background Art

[0002] In the manufacturing industry, fall protection is critical when personnel are working above ground level. Guardrails are used on lifts and other high platforms to prevent falls. However, when not above ground level, guardrails can be obtrusive and restrict access to necessary manufacturing parts, supplies, tools, etc. Existing foldable guardrails are expensive, slow to deploy, and require regular maintenance. Summary of the invention

[0003] The foldable guardrail according to the present application comprises a base, a middle rail, a top rail, a left lower side leg, a left upper side leg, a right lower side leg and a right upper side leg. The foldable guardrail has an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Figure 1 is a schematic front view showing a foldable guardrail according to the present application in an unfolded configuration.

[0005] Figure 2 is a schematic front view showing a foldable guardrail according to the present application in a folded configuration.

[0006] Figure 3 is a schematic side view showing a foldable guardrail according to the present application in an unfolded configuration.

[0007] Figure 4 is a schematic side view showing a foldable guardrail according to the present application in a folded configuration.

[0008] Figure 5 is an isometric view of an exemplary foldable guardrail according to the present application shown in its deployed configuration.

[0009] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Side view of a foldable guardrail.

[0010] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Front view of a foldable guardrail with the netting removed for clarity.

[0011] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A partial perspective view of a foldable guardrail showing a power source.

[0012] Fig. 9 is a partial perspective view of another foldable guardrail shown in a deployed configuration and showing a power source. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] This article discloses and Figures 1 to 4 The foldable guardrail 10 is schematically shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 4 In the examples, elements that may be included in a given example are illustrated with solid lines, while elements that are optional for or corresponding to a given example are represented with dashed lines. However, elements illustrated with solid lines are not required for all examples of the present application, and elements illustrated with solid lines may be omitted from a particular example without departing from the scope of the present application.

[0014] like Figures 1 to 4 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the foldable guardrail 10 includes at least a base 12 , a middle rail 18 , a top rail 24 and four legs, namely a left lower leg 30 , a left upper leg 36 , a right lower leg 42 and a right upper leg 48 .

[0015] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the base 12 includes a base left end region 14 and a base right end region 16 opposite the base left end region 14. In some examples, the base 12 may additionally or alternatively be described as a railing, a beam, or a support. Figure 1 The base 12 is schematically illustrated as extending continuously from the base left end region 14 to the base right end region 16, but not all examples require such a configuration, and in some examples, the base left end region 14 may be a different structure from the base right end region 16. As used herein, "end region" is not limited to the end of the structure, but includes the end of 20% of the length of the structure.

[0016] like Figure 1 As schematically shown in the figure, the intermediate rail 18 is positioned above the base 12, and in some examples can be parallel to the base 12. In this document, positional terms such as "above", "below", "left", "right", etc. refer to the position of the foldable guardrail 10 when it is in an operational position for use and as presented in the figure. Figure 1 As shown in , the middle railing 18 includes a middle railing left end region 20 and a middle railing right end region 22 opposite to the middle railing left end region 20. The middle railing left end region 20 is positioned above the base left end region 14, and the middle railing right end region 22 is positioned above the base right end region 16. In this document, "railing" may be described as a beam or an elongated support member, additionally or alternatively.

[0017] like Figure 1As schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 , the top rail 24 is positioned above and parallel to the middle rail 18 and includes a top rail left end region 26 and a top rail right end region 28 opposite to the top rail left end region 26. The top rail left end region 26 is positioned above the middle rail left end region 20, and the top rail right end region 28 is positioned above the middle rail right end region 22.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, the legs may be described as arms, elongated supports, or links, and may be described in terms of their respective end regions and their relationship to the base 12, the intermediate rail 18, and the top rail 24. Specifically, and as Figure 1 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the left lower leg 30 includes a left lower leg lower end region 32 and a left lower leg upper end region 34 opposite to the left lower leg lower end region 32. The left lower leg lower end region 32 is pivotally coupled to the base left end region 14, and the left lower leg upper end region 34 is pivotally and translationally coupled to the middle rail 18. The left upper leg 36 is positioned above the left lower leg 30, and includes a left upper leg upper end region 38 and a left upper leg lower end region 40 opposite to the left upper leg upper end region 38. The left upper leg upper end region 38 is pivotally coupled to the top rail left end region 26, and the left upper leg lower end region 40 is pivotally and translationally coupled to the middle rail 18.

[0019] Similarly, the right lower leg 42 includes a right lower leg lower end region 44 and a right lower leg upper end region 46 opposite the right lower leg lower end region 44. The right lower leg lower end region 44 is pivotally coupled to the base right end region 16, and the right lower leg upper end region 46 is pivotally and translationally coupled to the middle rail 18. The right upper leg 48 is positioned above the right lower leg 42 and includes a right upper leg upper end region 50 and a right upper leg lower end region 52 opposite the right upper leg upper end region 50. The right upper leg upper end region 50 is pivotally coupled to the top rail right end region 28, and the right upper leg lower end region 52 is pivotally and translationally coupled to the middle rail 18.

[0020] like Figure 1 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the foldable guardrail 10 may be described as having an expanded configuration 54 in which the left lower leg upper end region 34 and the left upper leg lower end region 40 are adjacent to the middle rail left end region 20 , and in which the right lower leg upper end region 46 and the right upper leg lower end region 52 are adjacent to the middle rail right end region 22 . Figure 2As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the foldable guardrail 10 may also be described as having a folded configuration 56, wherein the left lower leg upper end region 34 and the left upper leg lower end region 40 are spaced away from the middle rail left end region 20 toward the middle rail right end region 22, and wherein the right lower leg upper end region 46 and the right upper leg lower end region 52 are spaced away from the middle rail right end region 22 toward the middle rail left end region 20. Thus, the foldable guardrail 10 may be selectively deployed to the deployed configuration 54, such as when the foldable guardrail 100 is needed to restrict access to an adjacent area by a person. For example, the foldable guardrail 10 may be associated with a structure positioned above the ground, such as an elevator deployed to a lifting configuration. Conversely, the foldable guardrail 10 may be selectively folded or retracted to the folded configuration 56, such as when the foldable guardrail 100 is not needed to restrict access to an adjacent area by a person, such as when the associated structure (e.g., an elevator) is positioned near or at the ground.

[0021] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some examples, the middle rail 18 defines a middle rail lower left track 58, a middle rail upper left track 60, a middle rail lower right track 62, and a middle rail upper right track 64. These tracks can take any suitable configuration so that each identified structure is configured to translate along the track. Various structures can be used, including rollers or wheels configured to roll along the track, pinions (i.e., circular gears) that mesh with a rack (i.e., a linear gear) and are configured to rotate and translate along the rack, or pins or shafts configured to slide along the track. Additionally or alternatively, the track can be or can be described as a channel, a slot, a guide rail, or a rail. Compared to examples including racks and pinions or other gear configurations, examples including rollers or wheels configured to roll along the track and examples including pins or shafts that slide along the track can transition faster and / or more easily between the unfolded configuration 54 and the folded configuration 56. In addition, due to the rapid transition between the unfolded configuration 54 and the folded configuration 56, such examples may be less prone to jamming, becoming twisted, or otherwise stuck.

[0022] The left lower rail 58 of the middle rail extends from the left end region 20 of the middle rail toward the right end region 22 of the middle rail. The left lower leg upper end region 34 is configured such that when the foldable guardrail 10 is in the deployed configuration 54 ( Figure 1 ) and folded configuration 56( Figure 2 ) when transitioning between the two rails, it moves horizontally along the lower left track 58 of the middle railing.

[0023] The middle rail left upper track 60 extends from the middle rail left end region 20 toward the middle rail right end region 22. The left upper leg lower end region 40 is configured such that when the foldable guardrail 10 is in the deployed configuration 54 ( Figure 1 ) and folded configuration 56( Figure 2 ), along the middle rail left upper track 60. In some examples, the middle rail left upper track 60 is different from the middle rail left lower track 58, for example Figure 1 and Figure 2 however, in other examples, the middle rail upper left track 60 and the middle rail lower left track 58 are integral with each other.

[0024] The middle rail right lower track 62 extends from the middle rail right end region 22 toward the middle rail left end region 20. The right lower leg upper end region 46 is configured such that when the foldable guardrail 10 is in the deployed configuration 54 ( Figure 1 ) and folded configuration 56( Figure 2 ), it moves along the lower right track 62 of the middle rail. In some examples, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As schematically shown in FIG. 6 , the middle rail right lower track 62 is distinct from the middle rail left lower track 58 ; however, in other examples, the middle rail right lower track 62 and the middle rail left lower track 58 are integral with one another.

[0025] The middle rail right upper track 64 extends from the middle rail right end region 22 toward the middle rail left end region 20. The right upper leg lower end region 52 is configured such that when the foldable guardrail 10 is in the deployed configuration 54 ( Figure 1 ) and folded configuration ( Figure 2 ), it moves along the middle rail right upper track 64. In some examples, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the middle rail right upper track 64 is different from the middle rail right lower track 62; however, in other examples, the middle rail right upper track 64 and the middle rail right lower track 62 are integral with each other. In some examples, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As schematically shown in FIG. 6 , the middle rail upper right track 64 is different from the middle rail upper left track 60 ; however, in other examples, the middle rail upper right track 64 and the middle rail upper left track 60 are integral with each other.

[0026] like Figure 1 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , some examples of the foldable guardrail 10 further include a left leg connection block 66 and a right leg connection block 68. The left leg connection block 66 operably couples the left lower leg upper end region 34 and the left upper leg lower end region 40 together, and the right leg connection block 68 operably couples the right lower leg upper end region 46 and the right upper leg lower end region 52 together. Additionally or alternatively, the connection blocks may be described or referred to as carriages.

[0027] In some examples, such as Figure 1As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the middle rail 18 further defines a middle rail left center track 70 and a middle rail right center track 72. The middle rail left center track 70 extends from the middle rail left end region 20 toward the middle rail right end region 22, and the left leg connecting block 66 is configured such that: when the foldable guardrail 10 is in the deployed configuration 54 ( Figure 1 ) and folded configuration 56( Figure 2 ) when transitioning between the middle guardrail and the left center rail 70. The middle guardrail right center rail 72 extends from the middle guardrail right end region 22 toward the middle guardrail left end region 20, and the right leg connecting block 68 is configured such that: when the foldable guardrail 10 is in the deployed configuration 54 ( Figure 1 ) and folded configuration 56( Figure 2 ), it moves along the middle rail right center track 72. In some examples, such as Figure 1 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the middle rail right center track 72 is distinct from the middle rail left center track 70 ; however, in other examples, the middle rail right center track 72 and the middle rail left center track 70 are integral with one another.

[0028] In some examples, such as Figure 1 As shown schematically in the figure, the left leg connecting block 66 is operably engaged with the middle rail left lower track 58, the middle rail left upper track 60 and the middle rail left center track 70 in a left triangular pattern 74, and the right leg connecting block 68 is operably engaged with the middle rail right lower track 62, the middle rail right upper track 64 and the middle rail right center track 72 in a right triangular pattern 76. This spatial configuration helps the connecting block to translate smoothly along the middle rail 18 without twisting, rotating or pivoting relative to the middle rail 18, thereby avoiding the connecting block from getting stuck with the middle rail 18.

[0029] In some examples, the middle rail 18 includes a front panel 18' and a rear panel 18' spaced apart from the front panel 18". Thus, in such examples, the respective tracks 58, 60, 62, 64, 70 and 72 have respective front and rear sections. As a result, when the respective pins, shafts or other suitable structures extend from the front sections to the rear sections of the tracks, the respective loads are split into two components - one along the front panel 18' and one along the rear panel 18". This configuration results in a more stable foldable guardrail 10 than if the respective loads along the middle rail 18 were individually positioned along the centerline of the foldable guardrail 10. In some examples, the middle rail 18 also includes an end cap 18'", which operably couples the front panel 18' and the rear panel 18" together. In some examples, the left leg connection block 66 and the right leg connection block 68 are positioned and configured to slide between the front panel 18' and the rear panel 18".

[0030] In some examples of the foldable guardrail 10, when the foldable guardrail is in the deployed configuration 54 ( Figure 1 ), the left lower leg upper end region 34 is laterally to the left of the left lower leg lower end region 32, the left upper leg lower end region 40 is laterally to the left of the left upper leg upper end region 38, the right lower leg upper end region 46 is laterally to the right of the right lower leg lower end region 44, and the right upper leg lower end region 52 is laterally to the right of the right upper leg upper end region 50. In other words, in the deployed configuration 54 ( Figure 1 ), the legs can be described as over-centered. That is, the weight of the top rail 24 and the weight of the middle rail 18 will push the left lower leg upper end region 34 and the left upper leg lower end region 40 to the left and against the ends of the middle rail lower left track 58 and the middle rail upper left track 60. Similarly, the weight of the top rail 24 and the weight of the middle rail 18 will push the right lower leg upper end region 46 and the right upper leg lower end region 52 to the right and against the ends of the middle rail lower right track 62 and the middle rail upper right track 64. In this configuration, the weight of the top rail 24 and the weight of the middle rail 18 will limit the movement from the deployed configuration ( Figure 1 ) to the fold configuration ( Figure 2 )’s unintentional transition.

[0031] In some examples of foldable guardrail 10, at least one of left lower leg upper end region 34 and left upper leg lower end region 40 is offset toward middle rail left end region 20, and at least one of right lower leg upper end region 46 and right upper leg lower end region 52 is offset toward middle rail right end region 22. In examples where the left legs are coupled together via left leg connection block 66 and the right legs are coupled together via right leg connection block 68, foldable guardrail 10 is oriented toward deployed configuration 54 ( Figure 1 ) bias, thereby limiting the unintentional transition of the foldable guardrail 10 toward the folded configuration 56.

[0032] In some examples, the foldable guardrail 10 also includes a left spring 78 and a right spring 80. As examples, these springs can be or include coil springs, torsion springs, air cylinders, or hydraulic cylinders. The left spring 78 is operably coupled between the base 12 and the left lower leg 30 and is configured to bias the left lower leg upper end region 34 toward the middle rail left end region 20, or as Figure 1 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the right spring 80 is operably coupled between the top rail 24 and the left upper leg 36 and is configured to bias the left upper leg lower end region 40 toward the middle rail left end region 20. The right spring 80 is operably coupled between the base 12 and the right lower leg 42 and is configured to bias the right lower leg upper end region 46 toward the middle rail right end region 22, or as shown in FIG. Figure 1As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the top rail 24 is operably coupled between the top rail 24 and the right upper leg 48 , and is configured to bias the right upper leg lower end region 52 toward the middle rail right end region 22 .

[0033] Continue to refer to Figure 1 As schematically shown, some foldable guardrails 10 also include one or more power sources 82 configured to selectively translate the left lower leg upper end region 34 and the left upper leg lower end region 40 toward the middle rail left end region 20, and selectively translate the right lower leg upper end region 46 and the right upper leg lower end region 52 toward the middle rail right end region 22. In an example where the left legs are coupled together via the left leg connection block 66 and the right legs are coupled together via the right leg connection block 68, the power source 82 may directly move the upper leg or the lower leg, respectively, and indirectly move the lower leg or the upper leg, or the power source 82 may directly move the left leg or the right leg, respectively, and indirectly move the right leg or the left leg. The power source 82 may include any suitable structure and mechanism, such as a motor, gears, chains, gear teeth, pneumatic mechanisms (e.g., cylinders), and / or hydraulic mechanisms (e.g., hydraulic cylinders).

[0034] In some examples, the power source 82 is a single power source 82; however, in other examples and as Figure 1 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the power source 82 includes a left power source 84 and a right power source 86. The left power source 84 is configured to selectively translate the left lower leg upper end region 34 and the left upper leg lower end region 40 toward the middle rail left end region 20, while the right power source 86 is configured to selectively translate the right lower leg upper end region 46 and the right upper leg lower end region 52 toward the middle rail right end region 22.

[0035] In some examples, the power source 82 does not include a worm gear, lead screw, feed screw, ball screw, threaded nut, etc., which may otherwise cause slow operation of the foldable guardrail 10 .

[0036] like Figure 1 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , in some examples, the foldable guardrail 10 further includes a controller 88 that is operably coupled to the power source 82 and configured to operate the power source 82 in response to user input (e.g., via actuation of a button, lever, dial, key, touch screen, or other mechanism). Thus, a user can selectively deploy the foldable guardrail 10 into the deployed configuration 54 ( Figure 1 ), and selectively folding the foldable guardrail 10 to the folded configuration 56 ( Figure 2 ).exist Figure 1, the controller 88 and the power source 82 are schematically represented by a lightning symbol, which schematically represents the communication between the controller 88 and the power source 82. Such communication can be wired or wireless. The controller 88 can be any suitable device or multiple devices configured to perform the functions of the controller 88 discussed herein. For example, the controller 88 can include one or more of an electronic controller, a dedicated controller, a special purpose controller, a personal computer, a special purpose computer, a display device, a logic device, a memory device, and / or a memory device with a computer readable medium, which is suitable for storing computer executable instructions for performing the functions of the controller 88.

[0037] Go to Figure 3 , which schematically illustrates the foldable guardrail 10 in the deployed configuration, when in the deployed configuration 54, the foldable guardrail 10 can be described as having a height 126, and each of the left lower leg 30, the left upper leg 36, the right lower leg 42, and the right upper leg 48 can be described as having a width 128. In various examples, the width 128 of the leg can be at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, 5%-20%, or 10%-20% of the height 126. In particular, for example, when a force is applied to the top rail 24, selecting a larger width 128 will contribute to greater stability of the foldable guardrail 10. In addition, when a forward or rearward force is applied to the top rail 24, tensile stresses will be concentrated on one of the front edge or the rear edge of the leg, while compressive stresses will be concentrated on the other of the front edge or the rear edge of the leg.

[0038] In some examples, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , each of the left lower leg 30, the left upper leg 36, the right lower leg 42, and the right upper leg 48 includes a web 130 and at least one flange 132, such as two flanges 132. When present, the web 130 extends in the fore-aft direction, and the flanges extend orthogonal to the web 130. As an example, each of the left lower leg 30, the left upper leg 36, the right lower leg 42, and the right upper leg 48 may include a C-shaped channel 134, wherein the flanges 132 are positioned on the front and rear edges of the legs. As a result, when a moment is applied to the foldable guardrail 10 (e.g., via a forward or rearward force applied to the top rail 24), the flanges 132 bear the majority of the compressive and tensile stresses, thereby forming a very strong foldable guardrail 10. In the example of a foldable guardrail 10 in which the middle rail 18 includes a front panel 18' and a rear panel 18" and whose legs include a C-shaped channel 134, compressive and tensile stresses will pass from the flange 132 through the front panel 18' and the rear panel 18", such as via associated pins, shafts or other structures, which include optional connecting blocks 66, 68 that operably connect the legs to the middle rail 18.

[0039] Continue to refer to Figure 1 Some examples of the foldable guardrail 10 also include a lattice structure 90 that is operably coupled between the base 12 and the top rail 24 and is configured to operably support the top rail 24 relative to the base 12. That is, when present, the lattice structure 90 provides support in addition to providing a leg between the top rail 24 and the base 12. In some such examples, the lattice structure 90 is also operably coupled to the intermediate rail 18 and is configured to support the intermediate rail 18 relative to the top rail 24 and the base 12.

[0040] like Figure 1 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , in some examples, the lattice structure 90 includes a lower left lattice member 92, an upper left lattice member 94, a lower right lattice member 96, and an upper right lattice member 98. Additionally or alternatively, these lattice members may be described as arms, beams, elongated members, rods, links, or connecting rods. The lower left lattice member 92 is pivotally coupled to the base 12. The upper left lattice member 94 is pivotally coupled to the lower left lattice member 92 and is also pivotally coupled to the top rail 24. The lower right lattice member 96 is pivotally coupled to the base 12. The upper right lattice member 98 is pivotally coupled to the lower right lattice member 96 and is also pivotally coupled to the top rail 24. In some examples, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the lower left lattice member 92 and the lower right lattice member 96 share a pivot axis along the base 12. Similarly, in some examples, the upper left lattice member 94 and the upper right lattice member 98 share a pivot axis along the top rail 24. Thus, in these examples and as shown in FIG. Figure 1As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , a lower left lattice member 92 , an upper left lattice member 94 , a lower right lattice member 96 pivotally coupled to the base 12 , and an upper right lattice member 98 define a parallelogram.

[0041] Continue to refer to Figure 1 In some examples, the lattice structure 90 further includes a first slanted member 100 and a second slanted member 106. The first slanted member 100 includes a first slanted member lower end region 102 and a first slanted member upper end region 104 opposite to the first slanted member lower end region 102. The first slanted member lower end region 102 is pivotally and translationally coupled to the base 12, and the first slanted member upper end region 104 is pivotally and translationally coupled to the top rail 24. The second slanted member 106 includes a second slanted member lower end region 108 and a second slanted member upper end region 110 opposite to the second slanted member lower end region 108. The second slanted member lower end region 108 is pivotally and translationally coupled to the base 12, and the second slanted member upper end region 110 is pivotally and translationally coupled to the top rail 24. As a result, when such a foldable guardrail 10 transitions between the deployed configuration 54 and the folded configuration 56 , the end regions of the first and second diagonal members 100 , 106 translate along the base 12 and the top rail 24 .

[0042] In some of these examples and as Figure 1 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the base 12 defines a base left rail 112 and a base right rail 114, and the top rail 24 defines a top rail left rail 116 and a top rail right rail 118. The base left rail 112 extends from the base left end region 14 toward the base right end region 16, and the first diagonal member lower end region 102 is configured to translate along the base left rail 122 when the foldable guardrail 10 transitions between the deployed configuration 54 and the folded configuration 56. The base right rail 114 extends from the base right end region 16 toward the base left end region 14, and the second diagonal member lower end region 108 is configured to translate along the base right rail 114 when the foldable guardrail 10 transitions between the deployed configuration 54 and the folded configuration 56. A top rail left side track 116 extends from the top rail left end region 26 toward the top rail right end region 28, and the second diagonal member upper end region 110 is configured to translate along the top rail left side track 116 when the foldable guardrail 10 transitions between the deployed configuration 54 and the folded configuration 56. A top rail right side track 118 extends from the top rail right end region 28 toward the top rail left end region 26, and the first diagonal member upper end region 104 is configured to translate along the top rail right side track 118 when the foldable guardrail 10 transitions between the deployed configuration 54 and the folded configuration 56.

[0043] In some examples, such as Figure 1, the first slanted member 100 is pivotally coupled to the second slanted member 106. In some examples, the first slanted member 100 and the second slanted member 106 are pivotally coupled to the intermediate rail 18. In some such examples, the first slanted member 100 and the second slanted member 106 share an axis at the intermediate rail 18. In some examples, the first slanted member 100 and the second slanted member 106 can be described as defining an X shape.

[0044] like Figure 1 As schematically shown in , in examples where the lattice structure 90 includes all six of the lower left lattice member 92, the upper left lattice member 94, the lower right lattice member 96, the upper right lattice member 98, the first diagonal member 100, and the second diagonal member 106, the first diagonal member 100 may be pivotally coupled to both the lower left lattice member 92 and the upper right lattice member 98, and the second diagonal member 106 may be pivotally coupled to both the upper left lattice member 94 and the lower right lattice member 96. As a result, in these examples, the lattice structure 90 maintains a parallel relationship between the base 12, the intermediate rail 18, and the top rail 24, and limits binding or otherwise inhibiting a smooth transition of such a foldable guardrail 10 between the deployed configuration 54 and the folded configuration.

[0045] Continue to refer to Figure 1 And schematically and optionally illustrated in fragmentary form, some foldable guardrails 10 also include at least one guard net 120 that is operably coupled between the base 12 and the top rail 24 and is configured to restrict access to at least the middle rail 18. In some examples, the guard net is operably coupled to the middle rail 18. In particular, the guard net 120 can be present to restrict personnel from inadvertently entering the space between the base 12 and the top rail 24, such as in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, or other similar government or safety standards around the world. The guard net 120 can be coupled to the front and / or rear of the foldable guardrail 10. In some examples, the guard net also restricts access to the lattice structure 90 (if present), while in other examples, the lattice structure 90 (if present) is positioned outside the guard net 120. In some examples, the guard net 120 is configured to restrict access to the left spring 78 and the right spring 80 (if present). In some examples, the guard net 120 is configured to limit access to the power source 82. Additionally or alternatively, the guard net 120 may be described as a curtain, and may be corrugated and / or may define an accordion or folded configuration.

[0046] The foldable guardrail 10 can be configured for installation in a variety of environments. Figure 1 As schematically shown on the right side of FIG, the base 12 can be configured to be mounted to an upper surface 122 of a structure 124. Additionally or alternatively, as Figure 1 As schematically shown on the left side of , the base 12 can be configured to be located below the upper surface 122 of the structure 124.

[0047] Now go to Figures 5 to 9 , with foldable guardrail 200( Figures 5 to 8 ) and foldable guardrail 300( Fig. 9 ) form illustrates an illustrative, non-exclusive example of a foldable guardrail 10. Where appropriate, Figures 1 to 4 The reference numerals in the schematic diagram of FIG. 2 are used to indicate corresponding parts of the foldable guardrails 200, 300; however, Figures 5 to 9 The examples are non-exclusive and do not limit the foldable guardrail 10 to the illustrated embodiments of the foldable guardrails 200 and 300. That is, the foldable guardrail 10 is not limited to the specific embodiments of the foldable guardrails 200 and 300 illustrated, and the foldable guardrail 10 can be combined with reference to Figures 1 to 4 Schematic diagram and / or Figures 5 to 9 The present disclosure may include any number of various aspects, configurations, features, attributes, etc. of the foldable guardrails illustrated and discussed in the embodiments and variations thereof, without necessarily including all such aspects, configurations and features, attributes, etc. For the sake of brevity, each component, portion, part, aspect, region, etc., or variation thereof, previously discussed may not be discussed, illustrated, and / or labeled with respect to the foldable guardrails 200, 300; however, the previously discussed features, variations, etc. may be used with the foldable guardrails 200, 300 within the scope of the present application.

[0048] like Figures 5 to 8 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the foldable guardrail 200 is an example of a foldable guardrail 10 that includes rails 58, 60, 62, 64, 70, 72, 112, 114, 116, 118, connecting blocks 66 and 68, springs 78 and 80, power sources 84 and 86, two lattice structures 90, each of which includes members 92, 94, 96, 98, 100, 106, and four guard nets 120. The left power source 84 includes a left cylinder 202 operably coupled between the base 12 and the left lower leg 30, while the right power source 86 similarly includes a right cylinder 204 operably coupled between the base 12 and the right lower leg 42. The legs 30, 36, 42, 48 each include a C-shaped channel 134.

[0049] Fig. 9 The foldable guardrail 300 illustrated in FIG. 1 is constructed similarly to Figures 5 to 9The foldable guardrail 200 is shown in FIG. 1 , except that the left power source 84 includes a left air motor 302 supported by the base 12 and operably coupled to the left leg shaft 304 of the left lower leg 30, and the right power source 86 includes a right air motor 306 supported by the base 12 and operably coupled to the right leg shaft 308 of the right lower leg 42. The foldable guardrail 300 also includes a chain and gear train 310 operably coupled between the left leg shaft 304 and the right leg shaft 308 to ensure that: when the foldable guardrail 300 transitions between the deployed configuration 54 and the folded configuration 56, the left lower leg 30 and the right lower leg 42 are synchronized.

[0050] Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of the inventive subject matter according to the present application are described in the following enumerated paragraphs:

[0051] A. A foldable guardrail (10), comprising:

[0052] A base (12), the base comprising a base left end region (14) and a base right end region (16) opposite to the base left end region (14);

[0053] an intermediate railing (18) positioned above the base (12), wherein the intermediate railing (18) includes an intermediate railing left end region (20) and an intermediate railing right end region (22) opposite to the intermediate railing left end region (20), and wherein the intermediate railing left end region (20) is positioned above the base left end region (14) and the intermediate railing right end region (22) is positioned above the base right end region (16);

[0054] a top rail (24) positioned above and parallel to the middle rail (18), wherein the top rail (20) includes a top rail left end region (26) and a top rail right end region (28) opposite the top rail left end region (26), and wherein the top rail left end region (26) is positioned above the middle rail left end region (20) and the top rail right end region (28) is positioned above the middle rail right end region (22);

[0055] a left lower leg (30), the left lower leg comprising a left lower leg lower end region (32) and a left lower leg upper end region (34) opposite the left lower leg lower end region (32), wherein the left lower leg lower end region (32) is pivotally coupled to the base left end region (14), and wherein the left lower leg upper end region (34) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the middle railing (18);

[0056] a left upper leg (36) positioned above the left lower leg (30) and comprising a left upper leg upper end region (38) and a left upper leg lower end region (40) opposite the left upper leg upper end region (38), wherein the left upper leg upper end region (38) is pivotally coupled to the top rail left end region (26), and wherein the left upper leg lower end region (40) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the middle rail (18);

[0057] a right lower leg (42), the right lower leg comprising a right lower leg lower end region (44) and a right lower leg upper end region (46) opposite the right lower leg lower end region (44), wherein the right lower leg lower end region (44) is pivotally coupled to the base right end region (16), and wherein the right lower leg upper end region (46) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the middle railing (18); and

[0058] a right upper leg (48) positioned above the right lower leg (42) and comprising a right upper leg upper end region (50) and a right upper leg lower end region (52) opposite the right upper leg upper end region (50), wherein the right upper leg upper end region (50) is pivotally coupled to the top rail right end region (28), and wherein the right upper leg lower end region (52) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the middle rail (18);

[0059] wherein the foldable guardrail (10) has an expanded configuration (54), wherein the left lower leg upper end region (34) and the left upper leg lower end region (40) are adjacent to the middle rail left end region (20), and wherein the right lower leg upper end region (46) and the right upper leg lower end region (52) are adjacent to the middle rail right end region (22); and

[0060] The foldable guardrail (10) has a folding configuration (56), wherein the upper end region (34) of the lower left leg and the lower end region (40) of the upper left leg are spaced away from the left end region (20) of the middle railing toward the right end region (22) of the middle railing, and wherein the upper end region (46) of the lower right leg and the lower end region (52) of the upper right leg are spaced away from the right end region (22) of the middle railing toward the left end region (20) of the middle railing.

[0061] A1. The foldable guardrail (10) according to paragraph A, wherein the intermediate rail (18) defines:

[0062] a middle rail left lower track (58), the middle rail left lower track extending from the middle rail left end region (20) toward the middle rail right end region (22), wherein the left lower side leg upper end region (34) is configured to translate along the middle rail left lower track (58) when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56);

[0063] a left track (60) on the middle rail, the left track on the middle rail extending from the left end region (20) of the middle rail toward the right end region (22) of the middle rail, wherein the lower end region (40) of the left upper side leg is configured to translate along the left upper track (60) of the middle rail when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56);

[0064] a middle rail right lower track (62) extending from the middle rail right end region (22) toward the middle rail left end region (20), wherein the right lower side leg upper end region (46) is configured to translate along the middle rail right lower track (62) when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56); and

[0065] An upper right track (64) of the middle rail extends from the right end region (22) of the middle rail toward the left end region (20) of the middle rail, wherein the lower end region (52) of the upper right side leg is configured to translate along the upper right track (64) of the middle rail when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56).

[0066] A2. The foldable guardrail (10) according to any of paragraphs A-A1, wherein the foldable guardrail further comprises:

[0067] a left leg connection block (66) operably coupling the left lower leg upper end region (34) and the left upper leg lower end region (40); and

[0068] A right leg connection block (68) operably connects the right lower leg upper end region (46) and the right upper leg lower end region (52) together.

[0069] A2.1. The foldable guardrail (10) of paragraph A2, wherein the intermediate rail (18) defines:

[0070] a middle rail left center track (70) extending from the middle rail left end region (20) toward the middle rail right end region (22), wherein the left leg connection block (66) is configured to: translate along the middle rail left center track (70) when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56); and

[0071] A middle rail right center track (72) extends from the middle rail right end region (22) toward the middle rail left end region (20), wherein the right leg connecting block (68) is configured to translate along the middle rail right center track (72) when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56).

[0072] A2.1.1. A foldable guardrail (10) according to paragraph A2.1 referring to paragraph A1,

[0073] wherein the left leg connection block (66) is operably engaged with the middle rail left lower track (58), the middle rail left upper track (60) and the middle rail left center track (70) in a left triangular pattern (74); and

[0074] The right leg connection block (68) is operably coupled to the middle rail right lower track (62), the middle rail right upper track (64) and the middle rail right center track (72) in a right triangular pattern (76).

[0075] A3. The foldable guardrail (10) of any of paragraphs A-A2.1.1, wherein when the foldable guardrail (10) is in the deployed configuration (54):

[0076] The upper end region (34) of the left lower leg is on the lateral left side of the lower end region (32) of the left lower leg;

[0077] The lower end region (40) of the left upper supporting leg is on the lateral left side of the upper end region (38) of the left upper supporting leg;

[0078] The upper end region (46) of the right lower leg is on the transverse right side of the lower end region (44) of the right lower leg; and

[0079] The lower end region (52) of the right upper leg is located on the transverse right side of the upper end region (50) of the right upper leg.

[0080] A4. A foldable guardrail (10) according to any one of paragraphs A to A3,

[0081] wherein at least one of the upper end region (34) of the left lower leg and the lower end region (40) of the left upper leg is offset toward the left end region (20) of the middle railing; and

[0082] Wherein, at least one of the upper end region (46) of the right lower leg and the lower end region (52) of the right upper leg is offset toward the right end region (22) of the middle railing.

[0083] A4.1. The foldable guardrail (10) according to paragraph A4, further comprising:

[0084] a left side spring (78) operably coupled between the base (12) and the left lower leg (30) and configured to bias the left lower leg upper end region (34) toward the middle rail left end region (20), or operably coupled between the top rail (24) and the left upper leg (36) and configured to bias the left upper leg lower end region (40) toward the middle rail left end region (20); and

[0085] A right side spring (80), the right side spring is operably connected between the base (12) and the right lower leg (42) and is configured to bias the upper end region (46) of the right lower leg toward the right end region (22) of the middle railing, or is operably connected between the top railing (24) and the right upper leg (48) and is configured to bias the lower end region (52) of the right upper leg toward the right end region (22) of the middle railing.

[0086] A5. The foldable guardrail (10) according to any one of paragraphs A to A4.1, further comprising:

[0087] One or more power sources (82) are configured to selectively translate the left lower leg upper end region (34) and the left upper leg lower end region (40) toward the middle rail left end region (20), and to selectively translate the right lower leg upper end region (46) and the right upper leg lower end region (52) toward the middle rail right end region (22).

[0088] A5.1. The foldable guardrail (10) of paragraph A5, wherein the one or more power sources (82) include:

[0089] a left power source (84) configured to selectively translate the left lower leg upper end region (34) and the left upper leg lower end region (40) toward the middle rail left end region (20); and

[0090] A right power source (86) is configured to selectively translate the right lower leg upper end region (46) and the right upper leg lower end region (52) toward the middle rail right end region (22).

[0091] A5.2. The foldable guardrail (10) according to any one of paragraphs A5 to A5.1, further comprising:

[0092] A controller (88) is operably coupled to the one or more power sources (82) and is configured to operate the one or more power sources (82) in response to user input.

[0093] A6. A foldable guardrail (10) according to any one of paragraphs A to A5.2,

[0094] wherein, in the deployed configuration (54), the foldable guardrail (10) has a height (126);

[0095] wherein each of the left lower leg (30), the left upper leg (36), the right lower leg (42) and the right upper leg (48) has a width (128); and

[0096] The width (128) is at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, 5%-20% or 10%-20% of the height (126).

[0097] A7. The foldable guardrail (10) according to any one of paragraphs A to A6, further comprising:

[0098] A lattice structure (90) is operably coupled between the base (12) and the top rail (24) and is configured to operably support the top rail (24) relative to the base (12).

[0099] A7.1. A foldable guardrail (10) according to paragraph A7, wherein the lattice structure (90) is also operably connected to the intermediate rail (18) and is configured to support the intermediate rail (18) relative to the top rail (24) and the base (12).

[0100] A7.2. The foldable guardrail (10) according to any one of paragraphs A7 to A7.1, wherein the lattice structure (90) comprises:

[0101] a left lower lattice member (92) pivotally coupled to the base (12);

[0102] an upper left lattice member (94) pivotally coupled to the lower left lattice member (92) and pivotally coupled to the top rail (24);

[0103] a right lower lattice member (96) pivotally coupled to the base (12); and

[0104] A right upper lattice member (98) is pivotally coupled to the right lower lattice member (96) and to the top rail (24).

[0105] A7.2.1. A foldable guardrail (10) according to paragraph A7.2, wherein the lower left lattice member (92), the upper left lattice member (94), the lower right lattice member (96) and the upper right lattice member (98) define a parallelogram.

[0106] A7.3. The foldable guardrail (10) according to any of paragraphs A7 to A7.2.1, wherein the lattice structure (90) comprises:

[0107] a first diagonal member (100), the first diagonal member comprising a first diagonal member lower end region (102) and a first diagonal member upper end region (104) opposite the first diagonal member lower end region (102), wherein the first diagonal member lower end region (102) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the base (12), and wherein the first diagonal member upper end region (104) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the top rail (24); and

[0108] A second diagonal member (106), the second diagonal member comprising a second diagonal member lower end region (108) and a second diagonal member upper end region (110) opposite the second diagonal member lower end region (108), wherein the second diagonal member lower end region (108) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the base (12), and wherein the second diagonal member upper end region (110) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the top rail (24).

[0109] A7.3.1 A foldable guardrail (10) according to paragraph A7.3,

[0110] Wherein, the base (12) defines:

[0111] a left side base track (112) extending from the left end region (14) of the base toward the right end region (16) of the base, wherein the first diagonal member lower end region (102) is configured to translate along the left side base track (112) when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56); and

[0112] a base right side track (114) extending from the base right end region (16) toward the base left end region (14), wherein the second inclined member lower end region (108) is configured to translate along the base right side track (114) when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56);

[0113] Wherein, the top rail (24) defines:

[0114] a top rail left side track (116) extending from the top rail left end region (26) toward the top rail right end region (28), wherein the second diagonal member upper end region (110) is configured to translate along the top rail left side track (116) when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56); and

[0115] A top rail right side track (118) extending from the top rail right end region (28) toward the top rail left end region (26), and wherein the first inclined member upper end region (104) is configured to translate along the top rail right side track (118) when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56).

[0116] A7.3.2. A foldable guardrail (10) according to any of paragraphs A7.3 to A7.3.1, wherein the first diagonal member (100) is pivotally connected to the second diagonal member (106).

[0117] A7.3.3. A foldable guardrail (10) according to any of paragraphs A7.3 to A7.3.2, wherein the first diagonal member (100) and the second diagonal member (106) are pivotally connected to the intermediate railing (18).

[0118] A7.3.4. A foldable guardrail (10) according to any of paragraphs A7.3 to A7.3.3, wherein the first diagonal member (100) and the second diagonal member (106) define an X shape.

[0119] A7.3.5. A foldable guardrail (10) according to any of paragraphs A7.3 to A7.3.4 referring to paragraph A7.2,

[0120] wherein the first oblique member (100) is pivotally coupled to the lower left lattice member (92) and pivotally coupled to the upper right lattice member (98);

[0121] Wherein, the second oblique member (106) is pivotally connected to the upper left lattice member (94) and is pivotally connected to the lower right lattice member (96).

[0122] A8. The foldable guardrail (10) according to any one of paragraphs A to A7.3.5, further comprising:

[0123] At least one guard net (120) is operably coupled between the base (12) and the top rail (24) and is configured to restrict access to the intermediate rail (18).

[0124] A8.1. The foldable guardrail (10) of paragraph A8, wherein the at least one guard net (120) is also operably coupled to the intermediate rail (18).

[0125] A8.2. A foldable guardrail (10) according to any of paragraphs A8 to A8.1 referring to paragraph A4.1, wherein at least one guard net (120) is configured to limit access to the left spring (78) and the right spring (80).

[0126] A8.3. A foldable guardrail (10) according to any of paragraphs A8 to A8.2 referring to paragraph A5, wherein the at least one guard net (120) is configured to limit access to the one or more power sources (82).

[0127] A8.4. A foldable guardrail (10) according to any of paragraphs A8 to A8.3 referring to paragraph A7, wherein the at least one guard net (120) is configured to restrict access to the lattice structure (90).

[0128] A9. A foldable guardrail (10) according to any one of paragraphs A to A8.4, wherein each of the left lower side leg (30), the left upper side leg (36), the right lower side leg (42) and the right upper side leg (48) includes a web (130) and at least one flange (132).

[0129] A9.1. A foldable guardrail (10) according to paragraph A9, wherein each of the left lower leg (30), the left upper leg (36), the right lower leg (42) and the right upper leg (48) includes two flanges (132).

[0130] A9.2. A foldable guardrail (10) according to paragraph A9, wherein each of the left lower leg (30), the left upper leg (36), the right lower leg (42) and the right upper leg (48) includes a C-shaped channel (134).

[0131] A10. The foldable guardrail (10) of any of paragraphs A to A9.2, wherein the base (12) is configured to be mounted to an upper surface (122) of a structure (124).

[0132] A11. The foldable guardrail (10) of any of paragraphs A to A10, wherein the base (12) is configured to be mounted below an upper surface (122) of a structure (124).

[0133] A12. Use the foldable guardrail (10) described in any of paragraphs A to A11 to prevent people from falling.

[0134] As used herein, the terms "adaptation" and "configuration" mean that an element, component or other subject is designed and / or intended to perform a given function. Therefore, the use of the terms "adaptation" and "configuration" should not be interpreted as meaning that a given element, component or other subject is only "capable of" performing a given function, but that the element, component and / or other subject is selected, created, implemented, used, programmed and / or designed specifically for performing the function. Also within the scope of the present application, the subject matter of the elements, components and / or other references listed as being suitable for performing a specific function may be additionally or alternatively described as being configured to perform the function, and vice versa. Similarly, the subject matter listed as being configured to perform a specific function may be additionally or alternatively described as being operable to perform the function.

[0135] The steps of the various disclosed elements and methods of the equipment disclosed herein are not necessary according to all equipment and methods of the present application, and the present application includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements and steps disclosed herein. In addition, one or more of the various elements and steps disclosed herein can define an independent inventive subject matter, which is separated from the entirety of the disclosed equipment or method. Therefore, this inventive subject matter does not need to be associated with the specific equipment and methods clearly disclosed herein, and this inventive subject matter can find practicality in equipment and / or methods not clearly disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A foldable guardrail (10), comprising: A base (12), the base comprising a base left end region (14) and a base right end region (16) opposite to the base left end region (14); an intermediate railing (18) positioned above the base (12), wherein the intermediate railing (18) includes an intermediate railing left end region (20) and an intermediate railing right end region (22) opposite to the intermediate railing left end region (20), and wherein the intermediate railing left end region (20) is positioned above the base left end region (14) and the intermediate railing right end region (22) is positioned above the base right end region (16); a top rail (24) positioned above the middle rail (18) and parallel to the middle rail, wherein the top rail (24) includes a top rail left end region (26) and a top rail right end region (28) opposite the top rail left end region (26), and wherein the top rail left end region (26) is positioned above the middle rail left end region (20) and the top rail right end region (28) is positioned above the middle rail right end region (22); a left lower leg (30), the left lower leg comprising a left lower leg lower end region (32) and a left lower leg upper end region (34) opposite the left lower leg lower end region (32), wherein the left lower leg lower end region (32) is pivotally coupled to the base left end region (14), and wherein the left lower leg upper end region (34) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the middle railing (18); a left upper leg (36) positioned above the left lower leg (30) and comprising a left upper leg upper end region (38) and a left upper leg lower end region (40) opposite the left upper leg upper end region (38), wherein the left upper leg upper end region (38) is pivotally coupled to the top rail left end region (26), and wherein the left upper leg lower end region (40) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the middle rail (18); a right lower leg (42), the right lower leg comprising a right lower leg lower end region (44) and a right lower leg upper end region (46) opposite the right lower leg lower end region (44), wherein the right lower leg lower end region (44) is pivotally coupled to the base right end region (16), and wherein the right lower leg upper end region (46) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the middle railing (18); and a right upper leg (48) positioned above the right lower leg (42) and comprising a right upper leg upper end region (50) and a right upper leg lower end region (52) opposite the right upper leg upper end region (50), wherein the right upper leg upper end region (50) is pivotally coupled to the top rail right end region (28), and wherein the right upper leg lower end region (52) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the middle rail (18); wherein the foldable guardrail (10) has an expanded configuration (54), wherein the left lower leg upper end region (34) and the left upper leg lower end region (40) are adjacent to the middle rail left end region (20), and wherein the right lower leg upper end region (46) and the right upper leg lower end region (52) are adjacent to the middle rail right end region (22); and wherein the foldable guardrail (10) has a folded configuration (56), wherein the left lower leg upper end region (34) and the left upper leg lower end region (40) are spaced away from the middle rail left end region (20) toward the middle rail right end region (22), and wherein the right lower leg upper end region (46) and the right upper leg lower end region (52) are spaced away from the middle rail right end region (22) toward the middle rail left end region (20); Wherein, the intermediate railing (18) defines: a middle rail left lower track (58), the middle rail left lower track extending from the middle rail left end region (20) toward the middle rail right end region (22), wherein the left lower side leg upper end region (34) is configured to translate along the middle rail left lower track (58) when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56); an upper left track (60) of the middle rail, the upper left track of the middle rail extending from the left end region (20) of the middle rail toward the right end region (22) of the middle rail, wherein the lower end region (40) of the upper left side leg is configured to translate along the upper left track (60) of the middle rail when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56); a middle rail right lower track (62) extending from the middle rail right end region (22) toward the middle rail left end region (20), wherein the right lower side leg upper end region (46) is configured to translate along the middle rail right lower track (62) when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56); and an upper right track (64) of the middle rail extending from the right end region (22) of the middle rail toward the left end region (20) of the middle rail, wherein the lower end region (52) of the upper right side leg is configured to translate along the upper right track (64) of the middle rail when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56); Wherein, the foldable guardrail further comprises: a left leg connection block (66) operably coupling the left lower leg upper end region (34) and the left upper leg lower end region (40); and a right leg connection block (68), the right leg connection block operably connecting the upper end region (46) of the right lower leg and the lower end region (52) of the right upper leg; Wherein, the intermediate railing (18) defines: a middle rail left center track (70) extending from the middle rail left end region (20) toward the middle rail right end region (22), wherein the left leg connection block (66) is configured to: translate along the middle rail left center track (70) when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56); and a middle rail right center track (72) extending from the middle rail right end region (22) toward the middle rail left end region (20), wherein the right leg connection block (68) is configured to translate along the middle rail right center track (72) when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56); wherein the left leg connection block (66) is operably engaged with the middle rail left lower track (58), the middle rail left upper track (60) and the middle rail left center track (70) in a left triangular pattern (74); wherein the right leg connection block (68) is operably engaged with the middle rail right lower track (62), the middle rail right upper track (64) and the middle rail right center track (72) in a right triangular pattern (76); Wherein, when the foldable guardrail (10) is in the deployed configuration (54): The upper end region (34) of the left lower leg is on the lateral left side of the lower end region (32) of the left lower leg; The lower end region (40) of the left upper supporting leg is on the lateral left side of the upper end region (38) of the left upper supporting leg; The upper end region (46) of the right lower leg is on the transverse right side of the lower end region (44) of the right lower leg; and The lower end region (52) of the right upper supporting leg is on the transverse right side of the upper end region (50) of the right upper supporting leg; wherein at least one of the upper end region (34) of the left lower support leg and the lower end region (40) of the left upper support leg is offset toward the left end region (20) of the middle railing; wherein at least one of the upper end region (46) of the right lower leg and the lower end region (52) of the right upper leg is offset toward the right end region (22) of the middle railing; Wherein, the foldable guardrail further comprises: a left side spring (78) operably coupled between the base (12) and the left lower leg (30) and configured to bias the left lower leg upper end region (34) toward the middle rail left end region (20), or operably coupled between the top rail (24) and the left upper leg (36) and configured to bias the left upper leg lower end region (40) toward the middle rail left end region (20); a right side spring (80) operably coupled between the base (12) and the right lower leg (42) and configured to bias the right lower leg upper end region (46) toward the middle rail right end region (22), or operably coupled between the top rail (24) and the right upper leg (48) and configured to bias the right upper leg lower end region (52) toward the middle rail right end region (22); and one or more power sources (82) configured to selectively translate the left lower leg upper end region (34) and the left upper leg lower end region (40) toward the middle rail left end region (20), and selectively translate the right lower leg upper end region (46) and the right upper leg lower end region (52) toward the middle rail right end region (22); Wherein, the one or more power sources (82) include: a left power source (84) configured to selectively translate the left lower leg upper end region (34) and the left upper leg lower end region (40) toward the middle rail left end region (20); and a right side power source (86) configured to selectively translate the right lower leg upper end region (46) and the right upper leg lower end region (52) toward the middle rail right end region (22); wherein the foldable guardrail (10) further comprises a controller (88) operably coupled to the one or more power sources (82) and configured to operate the one or more power sources (82) in response to user input; wherein, in the deployed configuration (54), the foldable guardrail (10) has a height (126); wherein each of the left lower leg (30), the left upper leg (36), the right lower leg (42) and the right upper leg (48) has a width (128); wherein the width (128) is at least 5% of the height (126); wherein the foldable guardrail (10) further comprises a lattice structure (90) operably coupled between the base (12) and the top rail (24) and configured to operably support the top rail (24) relative to the base (12); wherein the lattice structure (90) is further operably coupled to the intermediate rail (18) and is configured to support the intermediate rail (18) relative to the top rail (24) and the base (12); Wherein, the lattice structure (90) comprises: a left lower lattice member (92) pivotally coupled to the base (12); an upper left lattice member (94) pivotally coupled to the lower left lattice member (92) and pivotally coupled to the top rail (24); a right lower lattice member (96) pivotally coupled to the base (12); and an upper right lattice member (98) pivotally coupled to the lower right lattice member (96) and pivotally coupled to the top rail (24); wherein the lower left lattice component (92), the upper left lattice component (94), the lower right lattice component (96) and the upper right lattice component (98) define a parallelogram; Wherein, the lattice structure (90) further comprises: a first diagonal member (100), the first diagonal member comprising a first diagonal member lower end region (102) and a first diagonal member upper end region (104) opposite the first diagonal member lower end region (102), wherein the first diagonal member lower end region (102) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the base (12), and wherein the first diagonal member upper end region (104) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the top rail (24); and a second diagonal member (106), the second diagonal member comprising a second diagonal member lower end region (108) and a second diagonal member upper end region (110) opposite the second diagonal member lower end region (108), wherein the second diagonal member lower end region (108) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the base (12), and wherein the second diagonal member upper end region (110) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the top rail (24); Wherein, the base (12) defines: a left side base track (112) extending from the left end region (14) of the base toward the right end region (16) of the base, wherein the first diagonal member lower end region (102) is configured to translate along the left side base track (112) when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56); and a base right side track (114) extending from the base right end region (16) toward the base left end region (14), wherein the second inclined member lower end region (108) is configured to translate along the base right side track (114) when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56); Wherein, the top rail (24) defines: a top rail left side track (116) extending from the top rail left end region (26) toward the top rail right end region (28), wherein the second diagonal member upper end region (110) is configured to translate along the top rail left side track (116) when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56); and a top rail right side track (118) extending from the top rail right end region (28) toward the top rail left end region (26), and wherein the first diagonal member upper end region (104) is configured to translate along the top rail right side track (118) when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56); wherein the first oblique member (100) is pivotally coupled to the second oblique member (106); wherein the first diagonal member (100) and the second diagonal member (106) are pivotally coupled to the intermediate railing (18); wherein the first oblique member (100) and the second oblique member (106) define an X shape; wherein the first oblique member (100) is pivotally coupled to the lower left lattice member (92) and pivotally coupled to the upper right lattice member (98); wherein the second oblique member (106) is pivotally coupled to the upper left lattice member (94) and pivotally coupled to the lower right lattice member (96); wherein the foldable guardrail (10) further comprises at least one guard net (120) operably coupled between the base (12) and the top rail (24) and configured to restrict access to the intermediate rail (18); and Wherein, each of the left lower leg (30), the left upper leg (36), the right lower leg (42) and the right upper leg (48) includes a C-shaped channel (134).

2. A foldable guardrail (10), comprising: A base (12), the base comprising a base left end region (14) and a base right end region (16) opposite to the base left end region (14); an intermediate railing (18) positioned above the base (12), wherein the intermediate railing (18) includes an intermediate railing left end region (20) and an intermediate railing right end region (22) opposite to the intermediate railing left end region (20), and wherein the intermediate railing left end region (20) is positioned above the base left end region (14) and the intermediate railing right end region (22) is positioned above the base right end region (16); a top rail (24) positioned above the middle rail (18) and parallel to the middle rail (18), wherein the top rail (24) includes a top rail left end region (26) and a top rail right end region (28) opposite the top rail left end region (26), and wherein the top rail left end region (26) is positioned above the middle rail left end region (20) and the top rail right end region (28) is positioned above the middle rail right end region (22); a left lower leg (30), the left lower leg comprising a left lower leg lower end region (32) and a left lower leg upper end region (34) opposite the left lower leg lower end region (32), wherein the left lower leg lower end region (32) is pivotally coupled to the base left end region (14), and wherein the left lower leg upper end region (34) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the middle railing (18); a left upper leg (36) positioned above the left lower leg (30) and comprising a left upper leg upper end region (38) and a left upper leg lower end region (40) opposite the left upper leg upper end region (38), wherein the left upper leg upper end region (38) is pivotally coupled to the top rail left end region (26), and wherein the left upper leg lower end region (40) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the middle rail (18); a right lower leg (42), the right lower leg comprising a right lower leg lower end region (44) and a right lower leg upper end region (46) opposite the right lower leg lower end region (44), wherein the right lower leg lower end region (44) is pivotally coupled to the base right end region (16), and wherein the right lower leg upper end region (46) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the middle railing (18); and a right upper leg (48) positioned above the right lower leg (42) and comprising a right upper leg upper end region (50) and a right upper leg lower end region (52) opposite the right upper leg upper end region (50), wherein the right upper leg upper end region (50) is pivotally coupled to the top rail right end region (28), and wherein the right upper leg lower end region (52) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the middle rail (18); wherein the foldable guardrail (10) has an expanded configuration (54), wherein the left lower leg upper end region (34) and the left upper leg lower end region (40) are adjacent to the middle rail left end region (20), and wherein the right lower leg upper end region (46) and the right upper leg lower end region (52) are adjacent to the middle rail right end region (22); and wherein the foldable guardrail (10) has a folded configuration (56), wherein the left lower leg upper end region (34) and the left upper leg lower end region (40) are spaced away from the middle rail left end region (20) toward the middle rail right end region (22), and wherein the right lower leg upper end region (46) and the right upper leg lower end region (52) are spaced away from the middle rail right end region (22) toward the middle rail left end region (20); wherein, in the deployed configuration (54), the foldable guardrail (10) has a height (126); wherein each of the left lower leg (30), the left upper leg (36), the right lower leg (42) and the right upper leg (48) has a width (128); wherein the width (128) is at least 5% of the height (126); Each of the left lower leg (30), the left upper leg (36), the right lower leg (42) and the right upper leg (48) includes a web (130) and at least one flange (132).

3. A foldable guardrail (10), comprising: A base (12), the base comprising a base left end region (14) and a base right end region (16) opposite to the base left end region (14); an intermediate railing (18) positioned above the base (12), wherein the intermediate railing (18) includes an intermediate railing left end region (20) and an intermediate railing right end region (22) opposite to the intermediate railing left end region (20), and wherein the intermediate railing left end region (20) is positioned above the base left end region (14) and the intermediate railing right end region (22) is positioned above the base right end region (16); a top rail (24) positioned above the middle rail (18) and parallel to the middle rail (18), wherein the top rail (24) includes a top rail left end region (26) and a top rail right end region (28) opposite the top rail left end region (26), and wherein the top rail left end region (26) is positioned above the middle rail left end region (20) and the top rail right end region (28) is positioned above the middle rail right end region (22); a left lower leg (30), the left lower leg comprising a left lower leg lower end region (32) and a left lower leg upper end region (34) opposite the left lower leg lower end region (32), wherein the left lower leg lower end region (32) is pivotally coupled to the base left end region (14), and wherein the left lower leg upper end region (34) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the middle railing (18); a left upper leg (36) positioned above the left lower leg (30) and comprising a left upper leg upper end region (38) and a left upper leg lower end region (40) opposite the left upper leg upper end region (38), wherein the left upper leg upper end region (38) is pivotally coupled to the top rail left end region (26), and wherein the left upper leg lower end region (40) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the middle rail (18); a right lower leg (42), the right lower leg comprising a right lower leg lower end region (44) and a right lower leg upper end region (46) opposite the right lower leg lower end region (44), wherein the right lower leg lower end region (44) is pivotally coupled to the base right end region (16), and wherein the right lower leg upper end region (46) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the middle railing (18); and a right upper leg (48) positioned above the right lower leg (42) and comprising a right upper leg upper end region (50) and a right upper leg lower end region (52) opposite the right upper leg upper end region (50), wherein the right upper leg upper end region (50) is pivotally coupled to the top rail right end region (28), and wherein the right upper leg lower end region (52) is pivotally and translationally coupled to the middle rail (18); wherein the foldable guardrail (10) has an expanded configuration (54), wherein the left lower leg upper end region (34) and the left upper leg lower end region (40) are adjacent to the middle rail left end region (20), and wherein the right lower leg upper end region (46) and the right upper leg lower end region (52) are adjacent to the middle rail right end region (22); and The foldable guardrail (10) has a folding configuration (56), wherein the upper end region (34) of the lower left leg and the lower end region (40) of the upper left leg are spaced away from the left end region (20) of the middle railing toward the right end region (22) of the middle railing, and wherein the upper end region (46) of the lower right leg and the lower end region (52) of the upper right leg are spaced away from the right end region (22) of the middle railing toward the left end region (20) of the middle railing.

4. The foldable guardrail (10) according to claim 3, wherein: The intermediate rail (18) defines: a middle rail left lower track (58), the middle rail left lower track extending from the middle rail left end region (20) toward the middle rail right end region (22), wherein the left lower side leg upper end region (34) is configured to translate along the middle rail left lower track (58) when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56); an upper left track (60) of the middle rail, the upper left track of the middle rail extending from the left end region (20) of the middle rail toward the right end region (22) of the middle rail, wherein the lower end region (40) of the upper left side leg is configured to translate along the upper left track (60) of the middle rail when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56); a middle rail right lower track (62) extending from the middle rail right end region (22) toward the middle rail left end region (20), wherein the right lower side leg upper end region (46) is configured to translate along the middle rail right lower track (62) when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56); and An upper right track (64) of the middle rail extends from the right end region (22) of the middle rail toward the left end region (20) of the middle rail, wherein the lower end region (52) of the upper right side leg is configured to translate along the upper right track (64) of the middle rail when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56).

5. The foldable guardrail (10) according to claim 3, further comprising: a left leg connection block (66) operably coupling the left lower leg upper end region (34) and the left upper leg lower end region (40); and A right leg connection block (68) operably connects the right lower leg upper end region (46) and the right upper leg lower end region (52) together.

6. The foldable guardrail (10) according to claim 5, wherein: The intermediate rail (18) defines: a middle rail left center track (70) extending from the middle rail left end region (20) toward the middle rail right end region (22), wherein the left leg connection block (66) is configured to: translate along the middle rail left center track (70) when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56); and A middle rail right center track (72) extends from the middle rail right end region (22) toward the middle rail left end region (20), wherein the right leg connecting block (68) is configured to translate along the middle rail right center track (72) when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56).

7. The foldable guardrail (10) according to claim 6, in, The intermediate rail (18) defines: a middle rail left lower track (58), the middle rail left lower track extending from the middle rail left end region (20) toward the middle rail right end region (22), wherein the left lower side leg upper end region (34) is configured to translate along the middle rail left lower track (58) when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56); an upper left track (60) of the middle rail, the upper left track of the middle rail extending from the left end region (20) of the middle rail toward the right end region (22) of the middle rail, wherein the lower end region (40) of the upper left side leg is configured to translate along the upper left track (60) of the middle rail when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56); a middle rail right lower track (62) extending from the middle rail right end region (22) toward the middle rail left end region (20), wherein the right lower side leg upper end region (46) is configured to translate along the middle rail right lower track (62) when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56); and an upper right track (64) of the middle rail extending from the right end region (22) of the middle rail toward the left end region (20) of the middle rail, wherein the lower end region (52) of the upper right side leg is configured to translate along the upper right track (64) of the middle rail when the foldable guardrail (10) transitions between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56); wherein the left leg connection block (66) is operably engaged with the middle rail left lower track (58), the middle rail left upper track (60) and the middle rail left center track (70) in a left triangular pattern (74); and The right leg connection block (68) is operably coupled to the middle rail right lower track (62), the middle rail right upper track (64) and the middle rail right center track (72) in a right triangular pattern (76).

8. The foldable guardrail (10) according to claim 3, wherein: When the foldable guardrail is in the deployed configuration (54): The upper end region (34) of the left lower leg is on the lateral left side of the lower end region (32) of the left lower leg; The lower end region (40) of the left upper supporting leg is on the lateral left side of the upper end region (38) of the left upper supporting leg; The upper end region (46) of the right lower leg is on the transverse right side of the lower end region (44) of the right lower leg; and The lower end region (52) of the right upper leg is located on the transverse right side of the upper end region (50) of the right upper leg.

9. The foldable guardrail (10) according to claim 3, in, At least one of the upper end region (34) of the left lower leg and the lower end region (40) of the left upper leg is offset toward the left end region (20) of the middle railing; and Wherein, at least one of the upper end region (46) of the right lower leg and the lower end region (52) of the right upper leg is offset toward the right end region (22) of the middle railing.

10. The foldable guardrail (10) according to claim 9, further comprising: a left side spring (78) operably coupled between the base (12) and the left lower leg (30) and configured to bias the left lower leg upper end region (34) toward the middle rail left end region (20), or operably coupled between the top rail (24) and the left upper leg (36) and configured to bias the left upper leg lower end region (40) toward the middle rail left end region (20); and A right side spring (80), the right side spring is operably connected between the base (12) and the right lower leg (42) and is configured to bias the upper end region (46) of the right lower leg toward the right end region (22) of the middle railing, or is operably connected between the top railing (24) and the right upper leg (48) and is configured to bias the lower end region (52) of the right upper leg toward the right end region (22) of the middle railing.

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