Foldable guardrail
The folding guardrail addresses the issues of cost, deployment time, and maintenance by using a modular design with tracks and connection blocks, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution for various environments.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024197352
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-11-15
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-12
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing folding guardrails are expensive, time-consuming to deploy, and require regular maintenance, while also being obstructive in environments not higher than the ground.
A folding guardrail design comprising a base, intermediate rail, upper rail, and four legs that can be configured between a deployed and folded state, utilizing tracks and connection blocks for efficient translation and stabilization, and optionally including a lattice structure and power sources for enhanced support and deployment.
The solution provides a cost-effective, efficient, and maintainable guardrail system that can be easily deployed and stowed, minimizing obstruction in various environments while ensuring safety and stability.
Smart Images
Figure 2025093870000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a folding guardrail.
Background Art
[0002] In the manufacturing industry, when working at a position higher than the ground, fall prevention measures are of utmost importance. At lifts and other high places, guardrails are used to prevent falls. However, at places not higher than the ground, guardrails can be obstructive and may limit access to necessary manufacturing parts, supplies, tools, etc. Also, existing folding guardrails are expensive, time-consuming to deploy, and require regular maintenance.
Summary of the Invention
[0003] The folding guardrail according to the present disclosure includes a base, an intermediate rail, an upper rail, a lower left leg, an upper left leg, a lower right leg, and an upper right leg. The folding guardrail has a deployed configuration and a folded configuration.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0004]
Figure 1
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In this specification, a foldable guardrail 10 is disclosed and is schematically shown in FIGS. 1-4. Generally, in FIGS. 1-4, elements that are likely to be included in a given embodiment are shown in solid lines, and elements that are optional or adoptable for a given embodiment are shown in dashed lines. However, just because an element is shown in solid lines does not mean it is essential for all embodiments of the present disclosure, and it is possible to omit an element shown in solid lines from a particular embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0006] As schematically shown in FIGS. 1-4, the foldable guardrail 10 includes at least a base 12, an intermediate rail 18, an upper rail 24, and four legs, namely, a lower left leg 30, an upper left leg 36, a lower right leg 42, and an upper right leg 48.
[0007] As shown in FIG. 1, the base 12 includes a base left end region 14 and a base right end region 16 on the opposite side of the base left end region 14. In some embodiments, the base 12 may be described as, additionally or alternatively, a rail, a beam, or a support. FIG. 1 schematically shows a base 12 that extends continuously from the base left end region 14 to the base right end region 16, but such a configuration is not required in all embodiments, and in some embodiments, the base left end region 14 may be a separate structure from the base right end region 16. As used herein, the "end region" is not limited to the end of the structure, but includes the terminal 20% of the length of the structure.
[0008] As schematically shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate rail 18 is located above the base 12 and, in some embodiments, may be parallel to the base 12. Terms related to positions such as "upper", "lower", "left", and "right" in this specification refer to the illustrated state in which the foldable guard rail 10 is operably arranged for use. As shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate rail 18 includes an intermediate rail left end region 20 and an intermediate rail right end region 22 on the opposite side of the intermediate rail left end region 20. The intermediate rail left end region 20 is located above the base left end region 14, and the intermediate rail right end region 22 is located above the base right end region 16. In this specification, the "rail" may be referred to, additionally or alternatively, as a beam or an elongate support.
[0009] As schematically shown in FIG. 1, the upper rail 24 is located above and parallel to the intermediate rail 18, and includes an upper rail left end region 26 and an upper rail right end region 28 on the opposite side of the upper rail left end region 26. The upper rail left end region 26 is located above the intermediate rail left end region 20, and the upper rail right end region 28 is located above the intermediate rail right end region 22.
[0010] The legs may be referred to, additionally or alternatively, as arms, elongate supports, or link mechanisms, and can be described in terms of their respective end regions and their relationship to the base 12, the intermediate rail 18, and the upper rail 24. Specifically, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, the lower left leg 30 includes a lower left leg lower end region 32 and a lower left leg upper end region 34 on the opposite side of the lower left leg lower end region 32. The lower left leg lower end region 32 is pivotally connected to the base left end region 14, and the lower left leg upper end region 34 is pivotally and translationally connected to the intermediate rail 18. The upper left leg 36 is located above the lower left leg 30 and includes an upper left leg upper end region 38 and a lower left leg lower end region 40 on the opposite side of the upper left leg upper end region 38. The upper left leg upper end region 38 is pivotally connected to the upper rail left end region 26, and the lower left leg lower end region 40 is pivotally and translationally connected to the intermediate rail 18.
[0011] Similarly, the lower right leg 42 includes a lower right leg lower end region 44 and a lower right leg upper end region 46 on the side opposite to the lower right leg lower end region 44. The lower right leg lower end region 44 is pivotally connected to the base right end region 16, and the lower right leg upper end region 46 is pivotally and translationally connected to the intermediate rail 18. The upper right leg 48 is located above the lower right leg 42 and includes an upper right leg upper end region 50 and an upper right leg lower end region 52 on the side opposite to the upper right leg upper end region 50. The upper right leg upper end region 50 is pivotally connected to the upper rail right end region 28, and the upper right leg lower end region 52 is pivotally and translationally connected to the intermediate rail 18.
[0012] The foldable guard rail 10 can be said to have a deployed configuration 54, in which, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, the upper end region 34 of the lower left leg and the lower end region 40 of the upper left leg are adjacent to the left end region 20 of the intermediate rail, and the upper end region 46 of the lower right leg and the lower end region 52 of the upper right leg are adjacent to the right end region 22 of the intermediate rail. The foldable guard rail 10 can also be described as having a folded configuration 56, in which, as schematically shown in FIG. 2, the upper end region 34 of the lower left leg and the lower end region 40 of the upper left leg are separated from the left end region 20 of the intermediate rail toward the right end region 22 of the intermediate rail, and the upper end region 46 of the lower right leg and the lower end region 52 of the upper right leg are separated from the right end region 22 of the intermediate rail toward the left end region 20 of the intermediate rail. Thus, the foldable guard rail 10 can be selectively deployed to the deployed configuration 54, for example, when it is necessary to restrict a person from approaching an adjacent area by the foldable guard rail 10. For example, the foldable guard rail 10 can be associated with a structure located above the ground, such as a lift deployed in a raised configuration. On the other hand, the foldable guard rail 10 can be selectively folded or stored to the folded configuration 56 when it is not necessary to restrict a person from approaching an adjacent area, for example, when a related structure such as a lift is located on or near the ground.
[0013] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the intermediate rail 18 defines an intermediate rail lower left track 58, an intermediate rail upper left track 60, an intermediate rail lower right track 62, and an intermediate rail upper right track 64. These tracks can take any suitable configuration such that their respective associated structures translate along the tracks. A variety of structures can be used for this, for example, rollers or wheels configured to roll along the tracks, 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 tracks. The tracks can additionally or alternatively be channels, slots, guides, or rails, or may be referred to as such. Examples including rollers or wheels configured to roll along the tracks and examples including pins or shafts that slide along the tracks may be able to switch between the deployed configuration 54 and the folded configuration 56 more quickly and / or easily than examples including a rack and pinion or other gear configurations. Further, in these examples, jamming, distortion, and other snags due to switching too quickly between the deployed configuration 54 and the folded configuration 56 are less likely to occur.
[0014] The intermediate rail lower left track 58 extends from the intermediate rail left end region 20 towards the intermediate rail right end region 22. The lower left leg upper end region 34 is configured to translate along the intermediate rail lower left track 58 when the folding guard rail 10 switches between the deployed configuration 54 (FIG. 1) and the folded configuration 56 (FIG. 2).
[0015] The intermediate rail upper left track 60 extends from the left end region 20 of the intermediate rail towards the right end region 22 of the intermediate rail. The lower end region 40 of the upper left leg is configured to translate along the intermediate rail upper left track 60 when the foldable guard rail 10 switches between the deployed configuration 54 (FIG. 1) and the folded configuration 56 (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the intermediate rail upper left track 60 is separate from the intermediate rail lower left track 58, as schematically shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 for example. However, in other embodiments, the intermediate rail upper left track 60 and the intermediate rail lower left track 58 are integral.
[0016] The intermediate rail lower right track 62 extends from the right end region 22 of the intermediate rail towards the left end region 20 of the intermediate rail. The upper end region 46 of the lower right leg is configured to translate along the intermediate rail lower right track 62 when the foldable guard rail 10 switches between the deployed configuration 54 (FIG. 1) and the folded configuration 56 (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the intermediate rail lower right track 62 is separate from the intermediate rail lower left track 58, as schematically shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, in other embodiments, the intermediate rail lower right track 62 and the intermediate rail lower left track 58 are integral.
[0017] The intermediate rail upper right track 64 extends from the right end region 22 of the intermediate rail towards the left end region 20 of the intermediate rail. The lower end region 52 of the upper right leg is configured to translate along the intermediate rail upper right track 64 when the foldable guard rail 10 switches between the deployed configuration 54 (FIG. 1) and the folded configuration 56 (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the intermediate rail upper right track 64 is separate from the intermediate rail lower right track 62, as schematically shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, in other embodiments, the intermediate rail upper right track 64 and the intermediate rail lower right track 62 are integral. In some embodiments, the intermediate rail upper right track 64 is separate from the intermediate rail upper left track 60, as schematically shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, in other embodiments, the intermediate rail upper right track 64 and the intermediate rail upper left track 60 are integral.
[0018] As schematically shown in FIG. 1, some embodiments of the foldable guard rail 10 further include a left foot connection block 66 and a right foot connection block 68. The left foot connection block 66 functionally connects the upper end region 34 of the lower left foot and the lower end region 40 of the upper left foot, and the right foot connection block 68 functionally connects the upper end region 46 of the lower right foot and the lower end region 52 of the upper right foot. Such connection blocks may be alternatively referred to as or called carriages.
[0019] In some embodiments, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate rail 18 further defines an intermediate rail left central track 70 and an intermediate rail right central track 72. The intermediate rail left central track 70 extends from the left end region 20 of the intermediate rail towards the right end region 22 of the intermediate rail, and the left foot connection block 66 is configured to translate along the intermediate rail left central track 70 when the foldable guard rail 10 switches between the deployed configuration 54 (FIG. 1) and the folded configuration 56 (FIG. 2). The intermediate rail right central track 72 extends from the right end region 22 of the intermediate rail towards the left end region 20 of the intermediate rail, and the right foot connection block 68 is configured to translate along the intermediate rail right central track 72 when the foldable guard rail 10 switches between the deployed configuration 54 (FIG. 1) and the folded configuration 56 (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate rail right central track 72 is separate from the intermediate rail left central track 70. However, in other embodiments, the intermediate rail right central track 72 and the intermediate rail left central track 70 are integral.
[0020] In some embodiments, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, the left foot connection block 66 is functionally engaged with the intermediate rail lower left track 58, the intermediate rail upper left track 60, and the intermediate rail left center track 70 by the left triangular pattern 74, and the right foot connection block 68 is functionally engaged with the intermediate rail lower right track 62, the intermediate rail upper right track 64, and the intermediate rail right center track 72 by the right triangular pattern 76. With such a spatial configuration, the connection block can be smoothly translated along the intermediate rail 18 without twisting, rotating, or pivoting with respect to the intermediate rail 18, and as a result, it is possible to avoid the connection block being caught on the intermediate rail 18.
[0021] In some embodiments, the intermediate rail 18 includes a front panel 18' and a rear panel 18'' spaced apart from the front panel 18'. In such embodiments, the tracks 58, 60, 62, 64, 70, 72 each have corresponding front and rear sections. As a result, when corresponding pins, shafts, or other suitable structures extend from the front section to the rear section of the track, the loads corresponding thereto are separated into two components, one of which is the component along the front panel 18' and the other is the component along the rear panel 18''. With such a configuration, a more stable collapsible guard rail 10 is realized than when the load along the intermediate rail 18 is concentrated along the center line of the collapsible guard rail 10. In some embodiments, the intermediate rail 18 further includes an end cap 18''' that functionally connects the front panel 18' and the rear panel 18''. In some embodiments, the left foot connection block 66 and the right foot connection block 68 are arranged and configured to slide between the front panel 18' and the rear panel 18''.
[0022] In some embodiments of the foldable guardrail 10, when the foldable guardrail 10 is in the deployed configuration 54 (FIG. 1), the upper end region 34 of the lower left leg is located laterally to the left of the lower end region 32 of the lower left leg, the lower end region 40 of the upper left leg is located laterally to the left of the upper end region 38 of the upper left leg, the upper end region 46 of the lower right leg is located laterally to the right of the lower end region 44 of the lower right leg, and the lower end region 52 of the upper right leg is located laterally to the right of the upper end region 50 of the upper right leg. In other words, in the deployed configuration 54 (FIG. 1), the legs can be said to be over-center. That is, due to the weight of the upper rail 24 and the weight of the intermediate rail 18, the upper end region 34 of the lower left leg and the lower end region 40 of the upper left leg are pushed to the left and pressed against the end portions of the lower left track 58 and the upper left track 60 of the intermediate rail. Similarly, due to the weight of the upper rail 24 and the weight of the intermediate rail 18, the upper end region 46 of the lower right leg and the lower end region 52 of the upper right leg are pushed to the right and pressed against the end portions of the lower right track 62 and the upper right track 64 of the intermediate rail. In such a configuration, the weight of the upper rail 24 and the weight of the intermediate rail 18 limit an unintentional switching from the deployed configuration (FIG. 1) to the folded configuration (FIG. 2).
[0023] In some embodiments of the foldable guardrail 10, at least one of the upper end region 34 of the lower left leg and the lower end region 40 of the upper left leg is biased toward the left end region 20 of the intermediate rail, and at least one of the upper end region 46 of the lower right leg and the lower end region 52 of the upper right leg is biased toward the right end region 22 of the intermediate rail. In embodiments where the left legs are connected to each other via the left leg connection block 66 and the right legs are connected to each other via the right leg connection block 68, the foldable guardrail 10 is biased to the deployed configuration 54 (FIG. 1), thereby restricting the foldable guardrail 10 from inadvertently switching to the folded configuration 56.
[0024] In some embodiments, the collapsible guard rail 10 further includes a left spring 78 and a right spring 80. By way of example, these springs can be constituted by coil springs, torsion springs, pneumatic cylinders, or hydraulic cylinders. The left spring 78 is functionally connected between the base 12 and the lower left leg 30 and is configured to bias the upper end region 34 of the lower left leg towards the left end region 20 of the intermediate rail, or, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, is functionally connected between the upper rail 24 and the upper left leg 36 and is configured to bias the lower end region 40 of the upper left leg towards the left end region 20 of the intermediate rail. The right spring 80 is functionally connected between the base 12 and the lower right leg 42 and is configured to bias the upper end region 46 of the lower right leg towards the right end region 22 of the intermediate rail, or, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, is functionally connected between the upper rail 24 and the upper right leg 48 and is configured to bias the lower end region 52 of the upper right leg towards the right end region 22 of the intermediate rail.
[0025] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, as schematically represented, the collapsible guard rail 10 further includes one or more power sources 82 configured to selectively translate the upper end region 34 of the lower left leg and the lower end region 40 of the upper left leg towards the left end region 20 of the intermediate rail, and the upper end region 46 of the lower right leg and the lower end region 52 of the upper right leg towards the right end region 22 of the intermediate rail. In embodiments where both left legs are connected via a left leg connection block 66 and both right legs are connected via a right leg connection block 68, the power source 82 can directly move the upper legs and indirectly move the lower legs, or directly move the lower legs and indirectly move the upper legs, or the power source 82 can directly move the left legs and indirectly move the right legs, or directly move the right legs and indirectly move the left legs. The power source 82 can be constituted by any suitable structure or mechanism such as a motor, gears, chains, sprockets, pneumatic mechanisms (such as pneumatic cylinders), and / or hydraulic mechanisms (such as hydraulic cylinders).
[0026] In some embodiments, the power source 82 is a single power source 82. However, in other embodiments, 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 upper end region 34 of the lower left leg and the lower end region 40 of the upper left leg toward the left end region 20 of the intermediate rail, and the right power source 86 is configured to selectively translate the upper end region 46 of the lower right leg and the lower end region 52 of the upper right leg toward the right end region 22 of the intermediate rail.
[0027] In some embodiments, the power source 82 does not include worm gears, lead screws, feed screws, ball screws, threaded nuts, etc. that may cause the operation of the folding guard rail 10 to slow down.
[0028] As schematically shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the folding guard rail 10 further includes a controller 88, which is functionally connected to the power source 82 and is configured to operate the power source 82 in response to user input via the actuation of a button, lever, dial, keystroke, touch screen, or other mechanism. Accordingly, the user can selectively deploy the folding guard rail 10 into the deployed configuration 54 (FIG. 1) or selectively fold the folding guard rail 10 into the folded configuration 56 (FIG. 2). In FIG. 1, the controller 88 and the power source 82 are schematically represented by a lightning bolt symbol, which schematically represents the communication between the controller 88 and the power source 82. Such communication may be wired or wireless. The controller 88 may be any suitable one or more devices configured to perform the functions of the controller 88 described herein. For example, the controller 88 may 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 having a computer-readable medium suitable for storing computer-executable instructions for performing the functions of the described controller 88.
[0029] Next, referring to FIG. 3, the figure schematically shows the folding guardrail 10 in the deployed configuration. The folding guardrail 10 can have a height 126 when in the deployed configuration 54. Each of the lower left leg 30, upper left leg 36, lower right leg 42, and upper right leg 48 can have a width 128. In various embodiments, the width 128 of the legs can be at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, 5-20%, or 10-20% of the height 126. In particular, when a larger width 128 is selected, for example, the stability of the folding guardrail 10 when a force is applied to the upper rail 24 is improved. Further, when a forward or backward force is applied to the upper rail 24, tensile stress concentrates on one of the front edge or the rear edge of the leg, and compressive stress concentrates on the other of the front edge or the rear edge of the leg.
[0030] In some embodiments, as schematically shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, each of the lower left leg 30, upper left leg 36, lower right leg 42, and upper right leg 48 includes a web 130 and at least one flange 132, for example, two flanges 132. When these are present, while the web 130 extends forward and backward, the flanges extend orthogonally to the web 130. As an example, each of the lower left leg 30, upper left leg 36, lower right leg 42, and upper right leg 48 includes a C-channel 134, and the flanges 132 are located at the front edge and the rear edge of the leg. Thereby, when a moment is applied to the folding guardrail 10, for example, by a forward or backward force applied to the upper rail 24, the flanges 132 bear most of the compressive stress and tensile stress, realizing a very robust folding guardrail 10. In an embodiment of the folding guardrail 10 where the intermediate rail 18 includes a front panel 18' and a rear panel 18'' and the legs include C-channels 134, the compressive stress and tensile stress pass from the flanges 132 through other structures such as, for example, related pins, shafts, or optional connection blocks 66, 68 that functionally connect the legs and the intermediate rail 18, and pass through the front panel 18' and the rear panel 18''.
[0031] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, some embodiments of the foldable guardrail 10 further include a lattice structure 90 that is functionally connected between the base 12 and the upper rail 24 and is configured to functionally support the upper rail 24 with respect to the base 12. That is, when there is a lattice structure 90, this provides support between the upper rail 24 and the base 12 in addition to the legs. In some such embodiments, the lattice structure 90 is further functionally connected to the intermediate rail 18 and is configured to support the intermediate rail 18 with respect to the upper rail 24 and the base 12.
[0032] As schematically shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, 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. These lattice members may be referred to additionally or alternatively as arms, beams, elongate members, bars, links, or link mechanisms. The lower left lattice member 92 is pivotally connected to the base 12. The upper left lattice member 94 is pivotally connected to the lower left lattice member 92 and is pivotally connected to the upper rail 24. The lower right lattice member 96 is pivotally connected to the base 12. The upper right lattice member 98 is pivotally connected to the lower right lattice member 96 and is pivotally connected to the upper rail 24. In some embodiments, 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 embodiments, the upper left lattice member 94 and the upper right lattice member 98 share a pivot axis along the upper rail 24. Accordingly, in such embodiments, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, the lower left lattice member 92, the upper left lattice member 94, the lower right lattice member 96 pivotally connected to the base 12, and the upper right lattice member 98 define a parallelogram.
[0033] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the lattice structure 90 further includes a first angled member 100 and a second angled member 106. The first angled member 100 includes a first angled member lower end region 102 and a first angled member upper end region 104 on the opposite side of the first angled member lower end region 102. The first angled member lower end region 102 is pivotally and translationally connected to the base 12, and the first angled member upper end region 104 is pivotally and translationally connected to the upper rail 24. The second angled member 106 includes a second angled member lower end region 108 and a second angled member upper end region 110 on the opposite side of the second angled member lower end region 108. The second angled member lower end region 108 is pivotally and translationally connected to the base 12, and the second angled member upper end region 110 is pivotally and translationally connected to the upper rail 24. Thereby, when the folding guard rail 10 switches between the deployed configuration 54 and the folded configuration 56, the end regions of the first angled member 100 and the second angled member 106 translate along the base 12 and the upper rail 24.
[0034] In some such embodiments, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, the base 12 defines a base left track 112 and a base right track 114, and the upper rail 24 defines an upper rail left track 116 and an upper rail right track 118. The base left track 112 extends from the base left end region 14 towards the base right end region 16, and the lower end region 102 of the first angled member is configured to translate along the base left track 112 when the folding guard rail 10 switches between the deployed configuration 54 and the folded configuration 56. The base right track 114 extends from the base right end region 16 towards the base left end region 14, and the lower end region 108 of the second angled member is configured to translate along the base right track 114 when the folding guard rail 10 switches between the deployed configuration 54 and the folded configuration 56. The upper rail left track 116 extends from the upper rail left end region 26 towards the upper rail right end region 28, and the upper end region 110 of the second angled member is configured to translate along the upper rail left track 116 when the folding guard rail 10 switches between the deployed configuration 54 and the folded configuration 56. The upper rail right track 118 extends from the upper rail right end region 28 towards the upper rail left end region 26, and the upper end region 104 of the first angled member is configured to translate along the upper rail right track 118 when the folding guard rail 10 switches between the deployed configuration 54 and the folded configuration 56.
[0035] In some embodiments, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, the first angled member 100 is pivotally connected to the second angled member 106. In some embodiments, the first angled member 100 and the second angled member 106 are pivotally connected to the intermediate rail 18. In some such embodiments, the first angled member 100 and the second angled member 106 share an axis on the intermediate rail 18. In some embodiments, it can be said that the first angled member 100 and the second angled member 106 form an X shape.
[0036] In an embodiment 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 angled member 100, and the second angled member 106, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, the first angled member 100 can be pivotally connected to both the lower left lattice member 92 and the upper right lattice member 98, and the second angled member 106 can be pivotally connected to both the upper left lattice member 94 and the lower right lattice member 96. As a result, in such an embodiment, the lattice structure 90 maintains the parallel relationship between the base 12, the intermediate rail 18, and the upper rail 24, restricting what can catch on them and thus limiting interference with the smooth switching of the collapsible guardrail 10 between the deployed configuration 54 and the folded configuration.
[0037] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, as schematically and optionally shown fragmentarily, some collapsible guardrails 10 are functionally connected between the base 12 and the upper rail 24 and further include at least one screen 120 configured to restrict access to at least the intermediate rail 18. In some embodiments, the screen is functionally connected to the intermediate rail 18. In particular, the screen 120 can be provided to restrict unauthorized entry into the space between the base 12 and the upper rail 24 in accordance with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards and other similar government or safety standards around the world. The screen 120 can be connected to the front and / or back of the collapsible guardrail 10. In some embodiments, when there is a lattice structure 90, the screen further restricts access to the lattice structure 90. On the other hand, in other embodiments, when providing a lattice structure 90, it is disposed outside the screen 120. In some embodiments, when there are the left spring 78 and the right spring 80, the screen 120 is configured to restrict access to these springs. In some embodiments, the screen 120 is configured to restrict access to the power source 82. The screen 120 can alternatively or additionally be referred to as a curtain and can be wavy or form an accordion, i.e., a folding structure.
[0038] The foldable guardrail 10 can be configured to accommodate installation in various environments. As schematically shown on the right side of FIG. 1, the base 12 can be configured to be attached to the upper surface 122 of the structure 124. In addition to or instead of this, as schematically shown on the left side of FIG. 1, the base 12 may be configured to be below the upper surface 122 of the structure 124.
[0039] Next, referring to FIGS. 5 - 9, these figures show non - exclusive examples of the foldable guardrail 10 in the form of the foldable guardrail 200 (FIGS. 5 - 8) and the foldable guardrail 300 (FIG. 9). Optionally, the reference numerals in the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 1 - 4 are used to designate corresponding parts of the foldable guardrails 200, 300. However, the examples in FIGS. 5 - 9 are non - exclusive and do not limit the foldable guardrail 10 to the illustrated embodiments of the foldable guardrails 200, 300. That is, the foldable guardrail 10 is not limited to the specific embodiments of the illustrated foldable guardrails 200, 300, and the foldable guardrail 10 can incorporate any number of various aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. of the foldable guardrail 10 illustrated and described in the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 1 - 4 and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 5 - 9 and their variations, and it is not necessary to include all of these aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties. For the sake of brevity, for the foldable guardrails 200, 300, there may be cases where each previously described component, part, portion, aspect, region, etc., and their variations are not described, illustrated, and / or labeled again. However, adopting the previously described features, variations, etc. for the foldable guardrails 200, 300 is within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the folding guardrail 200 is an example of a folding guardrail 10 including tracks 58, 60, 62, 64, 70, 72, 112, 114, 116, 118, connection blocks 66, 68, springs 78, 80, power sources 84, 86, two lattice structures 90 each including members 92, 94, 96, 98, 100, 106, and four screens 120. The left power source 84 includes a left pneumatic cylinder 202 functionally connected between the base 12 and the lower left leg 30, and the right power source 86 similarly includes a right pneumatic cylinder 204 functionally connected between the base 12 and the lower right leg 42. Each leg 30, 36, 42, 48 includes a C-channel 134.
[0041] The folding guardrail 300 shown in FIG. 9 is configured similarly to the folding guardrail 200 shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, except that the left power source 84 includes a left pneumatic motor 302 supported by the base 12 and functionally connected to the left leg shaft 304 of the lower left leg 30, and the right power source 86 includes a right pneumatic motor 306 supported by the base 12 and functionally connected to the right leg shaft 308 of the lower right leg 42. The folding guardrail 300 further includes a chain and gear train 310 functionally connected between the left leg shaft 304 and the right leg shaft 308, such that the lower left leg 30 and the lower right leg 42 are synchronized when the folding guardrail 300 switches between the deployed configuration 54 and the folded configuration 56.
[0042] Exemplary and non-exclusive examples of the subject matter of the invention according to the present disclosure are described in the appended appendix listed below.
[0043] Appendix A. A folding guardrail (10) including a base (12), an intermediate rail (18), an upper rail (24), a lower left leg (30), an upper left leg (36), a lower right leg (42), and an upper right leg (48), The base (12) includes a base left end region (14) and a base right end region (16) on the opposite side of the base left end region (14), The intermediate rail (18) is located above the base (12). The intermediate rail (18) includes an intermediate rail left end region (20) and an intermediate rail right end region (22) on the opposite side of the intermediate rail left end region (20). The intermediate rail left end region (20) is located above the base left end region (14), and the intermediate rail right end region (22) is located above the base right end region (16). The upper rail (24) is located above the intermediate rail (18) and parallel to the intermediate rail. The upper rail (24) includes an upper rail left end region (26) and an upper rail right end region (28) on the opposite side of the upper rail left end region (26). The upper rail left end region (26) is located above the intermediate rail left end region (20), and the upper rail right end region (28) is located above the intermediate rail right end region (22). The lower left leg (30) includes a lower left leg lower end region (32) and a lower left leg upper end region (34) on the opposite side of the lower left leg lower end region (32). The lower left leg lower end region (32) is pivotally connected to the base left end region (14), and the lower left leg upper end region (34) is pivotally and translationally connected to the intermediate rail (18). The upper left leg (36) is located above the lower left leg (30) and includes an upper left leg upper end region (38) and an upper left leg lower end region (40) on the opposite side of the upper left leg upper end region (38). The upper left leg upper end region (38) is pivotally connected to the upper rail left end region (26), and the upper left leg lower end region (40) is pivotally and translationally connected to the intermediate rail (18). The lower right leg (42) includes a lower right leg lower end region (44) and a lower right leg upper end region (46) on the opposite side of the lower right leg lower end region (44). The lower right leg lower end region (44) is pivotally connected to the base right end region (16), and the lower right leg upper end region (46) is pivotally and translationally connected to the intermediate rail (18). The upper right leg (48) is located above the lower right leg (42) and includes an upper right leg upper end region (50) and a lower right leg lower end region (52) on the opposite side of the upper right leg upper end region (50). The upper right leg upper end region (50) is pivotally connected to the upper rail right end region (28), and the lower right leg lower end region (52) is pivotally and translationally connected to the intermediate rail (18). The folding guard rail (10) has a deployed configuration (54) in which the lower left leg upper end region (34) and the upper left leg lower end region (40) are adjacent to the intermediate rail left end region (20), and the lower right leg upper end region (46) and the lower right leg lower end region (52) are adjacent to the intermediate rail right end region (22). The folding guard rail (10) has a folded configuration (56) in which the lower left leg upper end region (34) and the upper left leg lower end region (40) are separated from the intermediate rail left end region (20) toward the intermediate rail right end region (22), and the lower right leg upper end region (46) and the lower right leg lower end region (52) are separated from the intermediate rail right end region (22) toward the intermediate rail left end region (20).
[0044] Appendix A1. The intermediate rail (18) defines an intermediate rail lower left track (58), an intermediate rail upper left track (60), an intermediate rail lower right track (62), and an intermediate rail upper right track (64). The intermediate rail lower left track (58) extends from the intermediate rail left end region (20) toward the intermediate rail right end region (22), and the lower left leg upper end region (34) is configured to translate along the intermediate rail lower left track (58) when the folding guard rail (10) switches between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56). The middle rail upper left track (60) extends from the left end region (20) of the middle rail towards the right end region (22) of the middle rail. The lower end region (40) of the upper left leg is configured to translate along the middle rail upper left track (60) when the folding guard rail (10) switches between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56). The middle rail lower right track (62) extends from the right end region (22) of the middle rail towards the left end region (20) of the middle rail. The upper end region (46) of the lower right leg is configured to translate along the middle rail lower right track (62) when the folding guard rail (10) switches between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56). The middle rail upper right track (64) extends from the right end region (22) of the middle rail towards the left end region (20) of the middle rail. The lower end region (52) of the upper right leg is configured to translate along the middle rail upper right track (64) when the folding guard rail (10) switches between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56). The folding guard rail (10) according to Appendix A.
[0045] Appendix A2. A left leg connection block (66) that functionally connects the upper end region (34) of the lower left leg and the lower end region (40) of the upper left leg; The folding guard rail (10) according to any one of Appendices A to A1, further comprising a right leg connection block (68) that functionally connects the upper end region (46) of the lower right leg and the lower end region (52) of the upper right leg.
[0046] Appendix A2.1. The middle rail (18) is Define an intermediate rail left center track (70) extending from the left end region (20) to the right end region (22) of the intermediate rail. The left foot connection block (66) is configured to translate along the intermediate rail left center track (70) when the folding guard rail (10) switches between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56). Moreover, Define an intermediate rail right center track (72) extending from the right end region (22) to the left end region (20) of the intermediate rail. The right foot connection block (68) is configured to translate along the intermediate rail right center track (72) when the folding guard rail (10) switches between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56). The folding guard rail (10) according to appended note A2.
[0047] Appended note A2.1.1. The left foot connection block (66) is functionally engaged with the intermediate rail lower left track (58), the intermediate rail upper left track (60), and the intermediate rail left center track (70) in a left triangular pattern (74). The right foot connection block (68) is functionally engaged with the intermediate rail lower right track (62), the intermediate rail upper right track (64), and the intermediate rail right center track (72) in a right triangular pattern (76). The folding guard rail (10) according to appended note A2.1 when dependent on appended note A1.
[0048] Appended note A3. When the folding guard rail (10) is in the deployed configuration (54), The upper end region (34) of the lower left foot is located laterally to the left of the lower end region (32) of the lower left foot. The lower end region (40) of the upper left foot is located laterally to the left of the upper end region (38) of the upper left foot. The upper end region (46) of the lower right foot is located laterally to the right of the lower end region (44) of the lower right foot. The lower end region (52) of the upper right leg is located more to the right in the lateral direction than the upper end region (50) of the upper right leg, and is the foldable guard rail (10) described in any one of Appendices A to A2.1.1.
[0049] Appendix A4. At least one of the upper end region (34) of the lower left leg and the lower end region (40) of the upper left leg is biased toward the left end region (20) of the intermediate rail, At least one of the upper end region (46) of the lower right leg and the lower end region (52) of the upper right leg is biased toward the right end region (22) of the intermediate rail, and is the foldable guard rail (10) described in any one of Appendices A to A3.
[0050] Appendix A4.1. Functionally connected between the base (12) and the lower left leg (30) and configured to bias the upper end region (34) of the lower left leg toward the left end region (20) of the intermediate rail, or functionally connected between the upper rail (24) and the upper left leg (36) and configured to bias the lower end region (40) of the upper left leg toward the left end region (20) of the intermediate rail, and a left spring (78), Functionally connected between the base (12) and the lower right leg (42) and configured to bias the upper end region (46) of the lower right leg toward the right end region (22) of the intermediate rail, or functionally connected between the upper rail (24) and the upper right leg (48) and configured to bias the lower end region (52) of the upper right leg toward the right end region (22) of the intermediate rail, and a right spring (80), and further includes the foldable guard rail (10) described in Appendix A4.
[0051] Appendix A5. Further includes one or more power sources (82) configured to selectively translate the upper end region (34) of the lower left leg and the lower end region (40) of the upper left leg toward the left end region (20) of the intermediate rail, and the upper end region (46) of the lower right leg and the lower end region (52) of the upper right leg toward the right end region (22) of the intermediate rail, and is the foldable guard rail (10) described in any one of Appendices A to A4.1.
[0052] Appendix A5.1. The one or more power sources (82) are a left power source (84) configured to selectively translate the upper end region (34) of the lower left leg and the lower end region (40) of the upper left leg toward the left end region (20) of the intermediate rail; and a right power source (86) configured to selectively translate the upper end region (46) of the lower right leg and the lower end region (52) of the upper right leg toward the right end region (22) of the intermediate rail, the foldable guard rail (10) according to Appendix A5.
[0053] Appendix A5.2. The foldable guard rail (10) according to any one of Appendix A5 to A5.1, further comprising a controller (88) functionally connected to the one or more power sources (82) and configured to operate the one or more power sources (82) in response to a user input. Appendix A6. In the deployed configuration (54), the foldable guard rail (10) has a height (126), each of the lower left leg (30), the upper left leg (36), the lower right leg (42), and the upper right leg (48) has a width (128), the width (128) is at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, 5 - 20%, or 10 - 20% of the height (126), the foldable guard rail (10) according to any one of Appendix A to A5.2.
[0054] Appendix A7. The foldable guard rail (10) according to any one of Appendix A to A6, further comprising a lattice structure (90) functionally connected between the base (12) and the upper rail (24) and configured to functionally support the upper rail (24) with respect to the base (12).
[0055] Appendix A7.1. The lattice structure (90) is further configured to be functionally connected to the intermediate rail (18) and support the intermediate rail (18) with respect to the upper rail (24) and the base (12), and is the foldable guard rail (10) described in appended claim A7.
[0056] Appended claim A7.2. The lattice structure (90) is a lower left lattice member (92) pivotally connected to the base (12), an upper left lattice member (94) pivotally connected to the lower left lattice member (92) and pivotally connected to the upper rail (24), a lower right lattice member (96) pivotally connected to the base (12), and an upper right lattice member (98) pivotally connected to the lower right lattice member (96) and pivotally connected to the upper rail (24), and is the foldable guard rail (10) described in any one of appended claims A7 to A7.1.
[0057] Appended claim A7.2.1. 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, and is the foldable guard rail (10) described in appended claim A7.2.
[0058] Appended claim A7.3. The lattice structure (90) includes a first angled member (100) including a lower end region (102) of the first angled member and an upper end region (104) of the first angled member on the opposite side of the lower end region (102) of the first angled member. The lower end region (102) of the first angled member is pivotally and translationally connected to the base (12), and the upper end region (104) of the first angled member is pivotally and translationally connected to the upper rail (24), and moreover, The folding guard rail (10) according to any one of Appendices A7 to A7.2.1, including a second angled member (106) including a lower end region (108) of the second angled member and an upper end region (110) of the second angled member on the opposite side of the lower end region (108) of the second angled member, wherein the lower end region (108) of the second angled member is pivotally and translationally connected to the base (12), and the upper end region (110) of the second angled member is pivotally and translationally connected to the upper rail (24).
[0059] Appendix A7.3.1. The base (12) is defining a base left track (112) extending from the base left end region (14) towards the base right end region (16), and the lower end region (102) of the first angled member is configured to translate along the base left track (112) when the folding guard rail (10) switches between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56), and moreover defining a base right track (114) extending from the base right end region (16) towards the base left end region (14), and the lower end region (108) of the second angled member is configured to translate along the base right track (114) when the folding guard rail (10) switches between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56), The upper rail (24) is defining an upper rail left track (116) extending from the upper rail left end region (26) towards the upper rail right end region (28), and the upper end region (110) of the second angled member is configured to translate along the upper rail left track (116) when the folding guard rail (10) switches between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56), and moreover Define an upper rail right track (118) extending from the right end region (28) of the upper rail towards the left end region (26) of the upper rail. The upper end region (104) of the first angled member is configured to translate along the upper rail right track (118) when the folding guard rail (10) switches between the deployed configuration (54) and the folded configuration (56). The folding guard rail (10) described in appended note A7.3.
[0060] Appended note A7.3.2. The first angled member (100) is pivotally connected to the second angled member (106). The folding guard rail (10) described in any one of appended notes A7.3 to A7.3.1.
[0061] Appended note A7.3.3. The first angled member (100) and the second angled member (106) are pivotally connected to the intermediate rail (18). The folding guard rail (10) described in any one of appended notes A7.3 to A7.3.2.
[0062] Appended note A7.3.4. The first angled member (100) and the second angled member (106) form an X shape. The folding guard rail (10) described in any one of appended notes A7.3 to A7.3.3.
[0063] Appended note A7.3.5. The first angled member (100) is pivotally connected to the lower left grid member (92) and is also pivotally connected to the upper right grid member (98). The second angled member (106) is pivotally connected to the upper left grid member (94) and is also pivotally connected to the lower right grid member (96). The folding guard rail (10) described in any one of appended notes A7.3 to A7.3.4 when dependent on appended note A7.2.
[0064] Appended note A8. The folding guardrail (10) according to any one of Appendices A to A7.3.5, further comprising at least one screen (120) that is functionally connected between the base (12) and the upper rail (24) and is configured to restrict access to the intermediate rail (18).
[0065] Appendix A8.1. The folding guardrail (10) according to Appendix A8, wherein the at least one screen (120) is further functionally connected to the intermediate rail (18).
[0066] Appendix A8.2. The folding guardrail (10) according to any one of Appendices A8 to A8.1 when dependent on Appendix A4.1, wherein the at least one screen (120) is configured to restrict access to the left spring (78) and the right spring (80).
[0067] Appendix A8.3. The folding guardrail (10) according to any one of Appendices A8 to A8.2 when dependent on Appendix A5, wherein the at least one screen (120) is configured to restrict access to the one or more power sources (82).
[0068] Appendix A8.4. The folding guardrail (10) according to any one of Appendices A8 to A8.3 when dependent on Appendix A7, wherein the at least one screen (120) is configured to restrict access to the lattice structure (90).
[0069] Appendix A9. Each of the lower left foot (30), the upper left foot (36), the lower right foot (42), and the upper right foot (48) includes a web (130) and at least one flange (132), and is the folding guardrail (10) according to any one of Appendices A to A8.4.
[0070] Appendix A9.1. Each of the lower left leg (30), the upper left leg (36), the lower right leg (42), and the upper right leg (48) is the foldable guard rail (10) described in Appendix A9, which includes two flanges (132).
[0071] Appendix A9.2. Each of the lower left leg (30), the upper left leg (36), the lower right leg (42), and the upper right leg (48) is the foldable guard rail (10) described in Appendix A9, which includes a C-channel (134).
[0072] Appendix A10. The base (12) is the foldable guard rail (10) described in any one of Appendices A to A9.2, which is configured to be attached to the upper surface (122) of the structure (124).
[0073] Appendix A11. The base (12) is the foldable guard rail (10) described in any one of Appendices A to A10, which is configured to be attached below the upper surface (122) of the structure (124).
[0074] Appendix A12. Use of the foldable guard rail (10) described in any one of Appendices A to A11 to prevent a worker from falling.
[0075] As used herein, the terms "configured" and "arranged" mean that an element, component, or other main part is designed and / or intended to perform a given function. Accordingly, the use of the terms "configured" and "arranged" should not be construed to mean merely that an element, component, or other main part "can" perform a given function, but rather should be construed to mean that the element, component, and / or other main part has been specifically selected, made, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed to perform that function. Also, it is within the scope of the present disclosure to state that an element, component, and / or other main part that is configured to perform a given function is, in addition to, or instead of, so configured, arranged to perform that function, and vice versa. Similarly, a main part that is stated to be arranged to perform a given function can also be stated to, in addition to, or instead of, so arranged, operate to perform that function.
[0076] The elements of the various devices and the steps of the methods disclosed herein are not necessarily required for all of the devices and methods according to the present disclosure, and the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements and steps disclosed herein. Also, one or more of the various elements and steps disclosed herein may define the gist of an independent invention separate from the entirety of the disclosed device or method. Accordingly, the gist of such an invention need not be associated with the specific devices and methods explicitly disclosed herein, and may find utility in devices and / or methods not explicitly disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A folding guardrail including a base, a middle rail, an upper rail, a left lower leg, a left upper leg, a right lower leg, and a right upper leg, the base includes a base left end region and a base right end region opposite the base left end region; the intermediate rail is located above the base, the intermediate rail including a intermediate rail left end region and a intermediate rail right end region opposite the intermediate rail left end region, the intermediate rail left end region being located above the base left end region, and the intermediate rail right end region being located above the base right end region; the top rail is positioned above and parallel to the mid rail, the top rail including a top rail left end region and a top rail right end region opposite the top rail left end region, the top rail left end region being positioned above the mid rail left end region and the top rail right end region being positioned above the mid rail right end region; the left lower leg includes a left lower leg lower end region and a left lower leg upper end region opposite the left lower leg lower end region, the left lower leg lower end region is pivotally connected to the base left end region, and the left lower leg upper end region is pivotally and translationally connected to the intermediate rail; the left upper leg is located above the left lower leg and includes a left upper leg upper end region and a left upper leg lower end region opposite the left upper leg upper end region, the left upper leg upper end region is pivotally connected to the upper rail left end region, and the left upper leg lower end region is pivotally and translationally connected to the intermediate rail; the right lower leg includes a right lower leg lower end region and a right lower leg upper end region opposite the right lower leg lower end region, the right lower leg lower end region is pivotally connected to the base right end region, and the right lower leg upper end region is pivotally and translationally connected to the intermediate rail; the upper right leg is located above the lower right leg and includes an upper right leg upper end region and an upper right leg lower end region opposite the upper right leg upper end region, the upper right leg upper end region is pivotally connected to the upper rail right end region, and the upper right leg lower end region is pivotally and translationally connected to the intermediate rail; The folding guardrail has an unfolded configuration, and in the unfolded configuration, the left lower leg upper end region and the left upper leg lower end region are adjacent to the left end region of the intermediate rail, and the right lower leg upper end region and the right upper leg lower end region are adjacent to the right end region of the intermediate rail, The foldable guardrail has a folding configuration, in which the left lower leg upper end region and the left upper leg lower end region are spaced away from the left end region of the intermediate rail toward the right end region of the intermediate rail, and the right lower leg upper end region and the right upper leg lower end region are spaced away from the right end region of the intermediate rail toward the left end region of the intermediate rail.
2. the mid-rail defines a mid-rail lower-left track, a mid-rail upper-left track, a mid-rail lower-right track, and a mid-rail upper-right track; the mid-rail left-lower track extends from the mid-rail left-end region toward the mid-rail right-end region, and the left-lower-leg upper end region is configured to translate along the mid-rail left-lower track when the foldable guardrail transitions between the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration; the mid-rail upper left track extends from the mid-rail left end region toward the mid-rail right end region, and the left upper leg lower end region is configured to translate along the mid-rail upper left track when the foldable guardrail transitions between the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration; the mid-rail right-bottom track extends from the mid-rail right-end region toward the mid-rail left-end region, and the right-bottom-leg upper-end region is configured to translate along the mid-rail right-bottom track when the foldable guardrail transitions between the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration; 2. The foldable guardrail of claim 1, wherein the mid rail right upper track extends from the mid rail right end region toward the mid rail left end region, and the right upper leg lower end region is configured to translate along the mid rail right upper track as the foldable guardrail transitions between the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration.
3. a left leg connection block that functionally connects the left lower leg upper end region and the left upper leg lower end region; The foldable guardrail of claim 1 , further comprising a right leg connection block that functionally connects the right lower leg upper end region and the right upper leg lower end region.
4. The intermediate rail is defining a mid-rail left center track extending from the mid-rail left end region toward the mid-rail right end region, the left leg connection block being configured to translate along the mid-rail left center track as the foldable guardrail transitions between the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration; and 4. The foldable guardrail of claim 3, defining a mid rail right center track extending from the mid rail right end region toward the mid rail left end region, the right leg connection block being configured to translate along the mid rail right center track as the foldable guardrail transitions between the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration.
5. the mid-rail defines a mid-rail lower-left track, a mid-rail upper-left track, a mid-rail lower-right track, and a mid-rail upper-right track; the mid-rail left-lower track extends from the mid-rail left-end region toward the mid-rail right-end region, and the left-lower-leg upper end region is configured to translate along the mid-rail left-lower track when the foldable guardrail transitions between the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration; the mid-rail upper left track extends from the mid-rail left end region toward the mid-rail right end region, and the left upper leg lower end region is configured to translate along the mid-rail upper left track when the foldable guardrail transitions between the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration; the mid-rail right-bottom track extends from the mid-rail right-end region toward the mid-rail left-end region, and the right-bottom-leg upper-end region is configured to translate along the mid-rail right-bottom track when the foldable guardrail transitions between the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration; the mid-rail upper right track extends from the mid-rail right end region toward the mid-rail left end region, and the upper right leg lower end region is configured to translate along the mid-rail upper right track when the foldable guardrail transitions between the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration; the left leg connection block operatively engages the mid rail lower left track, the mid rail upper left track, and the mid rail center left track in a left triangular pattern; 5. The collapsible guardrail of claim 4, wherein the right leg connection block operatively engages with the mid rail lower right track, the mid rail upper right track, and the mid rail center right track in a right triangular pattern.
6. When the collapsible guardrail is in the deployed configuration, the left lower leg upper end region is located laterally to the left of the left lower leg lower end region, the left upper leg lower end region is located laterally to the left of the left upper leg upper end region, the right lower leg upper end region is located laterally to the right of the right lower leg lower end region, The foldable guardrail according to claim 1 , wherein the upper right leg lower end region is located laterally to the right of the upper right leg upper end region.
7. At least one of the left lower leg upper end region and the left upper leg lower end region is biased toward the intermediate rail left end region, The foldable guardrail of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the right lower leg upper end region and the right upper leg lower end region is biased toward the mid rail right end region.
8. a left spring operatively connected between the base and the left lower leg and configured to bias the left lower leg upper end region toward the middle rail left end region, or a left spring operatively connected between the upper rail and the left upper leg and configured to bias the left upper leg lower end region toward the middle rail left end region; 8. The folding guardrail of claim 7, further comprising: a right side spring operatively connected between the base and the right lower leg and configured to bias the right lower leg upper end region toward the mid rail right end region, or a right side spring operatively connected between the top rail and the right upper leg and configured to bias the right upper leg lower end region toward the mid rail right end region.
9. 2. The collapsible guardrail of claim 1, further comprising one or more power sources configured to selectively translate the left lower leg upper end region and the left upper leg lower end region toward the mid rail left end region and the right lower leg upper end region and the right upper leg lower end region toward the mid rail right end region.
10. The one or more power sources include: a left power source configured to selectively translate the left lower leg upper end region and the left upper leg lower end region toward the mid-rail left end region; and a right side power source configured to selectively translate the right lower leg upper end region and the right upper leg lower end region toward the mid rail right end region.
11. 10. The collapsible guardrail of claim 9, further comprising a controller operatively coupled to the one or more power sources and configured to operate the one or more power sources in response to user input.
12. In the deployed configuration, the collapsible guardrail has a height, each of the left lower leg, the left upper leg, the right lower leg, and the right upper leg has a width; 2. The collapsible guardrail of claim 1, wherein the width is at least 5% of the height.
13. 10. The collapsible guardrail of claim 1, further comprising a grid structure operatively connected between said base and said top rail and configured to operatively support said top rail relative to said base.
14. 14. The collapsible guardrail of claim 13, wherein the grid structure is further configured to be operatively coupled to the mid-rail and to support the mid-rail relative to the top rail and the base.
15. The lattice structure is a lower left lattice member pivotally connected to the base; an upper left lattice member pivotally connected to the lower left lattice member and pivotally connected to the upper rail; a lower right lattice member pivotally connected to the base; 14. The collapsible guardrail of claim 13 including an upper right grid member pivotally connected to the lower right grid member and pivotally connected to the top rail.
16. 16. The collapsible guardrail of claim 15, wherein the lower left grid member, the upper left grid member, the lower right grid member, and the upper right grid member define a parallelogram.
17. The lattice structure is a first angled member including a first angled member lower end region and a first angled member upper end region opposite the first angled member lower end region, the first angled member lower end region being pivotally and translationally coupled to the base, the first angled member upper end region being pivotally and translationally coupled to the top rail; and 14. The collapsible guardrail of claim 13, comprising a second angled member including a second angled member lower end region and a second angled member upper end region opposite the second angled member lower end region, the second angled member lower end region pivotally and translatably connected to the base, and the second angled member upper end region pivotally and translatably connected to the top rail.
18. The base is defining a base left track extending from the base left end region toward the base right end region, the first angled member lower end region being configured to translate along the base left track as the foldable guardrail transitions between the deployed configuration and the folded configuration; and defining a base right track extending from the base right end region toward the base left end region, the second angled member lower end region configured to translate along the base right track as the foldable guardrail transitions between the deployed configuration and the folded configuration; The upper rail is defining a top rail left track extending from the top rail left end region toward the top rail right end region, the second angled member upper end region being configured to translate along the top rail left track as the foldable guardrail transitions between the deployed configuration and the folded configuration; and 18. The foldable guardrail of claim 17, defining a top rail right track extending from the top rail right end region toward the top rail left end region, the first angled member upper end region configured to translate along the top rail right track as the foldable guardrail transitions between the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration.
19. 20. The collapsible guardrail of claim 17, wherein the first angled member is pivotally connected to the second angled member.
20. 20. The collapsible guardrail of claim 17, wherein the first angled member and the second angled member are pivotally connected to the mid-rail.
21. 20. The collapsible guardrail of claim 17, wherein the first angled member and the second angled member form an X-shape.
22. The lattice structure is a lower left lattice member pivotally connected to the base; an upper left lattice member pivotally connected to the lower left lattice member and pivotally connected to the upper rail; a lower right lattice member pivotally connected to the base; an upper right lattice member pivotally connected to the lower right lattice member and pivotally connected to the upper rail; the first angled member is pivotally connected to the lower left grid member and pivotally connected to the upper right grid member; 18. The collapsible guardrail of claim 17, wherein the second angled member is pivotally connected to the upper left grid member and pivotally connected to the lower right grid member.
23. 10. The collapsible guardrail of claim 1, further comprising at least one screen operatively coupled between said base and said top rail and configured to limit access to said mid-rail.
24. The collapsible guardrail of claim 1 , wherein each of the lower left leg, the upper left leg, the lower right leg, and the upper right leg includes a web and at least one flange.
25. 25. The collapsible guardrail of claim 24, wherein each of the left lower leg, the left upper leg, the right lower leg, and the right upper leg includes a C-channel.