Sliding guardrail systems, and methods of utilizing sliding guardrail systems

Abstract

To make it possible to prevent workers from falling.SOLUTION: Sliding guardrail systems (108) comprise at least one track (110) defining a channel (112) and extending in a longitudinal direction with the channels, and at least one sliding guardrail (114) configured to be functionally coupled to the at least one track (110). The at least one sliding guardrail (114) is configured to be selectively translated along the longitudinal direction of the at least one track (110). The at least one sliding guardrail (114) is configured to be selectively locked at a selected position along the longitudinal direction of the at least one track (110).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to a sliding guardrail system and a method of using the sliding guardrail system. [Background technology]

[0002] Removable guardrails are commonly used to provide fall protection in environments that include one or more areas that may pose a risk to workers, such as openings that present falls or other hazards. Many conventional guardrails are attached to sockets formed in the floor. Installing and removing such guardrails requires workers to attach and remove them from the sockets. Typically, multiple guardrails are installed side-by-side to enclose an opening or form a continuous barrier. To provide adequate fall protection, guardrails typically have a sturdy and solid construction. Therefore, guardrails can be heavy, and as a result, safely moving, installing, and removing them can require time and effort. Furthermore, frequent installation and / or movement of guardrails can lead to injuries from repetitive lifting. Furthermore, because guardrails do not provide fall protection when not attached to the floor, additional safety concerns arise when installing and removing guardrails from floor sockets. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Sliding guardrail systems and methods of using sliding guardrail systems are disclosed. In some examples, the sliding guardrail system includes at least one rail and at least one sliding guardrail operatively connected to the at least one rail. In some examples, the at least one rail defines a channel extending longitudinally therethrough. In some examples, the at least one sliding guardrail is configured for selective translational movement along a longitudinal direction of the at least one rail and for selective fixation at selected locations along the longitudinal direction of the at least one rail.

[0004] In some examples, a method of utilizing a sliding guardrail system includes translating the at least one sliding guardrail along the length of the track to a selected position and securing the at least one sliding guardrail in the selected position relative to the at least one track. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the sliding guardrail system installed in an assembly environment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the sliding guardrail system when the locking legs of the sliding guardrail are in the extended position. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the sliding guardrail system when the locking legs of the sliding guardrail are in the retracted position. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an exemplary sliding guardrail system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the exemplary sliding guardrail system of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary sliding guardrail system with the locking legs in an extended position. [Figure 7]7 is a cross-sectional view of the locking leg of FIG. 6 in a retracted position. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the locking legs of FIGS. 6 and 7 in a retracted position and received in locating holes in a track; FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary sliding guardrail system and an exemplary assembly environment. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the example sliding guardrail system of FIG. 9 and an assembly environment with an aircraft fuselage disposed therein. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the exemplary sliding guardrail system and assembly environment of FIGS. 9 and 10. [Figure 12] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for using the sliding guardrail system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A sliding guardrail system and related methods are disclosed. Generally, in the drawings, elements likely to be included in a given embodiment are shown with solid lines, while elements that are optional in a given embodiment or that correspond to a particular embodiment are shown with dashed lines. However, elements shown with solid lines are not required in all examples of the disclosure, and elements shown with solid lines may be omitted from a particular embodiment without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0007] A sliding guardrail system 108 is illustrated schematically in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the sliding guardrail system 108 can be installed in or used in an assembly environment 100 (also known as a production environment). The sliding guardrail system 108 can be utilized in any suitable environment to prevent falls or provide a barrier to restricted or dangerous areas. In some examples, the assembly environment 100 includes at least one elevating platform 102, the platform including a lip 104 that at least partially defines an opening 106. The opening 106 is configured to receive a workpiece 105 that is accessible by a user, such as a worker, from the elevating platform 102. In some examples, the workpiece 105 includes an aircraft fuselage 148.

[0008] In some examples, the assembly environment 100 includes a pair of elevating platforms 102 positioned on either side of an opening 106. That is, the opening 106 may be defined between respective edges 104 of two or more opposing elevating platforms 102. In some examples, the elevating platform 102 includes multiple edges 104 formed in a floor of the elevating platform 102, which edges define the opening 106 through the floor of the elevating platform 102. For example, the elevating platform 102 may include edges 104 that define a rectangular or other suitable shaped opening 106 in a floor of the elevating platform 102. The elevating platform 102 may be elevated a suitable height above the ground of the assembly environment 100 to facilitate worker access to the fuselage 148 or other suitable workpiece 105 from the platform 102. As a result, opening 106 defined by edge 104 of lifting platform 102 may pose a fall hazard to workers accessing workpiece 105 from lifting platform 102 .

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1 , a sliding guardrail system 108 is disposed adjacent to an edge 104 and is configured to selectively block, guard, and / or protect the edge 104 to prevent a fall of a worker. The sliding guardrail system 108 includes at least one rail 110 and at least one sliding guardrail 114 operatively connected to the at least one rail 110. The sliding guardrail 114 is configured to be selectively translated (e.g., slid, rolled, etc.) to any suitable position along the length of the rail 110 and selectively locked at a selected position along the length of the rail 110. The sliding guardrail 114 is configured to maintain operative connection to the rail 110 both while translating along the length of the rail 110 and while locked at the selected position. This allows the sliding guardrail 114 to prevent a fall of a worker whether it is being repositioned or while locked at the selected position.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1 , the track 110 extends longitudinally along (e.g., parallel to) the edge 104 of the lifting platform 102. This allows the sliding guardrail 114 to be selectively positioned at any suitable longitudinal location along the edge 104 to prevent workers on the lifting platform 102 from falling. The track 110 may be secured near the edge 104 of the lifting platform 102 using screws, bolts, and / or other suitable fasteners. In other examples, the track 110 may be integrally formed or embedded in the surface of the lifting platform 102. In some examples, the track 110 extends along the entire edge of the lifting platform 102. In some examples, the track 110 extends along only a portion of the edge 104 of the lifting platform 102.

[0011] 2 and 3 are schematic illustrations of the sliding guardrail 114 and the rail 110 of the sliding guardrail system 108 shown in FIG. 1, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rail 110 defines a channel 112 (shown in dashed lines) extending longitudinally therethrough. In some examples, the channel 112 is formed as an inverted T-shaped slot having an upper elongated opening 122 communicating with an internal slot 124. That is, the channel 112 may define an internal slot 124 (the horizontal bar of the inverted "T") and an upper elongated opening 122 (the vertical bar of the inverted "T") that connects to the internal slot 124. The upper elongated opening 122 is formed in an upper wall 123 of the rail 110, providing access to the internal slot 124 through the upper wall 123.

[0012] The channel 112 is configured to receive one or more portions of the sliding guard rail 114 and operatively connect the sliding guard rail 114 to the channel 112. For example, one or more portions of the sliding guard rail 114 extend through the upper elongated opening 122 and into the internal slot 124 of the channel 112. In some instances, as shown, for example, in the example sliding guard rail system 108 illustrated in FIG. 6 , the first width 160 of the upper elongated opening 122 is smaller than the second width 162 of the internal slot 124. This prevents a portion of the sliding guard rail 114 from passing through the upper elongated opening 122 and becoming dislodged from the channel 112, thereby maintaining the operative connection between the sliding guard rail 114 and the track 110, as described in more detail below.

[0013] 1-3 , in some examples, the track 110 includes at least one locating hole 130 formed or defined in the groove 112. For example, the locating hole 130 may include a recess or indentation formed in the upper elongated opening 122 of the track 110. The locating hole 130 is configured to receive and retain a portion of the sliding guard rail 114 to secure the sliding guard rail 114 in place relative to the track 110. The locating hole 130 may have any suitable shape (e.g., circular / cylindrical) and / or dimensions designed to receive and retain a corresponding portion of the sliding guard rail 114 and secure the sliding guard rail 114 in place.

[0014] 1, the rail 110 may include a plurality of locating holes 130 disposed along the length of the rail 110. The rail 110 may include any suitable number of locating holes 130, and the locating holes 130 may be spaced any suitable distance apart along the rail 110, thereby providing multiple locations along the length of the rail 110 at which the sliding guardrail 114 may be secured in place.

[0015] In some examples, the sliding guardrail system 108 includes a plurality of rails 110, each secured to the lifting platform 102. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates three rails 110 on the lifting platform 102 on each side of the opening 106, the rails 110 positioned adjacent to one another and extending parallel to one another near the edge 104. Any number of rails 110 may be provided depending on the configuration of the sliding guardrail system 108. In such examples, each rail 110 includes a channel 112 configured to operatively connect to one or more sliding guardrails 114. Alternatively, or in addition, the rail 110 may include a single structure defining multiple channels 112, which may extend parallel to one another longitudinally through the single structure of the rail 110. In such examples, each channel 112 is configured to operatively connect to one or more sliding guardrails 114. The sliding guardrail system 108 may include any suitable number and arrangement of rails 110, and the rails 110 may include any suitable number and arrangement of longitudinally extending grooves 112. Having multiple rails 110 and / or grooves 112 allows each sliding guardrail 114 to be positioned at different distances from the opening 106 and further allows a sliding guardrail 114 to be stored at one end of the rail 110 or groove 112 when not in use. The sliding guardrail system 108 may include any suitable number of sliding guardrails 114 operatively connected to each of the rails 110 and / or grooves 112.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the sliding guardrail 114 includes a rigid body 115, which may include any suitable rigid structure configured to form a barrier and / or prevent a worker from falling. For example, the rigid body 115 is configured to support a load when a worker leans or presses against the sliding guardrail 114 while the sliding guardrail 114 is operatively connected to the track 110. In some examples, the sliding guardrail 114 is configured to support a minimum of at least 200 pounds and / or other suitable loads in accordance with standard safety requirements for guardrails. The rigid body 115 and other portions of the sliding guardrail 114 may be comprised of suitable materials configured to maintain an upright position and resist collapse when a lateral load is applied to the sliding guardrail 114. For example, the sliding guardrail 114 may include steel, aluminum, and / or other suitable rigid metal materials.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , in some examples, the sliding guardrail 114 includes a shaft 118 configured to extend into the groove 112 of the at least one rail 110. For example, the shaft 118 may extend downward to reach the interior of an upper elongated opening 122 of the groove 112. In some examples, a locking leg 120 is fixed to the lower end of the shaft 118. The locking leg 120 is configured to be received in the groove 112 and selectively received in a selected one of a plurality of positioning holes 130 to secure the sliding guardrail 114 in place relative to the at least one rail 110. In some examples, the shaft 118 extends through a hollow interior of a portion of the rigid body 115, exits the lower end of the rigid body 115, and enters the upper elongated opening 122. The shaft 118 may extend substantially vertically from an upper end 138 to a lower end fixed to the locking leg 120.

[0018] In some examples, the locking leg 120 includes an upper portion 126 and a base flange 128 extending along the periphery of a base of the upper portion 126. The upper portion 126 is secured to the lower end of the shaft 118. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 6 , for example, the third width 164 of the base flange 128 is equal to or less than the second width 162 of the internal slot 124 and is greater than the first width 160 of the upper elongated opening 122. The upper portion 126 of the locking leg 120 is configured to be selectively received and retained in a corresponding one of a plurality of locating holes 130 to secure the sliding guardrail 114 in place relative to the track 110. Due to the larger width of the base flange 128, when the upper portion 126 is received in the locating hole 130, the base flange 128 remains within the internal slot 124 of the channel 112. The base flange 128 is configured to prevent the locking leg 120 from passing through the upper elongated opening 122 and disengaging from the channel 112.

[0019] In some examples, the sliding guardrail 114 includes a locking leg actuator 132 configured to transition the locking leg 120 between an extended position 134 (see FIG. 2 ) and a retracted position 136 (see FIG. 3 ). When the locking leg 120 is in the extended position 134, the locking leg 120 is positioned such that it is entirely disposed within the internal slot 124 of the channel 112. When the locking leg 120 is in the extended position 134 and entirely disposed within the internal slot 124, the sliding guardrail 114 is configured for selective translational movement along the length of the track 110. That is, when the locking leg 120 is in the extended position 134 and entirely disposed within the internal slot 124, the sliding guardrail 114 is not fixed in place and is free to translate along the track 110. When the locking leg 120 is in the storage position 136, the locking leg 120 is positioned to be received in a corresponding one of a plurality of locating holes 130 formed in the upper elongated opening 122 of the groove 112. For example, when the locking leg 120 is in the storage position 136, the upper portion 126 of the locking leg 120 is received in a corresponding one of the plurality of locating holes 130. The base flange 128 remains disposed within the internal slot 124 and is configured to abut against an upper internal slot wall 141 of the internal slot 124. When the locking leg 120 is disposed in the storage position 136 and received in the locating hole 130, the sliding guard rail 114 is fixed in position relative to the locating hole 130.

[0020] The locking leg actuator 132 may include any suitable mechanism configured to selectively translate the locking leg 120 between the extended position 134 and the retracted position 136. For example, the locking leg actuator 132 may include a push-pull clamp 140 operatively connected to the upper end 138 of the shaft 118. The push-pull clamp 140 is configured to be selectively actuated or toggled to translate the shaft 118 up and down to transition the locking leg 120 between the extended position 134 and the retracted position 136. For example, when the locking leg 120 is disposed in the extended position 134, the push-pull clamp 140 may be actuated to translate the shaft 118 upward, thereby translating the locking leg 120 upward to the retracted position 136. Before actuating the push-pull clamp 140, the locking leg 120 may be aligned with a selected one of the positioning holes 130 so that when the locking leg 120 is translated upward by the push-pull clamp 140 and positioned in the storage position 136, the upper portion 126 of the locking leg 120 is received in the selected positioning hole 130.

[0021] In some examples, the sliding guardrail 114 is configured to translate on the rail 110 by sliding or rolling along the rail 110. In some examples, the sliding guardrail 114 may include any suitable components and / or structures configured to allow the sliding guardrail 114 to slide or roll along the length of the rail 110. For example, the sliding guardrail 114 may include one or more wheels 142. The wheels 142 are configured to contact the top wall 123 of the rail 110 to allow the sliding of the sliding guardrail 114 relative to the rail 110. In some examples, the sliding guardrail 114 includes a pair of wheels 142, each configured to contact the top surface of the rail 110. The wheels 142 may be configured to at least partially support the weight of the sliding guardrail 114 on the rail 110. The wheels 142 may be connected to any suitable portion of the rigid body 115 such that the wheels 142 contact the top surface of the track 110 .

[0022] In some examples, the wheels 142 may be spring-loaded and configured to maintain a clearance between the rigid body 115 and the track 110 when the locking legs 120 are in the extended position 134, thereby allowing the wheels 142 to roll on the sliding guardrail 114 and selectively reposition the sliding guardrail 114. In such examples, when the locking legs 120 are moved to the retracted position 136 and received in the locating holes 130, a force is applied to the track 110 between the wheels 142 and the base flanges 128 of the locking legs 120. In some examples, this force compresses the spring-loaded wheels 142, resulting in the rigid body 115 of the sliding guardrail 114 contacting the track 110, further securing the sliding guardrail 114 in place relative to the track 110.

[0023] In some examples, the sliding guardrail 114 includes a downward extension 144 configured to be received in the groove 112. In some examples, the downward extension 144 includes a lower end of the rigid body 115 and / or any suitable rigid structure secured to the rigid body 115 and is configured to extend within the groove 112. The downward extension 144 may have any suitable shape and / or dimensions designed to be received in the groove 112 and to maintain and support the sliding guardrail 114 in an upright position relative to the track 110. For example, the downward extension 144 is configured to prevent the sliding guardrail 114 from tipping over or collapsing when the sliding guardrail 114 is subjected to a lateral force, such as when a person falls, bumps into, or leans against the sliding guardrail 114. That is, the downward extension 144 is configured to withstand lateral loads applied to the sliding guardrail 114. In some examples, the sliding guardrail 114 includes a plurality of downward protrusions configured to be received in the grooves 112. In some examples, the downward extensions 144 are configured to enable the sliding guardrail 114 to withstand a minimum required load of 200 pounds and / or other appropriate weights in accordance with standard regulations.

[0024] In some examples, the sliding guardrail 114 includes a slider 146 that extends into the channel 112 and is configured to guide the sliding guardrail 114 as it translates along the length of the track 110. In some examples, the slider 146 is configured to pass through the upper elongated opening 122 of the channel 112 and is received in the internal slot 124. In some examples, the slider 146 is configured to contact or abut a surface or wall of the internal slot 124 (e.g., the internal slot upper wall 141) to maintain alignment of the sliding guardrail 114 on the track 110 as it translates. The slider 146 is secured to the lower end of the rigid body 115 in any suitable manner, thereby positioning the slider 146 to extend into the channel 112.

[0025] In some examples, the sliding guardrail 114 includes a handle 147 configured to be utilized by a user to translate the sliding guardrail 114 along the length of the track 110. For example, the handle 147 may include any suitable structure connected to the rigid body 115 and configured to be grasped and pulled by a user to translate the sliding guardrail 114 along the track 110. In some examples, the handle 147 is configured to be selectively transitionable between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the handle 147 may be located away from the rigid body 115 of the sliding guardrail 114 and in a position that allows the user to easily access the handle 147. In the stowed configuration, the handle 147 may be located closer to the rigid body 115 to reduce the overall size and profile of the sliding guardrail 114.

[0026] 4-10, illustrative but non-exclusive examples of sliding guardrail system 108 are shown. Note that the reference numerals used in the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 1-3 are used where appropriate to indicate corresponding parts in the examples of FIGS. 4-10, but the examples of FIGS. 4-10 are non-exclusive and do not limit sliding guardrail system 108 to the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 4-10. That is, sliding guardrail system 108 is not limited to the specific embodiment of FIGS. 4-10, and sliding guardrail system 108 can include any of the various aspects, configurations, features, characteristics, etc. of sliding guardrail system 108 shown in and described with reference to the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 1-3 and / or the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-10, as well as variations thereof, without necessarily including all of these aspects, configurations, features, characteristics, etc. For purposes of brevity, the above-described components, parts, portions, aspects, regions, etc., or variations thereof, may not be re-described, illustrated, and / or labeled with respect to the examples of Figures 4-10. However, use of the above-described features, variations, etc., with the examples of Figures 4-10 is within the scope of this disclosure.

[0027] An example of a sliding guardrail system 108 is shown in Figures 4 and 5. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the sliding guardrail system 108 includes a sliding guardrail 114 operatively connected to a track 110. The sliding guardrail 114 includes a rigid body 115 configured to maintain an upright position and block or close an opening, such as the opening 106 described above. The sliding guardrail 114 is operatively connected to the track 110 such that the sliding guardrail 114 is configured to translate along the length of the track 110 to a selected position. The sliding guardrail 114 includes a pair of wheels 142, each of which contacts an upper surface of the track 110 and is configured to facilitate sliding of the sliding guardrail 114 along the length of the track 110. The sliding guardrail 114 includes a handle 147 that is positioned in a deployed configuration, shown in Figure 4, and a stored configuration, shown in Figure 5. As shown in FIG. 4, when the handle 147 is positioned in the deployed configuration, the handle 147 extends away from the rigid body 115, thereby positioning the handle 147 so that it can be pulled by a user to translate the sliding guardrail 114 along the length of the track 110.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4 , the sliding guardrail 114 includes a shaft guide pin 152 that extends through a shaft guide slot 154 formed in the rigid body 115. The shaft guide pin 152 is connected to a shaft 118 that extends through the hollow interior of the rigid body 115, as described in detail above with reference to FIGS. 1-3 . The shaft guide pin 152 and the shaft guide slot 154 are configured to guide the vertical movement of the shaft 118 when the locking leg actuator 132 is switched to transition the locking legs 120 between the extended position 134 and the retracted position 136. That is, the shaft guide pin 152 and the shaft guide slot 154 are configured to maintain the vertical alignment of the shaft 118 during translation and ensure vertical movement of the shaft 118 by the locking leg actuator 132. The sliding guardrail 114 also includes a handle guide pin 156 and a handle guide slot 158. Handle 147 extends into the hollow interior of rigid body 115 and is connected to a handle guide pin 156 that passes through a handle guide slot 158. Handle guide pin 156 and handle guide slot 158 ​​are configured to guide and maintain vertical alignment of handle 147 as handle 147 transitions between the deployed and stowed configurations.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 5 , the rail 110 defines three separate channels 112, each extending longitudinally through the rail 110 and parallel to one another. In this example, the rail 110 includes a single structure or unit defining three channels 112. In other examples, as described above, the sliding guardrail system 108 may include multiple distinct rails 110, each defining a corresponding channel 112, positioned adjacent to one another. While the rail 110 shown in FIG. 5 includes three channels 112, the rail 110 may include any suitable number and arrangement of channels 112. Each channel 112 is configured to operably connect to one or more sliding guardrails 114. That is, each channel 112 is configured to receive a portion of one or more sliding guardrails 114 and operably connect the sliding guardrails 114 to the rail 110. The portion of the sliding guardrail 114 received in the groove 112 (e.g., locking leg 120) is configured to slide within the groove 112 as the sliding guardrail 114 translates along the length of the track 110. As shown in the cross-sectional views of the track 110 in FIGS. 6-8, each groove 112 defines an upper elongated opening 122 formed in a top wall 123 of the track 110 and an internal slot 124 formed within the track 110.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, each groove 112 includes a plurality of locating holes 130 spaced apart from one another along the length of the rail 110. Each locating hole 130 includes a circular depression or recess formed in the top wall 123 and the upper elongated opening 122 of the rail 110. As shown in Figures 6-8, which will be described later, the locating holes 130 are configured to selectively retain the locking legs 120 of the sliding guardrail 114 and secure the sliding guardrail 114 in place relative to the locating holes 130 and the rail 110.

[0031] FIGS. 6-8 show cross-sectional views of a track 110 and a sliding guardrail 114 operatively connected to the track 110. FIG. 6 shows the locking leg 120 positioned in an extended position 134. FIGS. 7 and 8 show the locking leg 120 positioned in a retracted position 136. As shown in FIG. 6, the locking leg 120 includes an upper portion 126 and a base flange 128 extending along the periphery of the base of the upper portion 126. The third width 164 of the base flange 128 is smaller than the second width 162 of the internal slot 124 but larger than the first width 160 of the upper elongated opening 122. The base flange 128 is configured to prevent the locking leg 120 from passing through the upper elongated opening 122 and disengaging from the channel 112 while maintaining the operative connection between the sliding guardrail 114 and the track 110.

[0032] 6 , when the locking legs 120 are in the extended position 134, the locking legs 120 are positioned entirely within the internal slots 124 of the channels 112. That is, when the locking legs are in the extended position 134, both the top 126 and the base flange 128 of the locking legs 120 are positioned within the internal slots 124. When the locking legs 120 are in the extended position 134, the sliding guardrail 114 is configured to translate along the length of the track 110, with the locking legs 120 translating within the internal slots 124. That is, when the locking legs 120 are in the extended position 134, the sliding guardrail 114 is not fixed in place and is configured to move along the length of the track 110.

[0033] 7 and 8 show the locking legs 120 positioned in the retracted position 136 and received in the locating holes 130 of the track 110. Transitioning the locking legs 120 to the retracted position 136 involves actuating the locking leg actuators 132 to translate the locking legs upward from the extended position 134 to the retracted position 136. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the locking legs 120 are positioned in the retracted position 136, the upper portions 126 of the locking legs 120 are received in the locating holes 130, and the base flanges 128 abut against the upper internal slot walls 141 of the internal slots 124. When the locking legs are positioned in the retracted position 136, a force is applied to the upper wall 123 of the track 110 between the upper surfaces of the base flanges 128 and the wheels 142 and / or other portions of the sliding guardrail 114 that contact the upper surface of the track 110. Pressure between the wheels 142 and the base flange 128 maintains the sliding guard rail 114 in an upright position, allowing it to withstand nominal transverse loads and locking it in place relative to the track 110. The locating holes 130 are configured to retain the upper portions 126 of the locking legs 120 and prevent the sliding guard rail 114 from translating along the track 110. The locking legs 120 can again be moved to an extended position 134, allowing the sliding guard rail 114 to be repositioned relative to the track 110.

[0034] 9-11 illustrate an example of a sliding guardrail system 108 installed in an exemplary assembly environment 100. As shown in FIG. 9, the assembly environment 100 includes a lifting platform 102 having an edge 104 that defines an opening 106. In the example of FIGS. 9 and 10, the edge 104 is rectangular in shape at a central portion of the lifting platform 102 and defines the opening 106 through the floor of the lifting platform 102. The floor of the lifting platform 102 is elevated above the ground of the assembly environment 100 by supports 150. As a result, the opening 106 defined by the edge 104 of the lifting platform 102 poses a fall hazard to personnel. As shown in FIG. 10, the opening 106 is configured to receive an aircraft fuselage 148, allowing personnel to access portions of the fuselage 148 via the lifting platform 102.

[0035] A sliding guardrail system 108 is disposed proximate the edge 104 and the opening 106 and is configured to protect workers from a fall hazard presented by the opening 106. As shown in FIG. 9 , the sliding guardrail system 108 includes a plurality of sliding guardrails 114, each of which is operatively connected to a respective track 110 that extends longitudinally along the edge 104 of the opening 106. The sliding guardrails 114 are configured to be selectively positioned along the track 110 to block the opening 106 and / or to provide access to selected portions of the fuselage 148. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , the sliding guardrails 114 can be translated along the track 110, thereby preventing the sliding guardrails 114 from obstructing access to a forward portion of the fuselage 148. The position of the sliding guardrails 114 can be easily adjusted by a user, as described above, to provide access to a portion of the fuselage 148 or to block a portion of the opening 106.

[0036] Figure 12 is a schematic flow chart illustrating an exemplary, non-exclusive example of a method according to the present disclosure. In Figure 12, certain steps are depicted in dashed boxes, which indicate that the steps are optional or correspond to any aspect of the method according to the present disclosure. However, not all methods according to the present disclosure necessarily include steps depicted in solid boxes. The method and steps depicted in Figure 12 are not limiting, and as will be understood from the description herein, other methods and steps, including methods with more or fewer steps than those depicted, are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0037] 12 , method 200 includes translating 202 at least one sliding guard rail 114 to a selected position along a length of at least one track 110. In some examples, method 200 includes securing 204 the at least one sliding guard rail 114 at the selected position relative to the at least one track 110. In some examples, method 200 includes repositioning the at least one sliding guard rail 114 along the length of the track 110. The at least one sliding guard rail 114 remains operatively connected to the at least one track 110 during each step of method 200, such that the at least one sliding guard rail 114 is configured to continue to prevent a user from falling.

[0038] Translating 202 the at least one sliding guard rail 114 to the selected position may include sliding and / or rolling the sliding guard rail 114 toward the selected position. When the at least one sliding guard rail 114 is translated in step 202, the locking legs 120 of the at least one sliding guard rail 114 are positioned in the extended position 134, in which the locking legs 120 are entirely received within the internal slots 124 of the channels 112. As described above, when the locking legs 120 are positioned in the extended position 134, the sliding guard rail 114 is configured for selective and free translational movement along the length of the track 110.

[0039] In some examples, securing 204 the sliding guardrails 114 in the selected position includes aligning 206 a locking leg 120 of at least one sliding guardrail 114 with a corresponding locating hole 130 of at least one track 110 and transitioning 208 the locking leg 120 to a storage position 136 such that at least a portion (e.g., upper portion 126) of the locking leg 120 is received in the locating hole 130. In some examples, transitioning 208 the locking leg 120 to the storage position 136 includes actuating or switching a push-pull clamp 140 to move the locking leg 120 vertically upward from the extended position 134 to the storage position 136. When the locking leg 120 is positioned in the storage position 136 and received in the locating hole 130, the locking leg 120 is retained by the locating hole 130, preventing the sliding guardrail 114 from translating along the length of the track 110.

[0040] Method 200 optionally includes repositioning 210 at least one sliding guardrail 114 after securing 204. In some examples, repositioning 210 can include transitioning 212 the locking legs 120 from a retracted position 136 to an extended position 134 so that the locking legs 120 are entirely disposed within the internal slots 124 of the channels 112, and translating 214 the sliding guardrail to a different position along the length of the track 110. In some examples, transitioning 212 includes actuating or switching a push-pull clamp 140 to move the locking legs 120 downward from the retracted position 136 to the extended position 134. As described above, when the locking legs 120 are disposed in the extended position 134 and entirely received within the internal slots 124, the sliding guardrail 114 is free to translate to any suitable position along the length of the track 110.

[0041] During each of steps 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, and 214 of method 200, the sliding guardrail 114 is configured to maintain operative connection with the track 110. For example, the downward extension 144, slider 146, and / or locking leg 120 of the sliding guardrail 114 are each configured to be received in the groove 112 of the track 110 during each of the steps of method 200. The downward extension 144, slider 146, and / or locking leg 120 are configured to maintain the sliding guardrail 114 in an upright position and to withstand lateral loads applied to the sliding guardrail 114 during any of the steps of method 200. For example, the sliding guardrail 114 is configured to remain disposed in an upright position and prevent collapse when a user leans on or falls against the sliding guardrail 114 during any of the steps of method 200. As a result, the sliding guardrail 114 is configured to continuously prevent falls of a user, such as a worker, when translated 202 to a selected position, when secured in place 204, and when repositioned 210. In some examples, as described above, the sliding guardrail system 108 includes a plurality of closely spaced rails 110, each having one or more sliding guardrails 114 connected to it. In such examples, the sliding guardrails 114 connected to the rails 110 closest to the edge 104 provide additional fall protection to workers translating or securing the sliding guardrails 114 connected to rails further away from the edge 104.

[0042] Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of inventive subject matter according to the present disclosure are set forth in the enumerated appendices below.

[0043] A. at least one rail (110) defining a groove (112) and extending longitudinally therewith; and at least one sliding guardrail (114) configured to be operatively connected to the at least one rail (110), the at least one sliding guardrail (114) configured for selective translational movement along a length of the at least one rail (110), and the at least one sliding guardrail (114) configured to be selectively secured at selected locations along the length of the at least one rail (110).

[0044] A1. The guardrail system (108) of Appendix A, wherein the channel (112) defines an internal slot (124) and an upper elongated opening (122) leading to the internal slot (124).

[0045] A1.1. The guardrail system (108) of Appendix A1, wherein the upper elongated opening (122) has a first width (160) and the internal slot (124) has a second width (162), and the first width (160) is smaller than the second width (162).

[0046] A1.2. A guardrail system (108) as described in Appendix A1 or A1.1, wherein the at least one sliding guardrail (114) includes a shaft (118) configured to extend downwardly and reach the interior of the upper elongated opening (122), and a locking leg (120) fixed to the shaft (118) and configured to be received in the groove (112).

[0047] A1.2.1. The guardrail system (108) of Appendix A1.2, wherein the locking leg (120) includes an upper portion (126) and a base flange (128), at least the base flange (128) configured to be received in the internal slot (124) of the groove (112), the base flange (128) having a third width (164) greater than the first width (160) of the upper elongated opening (122), and the base flange (128) configured to restrict passage of the base flange (128) through the upper elongated opening (122).

[0048] A1.2.2. A guardrail system (108) as described in either appendix A1.2 or A1.2.1, wherein the at least one track (110) includes at least one positioning hole (130) formed in the groove (112), the at least one positioning hole (130) configured to selectively receive and retain at least a portion of the locking leg (120) to retain the at least one sliding guardrail (114) in a fixed position relative to the at least one positioning hole (130).

[0049] A1.2.2.1. A guardrail system (108) as described in Appendix A1.2.2, wherein the at least one positioning hole (130) includes a plurality of positioning holes (130) spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal direction of the rail (110).

[0050] A1.2.2.2. The guardrail system (108) described in Appendix A1.2.2 or A1.2.2.1, wherein the at least one sliding guardrail (114) includes a locking leg actuator (132) configured to transition the locking leg (120) between an extended position (134) and a retracted position (136), wherein in the extended position the locking leg (120) is entirely disposed within the internal slot (124) and in the retracted position the locking leg (120) is disposed such that at least a portion of the locking leg (120) is received in the at least one positioning hole (130).

[0051] A1.2.2.2.1. A guardrail system (108) as described in Appendix A1.2.2.2, wherein when the locking legs (120) are in the extended position (134) and disposed within the internal slots (124), the at least one sliding guard rail (114) is configured for selective translational movement along the longitudinal direction of the track (110), and when the locking legs (120) are in the retracted position (136) and disposed within the at least one positioning hole (130), the at least one sliding guard rail (114) is held in a fixed position relative to the at least one positioning hole (130).

[0052] A1.2.2.2.2.2. A guardrail system (108) as described in Appendix A1.2.2.2 or A1.2.2.2.1, wherein the shaft (118) of the at least one sliding guardrail (114) includes an upper end (138), and the locking leg actuator (132) includes a push-pull clamp (140) operatively connected to the upper end (138) of the shaft (118).

[0053] A1.2.2.2.2.1. The guardrail system (108) described in Appendix A1.2.2.2.2, wherein the push-pull clamp (140) is configured to be selectively switched to translate the shaft (118) and transition the locking leg (120) between the extended position (134) and the retracted position (136).

[0054] A1.2.3. A guardrail system (108) as described in any of Appendices A1.2 to A1.2.2.2.2.1, wherein the locking leg (120) includes a base flange (128), the internal slot (124) includes an upper wall (141), and the base flange (128) of the locking leg (120) is configured to abut against the upper wall (141) when the locking leg (120) is in the retracted position (136).

[0055] A2. A guardrail system (108) described in any of Appendices A to A1.2.3, wherein the at least one sliding guardrail (114) includes at least one wheel (142), the at least one wheel configured to contact the at least one rail (110) when the at least one sliding guardrail (114) is operatively connected to the at least one rail (110).

[0056] A3. A guardrail system (108) as described in any of appendices A-A2, wherein the at least one sliding guardrail (114) includes a downward extension (144) configured to be received in the groove (112).

[0057] A3.1. The guardrail system (108) described in Appendix A3, wherein the downward extension (144) is configured to maintain and support the at least one sliding guardrail (114) in an upright position relative to the at least one track (110).

[0058] A4. A guardrail system (108) as described in any of Appendices A-A3.1, wherein the at least one sliding guardrail (114) includes a slider (146) that extends within the groove (112) and is configured to guide selective translational movement of the at least one sliding guardrail (114) along the longitudinal direction of the at least one track (110).

[0059] A5. A guardrail system (108) as described in any of Appendices A-A4, wherein the at least one rail (110) includes a plurality of rails (110) configured to be positioned adjacent to one another.

[0060] A6. A guardrail system (108) described in any of Appendices A-A5, wherein the at least one sliding guardrail (114) includes a plurality of sliding guardrails (114), each configured to be operatively connected to the at least one rail (110), or a corresponding one of the plurality of rails (110).

[0061] A7. A guardrail system (108) as described in any one of appendices A-A6, wherein the at least one sliding guardrail (114) further includes a handle (147) configured to be pulled or pushed by a user to translate the sliding guardrail (114) along the longitudinal direction of the track (110).

[0062] A7.1. The guardrail system (108) of Appendix A7, wherein the handle (147) is configured to be selectively transitionable between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration.

[0063] A8. A guardrail system (108) as described in any of Appendices A-A7.1, further comprising an assembly environment (100) including an elevating platform (102), the platform including an edge (104) that at least partially defines an opening (106).

[0064] A8.1. A guardrail system (108) as described in Appendix A8, wherein the at least one rail (110) is operatively connected to the liftable platform (102) and extends longitudinally along the edge (104).

[0065] A8.2. The guardrail system (108) of any of Appendices A8-A8.1, wherein the opening (104) is configured to receive an aircraft fuselage (148).

[0066] B. A method (200) of utilizing a guardrail system (108) according to any one of Appendices A-A8.2, comprising: translating (202) the at least one sliding guardrail (114) along the length of the at least one track (110) to the selected position.

[0067] B1. The method of claim B, further comprising: fixing (204) the at least one sliding guardrail (114) in the selected position relative to the at least one track (110).

[0068] B1.1. The fixing (204) further comprises: aligning (206) the locking legs of the at least one sliding guardrail (114) with the at least one locating hole (130) of the at least one track (110); and transitioning (208) the locking leg (120) to a storage position (136) so that at least a portion of the locking leg (120) is received in the at least one positioning hole (130).

[0069] B2. The method (200) of any of Appendices B-B1.1, further comprising repositioning (210) the at least one sliding guardrail (114) along the length of the at least one track (110).

[0070] B2.1. The rearrangement (210) further comprises: transitioning (212) the locking legs (120) to an extended position (134) such that the locking legs (120) are entirely disposed within the internal slots (124) of the grooves (112); and translating (214) the sliding guardrail (114) along the longitudinal direction of the at least one track (110).

[0071] B2.2. The method of any one of claims B2 to B2.1, wherein the at least one sliding guardrail (114) remains operatively connected to the at least one rail (110) during the repositioning (210).

[0072] C. at least one rail (110) and at least one sliding guardrail (114); the at least one rail (110) defines a groove (112) extending longitudinally therethrough, the groove (112) defining an internal slot (124) and an upper elongated opening (122) communicating with the internal slot (124), the groove (112) including at least one locating hole (130) formed in the upper elongated opening (122); The guardrail system (108) includes at least one sliding guardrail configured to be operatively connected to the at least one rail (110), the at least one sliding guardrail (114) configured for selective translational movement along a length of the at least one rail (110), the at least one sliding guardrail (114) including a locking leg (120) configured to be selectively transitioned between an extended position (134) and a retracted position (136), wherein in the extended position, the locking leg (120) is entirely disposed within the internal slot (124), and in the retracted position, at least a portion of the locking leg (120) is disposed to be received and retained in the at least one positioning hole (130), thereby securing the at least one sliding guardrail (114) in a predetermined position relative to the at least one rail (110).

[0073] As used herein, the terms "adapted" and "configured" mean that an element, component, or other entity is designed and / or intended to perform a certain function. Thus, the use of the terms "adapted" and "configured" should not be interpreted to mean that an element, component, or other entity is merely "capable" of performing a certain function, but rather that the element, component, and / or other entity has been specifically selected, fabricated, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed to perform that function. Also, it is within the scope of this disclosure if an element, component, and / or other entity described as being adapted to perform a particular function is also described as being configured to perform that function additionally or alternatively, and vice versa. Similarly, an entity described as being configured to perform a particular function may also be described as being operable to perform that function additionally or alternatively.

[0074] In this specification, when the term "and / or" is used between a first entity and a second entity, it means either (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, or (3) both the first entity and the second entity. When multiple entities are listed with "and / or," it should be interpreted similarly. That is, it should be interpreted as meaning "one or more" of the multiple entities combined. Furthermore, elements other than those specifically designated in the "and / or" statement may be included as optional elements, regardless of whether they are related to the designated elements. Thus, for example, and without limitation, when an open-ended expression such as "comprising" is used to refer to "A and / or B," it can refer to only A (which may optionally include elements other than B), only B (which may optionally include elements other than A), or both A and B (which may optionally include other elements). Here, "element" refers to, for example, an element, an action, a structure, a step, a process, a value, etc.

[0075] The various apparatus elements and method steps described herein are not essential to all of the apparatus and methods of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure includes novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements and steps disclosed herein. In addition, one or more of the various elements and steps described herein may define independent inventive subject matter separate and apart from the apparatus or methods of the present disclosure as a whole. Thus, such inventive subject matter need not be associated with the apparatus and methods expressly disclosed herein, and may find utility in apparatus and / or methods not expressly disclosed herein.

Claims

1. at least one rail defining a groove and extending longitudinally with said groove; at least one sliding guard rail configured to operatively connect to said at least one rail, said at least one sliding guard rail configured for selective translational movement along a length of said at least one rail, said at least one sliding guard rail configured to be selectively secured at selected locations along said length of said at least one rail.

2. 2. The guardrail system of claim 1, wherein the groove defines an interior slot and an upper elongated opening communicating with the interior slot, the upper elongated opening having a first width and the interior slot having a second width, the first width being less than the second width.

3. 3. The guardrail system of claim 2, wherein the at least one sliding guardrail includes a shaft configured to extend downwardly into the upper elongated opening, and a locking leg secured to the shaft and configured to be received in the groove.

4. 4. The guardrail system of claim 3, wherein the locking leg includes a top and a base flange, at least the base flange configured to be received in the internal slot of the channel, the base flange having a third width greater than the first width of the upper elongated opening, and the base flange configured to restrict passage of the base flange through the upper elongated opening.

5. 4. The guardrail system of claim 3, wherein the at least one track includes at least one locating hole formed in the groove, the at least one locating hole configured to selectively receive and retain at least a portion of the locking leg to hold the at least one sliding guardrail in a fixed position relative to the at least one locating hole.

6. 6. The guardrail system of claim 5, wherein the at least one sliding guardrail includes a locking leg actuator configured to transition the locking leg between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein in the extended position, the locking leg is positioned entirely within the internal slot and, in the retracted position, the at least a portion of the locking leg is positioned to be received in the at least one locating hole.

7. 7. The guardrail system of claim 6, wherein the at least one sliding guardrail is configured for selective translational movement along the length of the track when the locking legs are in the extended position and disposed within the internal slots, and wherein the at least one sliding guardrail is held in a fixed position relative to the at least one locating hole when the locking legs are in the retracted position and disposed within the at least one locating hole.

8. 7. The guardrail system of claim 6, wherein the shaft of the at least one sliding guardrail includes an upper end, and the locking leg actuator includes a push-pull clamp operatively connected to the upper end of the shaft, the push-pull clamp configured to be selectively switched to translate the shaft and transition the locking leg between the extended position and the retracted position.

9. 10. The guardrail system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sliding guardrail includes at least one wheel configured to contact the at least one rail when the at least one sliding guardrail is operably connected to the at least one rail.

10. 10. The guardrail system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sliding guardrail includes a downward extension that is configured to be received in the groove and to maintain and support the at least one sliding guardrail in an upright position relative to the at least one rail.

11. 10. The guardrail system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sliding guardrail includes a slider that extends within the channel and is configured to guide selective translational movement of the at least one sliding guardrail along the length of the at least one track.

12. 10. The guardrail system of claim 1, wherein the at least one rail comprises a plurality of rails configured to be positioned adjacent to one another.

13. 10. The guardrail system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sliding guardrail comprises a plurality of sliding guardrails each configured for operative connection to the at least one rail.

14. 10. The guardrail system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sliding guardrail further comprises a handle configured to be pulled or pushed by a user to translate the sliding guardrail along the length of the track.

15. 10. The guardrail system of claim 1, further comprising an assembly environment including an elevating platform, the platform including an edge that at least partially defines the opening.

16. 16. The guardrail system of claim 15, wherein the at least one rail is operatively connected to the lifting platform and extends longitudinally along the edge.

17. 16. The guardrail system of claim 15, wherein the opening is configured to receive a fuselage of an aircraft.

18. A method of utilizing the guardrail system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising: translating the at least one sliding guardrail along the length of the at least one track to the selected position; and securing the at least one sliding guardrail in the selected position relative to the at least one rail.

19. The at least one sliding guardrail includes a locking leg, and the at least one rail includes at least one positioning hole, the locking leg configured to be moved to a storage position in which the locking leg is positioned to be received in the at least one positioning hole, and securing the at least one sliding guardrail in the selected position relative to the rail includes: aligning the locking leg of the at least one sliding guardrail with the at least one locating hole of the at least one rail; 20. The method of claim 18, comprising: transitioning the locking leg to a retracted position such that the at least a portion of the locking leg is received in the at least one locating hole.

20. at least one rail and at least one sliding guardrail; the at least one rail defines a groove extending longitudinally therethrough, the groove defining an internal slot and an upper elongated opening communicating with the internal slot, the groove including at least one locating hole formed in the upper elongated opening; the at least one sliding guard rail is configured for operative connection to the at least one rail, the at least one sliding guard rail is configured for selective translational movement along a length of the at least one rail, the at least one sliding guard rail including a locking leg configured to be selectively transitioned between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein in the extended position, the locking leg is entirely disposed within the internal slot, and in the retracted position, at least a portion of the locking leg is disposed to be received and retained in the at least one locating hole, thereby securing the at least one sliding guard rail in a predetermined position relative to the at least one rail.

Images