Support bracket

Abstract

Support bracket (10) to support a support member (20) e.g. a post for a safety barrier (18) having a barrier (22) (mesh or solid panel material). Support bracket (10) can be supported on an upstand or upright member (12.1) e.g. edge portion for steel formwork (14) for supporting concrete (24) in composite floor construction. Pin (26) can pass through slot (28) of the post (20) for the post to move relative to the support bracket (10) e.g. enabling the post (20) to be raised up from engagement within the support bracket (10) and rotated downward. Post (20) rotates upright for erection, slot (38) allowing the post (20) to move downward relative the pin (26) to be supported upright by the support bracket (10). The support bracket can be retained upright by engagement / mounting on an upright member (12.1) such as of an edge member (12) attached to steel formwork (14).

Description

SUPPORT BRACKETTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a support bracket for supporting a post, such as for use during construction of building infrastructure.

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, in relation to a support bracket, and methods of use thereof, for use in supporting a barrier, such as for a safety barrier or handrail, e.g. during construction of flooring for building structures, such as composite steel-concrete floor structures having permanent metal formwork supporting concrete.BACKGROUND

[0003] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0004] Erecting multi-story building structure is a relatively cumbersome and timeconsuming exercise, thus increasing the costs for erecting these particular building structures. This is particularly true due to the fact that a plurality of relatively heavy building materials is needed to be assembled together with the help of heavy machinery such as cranes and concrete trucks having concrete placing booms. Also, a relatively large number of construction workers are needed for assembly of, for example, the floor and wall structures.

[0005] In particular, in conventional building structures (for example, the ones that are typically used as parking facilities and thus capable of sustaining relatively large loads) the floor structures may be defined by floor panels spanning between a plurality of hollow core planks (defining the support beams) joined together to create a support structure onto which a concrete mixture will be poured on for defining the floor structures.

[0006] Installation of the floor panels (spanning between the support beams) to define the support structures currently requires a relatively large number of constructions workers and is a cumbersome and time-consuming exercise.

[0007] Such constructions by their nature introduce working at height risks for personnel. There can be edge drop off risk areas when constructing multi-level floors / buildings. Safety barriers and / or handrails should be installed to alleviate or eliminate risk of fall from height.

[0008] Also, workers at height at an open edge typically require safety harness and fall arrest equipment, which adds to equipment costs and preparation times before work commences. Having the ability to erect a safety barrier as soon as practicable provides enhanced safety and may avoid the need for fall arrest equipment.

[0009] It is against this background that the present invention has been developed.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a support bracket configured to support a support member of a barrier arrangement, the support bracket including a receiver to receive the support member and an engagement portion configured to removably engage with an upstand or upright portion of a construction installation.

[0011] A further aspect of the present invention includes a support bracket and support member combination.

[0012] The barrier arrangement may include a safety fence or other physical barrier or a handrail, or handrail and fence combination.

[0013] One of the support bracket or support member may include at least one slot allowing the support member to slide relative to a retainer of the other of the support member or support bracket. It will be appreciated that the support bracket may include at least one slot allowing a retainer, such as a pin, to slide within the slot.

[0014] The support member, e.g. a post, may include a slot allowing the support member to slide relative to a retainer of the support bracket within limits of the slot, thereby enabling the support member to raise up and pivot downwards to enable the support member to be lowered to a lowered position.

[0015] The upstand portion of a construction installation may be an upstand or uprightportion, such as an edge for a composite floor construction. The upstand or upright portion may be or include an upstand edge of metal / steel edging for formwork for use in constructing a composite floor, such as having metal decking formwork and poured concrete floor structure.

[0016] The support bracket may include first and second members with a gap therebetween, the gap configured to receive the upstand edge.

[0017] The support bracket may include a receiver, such as a collar, configured to receive an end of the support member e.g. an end of a post.

[0018] The support bracket may include a retainer configured to captively retain the end of the post to the support bracket.

[0019] The retainer may be in the form of a pin (e.g. a rod or bolt). The retainer can pass through a slot of the support member, such as a slot towards a lower end of a post. The slot can be closed ended. The slot can allow the support member to slide within limits of the slot, thereby enabling the support member to raise up and pivot downwards to enable the support member to be lowered to a lowered position. The support member can be pivoted upward about the retainer in the slot and, once sufficiently upright, the support member can be lowered to be retained upright by the support bracket.

[0020] The support bracket can include one or more shims and can include a collar portion, the collar portion configured to receive the lower end of the support member.

[0021] The collar portion can include an open face portion enabling the support member to pivot downwards.

[0022] The support member of the combination may be pivotable upward about the retainer in the slot and, once sufficiently upright, the support member can be lowered to be retained upright by the support bracket. The support member may be configured to support a portion of a barrier.

[0023] The open face portion may enable the support member to pivot through open space provided by the open face portion.

[0024] The receiver may an adapter to receive the support member and to adapt anend of the support member to be supported by the support bracket. The adapter may be removable from a remainder of the support bracket. For example, the adapter may insert into or be received over an upper end, in use, of a portion of the support bracket so that the support member can be received thereto. The adapter may be retained by the retainer. The adapter may include the slot such that the adapter is received by, or connectable to, the support member. The adapter can allow a support member, e.g. a post, of different size than the collar or other portion of the support bracket to be adapted to be supported by the support bracket.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0026] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a particular arrangement of a bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the invention provided to support a post of a safety barrier arrangement associated with construction of a composite concrete and steel floor. The post is shown in alternative lowered (L) and raised (R) positions.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention supporting a post with a portion thereof slotted down into the bracket to retain the post in an upright orientation.

[0028] Figure 3 shows a bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention supporting a post upright and a permanent safety barrier installed on a concrete section of a concrete and steel composite floor.

[0029] Figures 4A and 4B show respective side and top sectional views of a bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 shows a sectional end view A through the bracket at Fig 4A according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 shows a sectional end view B through the bracket at Fig 4A according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 shows a sectional end view C through the bracket at Fig 4A according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 shows an example of the bracket in use supporting a section of safety barrier upright in a raised position with the bracket applied to an edge upstand for steel formwork prior to receiving poured concrete, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 9 shows an example of the bracket in use supporting a section of safety barrier upright in a lowered position with the bracket applied to an edge upstand for steel formwork prior to receiving poured concrete, according to an embodiment of the present invention.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention provide a support bracket 10 configured, in one or more applications, to support a support member 20, such as a post for a safety barrier 18 or from supporting a handrail or combination of both.

[0036] For example, two spaced posts 20 may each be supported in an upright orientation by a respective support bracket 10 to suspend therebetween a barrier 22, such as a mesh or solid panel material 22.

[0037] The support bracket 10 may be configured to be supported on an upstand or upright member 12.1, such as of an edge portion for steel formwork 14 for use in supporting concrete 24 in construction of a composite floor.

[0038] Embodiments of the support bracket 10 can include a pin 26 configured to pass through at least one slot 28 of the post 20 such that the post can move relative to the support bracket. It will be appreciated that the post 20 can be captive to the support bracket 10 while the pin 26 is within the slot 28 of the post 20. The slot 28 can be closed ended, such as shown in Figure 4A.

[0039] It will be appreciated that the at least one slot 28 and the retainer e.g. pin 26)can be interchanged such that the support bracket includes the at least one slot and the support member can include the retainer.

[0040] The slot 28 enables the post 20 to be raised up from engagement within the support bracket 10 and rotated downward. For erection of the post 20, the post 20 can be rotated upright, and lowered down (the slot 38 allowing the post 20 to move downward relative the pin 26 to be supported upright by the support bracket 10.

[0041] The support bracket can be retained upright by engagement / mounting on an upright member 12.1 such as of an edge member 12 attached to steel formwork 14. However, it will be appreciated that the edge member 12.1 can be otherwise, such as edge formwork e.g. timber formwork.

[0042] The steel formwork 14 can itself be suspended by one or more formwork support brackets 16, such as cantilever support brackets having one end resting for support on a beam or other fixed member and an opposite end engaged with the steel formwork. Embodiments of formwork support brackets are disclosed in international patent application PCT / AU2024 / 050349 by the present applicant and published as WO 2024 / 211967, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0043] Embodiments of the support bracket 10 can include at least a first member 30 and a second member 32. A gap 44 can be provided between a portion of the first member and the second member such as to receive a part of the upstand 12.1 therebetween.

[0044] It will be appreciated that the gap 44 may be adjustable in width i.e. the spacing between he first and second member portions providing the gap 44 can be adjustable or fixed. The spacing of the first and second member portions may provide the gap of sufficient width to provide an interference fit with the portion of the upstand received therein. Alternatively, the gap may provide a relatively loose fit therein or the upstand 12.1 may be deformable for some contact with the first and second portions.

[0045] The adjustability of the gap may be provided by at least one insert member, such as a packing shim and / or the spacing / gap may be adjusted by movement of the first and second members, such as by a mechanical gap adjuster arrangement.

[0046] The support bracket 10, such as at the first and / or second member 30, 32,may have at least one hole 46 to receive a fastener therein for fastening the support bracket 10 to the upstand 12.1.

[0047] It will be appreciated that the upstand 12.1 may be part of a formwork member or may be an additional member, such as steel edging or timber edging. The gap 44 may be dimensioned in width to suit the required application i.e. a narrower gap for steel upstand and a relatively wider gap for a timber upstand.

[0048] Embodiments may include an adapter 48 to adapt the opening 10.1 at the end of the collar portion 34 to suit the dimensions of the end of the post 20. The adapter may be attachable, such as by a fastener, to the end of the post. The adapter can include the slot 28 for receiving the pin 26 of the support bracket.

[0049] In use, the support bracket 10 can be mounted in an upright orientation on the upstand 12.1. The support bracket can already be retaining the post (such as by the pin being through the slot to retain the post and support bracket together) when the support bracket is mounted to the upstand. Alternatively, the support bracket can be mounted to the upstand and subsequently the post can be retained by the pin passing through the slot.

[0050] The support backet can include a collar 34 configured to receive, in use, an end 20.1 of the post 20.

[0051] The collar portion 34 can include an open face portion 40 which can permit the post to pivot downwards e.g. to a lowered L position (see Fig 1.). For example, in use, the post can be raised up from engagement within the support bracket, the slot 28 allowing the post to lift relative to the support bracket with the pin 26 within the slot and towards a lower end 28.2 thereof (See Fig 4A). When the end of the post is sufficiently raised such that the remaining end portion 20.2 can be clear of interference contact with an internal wall portion within the collar when the post pivots downward.

[0052] In the opposite direction, when the post is upright and in the lower engaged position (with the pin at / towards an upper end 28.1 of the slot 28) the lower end 20.1 of the post is deeper in the support bracket and the post cannot pivot downwards. The post is retained upright by the support bracket.

[0053] The pin can be a fixed pin or may be a bolt (plain or threaded shank of theshaft thereof). The post may be permanently attached to the support bracket, such as by a permanently attached pin passing through the slot, or the pin may be removable and the post can be released from engagement with the support bracket. The support bracket may be provided as a discrete device or may be provided pre-attached to the post.

[0054] Further, it should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments disclosed. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, formulations and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein.

[0055] Any reference herein to positional descriptions, such as lower and upper, or inner and outer, are to be taken in context of the embodiments depicted in the figures and are not to be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by the skilled addressee.

[0056] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “including”, and “having”, or variations thereof are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0057] Although terms such as first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first”, “second”, and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0058] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner”, “outer”, “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe oneelement or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0059] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0060] List of reference numerals:10 - support bracket10.1 - end of the support bracket to receive the post end 20.112 - formwork edging12.1 -upstand or upright portion (such as of edging)14 - formwork (steel)16 - formwork cantilever support bracket18 - barrier (e.g. temporary erectable safety barrier)20 - support member e.g. a post - such as to support a handrail or fence / barrier 20.1 - end of the post20.2. - end portion of the post (to clear interference contact with the inside of the collar) 22 - barrier mesh / panel24 - concrete floor (of composite formwork-concrete floor)26 - retainer e.g. a pin (of support bracket) - which can be a fixed pin, a bolt or other threaded shaft28 - slot in post or adapter28.1 - upper end of slot28.2 - lower end of lost30 - support bracket first member (such as an elongate member, e.g. a tube)32 - support bracket second member (such as an elongate member, e.g. a tube) 34 - support bracket collar portion (e.g. a tube portion)1 - end of the collar portion- first shim- second shim- open face portion of collar portion 34- aligned holes- gap (spacing to receive upstand)-hole(s) (to receive fastener for fixing the support bracket to the upstand) - adapter- permanent barrier- permanent barrier fixing / fastener (e.g. into concrete floor 24)

Claims

1. CLAIMS1. A support bracket configured to support a support member of a barrier arrangement, the support bracket including a receiver to receive the support member and an engagement portion configured to removably engage with an upstand or upright portion of a construction installation.

2. The support bracket of claim 1 , including first and second members with a gap therebetween, the gap configured to receive the upstand or upright portion.

3. The support bracket of claim 2, wherein the gap is adjustable in width to accommodate upstands or upright portions of differing dimensions.

4. The support bracket of claim 1 , 2 or 3, including a receiver, such as a collar, configured to receive an end of the support member or of an adapter between the receiver and the support member.

5. The support bracket of any one of the preceding claims, including a retainer configured to captively retain the end of the post to the support bracket.

6. The support bracket of claim 5, wherein the retainer includes, or is, at least one pin, such as a bolt or rod.

7. The support bracket of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the retainer is configured to pass through a slot of the support member.

8. The support bracket of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support member includes a post.

9. The support bracket of any one of the preceding claims, including a receiver configured to receive the lower end of the support member.

10. The support bracket of claim 9, wherein the receiver includes a collar portion.

11. The support bracket of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the receiver includes an open face portion enabling the support member to pivot downwards.

12. The support bracket of claim 11 , wherein the open face portion enables the support member to pivot through open space provided by the open face portion.

13. The support bracket according to claim 1 , including an adapter to receive the support member and to adapt an end of the support member to be supported by the support bracket.

14. The support bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upstand or upright portion includes metal edging for formwork for use in constructing a composite floor.

15. A support bracket and support member combination, wherein one of the support bracket or support member includes at least one slot allowing the support member to slide relative to a retainer of the other of the support member or support bracket.

16. The support bracket and support member combination of claim 15, the at least one slot enabling the support member to raise up and pivot downwards to enable the support member to be lowered to a lowered position.

17. The support bracket and support member combination of claim 15 or 16, wherein the at least one slot includes a closed ended slot.

18. The support bracket and support member combination according to claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein the support member is pivotable upward about the retainer in the slot and, once sufficiently upright, the support member can be lowered to be retained upright by the support bracket.

19. The support bracket and support member combination according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the support member is configured to support a portion of a barrier.

20. The support bracket and support member combination according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the support bracket is configured to receive the support member and an engagement portion configured to removably engage with an upstand or upright portion of a construction installation.

21. The support bracket and support member combination of claim 15, including first and second members with a gap therebetween, the gap configured to receive the upstand or upright portion.

22. The support bracket and support member combination of claim 21 , including a receiver, such as a collar, configured to receive an end of the support member.

23. The support bracket and support member combination of any one of claims 15 to 22, including a retainer configured to captively retain the end of the post to the support bracket.

24. The support bracket and support member combination of claim 23, wherein the retainer includes, or is, at least one pin, such as a bolt or rod.

25. The support bracket and support member combination of claim 23 or 24, wherein the retainer is configured to pass through a slot of the support member.

26. The support bracket and support member combination of claims 15 to 25, wherein the support member includes a post.

27. The support bracket and support member combination of any one of claims 15 to 26, including a receiver configured to receive the lower end of the support member.

28. The support bracket and support member combination of claim 27, wherein the receiver includes a collar portion.

29. The support bracket of claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the receiver includes an open face portion enabling the support member to pivot downwards.

30. The support bracket of claim 29, wherein the open face portion enables the support member to pivot through open space provided by the open face portion.

31. The support bracket according to claim 30, the receiver including an adapter to receive the support member and to adapt an end of the support member to be supported by the support bracket.

32. The support bracket and support member combination of any one of claims 15 to 31 , wherein the upstand or upright portion includes metal edging for formwork for use in constructing a composite floor.

33. The support bracket and support member combination of any one of claims 15 to 32, wherein the support member is for supporting a handrail or fence.

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