GB2602466A

GB2602466A - Modular edge protection system

Info

Publication number: GB2602466A
Application number: GB2020682.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gilligan Paul; Little Ryan
Original assignee: Accurate Safety Ltd
Current assignee: Accurate Safety Ltd
Priority date: 2020-12-29
Filing date: 2020-12-29
Publication date: 2022-07-06
Anticipated expiration: 2040-12-29
Also published as: WO2022144544A1; GB2602466B; GB202020682D0

Abstract

A stairwell clamp (200) for connecting a stairwell protection system to a stairwell, the stairwell clamp (200) comprises a post connector (224) removably connectable to a handrail post of a stairwell protection system, wherein the stairwell clamp (200) comprises a first clamp jaw (202) configured to rest against an underside of a stairwell, when in use, and a second clamp jaw (204) configured to rest against a tread of a stairwell, when in use, wherein the post connector (224) is connected to the second clamp jaw (204) in such a way that the post connector extends substantially perpendicularly with respect to a tread surface of the stairwell, when the second clamp jaw (204) rests against the tread of a stairwell. The present disclosure further relates to a handrail post, a telescopic handrail, and a modular stairwell protection system.

Description

MODULAR EDGE PROTECTION SYSTEM Backaround of the Invention The present disclosure relates to a modular edge protection system, particularly but not exclusively to a modular edge protection system for stairwells. Other aspects of the present invention relate to a stairwell clamp, a handrail post, and a telescopic handrail.

Construction work is still a relatively hazardous profession, due to the large number of potential causes of injury or death. As a consequence, construction site safety is a great concern globally.

io One of the leading courses of injuries and fatalities in construction is attributed to falls from heights. Particularly internal stairwells without balustrades pose a great risk for the health and safety of contractors working on construction sites.

In view of the above, there are a number of edge protection systems for stairwells already on the market, however, they are typically difficult to assemble and require scaffolding poles to be individually cut to size. This increases the risk of essential parts being lost and edge protection systems being installed incorrectly, which could ultimately render them unsafe. Existing systems also need to be drilled into the stairwell, which causes dust during installation, and requires the stairwell to be repaired before project completion.

It is an aim of the present disclosure to solve or at least ameliorate one or more

problems of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

Aspects and embodiments of the disclosure provide a modular edge protection system, a stairwell clamp, a handrail post, and a telescopic handrail as claimed in the appended claims.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a stairwell clamp for connecting a stairwell protection system to a stairwell, the stairwell clamp comprising a post connector removably connectable to a handrail post of a stairwell protection system, wherein the stairwell clamp comprises a first clamp jaw configured to rest against an underside of a stairwell, when in use, and a second clamp jaw configured to rest against a tread of a stairwell, when in use, wherein the post connector is connected to the second clamp jaw in such a way that the post connector extends substantially perpendicularly with respect to a tread surface of the stairwell, when the second clamp jaw rests against the tread of a stairwell.

According to an embodiment, the first clamp jaw comprises a first flange face configured to abut an underside of a stairwell, when in use, wherein the second io clamp jaw comprises a second flange face configured to abut a tread of the stairwell, when in use, and wherein the first and second flange faces are rotatable with respect to each other.

According to another embodiment, the first flange face is fixed and the second flange face is rotatable.

According to another embodiment, the stairwell clamp comprises a jaw support, the first and second clamp jaws being connected to the jaw support, wherein the jaw support is adjustable in length so as to change a distance between the first 20 and second clamp jaws.

According to another embodiment, the jaw support comprises a telescopic tube arrangement.

According to another embodiment, the telescopic tube arrangement comprises a first tube that is slidable with respect to a second tube, and wherein the first clamp is connected to the first tube and the second clamp is connected to the second tube.

According to another embodiment, the first tube is slidable received within parts of the second tube.

According to another embodiment, the jaw support comprises an actuator, preferably a manual actuator, for adjusting the length of the jaw support.

According to another embodiment, the jaw support comprises a lead screw mechanism for adjusting the length of the jaw support According to another embodiment, the second clamp jaw comprises a clamp body having a longitudinal cross-section of an acute trapezoid.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a handrail post for supporting one or more handrails of a modular stairwell edge protection system, the handrail post comprising: io an elongated post body, the elongated post body being at least partly hollow; at least one opening extending through a side wall of the elongated post body and configured for receiving one end of a handrail; and a slidable locking member slidably received on the elongated post, the is slidable locking member being transferable between a first position, in which a handrail is insertable into and removable from the at least one opening, and a second position, in which the locking member prevents a handrail from being removed from the at least one opening.

According to another embodiment, the slidable locking member is shaped to match a circumference of the elongated post body.

According to another embodiment, the slidable locking member comprises a fastening element that is transferrable between an open state, in which the slideable locking member is slidable with respect to the elongated post body, and a closed state, in which the slideable locking member is fixed with respect to the elongated post body.

According to another embodiment, the at least one opening is a slotted hole extending in parallel with a longitudinal axis of the elongated post body.

According to another embodiment, the handrail post comprises at least two openings extending through opposite side walls of the elongated post body.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a telescopic handrail for connecting handrail posts of a modular stairwell edge protection system, the telescopic being adjustable in length and comprising an undercut at both ends of the handrail, each undercut being configured to establish a form fit connection with a locking member of a handrail post, when in use.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided modular stairwell protection system comprising: at least two stairwell clamps according to any one of Claims 1 to 11; io first and second handrail posts according to any one of Claims 12 to 16, both handrail posts being removably connectable to the post connector of one of the stairwell clamps; and at least one telescopic handrail according to Claim 17, said telescopic handrail extending between the first and second handrail posts, wherein a first end of the telescopic handrail is received within the opening of the first handrail post and the second end of the telescopic handrail is received within the opening of the first handrail post.

According to another embodiment, the first and second ends of the telescopic handrail are releasably fixed within the openings of their corresponding handrail posts by means of the slidable locking member.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, and the claims and/or the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and all features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

Brief Description of the Drawinas

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an image of a modular stairwell protection system; Figures 2A to 2C show various views of stairwell clamp according to an 5 embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a handrail post according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4 shows side views of telescope handrails according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 5A to 5H show various stages on an assembly process of a modular stairwell protection system; and Figures 6A to 6C show various views of a stairwell plan according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a side view of a modular edge protection system, particularly a modular stairwell protection system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The stairwell protection system 100 is configured for releasable attachment to a stairwell 102 during construction. In other words, the stairwell protection system 100 is a temporary structure that can easily be attached and removed from a stairwell 102. In the example of Figure 1, the stairwell 102 is a concrete stairwell. However, it will be appreciated that the modular stairwell protection system is applicable to stairwells of any type as long as an underside of the stairwell is accessible. In fact, it should be noted that the modular stairwell protection system 100 is also suitable for use in safeguard any other protruding edge that allows for the clamps that are described below to be attached to said protruding edge.

Figure 1 shows a stairwell 102 with a plurality of steps. Each step comprises a tread 104 and a riser 106. At an upper end of the stairwell 102, a landing 108 is illustrated. The landing 108 has a top surface 110 and a bottom surface 112.

The stairwell protection system 100 shown in Figure 1 comprises a plurality of stairwell clamps 120, 122, 124, 126. A first stairwell clamp 120 is attached to a first step of the stairwell 102. A second d stairwell clamp 122 is connected to a central step of the stairwell 120. A third stairwell clamp 124 is connected to the last step of the stairwell 122. A fourth stairwell clamp 106 is connected to an edge of the landing 108.

The first and second clamps 120, 122 are connected to the stairwell 102 by io clamping the tread of their respective step and an underside 114 of the stairwell 102. The third stairwell clamp 124 is attached to the tread of the last step and the bottom surface 112 of the landing. The fourth stairwell clamp 126 is attached to the top and bottom surfaces 110, 112 of the landing 108. As will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 2A to 2C below, the stairwell clamps are is configured to clamp the edge of the stairwell 102/the landing 108 between opposite jaws.

Each stairwell clamp supports a handrail post 130, 132, 134, 136. The handrail posts 130, 132, 134, 136 are supported by their respective stairwell clamps 120, 122, 124, 126 such that the handrail posts 130, 132, 134, 136 extend perpendicularly to the tread of their corresponding step or to the top surface 110 of the landing 108, respectively.

Adjacent handrail posts 130, 132, 134, 136 are connected to each other by means of telescopic handrails 140, 142, 144, 146. In the illustration of Figure 1, adjacent handrail posts are connected by two telescopic handrails. However, it will be appreciated that any number of handrails may be used to connect adjacent posts. The number of handrails may be dependent on safety regulations.

The stairwell protection system 100 shown in Figure 1 is modular in that the handrails 140, 142, 144, 146, the posts 130, 132, 134, 136 and the stairwell clamps 120, 122, 124, 126 are easily removeable from and re-connectable to each other at any stage. Similarly, the stairwell clamps 120, 122, 124, 126, and therefore the entire edge protection system, is removably connectable to the stairwell or edge that requires protection.

Turning to Figures 2A to 2C, there are shown various views of a stairwell clamp 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The stairwell clamp 200 comprises a first clamp jaw 202 and a second clamp jaw 204. The first clamp jaw 202 is configured to abut an underside of a stairwell or any other protruding edge (e.g. underside 114 or bottom surface 112, Figure 1). The second clamp jaw 204 is configured to abut a tread (e.g. 104, Figure 1) of a stairwell or the top surface of any other protruding edge.

io The first clamp jaw 202 comprises a first flange face 208. The first clamp jaw 202 comprises a hollow tube 206, which in the illustrations of Figures 2A to 2C is a rectangular tube. In the example of Figures 2A to 2C, the hollow tube 206 of the first clamp jaw 202 comprises the first flange face 208 that is configured to abut the underside of the stairwell, when in use. The hollow tube 206 is connected to a jaw support 210 at a first end of the hollow tube 206. The connection between the hollow tube 206 of the first clamp jaw 202 and the jaw support 210 may be a permanent connection, such as a welding. The first clamp jaw 202 further comprises a reinforcement element 212 providing additional stability to the hollow tube 206. The reinforcement element 212 extends between the jaw support 210 and an underside of the hollow tube 206, which is arranged opposite to the first flange face 208.

The second clamp jaw 204 comprises a second flange face 218. The second flange face is arranged opposite to and facing the first flange face 208 of the first clamp 25 jaw 202.

The second clamp jaw 204 comprises two hollow tubes 214, 216. The hollow tubes 214, 216 of the second clamp jaw 204 are parallel and connect to each other, particularly connected side-by-side. The two hollow tubes 214, 216 of the second clamp jaw 204 extend in a direction that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hollow tube 206 of the first clamp jaw 202. The hollow tubes 214, 216 have a rectangular cross-section about a lateral axis, similar to the first hollow tube 206 of the first clamp jaw 202. In some examples, the two hollow tubes 214, 216 may be replaced by a single hollow tube.

The two hollow tubes 214, 216 comprise a side wall that defines the second flange face 218. The second flange face 218 is configured to abut a tread of a stairwell (or the top surface of any other edge) when in use. In demonstrations of Figures 2A to 2C, the first and second flange faces 208, 218 are arranged in parallel with each other, i.e. in parallel planes. However, as will be described in more detail below, the first and second flange faces 208, 218 are rotatable with respect to each other. In particular, in the example of Figures 2A to 2C, the second clamp jaw 204 is rotatably attached to the clamp support 210. The second clamp jaw 204 is, therefore, rotatable with respect to the first clamp jaw 202, which is rigidly io attached to the clamp support 210.

As is derivable from the cross-sectional view of Figure 2B, the hollow tubes 214, 216 of the second clamp jaw 204 are connected to the clamp support 210 via a threaded rod 220 and a corresponding nut. The hollow tubes 214, 216 are connected to the threaded rod 220 via a rotary bearing 222. The rotary bearing 222 has an outer race that is received within corresponding openings of the hollow tubes 214, 216. Accordingly, when the stairwell clamp 200 is not clamped onto the edge of a stairwell, the second clamp jaw 204 is rotatable with respect to the clamp support 210.

The second clamp jaw 204 further comprises a post connector 224. The post connector 224 is configured for removable connection to a corresponding handrail post, which will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 3 below. The post connector 224 extends perpendicularly with respect to the hollow tube 214.

The post connector 224 extends from an upper surface 226 of the hollow tube 214. The upper surface 226 is arranged opposite to the second flange face 218.

Referring to Figure 2C, a side view of the hollow tubes of the first clamp jaw 204 shows that the hollow tubes 214, 216 have a trapezoidal shape along their longitudinal direction. In particular, the sides of the hollow tubes 214, 216 extending between the upper surface 226 and the second flange face 218 define a trapezoidal cross-section, preferably an isosceles trapezoidal cross-section, along a longitudinal direction of the hollow tubes 214, 216. As will be explained with reference to Figures 5A and 5B, this trapezoidal shape facilitates alignment of the second clamp jaw 204 with an edge between the tread and riser of a corresponding step.

The jaw support 210 is adjustable in length. In the embodiments of Figures 2A to 2C, the jaw support 210 is a telescopic cylinder. In particular, the jaw support 210 comprises a first tube 230 that is slideably received within a second tube 232. The first clamp jaw 202 is connected to the first tube 230. The second clamp jaw 204 is connected to the second tube 232. The jaw support 210 comprises an actuator 234 for adjusting the length of the jaw support 210. In particular, the io actuator 234 is a rotatable handle that activates an internal lead screw mechanism 238 for extending or retracting the first tube 230 from/into the second tube 232. It will be appreciated that extending and retracting the first tube 230 with respect to the second tube 232 will vary the distance between the first and second clamp jaws 204, 206, and thus between the first and second flange faces 208, 218. The manually-operated actuator 234 shown in Figures 2A to 2C may be replaced by any automatically-operated actuator, such as an electric or hydraulic actuator.

Turning to Figure 3, there is shown a handrail post 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The handrail post 300 comprises an elongated post body 302. The elongated post body 302 is a hollow, rectangular tube in the embodiment of Figure 3. However, it should be noted that the tube may have any other cross-section, such as a circular or triangular cross-section. Similarly, the elongated body may be solid with hollow cavities, particularly where the slots described below are located.

The handrail post 300 of Figure 3 comprises openings 304, 306, 308, 310. Each opening 304, 306, 308, 310 extends through a side wall of the elongated post body 302. In particular, two openings 304, 306 extend through a first side wall 312 of the post body 302. Another two openings 308, 310 extend through a second side wall 314 of the elongated post body 302. The second side wall 314 is arranged opposite to the first side wall 312. Accordingly, the openings 304, 306 arranged on the first side 312 wall are arranged on an opposite side to the two openings 308, 310 of the second side wall 314. A first opening 304 on the first side wall 312 is arranged diametrically opposite to a first opening 308 on the second side wall 314. A second opening 306 on the first side wall 312 is arranged diametrically opposite to a second opening 310 on the second side wall 314. The openings 304, 306, 308, 310 are slots in the embodiment of Figure 3. However, generally, the openings 304, 306, 308, 310 of the elongated post body 312 are sized and shaped to receive the end portions of a telescopic handrails, which will be discussed in more detail with reference to Figure 4. Accordingly, any shape may be used for the openings 304, 306, 308, 310 as long as it matches the shape of the end portions of a corresponding handrail.

The handrail post 300 comprises a first slideable locking member 320. The first slidable locking member 320 is slideably received on the elongated post body 302.

io In particular, the slideable locking member 320 may slide along the outer circumference of the post 302 in the longitudinal direction of the post body 302.

The handrail post 300 comprises a second slideable body 322 that is slideably arranged on the post body 302. The second slidable locking member 322 is slidably received on the elongated post body 302. In particular, the second slidable locking member 322 may slide along the outer circumference of the post 302 in the longitudinal direction of the post body 302.

Both the first and second slideable locking member 320, 322 are shaped to match the circumference of the elongated post body 302. In the example of Figure 3, the slideable locking members are, therefore, rectangular brackets that match the outer circumference of the rectangular tube that represent the elongated post body 302.

Both slideable locking member 320, 322 are transferrable between a first position (shown in Figure 3), in which a handrail may be inserted into and removed from any of the openings 304, 306, 308, 310. In their first position, the slideable locking members do not significantly cover any of the openings 304, 306, 308, 310. "Not significantly" in this context means that the parts of the openings 304, 306, 308, 310 that are not covered by the slideable locking members in their first position are sufficiently large to receive end portions of corresponding telescopic handrails.

The slideable locking members 320, 322 also include a second position, in which 30 the locking members prevent a handrail from being inserted and/or removed from the corresponding openings 304, 306, 308, 310. In use, the slidable locking members 320, 322 are maintained in their first position until the end portions of the handrails have been inserted into one or more of the openings 304, 306, 308, 310. Once the handrails have been inserted, the slideable locking members 320, 322 may be transferred into their second position in order to interlock the handrail with the handrail post 300.

The first and second slideable locking elements 320, 322 shown in Figure 3 are both provided with a fastening element 326, 328. The fastening elements 326, 328 are transferred between an open state, in which the slideable locking member is slideable with respect to the elongated post body 312, and a closed state, in which the slideable locking member is fixed with respect to the elongated post io body 302. In the example of Figure 3, the fastening elements are screw bolts that are configured to provide a friction fit between the slideable locking members 320, 322 and the outer circumference of the post body 302 when the screw bolts are in their closed state, i.e. screwed against the outer wall of the post body 302. By contrast, in their open state, the screw bolts 326, 328 are configured not to be in contact with the outer surface of the post body 302, thereby allowing the slideable locking members 320, 322 to slide freely along the longitudinal axis of the elongated post body 302.

Figure 4 shows a side view of a telescopic handrail 400 in both an extended state and a retracted state. The handrail 400 comprises a telescopic cylinder 402 including a chamber 404 and a slideable rod 406. Both the chamber 404 and the rod 406 may be hollow profiles, such as rectangular or cylindrical tubes. The rod 406 is slidably received within the chamber 404 and can freely move between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position, both shown in Figure 4.

In some examples, the telescopic handrail 400 may include a mechanism for locking the telescopic cylinder in position once the desired length has been set.

This will prevent the telescopic cylinder from inadvertently extending or retracting during installation. However, in view of Figures 5E and 5F below, it will be appreciated that such locking mechanisms are optional, as they are not required once the handrails have been connected to the handrail posts.

The telescopic handrail 400 comprises a first end portion 408 that is arranged opposite to a second end portion 410. The first end portion 408 is arranged on the chamber 404. The second end portion 410 is arranged on the slidable rod 406. The first and second end portions 408, 410 are both configured to fit into any one of the openings 304, 306, 308, 310 of the handrail post 300. The first and second end portions 408, 410 each comprise an undercut 412, 414. Both undercuts 412, 414 are provided to enable a form fit connection with one of the locking members 320, 322 of the handrail post 300, when in use. In particular, and as will be described with reference to Figures 5E and 5F, during installation, the end portions 408, 410 of the telescopic handrail 400 are configured to be inserted into openings of adjacent handrail posts such that one of the slideable locking members 320, 322 can engage with the respective undercut 412, 414. In other words, the slideable locking members 320, 322 may be slid into the undercut in their second io position so as to prevent movement of the handrail 400 with respect to the handrail post 300. A first undercut 412 of the first end portion 408 is configured to engage with the locking member of a first handrail post. A second undercut 414 of the second end portion 410 is configured to engage with a locking member of a second, adjacent handrail post.

Figures 5A to 5H show a method of attaching the stairwell protection system to an exemplary stairwell.

In a first step shown in Figures 5A and 5E, the stairwell clamp 200 is attached to the stairwell. In particular, the stairwell clamp 200 is arranged on the stairwell in such a way that the second clamp jaw 204 sits flush on a chosen tread 104 of the stairwell. A front edge of the trapezoidal hollow tubes that form the second flange face of the second clamp jaw 204 abut against and edge 105 between the tread 104 and the riser 106. Since the second clamp jaw 204 sits flush on the tread 104, the post connector 224 will be arranged perpendicular to the tread surface.

Next, the jaw support is pivoted with respect to the second jaw clamp 204 such that the first flange face 208 of the first jaw clamp 202 is aligned, that is arranged in parallel, with the underside 114 of the stairwell. In this regard, it will be appreciated that pivotal movement of the jaw support with respect to the second jaw clamp 204 will change the orientation of the first jaw clamp 202, thereby enabling the operator to transfer the first flange face 208 into a plane that is parallel with the plane of the underside 114 of the stairwell.

In a next step shown in Figure 5B, the jaw support is shortened, that is the first tube 230 is retracted into the second tube 232 by means of the actuator 234. As the length of the jaw support is shortened, the first clamp jaw 202 is pulled in the direction of the underside 114 of the stairwell, until the first flange face 208 abuts the underside 114. The non-parallel arrangement of the first and second flange faces 208, 218 causes the second jaw clamp 204 to be pulled down onto the tread 104 and, at the same time, towards the edge 105 between the tread 104 and the riser 106. The actuator 234 may be operated until the clamp 200 is securely fastened to the edge of the stairwell.

Figure 5C shows an installation of the handrail post 300 on the stairwell clamp 200. At this stage, a hollow end of the post body 302 is slotted over the post connector 224 (not shown in Figure 5C), thereby aligning the post 300 with a io direction that is perpendicular to the tread surface (i.e. typically a vertical direction). The handrail post 300 may include a further fastening member 340. The fastening member 340 may be a screw bolt to provide a friction fit between the post body 302 and the post connector 224 of the clamp 200, when the fastening member 340 is closed.

Figure 5D shows that the slideable locking members 320, 322 are in their first position, when the post 300 is connected to the clamp 200. In this example, the slideable locking members 320, 322 are arranged in their first position in such a way that they do not cover any of the holes 304, 306 within the post body 302.

Figures 5E and 5F show how adjacent handrail posts 300a, 300b are connected to zo each other via two handrails 400a, 400b. The handrails 400a, 400b shown in Figures 5E and 5F are telescopic handrails, such as the handrails 400 shown in Figure 4. The handrails 400a, 400b are both aligned at a first end portion with an opening of the first handrail post 300a and at a second end portion with an opening of the second handrail post 300b. Next, the telescopic handrails 400a, 400b are extended, such that a first end portion is inserted into an opening of the first handrail post 300a and an opposite, second end portion of the handrail 400a, 400b is inserted into an opening of the adjacent, second handrail post 300b. At this stage, the handrails 400a, 400b are loosely inserted into the corresponding openings of the handrail posts 300a, 300b.

Figures 5G and 5H show a step for locking the end portions of the telescopic handrails 400a, 400b within the openings of the corresponding handrail posts 300a, 300b. The following description of Figures 5G and 5H will only make reference to the functionality of the slideable locking members of the first handrail post 300a. However, it will be appreciated that the slideable locking members of the second handrail post 300b operate in substantially the same way.

In the illustration of Figure 53, the slidable locking members 320, 322 of the post 300a are in their first position, in which the locking members 320, 322 do not cover the openings of the handrail post 300a. As discussed above, the handrails 400a and 400b have been fully inserted into the openings of the handrail posts 300a, 300b. As shown in Figure 5H, the slidable locking members 320, 322 of the handrail post 300a are then transferred from their first position shown in Figure 5G into their second position (e.g. by sliding them downward along the post) io shown in Figure 5H.

In their second position, the slideable locking members 320, 322 partly cover the openings of the handrail post 300a and, at the same time, engage with the undercut at the end portions of the telescopic handrails 400a, 400b. At this point, the slideable locking members 320, 322 sit within the undercuts of the corresponding handrails 400a, 400b such that removal of the handrails from the handrail posts 300a (and also 300b) is prevented, until the slidable locking members 320, 322 are transferred back, i.e. lifted, into their first position.

Figures 6A to 6C show various views of a stairwell clamp according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Parts of the stairwell clamp 600 shown in Figures 6A to 6C that correspond with parts of the stairwell clamp 200 shown in Figures 2A to 2C are labelled with corresponding reference signs increased by "400". Such parts are not described in any more detail and reference is made to their description in Figures 2A to 2C.

The embodiment in Figures 6A to 6C differs from the embodiment in Figures 2A to 2C in that the post connector 640 is a cylindrical tube. The post connector 640 is configured to receive a standard scaffolding post (not shown) within the tubular post connector 640. Accordingly, the stairwell clamp 600 can be used in connection with standard scaffolding, to attach the latter to stairwells or any other protruding edge of a construction site.

The stairwell clamp 600 also includes a fastening member 642 arranged on the outside of the post connector 640. The fastening member 642 may be a screw bolt for providing a friction fit between the post connector 640 and a corresponding scaffolding post. Once the scaffolding post is inserted into the post support 640, the fastening member 642 is closed, thereby creating a friction fit between the fastening member 642, the post connector 640 and the outer surface of the scaffolding post.

The listing or discussion of an apparently prior-published document in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge.

Preferences and options for a given aspect, feature or parameter of the disclosure should, unless the context indicates otherwise, be regarded as having been disclosed in combination with any and all preferences and options for all other aspects, features and parameters of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A stairwell clamp for connecting a stairwell protection system to a stairwell, the stairwell clamp comprising a post connector removably connectable to a handrail post of a stairwell protection system, wherein the stairwell clamp comprises a first clamp jaw configured to rest against an underside of a stairwell, when in use, and a second clamp jaw configured to rest against a tread of a stairwell, when in use, wherein the post connector is connected to the second clamp jaw in such a way that the post connector extends substantially perpendicularly with respect to a tread surface of the stairwell, when the second clamp jaw rests against the tread of a stairwell.
2. The stairwell clamp of Claim 1, wherein the first clamp jaw comprises a first flange face configured to abut an underside of a stairwell, when in use, wherein the second clamp jaw comprises a second flange face configured to abut a tread of the stairwell, when in use, and wherein the first and second flange faces are rotatable with respect to each other.
3. The stairwell clamp of Claim 2, wherein the first flange face is fixed and the second flange face is rotatable.
4. The stairwell clamp of Claim 2 or 3, comprising a jaw support, the first and second clamp jaws being connected to the jaw support, wherein the jaw support is adjustable in length so as to change a distance between the first and second clamp jaws.
5. The stairwell clamp of Claim 4, wherein the jaw support comprises a telescopic tube arrangement.
6. The stairwell clamp of Claim 5, wherein the telescopic tube arrangement comprises a first tube that is slidable with respect to a second tube, and wherein the first clamp is connected to the first tube and the second clamp is connected to the second tube.
7. The stairwell clamp of Claim 6, wherein the first tube is slidable received within parts of the second tube.
8. The stairwell clamp of any one of Claims 4 to 7, wherein the jaw support comprises an actuator, preferably a manual actuator, for adjusting the length of the jaw support.
9. The stairwell clamp of any one of Claims 4 to 8, wherein the jaw support comprises a lead screw mechanism for adjusting the length of the jaw support
10. The stairwell clamp of any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the second clamp jaw comprises a clamp body having a longitudinal cross-section of an acute trapezoid.
11. A handrail post for supporting one or more handrails of a modular stairwell edge protection system, the handrail post comprising: an elongated post body, the elongated post body being at least partly hollow; at least one opening extending through a side wall of the elongated post body and configured for receiving one end of a handrail; a slidable locking member slidably received on the elongated post, the slidable locking member being transferable between a first position, in which a handrail is insertable into and removable from the at least one opening, and a second position, in which the locking member prevents a handrail from being 25 removed from the at least one opening.
12. The handrail post of Claim 11, wherein the slidable locking member is shaped to match a circumference of the elongated post body.
13. The handrail post of Claim 11 or 12, wherein the slidable locking member comprises a fastening element that is transferrable between an open state, in which the slideable locking member is slidable with respect to the elongated post body, and a closed state, in which the slideable locking member is fixed with respect to the elongated post body.
14. The handrail post of any one of Claims 11 to 13, wherein the at least one opening is a slotted hole extending in parallel with a longitudinal axis of the elongated post body.
15. The handrail post of any one of Claims 11 to 14, comprising at least two openings extending through opposite side walls of the elongated post body.
16. A telescopic handrail for connecting handrail posts of a modular stairwell edge protection system, the telescopic being adjustable in length and comprising io an undercut at both ends of the handrail, each undercut being configured to establish a form fit connection with a locking member of a handrail post, when in use.
17. A modular stairwell protection system comprising: at least two stairwell clamps according to any one of Claims 1 to 10; first and second handrail posts according to any one of Claims 11 to 15, both handrail posts being removably connectable to the post connector of one of the stairwell clamps; and at least one telescopic handrail according to Claim 16, said telescopic handrail extending between the first and second handrail posts, wherein a first end of the telescopic handrail is received within the opening of the first handrail post and the second end of the telescopic handrail is received within the opening of the first handrail post.
18. The modular stairwell protection system of Claim 17, wherein the first and second ends of the telescopic handrail are releasably fixed within the openings of their corresponding handrail posts by means of the slidable locking member.