Flexible safety edge guard for moveable platforms

Abstract

An elongated, flexible safety guard for use with moveable platforms is provided. The platform, which the safety guard is mounted thereto, has a support frame and is capable of moving in ascending and descending directions. In one embodiment, the safety guard comprises: (i) a substantially “U-shaped” upper portion, and (ii) a lower portion that extends from the U-shaped upper portion. The U-shaped upper portion has opposing side wall segments that are connected together. The side wall segments define an open space therebetween for receiving the support frame of the platform. In one embodiment, the lower portion of the safety guard has a “J-shaped” configuration.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An elongated, flexible safety guard for a platform having a support frame, the platform being capable of moving in ascending and descending directions, comprising: 
 (i) a substantially U-shaped upper portion having opposing side wall segments, the side wall segments being connected and defining an open space therebetween for receiving the support frame of the platform, and    (ii) a lower portion extending from the U-shaped upper portion, the lower portion having opposing side wall segments, the side wall segments being connected and defining a linear channel therebetween,    wherein the flexible safety guard compresses upon contacting an object lying in its path as the platform moves in a descending direction.    
     
     
         2 . The safety guard of  claim 1 , wherein the safety guard comprises a flexible plastic material.  
     
     
         3 . The safety guard of  claim 2 , wherein the safety guard comprises a polyvinyl chloride.  
     
     
         4 . The safety guard of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the side wall segments of the upper portion and lower portion has an undulating, wave-like structure.  
     
     
         5 . An elongated, flexible safety guard for a platform having a support frame, the platform being capable of moving in ascending and descending directions, comprising: 
 (i) a substantially U-shaped upper portion having opposing side wall segments, the side wall segments being connected and defining an open space therebetween for receiving the support frame of the platform, and    (ii) a substantially J-shaped lower portion extending from the U-shaped upper portion, the lower portion having a vertically extending side segment and a hook segment,    wherein the flexible safety guard compresses upon contacting an object lying in its path as the platform moves in a descending direction.    
     
     
         6 . The safety guard of  claim 5 , wherein the safety guard comprises a flexible plastic material.  
     
     
         7 . The safety guard of  claim 6 , wherein the safety guard comprises a polyvinyl chloride.  
     
     
         8 . The safety guard of  claim 5 , wherein at least one of the side wall segments of the upper portion and the vertically extending side segment of the lower portion has an undulating, wave-like structure.  
     
     
         9 . An elongated, flexible safety guard for a platform having a support frame, the platform being capable of moving in ascending and descending directions, comprising a vertically extending segment connected to a hook segment, the segments defining a substantially J-shaped structure, wherein the safety guard compresses upon contacting an object lying in its path as the platform moves in a descending direction.  
     
     
         10 . An elongated, flexible safety guard for a platform having a support frame, the platform being capable of moving in ascending and descending directions, comprising a vertically extending segment having one end and an opposing end, the opposing end having a looped structure defining a linear channel that extends along the length of the safety guard, wherein the safety guard compresses upon contacting an object lying in its path as the platform moves in a descending direction.