Falling object protection system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a falling object protection system for use with a machine for forming underground bores and/or for installing product within underground bores. The falling object protection system includes a base forming a platform on which an operator can stand. The base includes an inner portion adapted to be positioned adjacent to the machine and an outer portion adapted to be positioned away from the machine. The falling object protection system also includes an outer barrier that extends upwardly from the outer portion of the base, and a top barrier that extends inwardly from the outer barrier and extends over the platform of the base. The falling object protection system further includes an upper frame that extends upwardly from an inner end portion of the top barrier. The upper frame includes a falling object deflection member spaced above the inner end portion of the top barrier.

1 . A falling object protection system for use with a machine for forming underground bores and/or for installing product within underground bores:
 a base forming a platform on which an operator can stand, the base including an inner portion adapted to be positioned adjacent to the machine and an outer portion adapted to be positioned away from the machine;   an outer barrier that extends upwardly from the outer portion of the base;   a top barrier that extends inwardly from the outer barrier and extends over the platform of the base; and   an upper frame that extends upwardly from an inner end portion of the top barrier, the upper frame including a falling object deflection member spaced above the inner end portion of the top barrier.   
     
     
         2 . The falling object protection system of  claim 1 , wherein the top barrier has a cantilevered configuration. 
     
     
         3 . The falling object protection system of  claim 1 , wherein the base includes leveling feet. 
     
     
         4 . The falling object protection system of  claim 1 , wherein the falling object protection system includes an inner side that faces toward the machine, the inner side including an open region located between base and the upper barrier, the open region the having a length and a height, the falling object deflection member having a length that along the length of the open region. 
     
     
         5 . The falling object protection system of  claim 4 , further comprising an inner barrier that extends upwardly from the inner portion of the base, wherein the open region is defined between a top of the inner barrier and a bottom portion of the top barrier. 
     
     
         6 . The falling object protection system of  claim 1 , wherein an inner end portion of the top barrier is adapted to overhang the machine. 
     
     
         7 . The falling object protection system of  claim 2 , wherein the falling object protection system is adapted to be mechanically attached to the machine at a location adjacent the inner portion of the base. 
     
     
         8 . The falling object protection system of  claim 1 , further comprising lifting eyes provided on the top barrier. 
     
     
         9 . The falling object protection system of  claim 1 , wherein the inner portion of the base attaches to the machine to stabilize the inner portion of the base, and wherein adjustable feet are provided at the outer portion of the base for stabilizing the outer portion of the base. 
     
     
         10 . The falling object protection system of  claim 1 , wherein the upper frame is pivotally movable relative to the top barrier between an upright orientation and a lower, stowed orientation. 
     
     
         11 . The falling object protection system of  claim 10 , wherein the upper frame pivots more than 150 degrees when moving from the upright position to the stowed position. 
     
     
         12 . A system comprising:
 a machine for forming underground bores and/or for installing product within underground bores;   a falling object protection system including an inner side that faces toward the machine and an outer side that faces away from the machine, the falling object protection system including:
 a base forming a platform on which a machine operator can stand, the base including an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion of the base being configured to be mechanically attached to the machine such that the machine assists in providing stability to the falling object protection system; 
 an outer barrier that extends upwardly from the outer portion of the base; 
 a top barrier that extends inwardly from the outer barrier and extends over the platform of the base, the top barrier having a cantilevered configuration such that an open region is defined at the inner side of the falling object protection system at a location between the inner portion of the base and the top barrier. 
   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the top barrier overhangs at least a portion of the machine. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the open region has a length and a height, and wherein the falling object protection system further comprises an upper frame that extends upwardly from an inner end portion of the top barrier, the upper frame including a falling object deflection member spaced above the inner end portion of the top barrier, the falling object deflection member having a length that along the length of the open region.