Abstract:
In various representative aspects, a netting structure is configured to serve as a safety net used on construction sites to catch debris or construction personnel from falling to the ground. The netting structure eliminates the need to use a metal cable along the perimeter of a beam to support the net that typically requires the net to be clipped to the cable in several locations along its perimeter. An assembly for guiding the ropes used to pull the netting structure in place and secure the netting structure to a building frame is also provided.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to netting structures. More specifically, the invention relates to a netting structure that serves as a safety net used on construction sites to catch debris or construction personnel from falling to the ground. The present invention provides an improved netting structure that eliminates the need to use a metal cable along the perimeter of a beam to support the net that typically requires the net to be clipped to the cable in several locations along its perimeter. The present invention also provides an assembly for guiding ropes used to pull the netting structure in place and secure the netting structure to a building frame. 
       Description of the Related Art 
       [0002]    Any discussion of the prior art in the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that the prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. 
         [0003]    The use of safety nets on construction sites is often desirable. Safety nets are netting structures that are typically installed either around the perimeter of a building or beneath the area of a floor in a building frame where the building is being constructed, refurbished, or repaired. A properly installed netting structure enables the netting to catch any debris or construction personnel from falling to the ground and causing injury or death. 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  illustrates a basic two-story building frame. A typical netting structure is installed around the inner perimeter of the horizontal beams as personnel work on the building above the net.  FIG. 2  illustrates a detailed view of the prior art netting structure. The existing netting structure typically requires a metal cable, or series of metal cables, to first be installed around the inside of the horizontal beams of the building frame as shown. A net is then coupled along to the cable along its length typically by using metal hooks at several locations around the cable. This method of installation creates sag in the mesh of the netting structure based on the tension of cable. It also creates sag by scalloping of the border and the netting structure&#39;s mesh between each hook. This scalloping can only be reduced by adding closer hooks, but can be difficult, if not impossible, to eliminate. Furthermore, tightening the net generally requires the mesh and netting structure border to be pulled toward the cable for connection. This can be extremely difficult due to the elevated location of the netting structure and the many connection points that must be made. 
         [0005]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the sagging in the prior art netting structures is sometimes addressed by installing additional ropes under the mesh or weaving them into the mesh to create pockets between the slack mesh. Each rope will slacken with the perimeter or border of the netting structure if it is attached to a point on the perimeter. If the rope is pulled separately, it requires two additional tie-off points per rope, which is inefficient. These ropes also create points of possible injury or death as a person falling into the net may hit a tensioned rope instead of the mesh. It is also possible to gather the mesh to the border rope with straps, however this does not reduce the border length. 
         [0006]    The installation of these types of netting structures at construction sites can be difficult. Because these structures are typically installed high above the ground, they are often hard to reach and require special equipment, scaffolding, or ladders to lift the nets and the personnel who install them to the areas where they are secured to the beams on the building frame. Also, because the netting structures generally are designed have the perimeter of these structures cover as much area of the work area below to prevent even small objects from falling close to the building, it is very difficult for personnel to access the structure to move, maintain, or adjust it without disassembling large parts, or even the entire structure. If personnel need to gain access to the structure to adjust or move the it by loosening it at any point along its perimeter, it may lead to greater sagging or scalloping. 
         [0007]    Another limitation to the present netting structures is that the nets themselves generally have to be built to fit within the size of the horizontal beams of the building frame. 
         [0008]    The present invention overcomes the limitations in the prior art addressed above, and provides a solution that is both easy to install and use. 
         [0009]    When installing vertical netting structures on the outside of a building frame to prevent debris and personnel from falling off the side of a horizontal beam, it is desirable for the vertical net to be some distance away from the frame building to allow workers to have freedom to move, and also to allow horizontal beams to possibly be installed into the building frame at a later time. The prior art typically requires a flag pole type design that is secured to a vertical beam where the netting structure attaches to a support point and drapes below the support point as shown in  FIG. 3A . Or it requires a separate cantilever arm type system that needs to hold the net out at least 13 feet per standards and regulations. The present invention offers a solution to these limitations that eliminates the need to use flag pole designs and cantilever arms, still enables the vertical netting structure to rest a distance away from the frame structure, and is also easy to install by using pull ropes. 
         [0010]    Other limitations to the present netting structures pertain to the hardware used to secure the structures to the building frames, and guide the ropes used to raise the structures in place. When installing safety nets, if a metal cable is not used to secure the netting structure around the beams of a building frame, a rope is usually tied to one end of an attachment point and then pulled through a large pulley or wooden block and tackle (wooden block and tackle will also be referred to as a “pulley”). Often the wooden pulleys are similar to those used on a sailing ship to guide ropes to raise sails to their operating position. There are several limitations to using this method. One limitation is that the pulley is typically coupled to a vertical beam using a clip. When under tension, a rope that is run through the pulley causes the pulley to move toward the attachment point of the netting structure, which creates a large gap between the beam and the netting structure as shown in  FIG. 3B . The larger the length of the pulley, the larger the gap becomes between the bracket and the netting structure. 
         [0011]    Another issue is how the pulley attaches to the netting structure. The pulley most often secured to a bracket on a vertical beam of the building structure. An eyebolt is then used to couple the pulley to the bracket. A cable or rope is threaded through the pulley or run through the eye of the eyebolt as secured to a vertical beam. An eyebolt is typically designed and rated for a direct pull load. The eyebolt is often not at the start in a shear side or angle load. This is not a correct engineered system and can lead to injury or death. In most cases pulleys are installed in the corners of the building frame. This means when the pulleys are under tension, they are likely being pulled away from the vertical beams even though ideally they should run vertically alongside or underneath the vertical beams. 
         [0012]    Another limitation is the fact a pulley is designed to only allow the diameter of rope to pass through and nothing else. Any knot, splice, hook, or other attachment method would not allow these additional components to pass through the pulley as shown in  FIG. 3C  and would add additional space between the netting structure and the building frame as shown in  FIG. 3B . 
         [0013]    It is desirable to provide component hardware that enables safety netting structures to be installed to a building frame that does not create additional open space between the building frame and a safety net when installed under tension, and also to provide attachment and guide hardware that allows ropes with additional knots, splices, hooks, or related attachments to pass through them when raising the netting structures in place that is effective and easy to install. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The invention is summarized below only for purposes of introducing embodiments of the invention. The ultimate scope of the invention is to be limited only to the claims that follow the specification. 
         [0015]    It is an object of this invention to provide a netting structure that is secured to the horizontal beams of a building frame to catch falling debris or personnel within the building structure. 
         [0016]    It is an object of this invention to provide a netting structure that has a primary border, that is typically a rope, that is coupled to the entire outer edge of the netting structure. 
         [0017]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a netting structure that has a secondary border, that is typically a rope, that is fixed at two points on the primary border to form an attachment point. 
         [0018]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a netting structure wherein the primary and secondary borders are coupled by one or more clips. 
         [0019]    It is an object of the present invention that when the clips are not coupled to the primary and secondary borders, the portion of the netting structure coupled to the primary border near the secondary border, drops downward and creates an opening between the primary and secondary borders. 
         [0020]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a netting structure wherein the secondary border can be two distinct ropes connected by their respective ends to the primary border at distinct locations along the primary border. 
         [0021]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a netting structure with a resilient rod that is coupled to two sides of the outer edge of the netting structure. 
         [0022]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a rectangular ring with two pairs of rollers axially coupled within the inside of the rectangular ring such that each respective pair of rollers is parallel to each other and perpendicular to the other respective pair of rollers. 
         [0023]    It is an object of the present invention that the rollers are able to rotate freely about their respective axes within the rectangular ring. 
         [0024]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pulley that is axially coupled to a bracket that is connected above the rectangular ring so that the pulley is capable of rotating freely about its axis with the pulley being parallel to at least one of the rollers within the rectangular ring. 
         [0025]    It is an object of the present invention that the rectangular ring is of sufficient cross-sectional area to enable objects large enough to pass through its cross-sectional area when a rope is connected to the objects as the rope is being used to pull the netting structure toward a point on the building frame. 
         [0026]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable member that is connected to the rectangular ring so that the adjustable member can be coupled on one end to a vertical beam of the building structure and allow the adjustable member to move the position of the rectangular ring to and from the vertical beam of the building frame. 
         [0027]    A person with ordinary skill in the relevant art would know that any shape or size of the elements described below may be adopted as long as the end clamp can be used to secure solar panel modules to the rail support structures and a binding bolt is used to tighten the t-bolt to the guide of the rail support structure. Any combinations of suitable number, shape, and size of the elements described below may be used. Also, any materials suitable to achieve the object of the current invention may be chosen as well. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]    A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the following figures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements and steps throughout the figures. 
           [0029]      FIG. 1  illustrates a basic two-story building frame. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  is a top view of prior art net and connection to a cable. 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is a top view of prior art net with additional ropes to hold up sag and slack mesh. 
           [0032]      FIG. 3A  is a prior art shows means of attaching a net/flap to an outrigger flagpole type of support. 
           [0033]      FIG. 3B  is a side view of prior art. 
           [0034]      FIG. 3C  is a side view detail of prior art. 
           [0035]      FIG. 4  is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the netting structure. 
           [0036]      FIG. 5  is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the netting structure and hardware installed on test frame. 
           [0037]      FIG. 6  is a top view of details of a corner in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 7  is a view of  FIG. 6  with a split secondary rope. 
           [0039]      FIG. 8  is a top and slightly forward view of  FIG. 7  with primary border and mesh gathered. 
           [0040]      FIG. 9  is a bottom and slightly forward view showing an alternate embodiment using a smaller net to protect a partial area. 
           [0041]      FIG. 10  is a top view of one corner of embodiment on test frame with slight adjustment on only one side. 
           [0042]      FIG. 11  is a front view of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 12  is a top and slightly forward view of  FIG. 6  with corner open. 
           [0044]      FIG. 13  is a top view of details of a corner in  FIG. 4  with mesh hung square. 
           [0045]      FIG. 14  is a top view of an alternate embodiment with flap manufactured attached to embodiment in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 15  is the same as  FIG. 14 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 16  is a bottom and slightly forward view of flap and resilient spreaders connected to embodiment in  FIG. 4  with snap hooks installed on test frame. 
           [0048]      FIG. 17  is a bottom and slightly angled view of  FIG. 16 . 
           [0049]      FIG. 18  is a cutaway partial view of a resilient spreader shown in  FIG. 16 . 
           [0050]      FIG. 19  is a forward view of a resilient spreader similar to  FIG. 18  that does not require an outer jacket. 
           [0051]      FIG. 20  is a side view of an alternate embodiment showing the push guide with removable roller, and pivot. 
           [0052]      FIG. 21  is the same as  FIG. 20  except a split ring is substituted for the guide with removable roller and pivot. 
           [0053]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a guide ring attached to a bracket. 
           [0054]      FIG. 23  is a bottom view of alternate embodiment showed in  FIGS. 16 and 17   
           [0055]      FIG. 24  is a side view of the element in  FIG. 21  installed but does not pivot. 
           [0056]      FIG. 25A  is a side view of the guide ring of  FIG. 25 . 
           [0057]      FIG. 25B  is a bottom view of the guide ring of  FIG. 25 . 
           [0058]      FIG. 25C  is a side view of the guide ring of  FIG. 25 . 
           [0059]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the pull point shown in  FIG. 29  with a pulley. 
           [0060]      FIG. 27  is a side view of the netting structure assembled to a building structure. 
           [0061]      FIG. 28  is an alternate view of  FIG. 27 . 
           [0062]      FIG. 29  is a top view of a pull point. 
           [0063]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a pull point with dual pulleys. 
           [0064]      FIG. 31  is a perspective view of an assembly showing five pull points arranged on a bracket with dual pulleys. 
           [0065]      FIG. 32  illustrates an alternate pull point/pulley embodiment. 
           [0066]      FIG. 33  illustrates a side view of a rope moving through the embodiment in  FIG. 32 . 
           [0067]      FIG. 34  illustrates an alternate embodiment of  FIGS. 27 and 28  showing the assembly featuring the guide ring connected to the vertical beam above the pull point. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0068]      FIG. 4  shows a top view of an exemplary netting structure  100  and  FIG. 5  shows a typical four-column beam building structure  105  with horizontal beams  107  and vertical beams  108  and with the netting structure  100  installed. The netting structure  100  includes a mesh  110  that is coupled to a border rope  120 . The mesh  110  can also be loose around the border rope  120  by weaving the border rope  120  into the mesh  110 . The mesh  110  can be of different forms such as straight or diamond-shaped netting or webbing. The border rope  120  in this embodiment is typically a single rope that encircles the entire outer edge of the mesh  110  and then forms two distinct ropes—a primary corner rope  130  and a secondary corner rope  140 —where the attachment points  150  are located. The outer edge can include the outermost perimeter of the mesh, but it can also include some of the inner portion of the mesh  110  as well and is not restricted to the outermost perimeter of the mesh. The border rope  120  is typically fixed to the mesh  110  along the inner perimeter and along the primary corner rope  130 , although the border rope  120  could be woven through the mesh  110  along the perimeter so that the mesh  110  can move separately along the border rope  120 . The term “rope” can include any suitable cord, twine, or string that is of sufficient strength to remain intact under large pulling forces. 
         [0069]    Although the netting structure  100  shown is rectangular in shape, the structure  100  can be any suitable shape such as a triangle, trapezoid, or other geometric shape to conform to the shape of the building structure&#39;s vertical beams. The shape of the structure  100  is defined by the number and location of the attachment points  150  along its perimeter. The attachment points  150  are generally defined by the point where secondary corner rope  140  is attached to a means for pulling the netting structure  100  toward the building structure  105 . In an embodiment that employs a single secondary rope  140 , the attachment point  150  is usually where the loop of rope is formed in  FIG. 6 , or it can be where the two separate border lines or ropes  143  and  146  are located as shown in  FIG. 7 . The border lines are preferably ropes, but can also be a cord, twine, string or rope-like structure that can be used under high tension forces to pull the netting structure  100  into place. 
         [0070]    Other embodiments of the structure  100  utilize dual border ropes that encircle the perimeter of the mesh  110 . In a dual border rope configuration, one rope acts as the primary border rope that is fixed along the entire perimeter of the mesh, while the second rope is fixed only to the inner perimeter of the mesh  110  with the non-fixed portions serving as the attachment points  150  in each corner of the structure  100 . The border rope  120  can also include more than two ropes as long as they are secured to a portion of the mesh  110  along each side of the netting structure  100 . Near each attachment point  150 , a plurality of clips  160  connect the primary corner rope  130  with the secondary corner rope  140 . The clips  160  are generally snap hooks, rings, quick hooks, or any suitable clip capable of coupling the mesh  110  to the primary and secondary corner ropes  130  and  140  under high stress loads. 
         [0071]      FIG. 6  shows a detailed view of the attachment point  150  in the structure  100 . The clips  160  are free-floating along the length of the split between the primary corner rope  130  and secondary corner rope  140 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 7  shows an alternate embodiment where the secondary corner rope  140  is divided into two secondary ropes  143  and  146  respectively. Additional connecting hardware can be added to the open ends of each rope  143  and  146  so that they can be coupled to a pulling means, such as a rope, for tightening. With the two ropes  143  and  146 , each side of the netting structure  100  connected to the ropes  143  or  146  can be independently pulled toward a point on one of the horizontal beams  107  on the building structure  105  as shown in  FIG. 9 . In that case, the rope  143  or  146  can be pulled to bring the perimeter of the structure  100  closer to a side of the work area where protection and safety is necessary, and away from a side where it&#39;s not needed as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 4  shows a top and slightly forward view of  FIG. 7  with the primary corner rope  130  and mesh  110  gathered together. In the case where only one secondary corner rope  140  is used, the rope  140  is also free moving and allows the rope  140  to self-place along the length to allow tensioning of both sides of the netting structure  100  that are connected to the rope  140 .  FIG. 11  is a side view of  FIG. 8  and shows the mesh  110  near the attachment point  150  slacking below the plane of the netting structure  100 , while the mesh  110  connected to the border rope  120  remains in tension. 
         [0074]      FIG. 12  shows the same attachment point  150  with the clips  160  removed from the secondary corner rope  140  (in the embodiment where the secondary corner rope  140  is cut, the clips  160  are removed from the secondary ropes  143  and  146 ). In this exemplary embodiment, with the clips  160  removed, the mesh  110  falls downward and creates an open space  162  in the area nearest the attachment point  150 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , when the clips  160  are connected, the mesh  110  remains in tension everywhere else throughout the netting structure  100 . Even when the clips  160  are removed and an opening  162  is created in the area, the mesh  110  along the border rope  120  will still remain in tension. This enables personnel to access the structure  100  by way of a ladder or other mechanical means to more easily climb through, or work through the open area  162  without disrupting the tension in the mesh  110 . 
         [0075]    In another embodiment, a second netting structure  200 , as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , can be added to a side of the netting structure  100 . As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the second netting structure  200  (also referred to as a “flap”), typically functions as a vertical border net along the outer portion of the construction frame to protect debris and personnel from falling off the side of the frame. It can also be used to span a gap between two horizontal netting structures  100 . The flap  200  is typically raised upward using a pulling rope along the outside area of the construction frame beneath a horizontal beam  107  as shown in  FIG. 17 . The flap  200  can either be pre-manufactured as a single structure with the mesh  210  and mesh  110  sharing the border rope  120 , or the flap  200  can be a separate structure such that the mesh  210  is secured to its own flap border rope  220  and subsequently secured to the netting structure  100  along the border rope  120 . The end of the flap border rope  220  that is not connected the border rope  120  is a flap primary corner rope  230 . As shown in the close up view in  FIG. 14 , the flap primary corner rope  230  also approaches the attachment point  150 . The flap primary corner rope  230  is coupled to the secondary corner rope  140  by clips  160  in the same manner that the primary corner rope  130  of the netting structure  100  is coupled to the secondary corner rope  140  so that the mesh  210  can be opened and lowered in the same fashion as the mesh  110 . 
         [0076]    In the flap  200 , the plane of the mesh  210  also includes a member or rod  270  as shown in  FIG. 16 . In the exemplary embodiment, the rod  270  is generally resilient and spans lengthwise across the mesh  210  from one end of a border of the flap  200  to the opposite side of the flap  200 . The rod  270  serves two primary purposes. First, the rod  270  prevents the mesh  210  from snagging or clumping together before the flap  200  is raised to its destination, and second, when the flap  200  is pulled up by a pulling rope, the beam  107  below causes the rod  270  to bend and hold the netting structure  200  away from the beam on which the worker is positioned as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . This enables the flap  200  to flex and conform to the building frame itself. If the horizontal beam  107  is not installed in advance, the rods  270  allow for the beam  107  to be dropped in place from above, and the rods  270  will deflect pushing the mesh  210  away from the beam  107  so the beam  107  can be installed. 
         [0077]    In the exemplary embodiment, the rod  270  is embedded within a sleeve  280  as shown in  FIG. 18  and is coupled to the border rope  120  on one side and runs perpendicular to the border rope  120  across the mesh  220  to the opposite end  290  of the mesh  210 . Other suitable ways to secure the rod  270  to the netting structure  100  include fixing the sleeve  280  to the mesh  210  itself, or using a clip  160  through a grommet  285 , as shown in  FIG. 18 , to one of the loops in the mesh  210  or to the border rope  120  and opposite end  290 . Generally, more than one rod  270  is used depending on the size of the plane area of the mesh  210 . If used, multiple rods  270  are typically vertically spaced apart a given distance to provide rigidity throughout the entire plane of the mesh  210 . 
         [0078]    An alternate embodiment of the rod  270  is shown in  FIG. 19 . The rod  270  has a resilient length with a pair of snap hooks  272  or other similar connecting means on each end so that they can be secured to the opposite end  290  and border rope  120  of the flap  200  by way of a clip  160 . 
         [0079]    An alternate way of raising the flap  200  and keeping it a desired distance from the building frame  105  is by using a push interim support  400  as shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 . The push interim support  400  pushes the flap  200  away from the structure for easier access to the beams  107  and  108 . It differs from the flag pole method in the prior art as shown in  FIG. 3A  as it directs the flap  200  away from the building frame, while still leaving the push interim support  400  and movement (pull) point  420  above the flap  200  as shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24 . This also allows for adjustment in and out depending on the requirement. 
         [0080]    The embodiment in  FIG. 20  of the push interim support  400  includes an adjustable member  405  that further comprises a base connector  430  with a pivot adjustment  425  on one end, and a removable roller structure  500  that contains a rope slot  510  on the other end of the adjustable member  405 .  FIG. 21  shows a slightly different embodiment with a split circular rope slot  520  on one end of the adjustable member  405 . The pivot adjustment  425  is beneficial so that the flap  200  can be preinstalled and held flat against the building frame  105  while the beam  107  is being raised in place. The pivot adjustment  425  also allows for the unit to be put in place while the flap  200  is in tension. The flap  200  can be installed in place in a vertical position. Then the flap  200  can be pushed down or pulled up in to an angled or horizontal position. The flap  200  can then later be removed. All operations can be done while the flap  200  and the pull rope  350  remain in tension. This is not possible the prior art options. 
         [0081]    Exemplary embodiments of guide assemblies used to secure the netting structure  100  or flap  200  in place to the building frame  105  include a guide ring  600 , a roller  700 , and a pulley  800 . 
         [0082]      FIGS. 22, 25A, 25B, and 25C  show a guide ring  600 . The guide ring  600  is typically hollow and circular in the shape of a ring, but it can be of any suitable shape that allows a rope, a rope knot, splice, or clip hardware to pass through it. The guide ring  600  is preferably made of a durable material, such as metal, that can withstand substantial tension forces. The guide ring  600  is coupled to a bracket  610 , which in turn is secured to a vertical beam  108  with a ratchet or other securing means through slot  611  so that the plane of the guide ring  600  is oriented parallel to the ground. The ring  600  and bracket  610  can be homogeneous or constructed in separate parts. When secured to the beam  108 , the ring  600  serves as a guide for a pull rope  350  to pass through along the beam  108 . Multiple rings can be secured to the same bracket  610  if desired. 
         [0083]      FIG. 29  illustrates a single pull point  700 . The pull point  700  is generally hollow and rectangular in shape. The pull point  700  includes a pair of top rollers  710  and a pair of bottom rollers  715 . The rollers  710  are typically cylindrical structures that are capable of freely rotating around a pin, but any suitable rotational mechanism would be sufficient as well. Each top roller  710  is axially coupled to the inside of the pull point  700  by a pin  720  that enables the top roller  710  to freely rotate in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The top rollers  710  are preferably arranged so that they are parallel to each other and are axially coupled on opposite sides of the pull point  700  to each other in the same plane as shown. More than two rollers  710  can be added that are within the same plane as long as the inside area of the pull point  700  is large enough to allow ropes, connecting hardware, and even nets without secondary border ropes  140  and mesh  110  to pass through it. The bottom rollers  715  are also axially coupled to the inside of the pull point  700 , but sit either above or below the top rollers  710  and are perpendicular to the top rollers  710 . It is understood by one of ordinary skill that multiple levels of rollers can be added inside the pull point  700  as long as the outer edge  730  of the pull point  700  is deep enough to accommodate the extra layers. 
         [0084]    Like the guide ring  600 , the pull point  700  is preferably made of a durable material, such as metal, that can withstand substantial tension forces. The pull point  700  is coupled to a bracket  610 , which in turn is secured typically to the same vertical beam  320  above the guide ring  600 . The bracket  610  is typically secured with a ratchet so that the plane of the pull point  700  is oriented parallel to the ground, but it can also be bolted to the vertical beam  108  as well. The pull point  700  and bracket  610  can be homogeneous or constructed in separate parts. Any arrangement of the top rollers  710  and bottom rollers  715  preferably should provide sufficient open area in the center of the pull point  700  to allow both rope  350  and connecting hardware to pass through the area. When secured to the beam  108 , the pull point  700  serves as a pulley-like structure that enables a pull rope  350  and certain connecting hardware to pass through the pull point&#39;s  700  center area as the rope  350  is being used to raise and secure the netting structure  100  at its attachment points  150 . 
         [0085]      FIG. 26  shows another exemplary embodiment of the pull point  700 . A pulley  740  is coupled to a side  730  of the pull point  700 . The pulley  740  includes a wheel  750  that is axially coupled to a bracket  760  that sits above the rollers  710  or  715 . The wheel  750  is typically positioned in the center of the side  730  so that any rope that passes through it is centered as it passes through the pull point  700 . The wheel  750  generally has enough surface area so that any knot or clip  160  that is attached to the rope  350  can move be contained within the sides  770  of the wheel  750 . 
         [0086]      FIG. 27  shows a side view of assembly that uses the guide ring  600  and pull point  700  (that includes pulley  740 ) in combination with each other and secured to the same vertical beam  108 . The pull point  700  is secured above the guide ring  600  on the beam  108 . The purpose of their simultaneous use is to allow rope  350  to efficiently provide tension to the attachment point  150  of the netting structure  100  so that the structure  100  can be as close to the beam  108  as possible and eliminate any open space between horizontal beams  107  and the netting structure  100 . The rope  350  is typically coupled to the attachment point  150  by connecting it to the secondary corner rope  140 , or if the secondary corner rope  140  has been split into two, connecting it to one or both of the separate secondary ropes  143  or  146 . This can be done by knotting the ropes together, or by coupling them with a clip  160 . The rope  350  is then threaded through the center of the pull point  700  and then downward so that it is threaded through the guide ring  600  as shown. The clip  160  typically can fit through the pull point  700  and the guide ring  600 . When the rope  350  is pulled downward (typically by a person standing on the ground or by mechanical means by using a ratchet for example, the secondary corner rope  140  is pulled in tension toward the pull point  700  as shown. In this configuration, the rope  350  and the secondary corner rope  140  engage the wheel  750  and rollers  710  so that when they rotate, the ropes move upward and downward with nearly no friction. This allows the netting structure  100  to be pulled right up against the pull point  700  and as close to the vertical beam  108  as possible. The pull point  700  and guide ring  600  prevent the rope  350  from moving outward and maintains vertical alignment with the vertical beam  108 . 
         [0087]    An alternate embodiment of the assembly in  FIG. 27  is shown in  FIG. 28 . In this configuration, the rope  350  is first threaded through the guide ring  600 , upward through the pull point  700 , and then downward over the side of the pull point  700  as shown. In this case, the rope  350  is not directly next to the vertical beam  108  as it is being pulled downward to bring the netting structure  100  close to the vertical beam  108 . This same configuration of using the pull point  700  and the guide ring  600  can also be used to raise the flap  200  in place as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . An alternate embodiment of  FIGS. 27 and 28  is shown in  FIG. 34 . 
         [0088]      FIGS. 30 and 31  show alternate embodiments of the pull point  700 . As illustrated, additional pulleys  740  can be secured to other sides  730  of the pull point  700 . Additionally, multiple bays of pull points  700  can be placed side-by-side around a bracket  610 . This embodiment utilizing multiple bays of pull points  700  is typically used when multiple netting structures  100  have to be installed on multiple floors. Several ropes can be pulled to raise and lower the netting structures  100  simultaneously. 
         [0089]      FIG. 32  shows an alternate design of pull point  700  with pull point  703 , which combines the pull point  700  and guide assembly with a series of smaller rollers  770 . The series of rollers  770  carry the rope  350  over a larger radius ( FIG. 33 ) which may provide improved rope loading and can be used as a combined unit or just as a pull point  700  or guide assembly.  FIG. 32  also shows how the bracket  610  can be bolted to steel or other surfaces, or strapped. 
         [0090]    In the preceding description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are provided to thoroughly understand the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed embodiments may be applied. The full scope of the invention is not limited to the example(s) that are described below.