Abstract:
The invention relates to the general field of construction, and more specifically, the protection of construction work sites. At least two vertical poles are positioned between two surfaces such as ceilings and floors. A center frame with one or more rotatable segments may be mounted between the vertical poles and secured to a window sill. Construction materials may be passed over the rotatable segment and through the center frame with minimal or no damage to the window sill or surrounding structure. The vertical poles may be used with a sheet material to form a protective tunnel. Construction materials may be passed through the tunnel with minimal or no damage to the surrounding environment. Debris left by the construction materials is captured within the tunnel and can be safely and conveniently removed.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Construction projects typically include the demolition, transportation and reconstruction of materials. In a typical home construction or renovation, materials may be passed into or out of the house through a window frame or doorway. Materials that hit the window frame or doorway can cause damage, requiring repair or replacement. Even if workers use great care to avoid any damage, passing materials through windows or doors is likely to cause some damage eventually. Such damage results in lost time and money devoted to cleanup and repair. 
     To minimize the potential for damage, workers may place cloth or plastic material over window sills or flooring to protect them from minor damage. However, cloth and plastic material do not protect from moderate or severe impacts, and provide little protection against significant damage such as breaks or indentations in the window sill, door frame, molding, flooring or other exposed surface. Thus, there exists a need to protect spaces such as window frames and door frames while materials are passed through. 
     Construction projects also produce debris such as dust and small pieces of work materials. For example, a worker sawing wood inside a building produces sawdust, splinters, wood shavings, small pieces of unused wood and similar debris. Further, debris may fall or scatter while transporting materials inside a building. Without a means to contain the debris at the work site, the fallen and scattered debris must be cleaned up. This requires in additional time and effort, increasing the overall cost of the construction project. 
     To combat this problem, one approach is to cover flooring, doorways or holes with cloth or plastic material. For example, a tarp may be placed on the floor to catch materials dropped during the construction process. While this method prevents materials from coming into direct contact with the floor, a tarp does not prevent the dispersion of debris throughout the surrounding areas. For example, sawdust may blow into adjacent rooms, or paint may splatter onto ceilings or walls. Despite the use of a tarp, the sawdust and paint still must be cleaned up. Thus, there exists a need to contain debris while working on or transporting materials inside a building or structure. 
     The present invention reduces or eliminates the risk of damage to spaces while transporting materials into, out of, or within a building or structure. The present invention also reduces or eliminates the effort required to clean up after working on or transporting materials inside a building or structure. These and other advantages and features will become apparent in view of the following description. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Various embodiments of the present invention include a framework through which materials may be transported. Two or more vertical poles are secured between two surfaces and support a center frame. For example, the poles may be secured between a floor and a ceiling within a building. 
     Optionally, an ankle may also be used with a vertical pole, and functions as a jack to alter the height of the vertical pole. In one embodiment, after the vertical pole has been placed between the floor and ceiling, the ankle is engaged and used to expand the pole until the pole is securely pressing against the floor and ceiling. 
     In some embodiments, a center frame is mounted on the two vertical poles. The center frame is a structure through which materials may be passed, and provides protection to window frames and other passages and openings. The center frame generally consists of two horizontal bars mounted to the vertical poles. These may be described as upper and lower horizontal bars. Two vertical bars are mounted on the horizontal bars, forming a square or rectangular opening. The mounting of the upper and lower horizontal bars on the vertical poles and the mounting of the vertical bars on the upper and lower horizontal bars are adjustable to accommodate various widths of window sills. Two diagonal bars extend downward and outward from the upper horizontal bar. In an embodiment wherein the vertical bars are mounted inside a building, the diagonal bars extend outward through a window frame. A third horizontal bar is connected between the ends of the diagonal bars. Two horizontal bars, perpendicular to the lower horizontal bar described earlier, connect the ends of the diagonal bars to the lower horizontal bar. Below the two perpendicular horizontal bars are two sill clamp rails that run along the length of the two perpendicular horizontal bars. Together these bars and rails form the center frame. 
     The center frame is mounted to the vertical poles by any suitable means. The center frame may be attached to a window sill via two sill clamps that slide onto either end of a sill clamp rail. 
     Preferably, the center frame comprises a rotating segment on the lower horizontal bar. The rotating segment supports materials and rolls as the materials are passed through the window. By rolling, the rotating segment enables the materials to pass freely above it. Because materials passing through the center frame are kept away from the window sill, the potential for damage is minimized or eliminated. 
     The center frame, including the elements described above, may be expanded or contracted to fit the dimensions of a window frame, doorframe or other passageway. The elements of the apparatus may be attached by use of fittings, T-joints, T-L joints, T-U joints, T-V joints, cotter pins, any other suitable means or any combination thereof. 
     In another embodiment, four or more vertical poles are positioned in a building and supported by the floor and ceiling, as described above. One or more sheets may be connected to each pole in such a way that the sheet or sheets essentially form a tunnel. Materials may be transported through the tunnel with minimal or no exposure to the surrounding environment. This configuration prevents debris from dispersing throughout the room. Once the materials have been transported, the sheet and structure may be removed without exposing any remaining debris to the surrounding environment. 
     The present invention is not limited to the field of construction. For example, the apparatus may be used in healthcare applications to provide quarantined transportation of items. In this example, a tunnel of sheet material, as described above, may be used to prevent the spread of contaminants. The present invention may also be used in delivery applications. The rotating segment of the center frame may be used to increase efficiency when transporting items across flat surfaces or through passages or openings without damaging the surrounding area. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a front view of one embodiment of the protective apparatus. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the protective apparatus. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the center frame. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the protective apparatus. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates an embodiment of the feet in an interlocked position. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates an interlocking device of the feet. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of the feet functioning independent of each other. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a front view of a sill clamp rail. 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates two sill clamps on a sill clamp rail. 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates a magnified view of a sill clamp and sill clamp rail. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate an ankle jack. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cotter pin attaching a vertical pole and a cross beam through a T joint. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the protective apparatus. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the protective apparatus. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the protective apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     A detailed illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. However, techniques, systems and operating structures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein which define the scope of the present invention. 
     None of the terms used herein, including “floor”, “ceiling”, “wall”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and “diagonal” are meant to limit the application of the invention. The terms are used to illustrate the preferred embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Similarly, the use of these terms is not meant to limit the application of the invention, as the invention is versatile and can be utilized in many applications, as will be apparent. The following presents a detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the figures. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , vertical poles  101   a  and  101   b  support the center frame of the device comprising cross beams  102   a  and  102   b , support beams  110   a ,  110   b ,  111   a  (not shown) and  111   b , lateral beams  114   a  (not shown) and lib, T-joints  106   a - d , T-V joints  107   a  and  107   b , T-L joints  108   a  and  108   b , and L-U joints  109   a  (not shown) and  109   b . At the ends of vertical poles  101   a  and  101   b  are feet  103   a ,  103   b ,  104   a  and  104   b . After setting up vertical poles  101   a  and  101   b , or while vertical poles  101   a  and  101   b  are being set up, the center frame is placed into a window frame. The center frame either rests on, or is suspended above, the window sill. Once in place, materials may be transported through the window via the center frame, minimizing or preventing contact with the window sill or surrounding area. Accordingly, damage to the window sill and surrounding area is minimized or prevented. 
     Preferably, vertical poles  101   a  and  101   b  each comprise two sections, one of which may be inserted into the other and used to adjust the length of the pole. By sliding the sections together or apart, a vertical pole can be contracted and expanded incrementally to fit between two end surfaces such as a floor and a ceiling. Alternatively, three or more sections may be used in the same manner. The sections are not required to be inserted into one another. For example, in another alternative embodiment, the two or more sections may be placed side-by-side and secured together. The vertical poles may be made of plastic, metal, wood or any combination thereof and may be hollow, solid, semi-perforated or any combination thereof. 
     Vertical poles  101   a  and  101   b  are set to the desired height and preferably exert sufficient pressure on the floor and ceiling to remain stationary and stable. Once vertical poles  101   a  and  101   b  are set to the desired height, the poles are locked securely in place. The vertical poles may be locked in place using any suitable means. For example, the locking mechanism may be a pin inserted through aligned holes in the vertical poles. As seen in  FIG. 4A , vertical pole  401   b  has holes  421 . These holes provide the increments which allow vertical pole  401   b  to be locked in place after being expanded or contracted. The holes may serve as part of a locking mechanism incorporating a pin such as a cotter pin. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , vertical poles  101   a  and  101   b  each have top foot  103   a  and  103   b , respectively, and bottom foot  104   a  and  104   b , respectively. Attachment of feet  103   a - b  and  104   a - b  to vertical poles  101   a - b  may be accomplished by cotter pin  920 , shown in  FIG. 9 . Top and bottom feet  103   a - b  and  104   a - b  may rotate and lock independently of each other, as illustrated in  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  5 . Each foot has a pad which, when pressed against a surface such as a floor or ceiling, will remain securely fixed to the surface. The feet may be rounded, square, rectangular or any other shape suitable to securely hold the vertical poles. The feet are preferably made of soft yet durable material to prevent damage to surfaces while minimizing wear and the need for replacement. The feet may optionally have gripped surfaces to improve the stability of the vertical pole. 
     Vertical poles  101   a  and  101   b  preferably comprise ankle jacks  105   a  and  105   b , respectively. As depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , ankle jacks  105   a - b  are located at the bottom of vertical poles  101   a - b , and above bottom foot  104   a - b . The ankle is preferably located between the end of the vertical pole and the foot at the base of the pole, but may optionally be placed anywhere along the length of the vertical pole. A more detailed description of ankle jacks is provided below with reference to  FIGS. 8A and 8B . Vertical poles  101   a  and  101   b  may be attached to the center frame through T-joints  106   a  and  106   b  and T-joints  106   c  and  106   d , respectively. Attachments between T-joints  106   a - d  and vertical poles  101   a  and  101   b  may be temporary or permanent. 
     The triangular shape of the center frame can be seen more clearly in  FIG. 2 . Attachment pieces for the center frame may slide along the vertical poles, and may be fixed in place by inserting a pin through aligned holes in each vertical pole and attachment piece. For example, in  FIG. 2 , cross beams  202   a  and  202   b  are mounted to vertical poles and (not pictured) using T-joints  206   a - d . Support beams  210   a  and  210   b  and support beams  211   a  and  211   b  are connected to cross beam  202   a  using T-V joints  207   a  and  207   b . Support beams  210   a  and  210   b  and lateral beams  214   a  and  214   b  are connected to lower cross beam  202   b  using T-V joints  208   a  and  208   b . Support beams  211   a  and  211   b  and lateral beams  214   a  and  214   b  are connected to cross beam  213  via L-U joints  209   a  and  209   b . Sill clamp rails  212   a  and  212   b  are mounted below lower cross beam  202   b  and cross beam  213 . The beams and joints making up the center frame may be permanently attached to each other or may be detachable. 
     When the center frame is placed in a window, sill clamp rails  212   a  and  212   b  may rest upon the window sill. Materials may be transported through the center frame, and may pass over cross beams  202   b  and  213 . Thus, the center frame provides a supported and protected space between the window sill and the materials being transported through the window. 
     Preferably, cross beam  213  is capable of rotation. A casing capable of rotation may be placed around cross beam  213 . In one embodiment, a casing capable of rotation is also placed around cross beam  202   b . Cross beam  213  is intended to rotate as it supports materials being passed over it. However, it is not necessary that cross beam  213  rotate in order to provide protection. 
     Cross beams  202   a  and  202   b  may be expandable and contractible to better fit the width of various window spaces. Likewise, support beams  210   a  and  210   b  may be expandable and contractible to better fit the height of various window spaces. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the described embodiment. 
       FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  5  illustrate possible embodiments of top feet. Although not illustrated, these embodiments may equally apply to bottom feet as well.  FIG. 4A  illustrates top feet  403   a  and  403   b  in an interlocking position. In this position, top feet  403   a  and  403   b  provide added support in certain situations. For example, the interlocking position provides added support when top feet  403   a  and  403   b  are placed against vertically aligned ceiling beams or other surfaces. To put the top feet in the interlocking position, top feet  403   a  and  403   b  are rotated inwardly with respect to vertical poles  401   a  and  401   b . Each top foot may have a portion of lock slide  413  incorporated onto the bottom side of the foot. One foot, either  403   a  or  403   b , may contain locking piece  414 , which slides through lock slide  413 , creating a secure lock between top feet  403   a  and  403   b.    
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , top feet  503   a  and  503   b  may function independently of each other, without a locking mechanism. For example, top feet  503   a  and  503   b  are connected to vertical poles  501   a  and  501   b , and may be rotated to a parallel position. The parallel position may be advantageous when positioning the top feet against horizontal ceiling beams or other surfaces. 
     The two feet on a vertical pole may either interlock or function independently of each other. In one embodiment, the feet are interlocked via a connection and only move in unison. In another embodiment, the feet are not interlocked and may rotate independently of each other. The feet are preferably interchangeable and may be removed and reattached to the vertical poles. For example, feet may be attached to a vertical pole using one or more pins with aligned holes in the pole. 
     Sill clamps are optional and not necessary for the operation of the invention. In one embodiment, sill clamps are attached to the center frame and adjusted to securely fit the center frame above and around the window sill. The sill clamps may be attached to the sill clamp rails in any suitable manner. For example, a sill clamp may run along teeth on a sill clamp rail until it is tightly aligned with one side of a window sill. The teeth on the sill clamp rail allow sill clamps to be easily maneuvered along the rail and held securely in place using a sill clamp button. Alternative mechanisms may be used to affix and position window sill clamps on the sill clamp rails and secure the clamps in place. 
       FIGS. 6 ,  7 A, and  7 B illustrate a sill clamp rail and sill clamps.  FIG. 6  depicts a front view of sill clamp rail  612  beneath a T-V joint  608 . As depicted in  FIG. 7A , sill clamp rail  712  is mounted on lateral beam  714 . Sill clamps  716   a  and  716   b  may slide onto sill clamp rail  712 . Sill clamps  716   a  and  716   b  are positioned and held secure on sill clamp rail  712  using teeth  717   a  and  717   b . Preferably, sill clamps  716   a  and  716   b  are maneuvered to fit snuggly against a window sill, as shown. 
     Preferably, a sill clamp button is used to secure the sill clamp in place.  FIG. 7B  illustrates sill clamp button  718  which functions to interact with sill clamp teeth  717   a . Sill clamp button  718  can be used to lock sill clamp  716   a  in place along sill clamp rail  712 . Preferably, sill clamp button  718  allows forward motion of sill clamp  716   a  along sill clamp rail  712  to provide a tighter fit to the window sill. Preferably, sill clamp button  718  must be pressed to release sill clamp  716   a . The sill clamp locking mechanism is optional and not required. The preferred sill clamp locking mechanism is embodied here in teeth  717   a  and sill clamp button  718 , but any suitable mechanism may be used. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate the lowered and raised position of ankle jack  805 , respectively. The ankle jack resides between vertical pole  801  and bottom foot  804 . Ankle jack  805  may be used to adjust the height of vertical pole  801 . The use of an ankle jack allows a precise height adjustment and allows a user to increase the pressure between a vertical pole and surfaces such as ceilings and floors. Engaging the ankle in this manner allows for easier placement of the vertical pole between two surfaces and allows a user to increase the pressure between the pole and the surfaces. Lever  819  may be used to exert pressure and expand vertical pole  801 , thereby securing the position of vertical pole  801  between two surfaces. Lever  819  may be repeatedly raised and lowered to expand vertical pole  801 . After each cycle, ankle jack  805  holds the position of vertical pole  801 . Ankle jack  805  may be attached to bottom foot  804  through bottom foot hole  821  using a pin. Ankle jack  805  may be attached to vertical pole  801 . Ankle jack may be attached to the top or bottom of a vertical pole, or ankle joints may be attached at both ends. 
       FIG. 9  depicts one embodiment of a locking mechanism using cotter pin  920 , vertical pole hole  921  and T-joint hole  922 . When holes on both vertical pole  901  and T-joint  906  are aligned, cotter pin  920  may be inserted to lock vertical pole  901  and T-joint  906  together in place. The rounded portion of cotter pin  920  ensures the locking mechanism is secure. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate an embodiment requiring at least two sets of vertical poles, ankles and feet.  FIG. 10  depicts a side view of a frame comprising vertical poles  1001   a - c , with top feet  1003   a - c , bottom feet  1004   a - c , and ankle jacks  1005   a - c , respectively. Sheet material  1023  is securely attached to vertical poles  1001   a - c  using any suitable means. For example, circular clasps mounted on the vertical poles may be used to clasp into a hole in the sheet material. The sheet material may be removable or permanently attached to the vertical poles. Preferably, sheet material  1023  comprises one or more sheets of plastic, but may comprise cloth or any other suitable material in any suitable shape. Vertical poles  1001   a - c  may be used in tandem with at least one other set of vertical poles to support materials. 
     Preferably, vertical poles and sheet materials are used to form two walls, as depicted in  FIG. 11 . Specifically, sheet materials  1123   a  and  1123   b  are attached to vertical poles  1101   a - f . Preferably, sheet materials  1123   a  and  1123   b  each have four sides having holes on each end, such that the sheet materials may be supported by at least two sets of vertical poles, as depicted in  FIG. 11 . Alternatively, one or more sheets may be used to create a tunnel, as depicted in  FIG. 12 . It should be appreciated that the formation of a complete tunnel is not necessary. For example, sheet material  1223  may be attached to vertical poles to form one or more walls, a ceiling, a floor, or any combination thereof. Additionally, sheet material  1223  may be used to form an incomplete wall, ceiling or floor. 
     Once a tunnel is formed, work materials may be transported through the tunnel. Any debris will be retained by the sheet materials, preventing the debris from dispersing throughout the surrounding area. With reference to  FIG. 11 , when construction is completed, sheet material  1123  may be removed from vertical poles  1101   a - f . Debris captured by the sheet material may be taken to a disposal area, preventing dispersion of debris or damage to the area surrounding construction. 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment, which has been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, the preferred embodiment is merely exemplary and is not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. The scope of the invention, therefore, shall be defined solely by the following claims. Further, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and the principles of the invention. It should be appreciated that the present invention is capable of being embodied in other forms without departing from its essential characteristics.