Patent Publication Number: US-2019194957-A1

Title: Telescoping Break-Away Canopy Assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/609,411 filed Dec. 22, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Elevators are typically constructed within a building structure commonly referred to as an elevator hoistway. In some instances, elevator hoistways can be defined by four walls that extend from a lower level of the building (referred to as a pit) to an upper level of the building. The hoistway walls can be formed from a variety of materials including cement, concrete block, drywall and glass block. In other instances, the hoistway can be formed by metal structures, such as for example, beams configured to surround the space forming the hoistway. 
     Various components forming the elevator, such as for example, rails, electrical switches, hoistway doors and electrical conduit can be attached to the hoistway walls or the beams at various vertical levels of the hoistway. 
     During construction or subsequent maintenance of the elevator, it can be desirable to have a temporary work platform and/or work surface within the hoistway. The temporary work platform can be used by construction or maintenance personnel as a support platform from which various elevator components forming the elevator can be attached to the hoistway walls or beams. The temporary work platform can also be used as a temporary storage area for components to be attached to the hoistway walls or beams. It is common that the temporary work platform is moved from one level of the hoistway to another level of the hoistway as the construction or maintenance of the elevator proceeds. 
     In certain instances, the temporary work platform is formed from scaffolding consisting of a modular system of metal pipes or tubes, couplers and boards. In this system, the metal pipes and couplers are used form a structure upon which the boards (or similar materials) are installed to form a working platform. As the work progresses within the elevator hoistway, additional scaffolding can be added to the existing scaffolding in order to locate the working platform to higher levels. 
     In other instances, a device called a false car can be used as a temporary work platform. A false car can be suspended from an upper hoistway location and can travel vertically within the hoistway on a separate hoist rope by means of a winch mounted on the false car. 
     It would be advantageous if false cars could be equipped with structures comprising a protective canopy. 
     SUMMARY 
     It should be appreciated that this Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, the concepts being further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the telescoping break-away canopy assembly. 
     The above objects as well as other objects not specifically enumerated are achieved by a break-away canopy assembly configured for use with a work platform in an elevator hoistway. The break-away canopy assembly includes a plurality of spaced apart canopy posts configured in a substantially vertical orientation. A first support framework is connected to one or more of the spaced apart canopy posts. The first support framework has connected first and second extension assemblies. A second support framework is connected to one or more of the spaced apart canopy posts and opposes the first support framework. The second support framework has connected first and second extension assemblies. One or more roof sections span and are connected to the first and second support frameworks. The first and second extension assemblies of the first support framework and the first and second extension assemblies of the second support frameworks are each configured to separate from each other in the event of an uncontrolled descent of the temporary work platform. 
     Various aspects of the telescoping break-away canopy assembly will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiments, when read in light of the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view of a canopy assembly mounted to and supported by a platform assembly. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a portion of the canopy assembly of  FIG. 1  illustrating a canopy post attached to a first extension assembly. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a portion of the canopy assembly of  FIG. 1  illustrating cooperating first and second extension assemblies. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a portion of the first and second extension assemblies of  FIG. 3  illustrating a hitch roof tube and a tube receiver assembly. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of a first extension assembly of the canopy assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the first and second extension assemblies of  FIG. 1  shown in an installed orientation. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the first and second extension assemblies of  FIG. 1  shown with installed roof sections. 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of an alternate structure used to secure the roof section of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic perspective view of the canopy assembly of  FIG. 1  mounted to and supported by an elevator crosshead. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic perspective view of the canopy assembly of  FIG. 1  mounted to and supported by an elevator cab. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The telescoping break-away canopy assembly will now be described with occasional reference to the specific embodiments. The telescoping break-away canopy assembly may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the telescoping break-away canopy assembly to those skilled in the art. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the telescoping break-away canopy assembly belongs. The terminology used in the description of the telescoping break-away canopy assembly herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the telescoping break-away canopy assembly. As used in the description of the telescoping break-away canopy assembly and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of dimensions such as length, width, height, and so forth as used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties set forth in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained in embodiments of the telescoping break-away canopy assembly. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the telescoping break-away canopy assembly are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements. 
     The description and figures disclose a telescoping break-away canopy assembly (hereafter “canopy assembly”) for use with a work platform within an elevator hoistway. The work platform can have different forms, including a temporary work platform. One non-limiting example of a temporary work platform is a false car. The false car can be suspended from one or more hoist ropes and can be configured for vertical movement from one level of the elevator hoistway to another level. Generally, the canopy assembly is connected to and disposed above the temporary work platform in a manner such that the canopy assembly is separable in the event of an uncontrolled descent of the temporary work platform. 
     The term “elevator hoistway,” as used herein, is defined to mean a vertically oriented space within a building within which one or more elevators, dumbwaiters, or material lifts travel vertically. The term “false car” as used herein, is defined to mean a vertically movable platform configured for use by elevator personnel. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of a temporary work platform is shown generally at  10 . The temporary work platform  10  is configured to provide a work surface within a hoistway during construction or subsequent maintenance of the elevator. The temporary work platform  10  includes a platform assembly  12 , a frame assembly  14  and a lift assembly  16 . Generally, the platform assembly  12  is attached to and supported by the frame assembly  14 , and the lift assembly  16  is configured to facilitate hoisting of the platform assembly  12  and the frame assembly  14  within the elevator hoistway by one or more hoist ropes (not shown for purposes of clarity). In the embodiment of the temporary work platform  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the temporary work platform  10  has the form of a false car. One non-limiting example of a false car is provided in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/119,733 filed Aug. 18, 2016 and titled “False Car Device”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the temporary work platform  10  can have other forms sufficient to provide a work surface within a hoistway during construction or subsequent maintenance of the elevator. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the platform assembly  12  includes a plurality of platform surfaces  18   a ,  18   b  supported by the frame assembly  14 . The platform surfaces  18   a ,  18   b  are configured to provide a work surface within an elevator hoistway. Optionally, the platform surfaces  18   a ,  18   b  can be removed from the frame assembly  14 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the platform assembly  12  includes a plurality of spaced-apart corner members  20   a - 20   d . The corner members  20   a - 20   d  will be discussed in more detail below. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the platform assembly  12  has a width W and a depth D. In the illustrated embodiment, the width W and the depth D of the platform assembly  12  are adjustable, thereby facilitating adjustment of the platform assembly  12  to the inner dimensions of the elevator hoistway. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform assembly  12  has an adjustable width W in a range of from about 72.0 inches to about 96.0 inches and an adjustable depth D in a range of from about 61 inches to about 75 inches. However, in other embodiments, the platform assembly  12  can have a width W less than about 72.0 inches or more than about 96.0 inches and a depth D less than about 61 inches or more than about 75 inches. In still other embodiments, the width W and the depth D of the platform assembly  12  need not be adjustable. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the platform assembly  12  is configured to support a canopy assembly  30 . The canopy assembly  30  extends vertically in an upward direction from the platform assembly  12 , in a manner such that the canopy assembly  30  is separable in the event of an uncontrolled descent of the work platform  10 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the canopy assembly  30  includes a plurality of canopy posts  32   a - 32   d , connected to and extending in an upward direction from an associated corner member  20   a - 20   d . In the illustrated embodiment, the canopy posts  32   a - 32   d  are connected to the associated corner member  20   a - 20   d  with fastening hardware  33 , such as for example a threaded bolt and nut. In alternate embodiments, other structures, mechanisms and devices can be used to connect the canopy posts  32   a - 32   d  to the associated corner member  20   a - 20   d.    
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the canopy post  32   a  is illustrated. The canopy post  32   a  is representative of the canopy posts  32   b - 32   d . The canopy post  32   a  includes a hollow, tubular member  34  connected to opposing flanges  36   a ,  36   b . The tubular member  34  is configured to receive a hinge tube  38 , such that the hinge tube  38  is arranged in a co-axial manner with the tubular member  34  and is slidable within the tubular member  34 . The hinge tube  38  includes a plurality of apertures  40  spaced apart along the hinge tube  38 . The apertures  40  are configured to correspond to apertures  42  extending through the tubular member  34 . An upper portion  44   a  of the hinge tube  38  extends from the end of the tubular member  34  in a vertically upward direction and a lower portion  44   b  of the hinge tube  38  extends in a vertically downward direction within the tubular member  34 . A fastener  46 , such as the non-limiting example of a quick release pin, extends through the apertures  42  in the tubular member  34  and the apertures  40  in the hinge tube  38 , thereby setting a desired height of the upper portion  44   a  of the hinge tube  38  extending from the tubular member  34 . The fastener  46  is configured to facilitate quick disassembly and readjustment of the height of the upper portion  44   a  of the hinge tube  38  as the hinge tube slides within the tubular member  34 . It should be appreciated that other suitable fasteners  46  can be used sufficient to facilitate quick disassembly and readjustment of the height of the upper portion  44   a  of the hinge tube  38  as the hinge tube slides within the tubular member  34 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the upper portion  44   a  of the hinge tube  38  includes a slot  39 . The slot  39  is axially aligned with the hinge tube  38 . The slot  39  will be discussed in more detail below. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the canopy assembly  30  includes a first support framework  50  and an opposing second support framework  52 . Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the first support framework  50  is illustrated. The first support framework  50  is representative of the second support framework  52 . The first support framework  50  includes a first extension assembly  60  and an opposing second extension assembly  62 . As will be discussed in more detail below, the first and second extension assemblies  60 ,  62  are configured for telescoping actions, in manners such that the size, slope, configuration and arrangement of the first support framework  50  can be adjusted. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a lower end  64  of the first extension assembly  60  includes an aperture  65  and a lower portion  66 . In a similar manner, a lower end  68  of the second extension assembly  62  includes an aperture  70  and a lower portion  72 . The apertures  65 ,  70  and lower portions  66 ,  72  will be discussed in more detail below. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2  in an assembly arrangement, the first extension assembly  60  is attached to the hinge tube  38  as the lower portion  66  of the first extension assembly  60  is received in the slot  39  and a fastener  74  extends through an uppermost aperture  40  in the hinge tube  38  and the aperture  65  in the first extension assembly  60 . The second extension assembly  62  is attached to a hinge tube  38  in a similar manner. The fastener  74  is configured to facilitate quick assembly and disassembly of the first extension assembly  60  to the hinge tube  38 . In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener  74  is a quick release pin. However, in other embodiments, other suitable fasteners  74  can be used sufficient to facilitate quick assembly and disassembly of the first extension assembly  60  to the hinge tube  38 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , an upper end  78  of the first extension assembly  60  includes a hitch roof tube  80  and an upper end  82  of the second extension assembly  62  includes a tube receiver assembly  84 . Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the hitch roof tube  80  of the first extension assembly  60  and tube receiver assembly  84  of the second extension assembly  62  are illustrated. The tube receiver assembly  84  is configured to receive the hitch roof tube  80 , thereby connecting the first extension assembly  60  to the second extension assembly  62 . It should be appreciated that the connecting structures of the hitch roof tube  80  and the tube receiver assembly  84  facilitate a breakaway structure. That is, in the event of an uncontrolled descent of the temporary work platform  10 , the hitch roof tube  80  and the tube receiver assembly  84  are configured to separate from the canopy posts  32   a - 32   d  and/or separate from each other. Advantageously, the breakaway structure is configured to prevent the canopy assembly  30  from causing injury to personnel connected to the canopy assembly  30  with typical fall protection equipment. 
     While the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4  are shown with the hitch roof tube  80  and the tube receiver assembly  84 , in other embodiments other connecting structures and devices can be used sufficient to breakaway from the canopy posts  32   a - 32   d  and/or separate from each other in the event of an uncontrolled descent of the temporary work platform. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the first extension assembly  60  is illustrated in an exploded view. The first extension assembly  60  is generally representative of the second extension assembly  62 . The first extension assembly  60  includes an outer, hollow member  86  configured to slidably receive an inner member  88 . The outer member  86  includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures  90 . The spaced apart apertures  90  are configured to receive projections  92  extending from a fastener  94 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the projections  92  extend through apertures  96  located in the inner member  88  and engage the apertures  90  in the outer member  86 . In this manner, the inner member  88  can be secured to the outer member  86  in a telescoping arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener  94  has the form of a quick-release button connector. However, other suitable fasteners can be used. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 5 , the outer member  86  includes a planar segment  98  arranged in a substantially vertical orientation. The planar segment  98  includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures  100 . The plurality of spaced apart apertures  100  are configured to receive fasteners  102  in a manner such as to attach support brackets  104  to the outer member  86 . The support brackets  104  are locatable along the length of the outer member  86 . The support brackets  104  will be discussed in more detail below. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the first support assembly  50  is shown in a deployed orientation with the lower end  64  of the first extension assembly  60  secured to the hinge tube  38  extending from the canopy post  32   a  and with the lower end  68  of the second extension assembly  62  secured to the hinge tube  38  extending from the canopy post  32   b . The inner members  88  are extended such that the upper ends  78 ,  82  of the first and second extension assemblies  60 ,  62  are secured together as described above. In this orientation, a longitudinal axis A-A of the second extension assembly  62  forms an angle α with a substantially horizontal line, as depicted by line B-B. Advantageously, the angle α is adjustable to compensate for varying hoistway dimensions and desired slope angles. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle α is in a range of from about 10° to about 40°. However, in other embodiments, the angle α can be less than about 10° or more than about 40°, sufficient to compensate for the hoistway dimensions and desired slope angle. It should also be appreciated that the angle of the first extension assembly  60  with respect to a substantially horizontal line can be different from an angle formed by the second extension assembly  62  with respect to a substantially horizontal line. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 7 , the first and second support assemblies  50 ,  52  are shown in an assembled and deployed orientation. Each of the first and second support assemblies  50 ,  52  has the first and second extension assemblies  60 ,  62 . The support brackets  104  are attached to the first and second extension assemblies  60 ,  62  as discussed above and shown in  FIG. 5 . The upper surfaces of the first and second support assemblies  50 ,  52  are configured to receive a plurality of roof sections  106   a ,  106   b . The roof sections  106   a ,  106   b  are secured to the upper surfaces of the first and second support assemblies  50 ,  52  with a plurality of fasteners  108  extending through corresponding apertures  110  in an upper portion  112  of the support brackets  104 . The roof sections  106   a ,  106   b  are configured to provide protection from objects falling from overhead within the elevator hoistway. 
     Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the roof sections  106   a ,  106   b  are formed from plywood sheets. However, in other embodiments, the roof sections  106   a ,  106   b  can be formed from other desired materials sufficient to provide protection from objects falling from overhead within the elevator hoistway. Advantageously, the roof sections  106   a ,  106   b  can be sized and positioned as desired on the upper surfaces of the first and second support assemblies  50 ,  52 . 
     While  FIGS. 4-7  illustrate the use of the support brackets  104  to secure the roof sections  106   a ,  106   b  to the upper surfaces of the first and second support assemblies  50 ,  52 , it is contemplated that other structures, mechanisms and devices can be used. Referring now to  FIG. 8 , one non-limiting example of alternate structure used to secure the roof section  106   a  is illustrated. An outer member  186  is illustrated in a deployed orientation relative to the canopy post  32   a , hinge tube  38  and fastener  74 . An upper surface  188  of the outer member  186  includes surface features  190  extending along a desired length of the upper surface  188 . The surface features  190  are configured to engage a lower surface  192  of the roof section  106   a . An angled member  194  is positioned atop of the roof section  106   a  and fasteners  196  extend through the angle member  194  and into the roof section  106   a . The angled member  194  is attached to the apertures in the outer member  186  with fasteners (not shown for purposes of clarity), thereby fixing the roof section  106   a  in place. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , in certain embodiments the canopy assembly  30  can include a plurality of optional handrail assemblies  108  extending between and attached to the flanges  36   a ,  36   b  of the canopy posts  32   a - 32   d . The handrail assemblies  108  are configured to provide structural support to the canopy assembly and further configured to provide fall protection for personnel working on the support surfaces  18   a ,  18   b . In certain embodiments, the handrail assemblies  108  can have a telescoping structure sufficient to adjust to varying hoistway dimensions. However, it should be appreciated that the handrail assemblies  108  are optional and not required for operation of the canopy assembly  30 . 
     While the canopy assembly  30  is shown in  FIG. 1  and described above as being mounted to and supported by the temporary work platform of a false car, it is contemplated that the canopy assembly can be mounted to and supported by other structures, including structures positioned in a hoistway for long-term use. Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a canopy assembly  230  is illustrated as being mounted to and supported by an elevator crosshead  260 . The canopy assembly  230  includes first and second support frameworks  250 ,  252 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second support frameworks  250 ,  252  are the same as, or similar to the first and second frameworks  50 ,  52  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . However, in alternate embodiments, the first and second support frameworks  250 ,  252  can be different from the first and second frameworks  50 ,  52 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 9 , the term “elevator crosshead”, as used herein, is defined to mean an upper structural portion of an elevator sling. The term “elevator sling”, as used herein, is defined to mean a framework configured to enclose and support an elevator cab. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , the elevator crosshead  260  is connected to the elevator sling (not shown for purposes of clarity) and the elevator sling is configured to enclose and support the elevator cab  262 . The elevator sling and the elevator cab  262  are configured as permanent structures within the elevator hoistway and further configured for vertical movement within the elevator hoistway as urged by one or more hoist ropes (not shown for purposes of clarity). 
     Referring again to  FIG. 9 , the canopy assembly  230  is connected to a platform assembly  212 , which in turn is mounted to the elevator crosshead  260 . However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the canopy assembly  230  can be mounted to other work platforms and/or sling-related structures. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , it is further contemplated that in another embodiment a canopy assembly  330  can be mounted to and supported by an elevator cab  362 . The canopy assembly  330  includes first and second support frameworks  350 ,  352 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second support frameworks  350 ,  352  are the same as, or similar to the first and second frameworks  50 ,  52  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . However, in alternate embodiments, the first and second support frameworks  350 ,  352  can be different from the first and second frameworks  50 ,  52 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , a plurality of canopy posts  332   a - 332   d  extend in a substantially vertical direction from an upper surface  370  of the elevator cab  362 . The canopy posts  332   a - 332   d  are the same as, or similar to, the canopy posts  32   a - 32   d  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and described above. However, in other embodiments, the canopy posts  332   a - 332   d  can be different from the canopy posts  32   a - 32   d.    
     In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principle and mode of operation of the telescoping break-away canopy assembly have been explained and illustrated in a certain embodiment. However, it must be understood that the telescoping break-away canopy assembly may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.