Patent Publication Number: US-9404273-B2

Title: Scaffold end cover system and method

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to protective scaffold covers and more specifically to a system and method for covering scaffold ends. 
     Typically, a scaffold is a temporary structure used to support people and material in the construction or repair of buildings and other large structures. The scaffold rests adjacent to the building to provide access to the building. In this manner, construction material may be efficiently traversed to desired areas of the building or structure. 
     Because scaffolds are formed from hollow tubes with open ends, they often become resting places for debris. The debris can include rivets, screwdrivers, welding rods, dust and liquid. The debris causes undesirable results, such as weighing down the scaffold and falling out on a pedestrian or worker. 
     As a result, some scaffold ends have small extensions with protrusions to seal these open scaffold ends. The protrusions are relatively small and may not be too visible. Consequently, the protrusions may form dangerous extensions capable of poking an unwary pedestrian or worker. 
     One common solution to avoid inadvertently walking or bumping into scaffold ends is to provide a force-cushioning buffer on the scaffold to help dissipate the force of impact from these types of collisions. However, the buffer can easily dislodge from the scaffold end if not secured properly due to weather conditions, construction accidents, and collisions. 
     The cost of buffering all of the scaffold ends on a large scaffold structure is also problematic for larger buildings that require extensive scaffold structures. These techniques have had limited, if any, success. 
     There is a need to address one or more of the foregoing disadvantages of conventional systems and methods, and the present invention meets this need. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Various aspects of a system and method for covering a scaffold end can be found in exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
     In one embodiment, a cap cover system attaches to a scaffold end to provide protection from inadvertent collisions between the scaffold end and a person or object. The cap cover system helps protect pedestrians, workers, and machines against injury and damage by covering the scaffold end, absorbing impact forces, and incorporating features to enhance visibility of the scaffold end. The cap cover system further provides an aesthetic surface for covering an unsightly scaffold end. 
     The cap cover system includes a cap disposed to cover a scaffold end. In this manner, a scaffold end with a sharp or open terminal point may be covered to minimize injury and provide an aesthetic surface. The cap includes an open end and a closed end sized and dimensioned to cover the scaffold end. 
     The open end includes a peripheral lip and notch, the peripheral lip extending inwardly, and provides a supporting ledge for the scaffold end. The cap comprises an internal spring that attaches to an interior surface of the closed end, and extends outwardly towards the open end. The spring serves to receive the scaffold end and exert a compressive force used to secure the cap onto the scaffold end. 
     The scaffold end passes through the one end of the cap and presses against the spring to create a compressive force. The compressive force generates opposing tension forces between the scaffold protrusion and the peripheral lip and upon further rotation of the cap in a first direction, the scaffold protrusion reaches the rest notch where it is locked to secure the cap onto the scaffold end. 
     Conversely, a rotation of the cap in a second direction, at a predetermined arc length, allows the cap to slip off the scaffold end and releases the scaffold protrusion from the rest notch, past the peripheral lip through the lip notch, as the scaffold protrusion is released from the compressive force of the spring to unsecure the cap cover. 
     A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention herein may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specifications and the attached drawings. Further features and advantages of the present invention as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with respect to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a detailed perspective view of a scaffold end and a cap according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a detailed perspective view of a cap over the scaffold end of  FIG. 1A  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a bottom view of a spring according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a cross sectional view of a cap according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross sectional view of a cap engaged with a scaffold end according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cross sectional view of a cap engaging a scaffold end according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a top plan view of a cap according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a flowchart diagram for a method for covering a scaffold end according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as to not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates a scaffold cover  104  system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     In  FIG. 1A , the scaffold cover  104  can cover an exposed scaffold end  100  as shown. By covering the scaffold end  100  having sharp or open terminal points, injury from collisions can be minimized while providing an aesthetically pleasing surface. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that the scaffold end  100  may extend onto walkways or work areas where pedestrians and workers may have inadvertent collisions with the scaffold end  100 . A visible force-absorbing scaffold cover  104  can prevent or minimize injury and damages. 
     The scaffold cover  104  is substantially silo-shaped and is sized and dimensioned to cover the scaffold end  100 . Thus, the diameter of the scaffold cover  104  depends upon the diameter of the scaffold end  100 . The scaffold cover  104  may be fabricated from a material efficacious for absorbing the force of an impact including, without limitation, high density polymers, fiberglass, wood, and polyvinyl chloride, etc. 
     The scaffold cover  104  includes a closed end  106  that is fabricated to provide a force-absorbing surface. The closed end  106  includes a smooth, rounded surface, configured to minimize injury with colliding objects, such as pedestrians, workers, and machines. However, in other embodiments, the closed end  106  may include a variety of shapes, including, without limitation, a square, an oval, and a T-shape. 
     The scaffold cover  104  also includes an open end  108  further illustrated with reference to  FIG. 2 . In  FIG. 1A , the open end  108  is oppositely disposed from the closed end  106 , the open end  108  and the closed end  106  being coupled by a cylindrically-shaped body  105 . The open end  108  is configured to receive the scaffold end  100 . 
     The open end  108  is disposed within a peripheral lip  110  that extends around the inside periphery of the cylindrical shaped body  105 , said peripheral lip  110  also extending in thickness inward toward the closed end  106 . The thickness of this peripheral lip  110  provides a supporting ledge for scaffold protrusion  102  to secure the scaffold cap  104  in place when said cap is used to cover the scaffold end  100 . 
     In  FIG. 1A , the peripheral lip  110  also includes lip notches  112  that allow at least partial passage of the scaffold end  100  into the open end  108 , all of which features are further described with reference to  FIGS. 2-6 . 
     In use, as can be seen for each scaffold end  100 , the scaffold cover  104  is placed over the scaffold end  100  by aligning the lip notch  112  with the scaffold protrusion  102  and inserting the scaffold cover  104  along the direction indicated by the arrows until the scaffold end  100  is covered as further illustrated in  FIG. 1B . In one embodiment, the peripheral lip  110  comprises two diametrically positioned lip notches  112  that pass over two scaffold protrusions  102 . 
     In one alternative embodiment, the scaffold cover  104  may include ridges (not shown) along a longitudinal axis that compress upon engagement with a force of impact from a colliding object. In this manner, collisions with colliding objects are dampened, thereby protecting both the colliding object and a scaffold structure. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates the scaffold cover  104  covering the scaffold end  100  ( FIG. 1A ) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     In  FIG. 1B , as shown, the scaffold end  100  is no longer visible as it is completely covered by the scaffold cover  104 . Thus, injury to pedestrians, workers and the like is avoided. Although not shown, it is contemplated that the scaffold cover  104  can also provide a partial covering to scaffold end  100 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a bottom plan view of the scaffold cover  104  that shows the open end  108  of  FIG. 1 . 
     In  FIG. 2 , the open end  108  is sized and dimensioned to receive the end of a tube or pipe, often used for scaffold structures such as the scaffold end  100  of  FIG. 1A . In one embodiment, an exemplary diameter of the open end  108  is 1.5″. 
     As noted, the open end  108  is subsumed within the peripheral lip  110  ( FIG. 1 ) that supports at least one scaffold protrusion  102  ( FIG. 1B ) extending from the scaffold end  100 , as further described with referenced to  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
     As previously noted, the peripheral lip  110  extends inwardly (towards the internal spring  202 ), preferably about ⅛ th  of an inch and is of sufficient rigidity to support the weight of the scaffold protrusion  102 . In one embodiment, the radius “×” of the peripheral lip  110  extending from the cylindrically-shaped body  105  to the open end  108  is preferably about ¼ th  of an inch. Although not necessary, the peripheral lip  110  is fabricated from the same material as the scaffold cover  104 . 
     The peripheral lip  110  includes at least two lip notches  112  that are substantially disposed opposite each other for enabling at least partial passage of the scaffold protrusion  102 . In this manner, after the scaffold protrusion  102  passes through the lip notch  112 , rotation of the scaffold cover  104  in a clockwise direction urges the scaffold protrusion  102  onto engagement with the interior of the peripheral lip  110  until each scaffold protrusion  102  reaches a corresponding rest notch  306  ( FIG. 3 ), where the scaffold protrusion  102  is engaged and locked into. 
     The scaffold cover  104  comprises the internal spring  202  that attaches to an interior surface  304  ( FIG. 3 ) of the closed end  106 , and extends outwardly towards the open end  108 . In one embodiment, the internal spring  202  is attached via grooved threads on the interior surface  304  of closed end  106 . The internal spring  202  may include, without limitation, a helix spring, a compression spring, a torsion spring, or a cantilever spring. 
     In some embodiments, the scaffold cover  104  covers the scaffold end  100  such that the scaffold end  100  presses against the internal spring  202  to create a compressive force. The compressive force generates opposing tension forces that press the scaffold protrusion  102  against the peripheral lip  110  and reach rest notch  306  to secure the scaffold cover  104  onto the scaffold end  100 . 
     Specifically, the scaffold protrusion  102  passes through the lip notch  112  and engages the internal spring  202 , which causes an opposing tension force between the internal spring  202  and the scaffold end  100 . Rotation of the scaffold cover  104  in a clockwise direction presses the peripheral lip  110  against the scaffold protrusion  102  and as rotation continues, rest notch  106  is reached. At this point, the opposing tension force then locks scaffold protrusion  102  into rest notch  106  to form a secure attachment and retain the scaffold cover  104  over the scaffold end  100 . 
     Conversely, rotation of the scaffold cover  104  in a counter clockwise direction, at a predetermined arc length, allows the scaffold cover  104  to slip off the scaffold end  100  by releasing scaffold protrusion  102  from the rest notch  106  to the peripheral lip  110 , until the scaffold protrusion  102  and the lip notch  112  are aligned, after which the opposing tension force on the spring  202  releases the cover  104 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of scaffold cover  104  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     In  FIG. 3 , specifically, internal components are shown when scaffold cover  104  is split along its cross-section. As can be seen, peripheral lip  110  includes the lip notch  112  as well as scaffold protrusion groove  305 , wherein the scaffold protrusion  102  rotates before coming to rest within the rest notch  306  as further described with reference to  FIG. 5 . A spring groove  302  is positioned adjacent to the internal spring  202  and forms a peripheral groove on the interior surface  304  of the closed end  106  is also shown. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of scaffold cover  104  covering scaffold end  100  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     In  FIG. 4 , scaffold cover  104  covers scaffold end  100  such that internal spring  202  is compressed as shown. The scaffold protrusion  102  is also at rest within the rest notch  306  as shown. Exemplary dimensions in inches for various lengths of the scaffold cover  104  are shown. As an example, the dimension of the rest notch  306  is 10/16 th  of an inch. One skilled in the art will understand that the dimensions herein shown are exemplary and can be modified as necessary depending on the dimensions of the scaffold end  100 . 
       FIG. 5  depicts the scaffold cover  104  over the scaffold end  100  so that the internal spring  202  creates a compressive force. 
     This compressive force generates opposing tension forces between the peripheral lip  110  ( FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 2 ) and the scaffold protrusion  102  to press the scaffold cover  104  onto the scaffold end  100 . 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that the compressive force created by the internal spring  202  is proportional to the displacement of the compression of the internal spring  202 . In this manner, the scaffold protrusion  102  is sufficiently forced against the peripheral lip  110  to secure the scaffold cover  104  against the scaffold end  100 . 
     A spring groove  302  ( FIG. 3 ) positions adjacent to the internal spring  202 , forming a peripheral groove on the interior surface  304  ( FIG. 3 ) of the closed end  106 . The spring groove  302  comprises a threaded section of the interior surface  304 , sized and dimensioned to receive and hold a portion of the internal spring  202 . 
     Upon rotation in the first direction, the spring groove  302  receives a portion of the internal spring  202  to attach the internal spring  202  to the interior surface  304 . The internal spring  202  can be detached by rotating the spring in a counter clockwise direction. 
     In operation, the scaffold end  100 , often having sharp or protruding members, is identified. The system for covering the scaffold end  100  is operable to provide a cover for various sizes and shapes of scaffold ends  100 . In all cases, sharp or dangerous protrusions from the scaffold end  100  are covered. 
     The scaffold cover  104  initially orients so that the open end  108  faces the scaffold end  100 . The scaffold end  100  may be pointed in any direction for the scaffold cover  104  to provide a cover, for example, a downwardly pointing scaffold end  100  being in proximity to a walkway. 
     The lip notch  112  aligns with the scaffold protrusion  102  in preparation for coupling. The position of the lip notch  112  and the scaffold protrusion  102  are determinative of the final positioning of the scaffold cover  104  in relation to the scaffold end  100 . 
     The scaffold cover  104  presses towards the scaffold end  100 , with the lip notches  112  allowing the scaffold protrusions  102  to pass through until the interior surface  304  presses against the internal spring  202 . The scaffold cover  104  then rotates in a clockwise direction for about a quarter of the angular length of the scaffold cover  104 . 
     Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the direction of the spirals on the internal spring  202  and the diameter of the internal spring  202  are determinative of the direction and amount of the rotation. 
     Upon rotation, the scaffold protrusion  102  engages the peripheral lip  110 . The scaffold protrusion  102  is then positioned between the compressive force of the internal spring  202  and the rigid bather provided by the interior of the peripheral lip  110  while the scaffold protrusion  102  is rotatable because of the scaffold protrusion groove  305  ( FIG. 3 ). The scaffold protrusion groove  305  is located radially within the scaffold cover  104  housing extending between the oppositely disposed lip notches  112 . 
     The opposing tension force between the internal spring  202  and the scaffold end  100  presses the scaffold protrusion  102  against the peripheral lip  110 , and as the scaffold cover is rotated and reaches the rest notch  306 , the opposing tension force exerts a force that locks each scaffold protrusion  102  into place within the rest notch  306  to form a secure attachment and retain the scaffold cover  104  over the scaffold end  100 . The scaffold cover  104  securely positions on the scaffold end  100 , whereby an external force or gravity may not cause the scaffold cover  104  to detach from the scaffold end  100 . 
     The scaffold cover  104  is released by applying downward pressure on the scaffold cover  104  to ease the scaffold protrusion  102  out of the rest notch area  306  into the scaffold protrusion groove  305  (and the peripheral lip  110 ) and then by rotating the scaffold cover  104  in a counter clockwise direction for a quarter of the angular length of the scaffold cover  104  until the lip notch  112  is reached. The scaffold protrusion  102  is released via the lip notch  112  by the compressive force of the internal spring  202 . 
     In this manner, the peripheral lip  110 , the lip notch  112 , the scaffold protrusion groove  305  and the internal spring  202  work cooperatively to secure and release said scaffold cover  104  to and from the scaffold end  100  in accordance with principles and precepts of the present invention. In one alternative embodiment, a latch or lock may help retain the internal spring  202  against the spring groove  302 , as referenced in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a top plan view of scaffold cover  104  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     In  FIG. 6 , specifically, a view looking through open end  108  of  FIG. 1A  is shown. The two scaffold protrusions  112  are a quarter turn away from the two lip notches  112  after the scaffold cover  104  is in place. The internal spring  202  is also shown. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a flowchart diagram for a method  700  for covering a scaffold end  100 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     In  FIG. 7 , in summary, the method for covering a scaffold end  100  is efficacious for at least partially covering a scaffold end  100 . The method comprises an initial step of orienting an open end  108  of the scaffold cover  104  to face the scaffold end  100 . The scaffold cover  104  positions to cover the terminal sections and aberrations and protruding members on the scaffold end  100 . The process then may proceed to a step, which involves aligning the lip notches  112  with the scaffold protrusions  102 . In some embodiments a pair of protruding abutments or scaffold protrusions  102  position on each side of the scaffold ends  100 . A next step includes enabling at least partial passage of the scaffold protrusion  102  through the lip notch  112 . A further step includes enabling at least partial passage of the scaffold end  100  through the open end  108 , which fits over the scaffold end  100 . A next step includes creating opposing tension forces between the internal spring  202  and the scaffold end  100 . The internal spring  202  is configured to store potential energy in the form of these opposing tension forces. 
     A latch or hook may be utilized to help retain the internal spring  202  in the compressed position. In some embodiments, a step includes rotating the scaffold cover  104  in a clockwise direction to urge the scaffold protrusion  102  into engagement with the peripheral lip  110  and the rest notch  306 . The opposing tension forces serve to press the peripheral lip  110  against the scaffold protrusion  102  and subsequently into the rest notch  306 , where the scaffold protrusion  102  is locked. Finally, a step includes covering the scaffold end  100 . This may serve to restrict physical and visual contact with the scaffold end  100 . 
     In  FIG. 7 , more specifically, the method  700  comprises an initial step  702  of orienting an open end  108  of the scaffold cover  104  to face the scaffold end  100 . A scaffold structure may comprise a structure of pipes and tubes having sharp ends, burrs, and shards. The scaffold cover  104  positions to cover these aberrations. 
     The method then may proceed to a step  704 , which involves aligning the lip notch  112  with the scaffold protrusion  102 . In one embodiment, two scaffold protrusions  102  pass through two lip notches  112 . 
     A next step  706  includes enabling at least partial passage of the scaffold protrusion  102  through the lip notch  112 . The lip notch  112  is sized and dimensioned to allow passage of the scaffold protrusion  102 . The shapes and dimensions of the lip notch  112  and the scaffold protrusion  102  may include, without limitation, rectangle, square, oval, and pyramid. 
     The method then may proceed to a step  708  that includes enabling at least partial passage of the scaffold end  100  through the open end  108 . The open end  108  is configured to fit over the scaffold protrusion  102 . 
     Step  710 , creates opposing tension forces with the internal spring  202  between the peripheral lip  110  and the scaffold protrusion  102 . The internal spring  202  is configured to store potential energy when compressed. This compressive force generates opposing tension forces between the peripheral lip  110  and rest notch  306  and the scaffold protrusion  102 . 
     A step  712  includes rotating the scaffold cover  104  in the first direction to urge the scaffold protrusion  102  into engagement with the peripheral lip  110  until the scaffold protrusion  102  arrives at the rest notch  306  where the scaffold protrusion  102  is locked to secure the scaffold cover  104  onto the scaffold end  100 . The first direction may include a clockwise direction at about a quarter of a cap arc length. 
     Conversely, rotating the scaffold cover  104  in a second direction allows the scaffold protrusion  102  to unlock from rest notch  306  and to pass through the lip notch  112 , and thereby disengage the scaffold end  100  from the scaffold cover  104 . The second direction may include a counter clockwise direction at a about a quarter of a cap arc length. 
     Finally, a step  714  includes covering the scaffold end  100  with the scaffold cover  104 . This may serve to restrict physical and visual contact with the scaffold end  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the scaffold cover  104  may include preventive features designed to help minimize initial contact with the scaffold end  100 . For example, without limitation, a highly visible paint, such as a fluorescent color, may coat the scaffold cover  104  to create a visible warning and aesthetic design. 
     Thus, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.