Patent Publication Number: US-2005139423-A1

Title: Enclosure system for scaffolding

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention relates in general to scaffolding systems and more particularly to an enclosure system that protects workmen from severe weather conditions, allows construction work to be done all year round and is easily installed to an existing scaffolding that is erected next to a building.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Construction work on various structures such as a building has been traditionally accomplished using a scaffold that is erected adjacent the wall of the building to provide access to the structure while it is under construction. Sheltering workers from inclement weather has usually been accomplished by attaching sheets of plastic or tarps that are attached to the frame of the scaffold by various means. Typically rope or wire is thread through the tarp and attached to the frame of the scaffold.  
      The disadvantage of this type of arrangement is that the tarp becomes difficult to handle especially at great heights. Furthermore once the tarp is attached to the frame of the scaffold, any significant wind can catch in the tarp and cause the tarp to act like as a sail and therefore create pressure on the footings of the scaffold.  
      Prior art scaffolding enclosures have been devised to address the noted problems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,770 issued on Apr. 25, 1995 to Suzuki relates to a sheet stretcher which comprises a base, which has a hole for slidably receiving an expanded portion formed at an edge of a sheet, a slit communicating with the hole and through which the end portion of the sheet continuous to its expanded portion is insertable, a hole for slidably receiving a further expanded portion formed at an edge of a further sheet, a slit communicating with the hole through which the end portion of the further sheet continuous to the further expanded portion is insertable.  
      Specifically, Patent &#39;770 discloses a variety of sheet stretchers that may be assembled to connect a number of sheets to a scaffold frame. One type of stretcher connects sheets to sheets, while a second type of stretcher connects the sheet to an adjustment mechanism. Ropes or wires are used to attach the stretcher to the scaffolding frame.  
      Virtanen is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 3,995,715 which issued on Dec. 7, 1976 relates to a scaffolding a plurality of sheets of plastic having bead portions, profiles surrounding the bead portions of each two abutting sheet edges thereby securing the sheets to each other. A plurality of attachment members partly surrounds the profiles and holds the profiles in related assembly with the scaffolding.  
      Jankowski is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,889 which issued on Aug. 13, 1991 and relates to a scaffold enclosure having a plurality of panels. Each panel has a closure on a first lateral edge for securing that edge to an upright on the scaffolding. The closure can be straps having first and second flaps with hook and loop closures thereon for securing the straps to various sized uprights. Each panel also has fasteners, preferably continuous strips of hook and loop closures, on both its inner and outer surfaces at each edge. The panels are thus engageable on one another to form a scaffold enclosure with completely sealed seams. To facilitate installment, two types of panels, starter panels and continuing panels, are utilized, each having a particular arrangement of fasteners.  
      King is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,915 which issued on Nov. 8, 1988 and relates to an apparatus for suspending cladding or protective sheeting from scaffolding includes a first member detachably securable to an element of scaffolding, and a second member capable of attachment to said sheeting or cladding. The second member is adapted to hang from said first, thereby to hang the cladding or sheeting from scaffolding.  
      Nealeigh is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,999 which issued on Jul. 14, 1998 and relates to a series of horizontally spaced tubular metal frames each include a pair of vertical short and long leg members rigidly connected by an inclined support member having a projecting upper end portion. The leg members are removably connected to the top ends of vertically aligned legs of a tubular metal scaffold assembly positioned adjacent a building. The inclined support members receive connector members connected to the building roof or ridge members connected by horizontal support members and supported by vertical posts resting on the roof or floor. A flexible light transmitting plastic film is supported by the inclined support members and ridge connector members to enclose the frames and scaffold assembly, and the film has an edge portion clamped to the roof or floor.  
      Furthermore there are other enclosure systems that focus on constructing a whole building. For instance the “We Cover Building Systems”, Elmira, Ontario, Canada uses a polyoefin fabric for minimal heat transfer, and uses a flat sectional fabric fastening system that eliminated wrinkles, flapping, and chafing.  
      Although some of the prior art addresses some of the problems outlined above, they do not disclose an easy to install enclosure system that can be assembled with minimum labour, and can be used all year round and adapted to various weather conditions. Thus an enclosure system for scaffolding which may be easily attached to a scaffold frame, can be used with any height of structure, keeps inclement weather out, is easy to install is desirable.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved an enclosure system that protects workmen from severe weather conditions, allows construction work to be done all year round and is easily installed to an existing scaffolding that is erected next to a building.  
      In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided an enclosure system for scaffolding frame that includes a plurality of stackable section members each having a first end and a second end and at least one slot. The stackable section members may be stacked one on top of each other so that the slot of each stackable section member is aligned with one another to form a continuous slot.  
      Conveniently, the stacking of the stackable section members one on top of each other defines a continuous profile. The continuous profile may further include a series of recesses at the first and second ends that can receive a connecting member so as to connect the stackable section members. Mounting members may secure each of the stackable section members to the scaffolding frame.  
      Preferably, an enclosing means is adapted to engage the slot and the continuous slot when the stackable section members are stacked one on top of each other to enclose the scaffolding frame.  
      Finally a method of erecting an enclosure system for scaffolding frame is also disclosed.  
      Advantages of the present invention are: easy to install to existing scaffold frames, provides a seal to keep inclement weather out of work area, adapted to accept a variety of tarps, such as reflective or insulated, made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or aluminum, workspace can be heated via connected members, tarp is elasticized, tarps can be linked together horizontally so that the enclosure system can be easily installed, quick connect attachment for securing enclosure system to structure, and can be adapted to fit around obstacles with a telescoping function. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      A detailed description of the preferred embodiment(s) is(are) provided herein below by way of example only and with reference to the following drawings, in which:  
       FIG. 1  in a top plan view, illustrates the stackable section member and the mounting member mounted to a scaffolding frame in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  in a top plan view illustrates the stackable section member and the mounting member.  
       FIG. 3   a  in a back perspective view, illustrates an alternative embodiment of the stackable section member of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3   b  in a top plan view, illustrates an alternative embodiment of the stackable section member and mounting member of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3   c  in a perspective view, illustrates the mounting member of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 4   a  in a side perspective view, illustrates the stackable section member and the mounting member of  FIG. 3   a.    
       FIG. 5  in a back perspective view, illustrates an alternative embodiment of the stackable section member of  FIG. 3   a.    
       FIG. 6   a  in a back perspective view, illustrates an alternative embodiment of the stackable section member of  FIG. 3   a.    
       FIG. 6   b  in a top plan view, illustrates an alternative embodiment of the stackable section member and mounting member of  FIG. 6   a.    
       FIG. 6   c  in a perspective view, illustrates the mounting member of  FIG. 6   a.    
       FIG. 7  in a top plan view, illustrates the enclosure system in a telescoping position.  
       FIG. 8  in a top plan view, illustrates the continuous profile mounted to the scaffold frame.  
       FIG. 9  in a front elevational view, illustrates the connecting member.  
       FIG. 10  in a perspective view, illustrates the enclosing means inserted into the stackable section members.  
       FIG. 11  in a top plan view, illustrates the enclosure system mounted to the scaffold frame.  
       FIG. 12   a  in a top plan view, illustrates the insulated enclosing means inserted into the stackable section members.  
       FIG. 12   b  in a perspective view, illustrates the insulated enclosing means inserted into the stackable section members of  FIG. 12   a.    
       FIG. 13   a  in a top plan view, illustrates the transparent enclosing means inserted into the stackable section members.  
       FIG. 13   b  in a perspective view, illustrates the transparent enclosing means inserted into the stackable section members of  FIG. 13   a.    
       FIG. 14  in a side elevational view, illustrates the linking member.  
       FIG. 15  in a front view, illustrates the linking of two adjacent adjustable tarps.  
       FIG. 16  in a perspective view, illustrates the linking of two adjacent adjustable tarps.  
       FIG. 17  in a top plan view, illustrates the linking of two adjacent adjustable tarps.  
       FIG. 18  in a front elevational view, illustrates the assembled enclosure system.  
       FIG. 19  in an end view, illustrates a variation of the mounting member.  
       FIG. 20  in a bottom plan view, illustrates a variation of the mounting member in operation.  
       FIG. 21  in a perspective view, illustrates a variation of the mounting member.  
       FIG. 22  in an end view, illustrates a variation of the mounting member in operation.  
       FIG. 23  in a perspective view, illustrates the bracket of the mounting member.  
       FIG. 24  in an end view, illustrates a variation of the mounting member in operation. 
    
    
      In the drawings, preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.  
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is illustrated in top plan views, an enclosure system  10  for scaffolding frame  12  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIGS. 3-6  the enclosure system  10  for scaffolding frame  12  includes a plurality of stackable section members  14  each having a first end  16  and a second end  18 , and at least one slot  20 . The stackable section members  14  may be stacked one on top of each other so that the slot  20  of each stackable section member  14  is aligned with one another to form a continuous slot  22 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  8  and  9  the stacking of the stackable section members  14  one on top of each other defines a continuous profile  28  with a top side  30 , a bottom side  32 , two sides  34  and  36 , as well as a central pocket  52  running the length of the continuous profile  28 . Each side  34  and  36  has one of the slots  20 . The slot  20  may be further defined as a C-shaped channel  38 , which runs along each of the sides  34  and  36 . The C-shaped channels  38  engages or retains an enclosing means  26 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 7  the bottom side  32  may further include a telescoping portion  78  that can adjust the distance between the stackable section members  14  and the scaffold frame  12 . The ability to telescope the stackable section member  14  or the continuous profile  28  (once the stackable section members  14  are stacked) allows the installation to the enclosure system to go around any obstacles. The stackable section members  14  may be made from a variety of materials such as PVC and aluminum thereby allowing the enclosure system  10  to be mounted around corners and easily attached to structures at various angles.  
      The continuous profile  28  may further include a series of recesses  40  at the first and second ends ( 16  and  18  respectively) that can receive a connecting member  42 . Each recess  40  may have an edge  50 . The connecting member  42  allows for the connecting of either the first end  16  or the second end  18  of the stackable section members  14  to one another. Specifically the connecting member  42  may be a pin  44  having a raised center portion  46 . Either end  48  and  49  of the pin  44  may be inserted into a recess  40  located on either the second end  18  of a first stackable section member  14 . The recess  40  may receive the end  48  of the pin  44  until the raised center portion  46  of the pin  44  contacts the edge  50  of the recess  40 . Therefore the other end  49  of the pin  44  is exposed, which allows a second stackable section member  14  to be aligned and stacked on top of the first stackable member  14 , by inserting the other end  48  of the pin  44  into the recess  40  at the first end  16  of the second stackable section member  14 . Subsequent stackable section members  14  can be likewise added so as to create the continuous profile  28 .  
      Mounting members  24  may secure each of the stackable section members  14  to the scaffolding frame  12 . The mounting members  24  can be mounted at various points along the scaffold frame  12  depending on the desire of the installer. The mounting member  24  may be better defined as a bracket  52  that is adapted or shaped to receive the scaffolding frame  12 .  FIGS. 19 and 20  illustrate alternatives to the mounting member  24 . More specifically  FIGS. 19- 22  illustrate a hinged bracket  110  adapted to receive a thumb screw  112  that locks the hinged bracket  110  on the scaffolding frame  12 . The hinged bracket  110  may have hooked ends  120  that can hook or latch onto the stackable section member  14 .  FIGS. 23-24  illustrate two brackets  114  having each having a threaded recess  116  at one end  122  that receives a fastening means  118  for securing the brackets  114  to the scaffolding frame  12 . Each bracket  114  may have a hooked end  124  that can latch on to the stackable section member  14 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 3   c  and  6   c  the bracket  52  may also be notched  58  to easily receive a fastening means  54  for securing the bracket  52  to the stackable section members  14 . The fastening means  54  may be a bolt and screw arrangement  56  by way of example though other fastening combinations are possible.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , an enclosing means  26  is adapted to engage the slot  20  and the continuous slot  22  when the stackable section members  14  are stacked one on top of each other to enclose the scaffolding frame  12 . The enclosing means  26  may be an adjustable tarp  60  having two side edges  62  and  64  respectively. The side edges  62  and  64  of the adjustable tarp  60  are adapted to engage each of the C-shaped channels  38 . The side edges  62  and  64  of the adjustable tarp  60  may further include a guide member  66  attached to each of the side edges  62  and  64 . The guide member  66  may be inserted into each of the C-shaped channels  38  on each of the sides  34  and  36  of the continuous profile  28 . The guide member  66  and the side edges  62  and  64  of the adjustable tarp  60  are then pulled along the C-shaped channels  38  and therefore along the continuous profile  28 . The guide member may be rope or wire  68  that is positioned at the side edges  62  and  64  of the adjustable tarp  60 . The side edges  62  and  64  are wrapped around the rope or wire  68  and the side edges  62  and  64  are then heat-sealed to secure the rope or wire  68  to the side edges  62  and  64  of the adjustable tarp  60 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13  the adjustable tarp  60  may have elastised portions  70  towards the side edges  62  and  64  to allow the adjustable tarp  60  to flex and contract when it is installed and in operation. The adjustable tarp  60  may be made from insulated material, reflective material, transparent material or camouflage material by way of example.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 14, 15 ,  16  and  17  the adjustable tarp  60  may further be defined as having a top edge  72  and a bottom edge 74 . The top edge  72  and the bottom edge  74  each may have a linking member  76  so that the linking member  76  on the top edge  72  of the adjustable tarp  60  can connect to a linking member  76  on the bottom edge  74  of an adjacent adjustable tarp  60 . The linking member  76  may be clasp mechanism  90  that links to adjacent adjustable tarps  60  together thereby ensuring that there is very little open space between the adjustable tarps  60  that could allow air in. Furthermore attachment loops  100  may also be located on the clasp mechanism  90  to ties down the sides  62  and  64  of the adjustable tarps  60  to provide further stability.  
      This arrangement in combination with elastised portions  70  and the configuration of the enclosing means in relation to the stackable section members  14  results in an efficient seal for the enclosure system  10 . As a result there is less chance of the wind catching the tarp and causing it to form a sail and therefore destabilize the scaffolding frame  12 . Furthermore the enclosure system  10  may be erected all year round since appropriate type of tarp material can be used depending the weather requirement, which results in year use of the enclosure system  10  and therefore year round construction. For example the insulated tarp may be used in winter to retain the heat between the building and the enclosure system  10 . Furthermore the central pocket  52  that may run the length of the continuous profile  28  may act as a passage way for heat that is blown up from the base of the scaffolding frame  12  or a heated element may be threaded down the passageway by way of example.  
      Referring to  FIG. 18 , a method of erecting an enclosure system  10  for scaffolding frame  12  is also disclosed. The erecting of the enclosure system  10  includes the following steps: stacking the stackable section members  14  one on top of each other to form the first continuous profile  28  and so that each slot  20  on either side  34  and  36  of each stackable section member  14  is aligned when the first continuous profile  82  is mounted to the scaffold frame  12  thereby forming the continuous slot  22  on each of the two sides  34  and  36 ; securing the first continuous profile  28  to a first vertical member  80  of the scaffold frame  12  by the mounting members  24 ; stacking the stackable section members  14  one on top of each other to form the second continuous profile (not shown) and so that each slot  20  on either side  34  and  36  of each stackable section member  14  is aligned when the first continuous profile  28  is mounted to the scaffold frame  12  thereby forming the continuous slot  22  on each of the two sides  34  and  36 ; securing a second continuous profile to a second vertical member (not shown) of the scaffold frame  12  by the mounting members  24 ; inserting the enclosing means  26  into the continuous slot  22  of the first continuous profile  82 ; inserting the enclosing means  26  into the continuous slot  22  of the second continuous profile; pulling the enclosing means  26  along the continuous slots  22  to a desired distance along the first and second continuous profiles to enclose the scaffolding frame  12 .  
      The method can be further defined as including the step of inserting a an end  48  of the connecting member  42  into a recess  40  of a second end  18  of a stackable section member  14  and inserting the other end  49  into a recess  40  of a second stackable section member  14 . By repeating the process over and over the continuous profile  28  may be erected. The method can also include the step of connecting the linking member  76  on the top edge  72  of the enclosing means  26  to a linking member  76  on a bottom edge  74  of an adjacent enclosing means  26 .  
      The insertion of the enclosing means  26  or adjustable tarp  60  into the C-shaped channels  38  can be accomplished a number of different ways. A series of adjustable tarps  60  that are pre-linked may be located on a nearby rack to allow easy access by the installer, so that upon installation, the first adjustable tarp  60  inserted into the C-shaped channels  38  and the remaining adjustable tarps  60  subsequently role off the rack as the enclosure system is erected  10 . The guide member  66  or rope  68  on each side  62  and  64  of the enclosing means  26  may also be attached to a mechanical winch or similar device to help pull the adjustable tarp  60  up the structure.  
      Other variations and modifications of the invention are possible. All such modifications or variations are believed to be within the sphere and scope of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.