Patent ID: 12234660

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention herein provides a solution for protecting and maintaining the safety and integrity of unaltered fixtures and surfaces during demolition and construction. The invention includes a uniquely configured frame element with members connecting several frame elements to create a frame skeleton. Several protective panels surrounding the skeletal frame are incorporated to provide for protection and containment. This unique arrangement, in combination, is capable of solving the above issues plaguing current methods of protection during construction.

As stated above, when the interiors of Yachts and other high-end vehicles/crafts are being refitted, not all surfaces and interiors are demolished. Because these remaining high-end fixtures and surfaces are vulnerable to damage from debris and loose articles from demolition, it is important to include protections against such damage. While no solution exists in the marine industry, systems in general construction and building include scaffolding and plastic tarps, typically duct taped together to contain dust. However, this setup does not protect flooring, walls, and other surfaces from heavier debris, and damage can occur if something is dropped. Typically, builders may include cardboard squares on the floor, however these squares can slide and scrape the floors they're intended to protect. In addition, when leaving these protected areas, there is typically no protection for rooms being left unaltered. That is, the scaffolding, tarps, and cardboard only exist in the construction area.

When the interiors of Yachts and other high-end vehicles/crafts are being refitted, the rooms being demolished and remodeled are typically nestled down a maze of corridors and stairways. Thus, a need exists in the market for a temporary protective structure that is configurable to tunnel through unaltered areas of a vehicle or craft under renovation and provide enhanced protection for the surfaces outside the tunnel so that damage does not occur.

The current invention solves these problems by implementing a post104and beam106system with interconnecting members108/110for the skeletal frame and accompanying protective panels112/114/116/118. The combination of these elements creates modules120, which can be linked end to end to create a tunnel system capable of protecting sensitive surfaces.

The system incorporates numerous features to protect the surfaces of the location under renovation. It begins with incorporation of linear protective sheets112/114/116/118to cover at least the flooring10, as well as sensitive areas like walls12, stairs14, and railings16, as shown inFIGS.1and19. These protective sheets are constructed of a plastic material, and arranged with a first upper plastic surface, and a lower plastic surface, connected by plastic fluting thereby providing depth and cushion. The fluting may be appreciated from enlarged views inFIGS.10-13,15-16, and18. The sheets are typically square or rectangular sheets with a linear slice through the first upper plastic sheet and the fluting to allow foldability. However, such sheets may also be cut to size and shape for unique applications. As the sheets are placed around, they are secured to the protected surface by an adhesive. Further, the sheets are then secured to each other by implementing an adhesive tape. Because the sheets are constructed of a plastic material, the incorporation of an adhesive tape creates a water-resistant surface. In addition, are areas of potential slippage, such as stair treads, an adhesive grip is used.

Once the protective sheets are in place, a skeletal frame may be constructed for the tunnel element of the system, as shown inFIGS.2,3, and19. As may be seen, the frame incorporates a unitary U-shaped frame element102of fluted plastic material to keep the frames light and durable. It is important not to use any heavy materials so as to not pose a thread of damage to the underlying floorspace10. The U-shaped frame element102includes vertical members104, typically called studs104in frame construction, and an upper connecting member106, known as a top plate106in frame construction. The frame102includes notches for integrating with other members of the system to provide an easily constructable and de-constructable temporary structure. The U-shaped frame elements102are connected to one another by horizontal members108, typically called noggins108and a plurality of upper horizontal members110, typically called ceiling joists110. Each component is constructed of the same fluted plastic material for durability and lightness.

The U-shaped frame elements102, noggins108, and ceiling joists110all connect through complemental notches cut into each component. Once pressed into place, the elements for a tunnel module120. Footings134may also be used to help the modules stand independently. These tunnels are modular and may be arranged in series to provide a continuous tunnel from a starting point inside a construction zone, to an end point beyond areas at risk of damage.

Panels112/114/116may be installed enclosing the modular tunnel frames once the tunnel frames are secured, as shown inFIG.4. These panels112/114/116provide containment of the contents flowing through the tunnels, and are secured together with adhesive tape so that the tunnels are self-contained. It is to be appreciated that the sheets on the floor114, panels forming the ceiling116, and panels forming the wall112may all the same, thereby reducing the unique number of parts to ensure maximum flexibility and quickness of construction. These panels/sheets112/114/116are all constructed of fluted plastic material156, as shown inFIGS.10-13,15-16, and18. The fluting ensures cushion to falling objects, while the use of plastic allows the sheets/panels to elastically resume their shape, provide an impermeable water-resistant surface, and are lightweight to provide for ease of construction and avoid potential damage to the floor surface below. By incorporating an adhesive material162on each sheet, the sheets can affix to different surfaces, frames, and floors without the explicit need for adhesive tape. This ensures that the sheets/panels do not shift or slip. This aspect offers a significant benefit during construction because panels are not moving while they remain unsecured, and offers a significant benefit for surfaces because they remain in place while the tunnels are in use.

On final construction shown inFIG.5, the tunnels are sealed off with adhesive tape160, and may incorporate plastic zipper doors124, thereby sealing the tunnel off from unprotected areas of the construction zone and non-construction zone. Further, junctions of tunnels may be formed as well. Junctions may be sealed off with adhesive tape, and may be open on the inside, or may also contain plastic zipper doors124separating individual hallways within the tunnel system.

The system and method for a temporary protective structure for use in construction and demolition of the present invention may be used to provide a system capable of being readily assembled and disassembled with minimal pieces outside the overall system, provide a modular system that can be used to create a protective tunnel from a demolition or construction area to the outside of the structure where the threat of damage is no longer present, and provide a system that incorporates cushioned material to shield exposed surfaces of the structure. This apparatus and system are particularly shown inFIGS.2-8,17, and18.

FIG.1illustrates a conceptual view of the protective product100covering a stairwell14of a marine craft.FIG.2illustrates a conceptual view of the product100being installed in a room of a marine craft.FIG.3illustrates a conceptual view of an assembled frame, tunnel module120, of the product100installed in a room of a marine craft.FIG.4illustrates a conceptual view of the product100being installed in a room of a marine craft.FIG.5illustrates a conceptual view of the product100installed in a room of a marine craft.FIG.6illustrates a side elevation view of the skeleton of the tunnel module, with the first frame member102aand a second frame member102b.FIG.7illustrates two-dimensional views of various elements of the tunnel system.FIG.8illustrates enlarged portions of the frame element102shown inFIG.7.FIG.9illustrates an isometric view of the securement anchor184.FIGS.11-13illustrates various isometric views of the engagement of the securement anchor184.FIG.14illustrates an isometric view of the securement peg180including the cap178and stem176.FIGS.15and16illustrate various isometric views of the engagement of the securement peg with cap178shown above the aperture, and stem176below the aperture, thereby coupling two noggins108, as well as the coupling of a ceiling panel116and a wall panel112by the same mechanics.FIG.17illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of the tunnel module.FIG.18illustrates an enlarged isometric view of the fastening and mechanics of an embodiment of the tunnel module.FIG.19illustrates an isometric view of the skeletal structure of multiple tunnel modules120, including application on curves and inclines.

In an exemplary embodiment, a temporary protective structural system100is provided. The temporary protective structure100includes plurality of frame members102including at least a first frame member102aand at least a second frame member102b. Each frame member102in the plurality of frame members is a unitary frame element comprising a pair of opposing studs104/104a/104band integrated top plate106connecting said pair of opposing studs104a/104bat an upper integration point102c, as shown inFIGS.7and8. As may be appreciated, this unitary construction allows for easy installation, whereby only a single frame element102need be provided. In some embodiments, the frame102may be split in to two pieces to allow adjustability widthwise, however, the principles remain the same in either orientation.

The temporary protective structure100also includes a plurality of noggings108connecting a first stud104aof the pair of opposing studs104a/104bof the first frame member102ain the plurality of frame members102with a first stud104aof the pair of opposing studs104a/104bof the second frame member102bin the plurality of frame members102, as may be appreciated inFIG.6, and applying the elements shown inFIG.7. The temporary protective structure100also includes a plurality of noggings108connecting a second stud104bof the pair of opposing studs104a/104bof the first frame member102ain the plurality of frame members102with a second stud104bof the pair of opposing studs104a/104bof the second frame member102bin the plurality of frame members102, thereby forming at least one free-standing tunnel module120as shown in inFIGS.2-8,17, and18.

The temporary protective structure100also includes a plurality of ceiling joists110connecting the top plate106of each of the first frame members102ato a top plate106of each of the second frame members102b, thereby securing the at least one free-standing tunnel module120.

To enclose the temporary protective structure100, at least one vertical wall panel112is secured to an exterior area, as shown inFIGS.4,10-13, and15-18, of the at least one free-standing tunnel module120, thereby vertically enclosing the at least one free-standing tunnel module120. At least one horizontal ceiling panel116secures to an exterior ceiling area of the at least one free-standing tunnel module120. At least one horizontal floor panel114is included, whereby the at least one horizontal ceiling panel116and the at least one floor panel114horizontally enclose the at least one free-standing tunnel module120. In some embodiments, the ceiling and wall panels secure to the exterior of the tunnel structure, while in other embodiments, the ceiling and wall panels secure the interior of the tunnel structure.

In some embodiments of the temporary protective structural system100a plurality of said free-standing tunnel modules120are placed end to end to form an elongate modular tunnel system, as shown inFIGS.3-5, and19. As may be appreciated specifically inFIG.19, the modules120may be placed on stairs14, with a floor sheet114modified to fit the stairs14snuggly. The modules120may pivotally connect at a top plate of the next module120. Wall sheets may be cut to size to create an enclosed module. Further, the modules120may also be curved using intermediate noggins108b. Similarly, ceiling panels may be cut to fit the new curved shape.

In some embodiments of the temporary protective structural system100, footings134are placed under each stud104in the pair of opposing studs104a/104bof the frame members102/102a/102b, thereby structurally bracing said free-standing tunnel module120, as shown inFIG.6. The footings134may be constructed of the fluted material, and be folded along a fold line136, whereby a surface to one side of the fold line136rests on the floor10, and a surface on the other side of the fold line136braces the frame102.

In some embodiments of the temporary protective structural system100, a screwless securement between the top plates106and the ceiling joists110are used, as may be appreciated inFIGS.4-8, whereby the different members106/110each fit together to help support one another without a fixed connection point. In these embodiments, each top plate106includes at least one vertical notch126with an upper opening144, as shown inFIG.8. Each ceiling joist110includes a vertical notch132at each distal end, wherein each vertical notch132has a lower opening148, as shown inFIG.7. The at least one vertical notch126of each of the top plates106is configured for complemental engagement with the vertical notch132in the ceiling joist110, whereby the at least a first frame member102aand the at least a second frame member102bare thereby connected when each of the lower openings148of the vertical notches132of the ceiling joist110are slid down complemental notches126with upper openings140of said top plate106. This engagement may be appreciated inFIGS.2-6.

In some embodiments of the temporary protective structural system100, a screwless securement between the noggins108and the studs104are used, whereby the different members108/104/104a/104beach fit together to help support one another without a fixed connection point. In these embodiments, each stud104includes at least one horizontal notch128with an outer opening146, as shown inFIG.8. Each nogging108includes a horizontal notch130at each distal end, wherein each notch130has an inner opening144, as may be seen inFIG.7. The at least one horizontal notch128of each of the studs104is configured for complemental engagement with the horizontal notch130in the nogging108, whereby the at least a first frame member102aand the at least a second frame102bmember are thereby connected when each of the inner openings144of the horizontal notches130of the noggings are slid into complemental horizontal notches128with outer openings146of the studs. This engagement may be appreciated inFIGS.2-8.

In some embodiments a screwless securement between the noggins108and the studs104similar to the securement above are used, however, in this embodiment, the notches are inverse of the above embodiment. While the exact arrangement may not be shown in the drawings, the nogging remains the same, and the stud104merely includes notches opening from an inner portion rather than an outer portion. Each stud104includes at least one horizontal notch128with an inner opening. Each nogging108includes a horizontal notch130at each distal end, wherein each notch130has an outer opening144. At least one horizontal notch128of each of the studs104is configured for complemental engagement with the horizontal notch130in the nogging108, whereby the at least a first frame member102aand the at least a second frame member102bare thereby connected when each of the outer openings of the horizontal notches130of the noggings108are slid into complemental horizontal notches128with inner openings of the studs104.

In some embodiments of the temporary protective structural system100, a geometry of each nogging108is identical to a geometry of each ceiling joist110to provide for simplicity and interchangeability.

In some embodiments of the temporary protective structural system100, the ceiling panels116, wall panels112, and floor panels114are constructed of a corrugated or fluted material156thereby configuring the ceiling panels116, wall panels112, and floor panels114for cushion against impacting objects. In some embodiments, the ceiling joists110, noggings108, and frame members102are all constructed of the corrugated or fluted material156. The corrugated or fluted material156may be made of a fluted plastic sheet.

In some embodiments an adhesive tape160seals seams between panels112/114/116, including seams existing between one or more of the ceiling panels116, wall panels112, and floor panels114when multiple panels are incorporated, and the tape160seals seams between the free-standing tunnel modules120when multiple free-standing tunnel modules120are incorporated.

In some embodiments of the temporary protective structural system100, the system further includes a plurality of the protection panels112/114/116that are included with an adhesive area162for attaching the protection panels112/114/116to surfaces outside of the free-standing tunnel module120, as shown inFIG.4, or inside the free-standing tunnel module120. This helps with protection in larger areas that are not contained within the area of the inside of the free-standing tunnel module120.

In some embodiments of the temporary protective structural system100, geometries of each of the protection panels112/114/116, wall panels112, ceiling panels116, and floor panels114are identical in geometry to provide for simplicity and interchangeability. In some embodiments, the wall panels112also include a fold line111to allow the wall panels112to provide a wrapping effect for securement. In some embodiments, the ceiling panels116also include a fold line138to allow the ceiling panels116to provide a wrapping effect for securement around the outside of the tunnel module120.

In some embodiments of the temporary protective structural system100, the system further includes a plurality of foldable protection panels118with an adhesive area162for attaching the protection panels to surfaces of stairs. In some embodiments, each foldable protection panel118in the plurality of foldable protection panels has a gripping element122adhesively affixed to an upper surface of the each foldable protective panel118to provide traction, as shown inFIG.1.

In some embodiments of the temporary protective structural system100, the system100further includes a plurality of structural fasteners180/184configured to secure the noggins108or the ceiling joists110to additional noggins108or ceiling joists110in a plurality of noggins108or ceiling joists110. In some embodiments, the plurality of structural fasteners are pegs180configured to secure the noggins108to additional noggins108to provide for horizontally angulated tunnel systems, as shown conceptually inFIG.3, wherein the pegs180connect anchor apertures182in distal ends of the noggins108to anchor apertures182in distal ends of the additional noggins108. In some embodiments, the plurality of structural fasteners are pegs180configured to secure the ceiling joists110to additional ceiling joists110to provide for vertically angulated tunnel systems, as shown inFIG.19, wherein the pegs180connect anchor apertures182in distal ends of the ceiling joists110to anchor apertures182in distal ends of the additional ceiling joists110. Further, anchor apertures182may be included in stud members104, top plates106, and panels112/114/116, for securement by the pegs180. Some of these structural fasteners180/184may be seen inFIGS.9-18.

In some embodiments of the temporary protective structural system100, the system further includes a plurality of structural fasteners184configured to secure the noggins108or the ceiling joists110to the studs104. In some embodiments, the plurality of structural fasteners184are configured to secure the noggins108or the ceiling joists110to the studs114. The structural fasteners comprise an elongate anchor body174having an engagement cap172at a proximal end and an engagement hook168at a distal end, and an engagement stem170protruding from the anchor body174in a direction perpendicular to an axis on which the engagement hook168and the engagement cap172. The engagement hook168is configured to engage with one of the nogging108, as shown inFIG.10, the ceiling joist110, the wall panel112, as seen inFIGS.10-12, and the ceiling panel116, whereby the engagement hook168extends through an aperture182, as shown inFIG.11, or around a side of the ceiling joist110or the nogging108, as shown inFIG.12, thereby bracing the anchor body174against the noggins108or ceiling joists110and the studs104. The engagement cap172is configured to engage with the wall panel112, as shown inFIG.13, or the ceiling panel116, whereby the engagement cap172may extend through an aperture182in the wall panel112or the ceiling pane1161. The engagement stem170is configured to engage with the studs104, whereby the engagement step170extends through an aperture182in the stud104. The apertures in the system, including joist apertures153, nogging apertures154, stud apertures158, top plate apertures164, and panel apertures166, are all configured to the same dimensions so that the peg stems176, anchor hooks168, anchor engagement stems170, and anchor engagement caps172can all fit through the same hole for a uniform construction and application.

In some embodiments, the engagement stem170and the engagement cap172of the anchor body174terminate in a frustoconical nub, as may be seen inFIG.9, whereby the frustoconical shape allows a distal end, with a circumference smaller than that of said aperture, to slide into said aperture and a proximal end, with a circumference larger than that of said aperture, to poke through and anchor said structural fastener, as may be appreciated inFIGS.11and13.

While the anchor system is shown inFIGS.9-13as a cylindrical embodiment, the primary elements are the hook element, the stem element, and the cap element. The hook may be in an equivalent configuration, so long as it accomplishes the function of gripping onto a surface without extending through the surface. The engagement stem secures the anchor to the stud, or other surface, by extending through the surface. It is not necessary that the engagement stem be cylindrical, and may even take the form of a linear protrusion with a lip, or structure with equivalent function. Lastly, the engagement cap is intended to secure the anchor perpendicular to the engagement stem, and the geometric shapes can vary so long as the alternative is functionally equivalent.

Some embodiments of the structural fasteners resemble a U-shaped fastener with a center channel for containing the stud, an apex with a stopper lip, and a pair of hooks at an inner end of each leg of the U-shaped fastener, wherein the pair of hooks are configured for a geometry to snugly receive a sidewall of the nogging or ceiling joist member. In some embodiments, the apex of the U-shaped fastener includes a protruding neck with a circumferential lip for complemental insertion and securement through an anchor aperture located within a wall panel. In some embodiments, the plurality of structural fasteners configured to secure the noggins or the ceiling joists to the studs comprise a linear horizontal platform with a perpendicularly facing protruding neck with a circumferential lip for complemental insertion and securement through an anchor aperture located within a stud at a first end, and a vertical lip configured for engagement into a slot of a wall panel at an opposite end.

In another exemplary embodiment, a temporary protective structural system100with adjustable width is provided, as shown inFIGS.17-19. The temporary protective structural system100with adjustable width includes a plurality of frame members102having at least a first frame102amember and second frame member102b, wherein each frame member in the plurality of frame members is comprised of an adjustable frame element150including a pair of opposing studs and integrated two-part top plate152connecting the pair of opposing studs104a/104bat an upper integration point104c. The temporary protective structural system100with adjustable width further includes a plurality of noggings108connecting a first stud104aof the pair of opposing studs104a/104bof the first frame member102ain the plurality of frame members102a/102bwith a first stud104aof the pair of opposing studs104a/104bof the second frame member102bin the plurality of frame members102a/102b, and a plurality of noggings108connecting a second stud104bof the pair of opposing studs104a/104bof the first frame member102ain the plurality of frame members102a/102bwith a second stud104bof the pair of opposing studs104a/104bof the second frame member102bin the plurality of frame members102a/102b, thereby forming at least one free-standing tunnel module120. The temporary protective structural system100with adjustable width further includes a plurality of ceiling joists110connecting the two-part top plate152of each of the first frame members102ato a two-part top plate152of each of the second frame members102b, thereby securing the at least one free-standing tunnel module120. The temporary protective structural system100with adjustable width further includes at least one vertical wall panel112secured to an exterior area of the at least one free-standing tunnel module120, thereby vertically enclosing the at least one free-standing tunnel module120. The temporary protective structural system100with adjustable width further includes at least one horizontal ceiling panel116secured to an exterior ceiling area of the at least one free-standing tunnel module120, and at least one horizontal floor panel114, whereby the at least one horizontal ceiling panel116and the at least one floor panel114horizontally enclose the at least one free-standing tunnel module120.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of providing surface protection during at least construction and demolition is disclosed. The method of providing surface protection during at least construction and demolition comprises providing at least one horizontal floor panel114, securing the at least one horizontal floor panel114to a floor10, providing a plurality of frame members102including at least a first frame member102aand at least a second frame member102b, whereby the providing of the plurality of frame members further includes implementing a unitary frame construction comprising a pair of opposing studs104a/104band integrating a top plate106connecting the pair of opposing studs104a/104bat an upper integration point102c. The method of providing surface protection during at least construction and demolition further comprises providing a plurality of noggings108and configuring the plurality of noggins108to form at least one free-standing tunnel module120when in combination with the plurality of frame members102. The method of providing surface protection during at least construction and demolition further includes securing the at least one free-standing tunnel module120by providing a plurality of ceiling joists110, whereby the securing of the at least one free-standing tunnel module120further comprises connecting the top plate106of each of the first frame members102ato a top plate106of each of the second frame members102b, thereby securing the at least one free-standing tunnel module120. The method of providing surface protection during at least construction and demolition further includes enclosing the at least one free-standing tunnel module120by providing at least one vertical wall panel112and securing the at least one vertical wall panel112to the at least one free-standing tunnel module120, thereby vertically enclosing the at least one free-standing tunnel module120, and securing at least one horizontal ceiling panel116to a ceiling area of the at least one free-standing tunnel module120.

In some embodiments of the method of providing surface protection during at least construction and demolition, the step of configuring the plurality of noggins108to form at least one free-standing tunnel module120and the providing the plurality of noggings108further includes connecting a first stud104aof the pair of opposing studs104a/104bof the first frame member102ain the plurality of frame members102a/102bwith a first stud104aof the pair of opposing studs104a/104bof the second frame member102bin the plurality of frame members102a/102b, and connecting a second stud104bof the pair of opposing studs104a/104bof the first frame member102ain the plurality of frame members102a/102bwith a second stud104bof the pair of opposing studs104a/104bof the second frame member102bin the plurality of frame members102a/102b, thereby forming the at least one free-standing tunnel module120.

In some embodiments, the method of providing surface protection during at least construction and demolition further includes placing the plurality of the free-standing tunnel modules120end to end to form an elongate modular tunnel system, as shown inFIGS.2-5.

In some embodiments, the method further includes configuring of the tunnel modules120for dust-free containment by sealing and connection points within each tunnel module120in the plurality of tunnel modules120by applying adhesive tape160to the seams and connection points, and sealing seams and connection points between each of the plurality of free-standing tunnel modules120by applying adhesive tape160to the seams and connection point. The connection points within each tunnel module120would include spaces between the floor114and the wall panels112, as well as between the wall panels112and the ceiling panels116, while connection points between modules would involve spaces between adjacent wall panels112, adjacent ceiling panels116, adjacent floor panels114, and the like.

In some embodiments, the method of providing surface protection during at least construction and demolition further includes configuring a screwless securement between each stud in the pair of opposing studs104a/104band each noggin108in the plurality of noggins108by incorporating at least a pair of notches128into each stud104a/104band at least a pair of notches130into each noggin108for complemental engagement between the noggins108and each stud104/104a/104b, whereby once slid together the studs104a/104band the noggins108support one another forming a non-fixed structural support, as may be appreciated inFIGS.3and4.

In some embodiments, the method of providing surface protection during at least construction and demolition further includes configuring a screwless securement between the top plate106and each ceiling joist110in the plurality of ceiling joists110by incorporating at least a pair of notches126into the top plate106and at least a pair of notches132into each ceiling joist110for complemental engagement between the ceiling joists110and the top plate106, as may be appreciated inFIGS.3and4, whereby once slid together the ceiling joists110and the top plates106support one another forming a non-fixed structural support.

In some embodiments, the method of providing surface protection during at least construction and demolition further includes configuring the noggins108and the ceiling joists110for interchangeability by implementing an identical geometry of the noggins108and the ceiling joists110, as may be appreciated inFIG.7.

In some embodiments, the method of providing surface protection during at least construction and demolition further includes configuring each horizontal floor panel114, each frame member102, each nogging108, each ceiling joist110, each vertical wall panel112, and each horizontal ceiling panel116for structural righty and cushion-ability by implementing a fluted plastic material156.

In some embodiments, the method of providing surface protection during at least construction and demolition further includes providing a plurality of anchor apertures182in each horizontal floor panel114, each frame member102, each nogging108, each ceiling joist110, each vertical wall panel112, and each horizontal ceiling panels116, wherein each horizontal floor panel114, each frame member102, each nogging108, each ceiling joist116, each vertical wall panel112, and each horizontal ceiling panel116each have at least a pair of anchor apertures182therein. The embodiment also includes providing a plurality of securement pegs180, as shown inFIGS.9-18. Each anchor aperture182in the plurality of anchor apertures182is configured to receive a peg180of the plurality of pegs180to provide a non-fixed structural connection between complemental components102/108/110/112/114/116.

In some embodiments, the method of providing surface protection during at least construction and demolition further includes providing a plurality of anchor apertures182in each horizontal floor panel114, each frame member102, each nogging108, each ceiling joist110, each vertical wall panel112, and each horizontal ceiling panels116. Each horizontal floor panel114, each frame member102, each nogging108, each ceiling joist110, each vertical wall panel112, and each horizontal ceiling panels116each have at least a pair of anchor apertures182therein. This embodiment further includes providing a plurality of securement anchors184. Each anchor aperture182in the plurality of anchor apertures182is configured to engage with a securement anchor184of the plurality of securement anchors184to provide a non-fixed structural connection between complemental components.

In some embodiments of the method of providing surface protection during at least construction and demolition, the anchors are specifically configured to secure the different components, but still be versatile enough to be used in different arrangements. To accomplish this, the structural fasteners comprise an elongate anchor body174having an engagement cap172at a proximal end and an engagement hook168at a distal end, and an engagement stem170protruding from the anchor body174in a direction perpendicular to an axis on which the engagement hook168and the engagement cap172. The engagement hook168is configured to engage with one of the nogging108, as shown inFIG.10, the ceiling joist110, the wall panel112, as seen inFIGS.10-12, and the ceiling panel116, whereby the engagement hook168extends through an aperture182, as shown inFIG.11, or around a side of the ceiling joist110or the nogging108, as shown inFIG.12, thereby bracing the anchor body174against the noggins108or ceiling joists110and the studs104. The engagement cap172is configured to engage with the wall panel112, as shown inFIG.13, or the ceiling panel116, whereby the engagement cap172may extend through an aperture182in the wall panel112or the ceiling pane1161. The engagement stem170is configured to engage with the studs104, whereby the engagement step170extends through an aperture182in the stud104. The apertures in the system, including joist apertures153, nogging apertures154, stud apertures158, top plate apertures164, and panel apertures166, are all configured to the same dimensions so that the peg stems176, anchor hooks168, anchor engagement stems170, and anchor engagement caps172can all fit through the same hole for a uniform construction and application.

To provide a removable securement, the engagement stem170and the engagement cap172of the anchor body174terminate in a frustoconical nub, as may be seen inFIG.9, whereby the frustoconical shape allows a distal end, with a circumference smaller than that of said aperture, to slide into said aperture and a proximal end, with a circumference larger than that of said aperture, to poke through and anchor said structural fastener, as may be appreciated inFIGS.11and13.

While there has been shown and described above the preferred embodiment of the instant invention it is to be appreciated that the invention may be embodied otherwise than is herein specifically shown and described and that certain changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the parts without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this invention as set forth in the Claims appended herewith.