CONTAINMENT SYSTEM, USES, AND ASSEMBLY FOR AERIAL STRUCTURES

FIELD

The disclosed processes, methods, and systems are directed to construction and use of containment systems.

BACKGROUND

Existing containment systems lack uniform design that would allow them to be easily transported, installed, and used with various tower structures. These systems are also unable to provide a sufficient level of containment and adequate access to workers, as well as efficient setup, function, and stability in various environmental conditions such as fog, rain, ice, snow, and wind.

The presently disclosed devices, systems, and methods address these shortcomings.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are various systems, devices, and methods directed to the design, assembly and use of containment systems. In various embodiments, the disclosed containment systems, devices and methods may be useful in connection with various vertical structures, for example, without limitation, tall tower and vertical structures. In many embodiments, the disclosed containment systems may help to mitigate or prevent release of contaminants during repair, maintenance, etc. of the vertical structures. In some cases, the disclosed containment systems may be useful during removal of pre-existing coatings, during surface preparation of the vertical structure, during application of one or more coatings to the structure's surfaces, etc. In many embodiments, the contaminant may be airborne paint (wet or dried), chemicals, particulates, etc. In some embodiment, the contaminant may comprise one or more toxic or irritant chemicals, compounds, or particles, for one example, lead in a dried paint. In many embodiments, the contaminant may be toxic to living organisms and/or an irritant to a mammalian subject.

In one embodiment, a containment system for an aerial structure, includes a support structure configured to attach to various configurations of aerial structures, a modular membrane that substantially surrounds a portion of the aerial structure to contain contaminants, and an attachment system for securing the support structure to the aerial structure, where the attachment system accommodates a plurality of cross-sections of structural members of the aerial structure.

Optionally in some embodiments, the support structure includes one or more armatures configured to extend horizontally outward from the aerial structure.

Optionally in some embodiments, the containment systems includes a pan that encloses the containment system from below to prevent contaminants from falling to the ground.

Optionally in some embodiments, the pan includes a modular membrane configurable to allow the passage a component of the aerial structure.

Optionally in some embodiments, the modular membrane includes an aperture or a channel configured to conform to the component of the aerial structure.

Optionally in some embodiments, the modular membrane includes at least one fabric attachment structure.

Optionally in some embodiments, the fabric attachment structure includes a loop.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the fabric attachment is a grommet structure defining a channel through the fabric from the top surface to the bottom surface.

Optionally, in some embodiments, at least one of the armature structures includes at least two arm sub-parts.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the containment system includes at least one horizontal containment structure.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the horizontal containment system defines a floor, for positioning below and substantially perpendicular to the panel frames.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the horizontal containment structure is fabric and comprises one or more configurable panels for allowing a tower frame component or transmission line to pass through the fabric.

In some embodiments, a fabric for use in a containment system includes: warp threads; weft threads, wherein the warp threads intersect the weft threads and define; a top surface; and a bottom surface; and at least one fabric attachment structure at the top or bottom of the fabric.

In one embodiment, a containment system for a contaminant, the system includes: a plurality of fabric panels; a plurality of panel frames, wherein the fabric is fixedly attached to a frame structure; a plurality of armature structures, wherein the armature structures are configured to fixedly attach to the panel frames and a frame of a tower structure.

In one embodiment, a method of containing contaminants originating from an aerial structure, includes: attaching a support structure of a containment system to the aerial structure; configuring a modular membrane around a portion of the aerial structure to encapsulate contaminants; and utilizing an attachment system to secure the support structure to the aerial structure, the system adaptable to multiple types of aerial structures.

In one embodiment, a modular containment system for deployment on an aerial structure, the system includes: a support structure configured for attachment to the aerial structure; a fabric configured to capture particulate contaminants; a work platform integrated into the support structure, providing safe access and egress for workers maintaining the aerial structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a containment system.

FIG. 1B is an elevation view of the containment system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a partially exploded perspective view of the containment system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a partially exploded perspective view of the containment system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E is a plan view of the containment system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1F is a perspective view of a portion of the containment system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1G is a partially exploded plan view of the portion of the containment system of FIG. 1F.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a containment system.

FIG. 2B is a detailed perspective view of the containment system of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a detailed elevation view of the containment system of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D is a detailed elevation view of the containment system of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a containment system.

FIG. 3B is a simplified perspective view of the containment system of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is an elevation view of the containment system of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a containment system.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a portion of the containment system of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a plan view of the containment system of FIG. 4C.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a containment system.

FIG. 5B is an elevation view of the containment system of FIG. 5A

FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view of a membrane of any of the containment systems disclosed herein.

FIG. 7 is a detailed perspective view of a membrane of any of the containment systems disclosed herein.

FIG. 8 is a detailed perspective view of a membrane of any of the containment systems disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are methods and systems for aiding in maintaining an aerial structure, for example a television, radio, cellular, microwave, transmission, reception, repeating, or broadcast tower, a bridge, a building, a sculpture, or the like. For example, aerial structures often need to be painted, cleaned, or otherwise maintained. Without a containment system, these processes can release contaminants to the environment, exposing people, plants, and animals to the contaminants. For example, some aerial structures, particularly older structures are painted with lead-based paint. When that paint is removed, lead-bearing chips and dust can be released. The disclosed containment systems capture and contain such contaminants, preventing their release into the environments, while aiding worker access to the aerial structure, preventing moisture build-up, and also providing some measure of worker protection from the extremes environments around many aerial structures (e.g., strong wind, rain, hail, etc.)

The presently disclosed devices, systems, and methods address drawbacks of existing containment systems in terms of at least: non-uniform designs, low levels of containment, access concerns, extensive setup time, limited attachment options, and poor performance in various environmental conditions.

In contrast, the presently disclosed devices, systems, and methods provide for uniformity of design, for use with and deployment on varied structures, enhanced containment of various contaminants, independent/adaptable structural parts, modular designs, universal attachment systems, work platforms, enhanced fabrics, and uniform fabric attachments systems.

Existing containment solutions typically employ standard (i.e., readily available, non-purpose designed) fabric or tarping. This requires personnel to attach the fabric or tarping, as best as possible, to the structure being worked on. In many cases, the tarping/fabric is loosely attached to the structure. Securing these containment structures is therefore inadequate and non-uniform, and achieved with any available (or created) attachment points.

Existing containment solutions also provide incomplete and/or partial containment of airborne contaminants. Often, existing containment is achieved through use of vertical, free-hanging fabric or tarping, which often lacks any horizontal component to collect falling debris or debris deflected upward. These non-purpose built, existing solutions are typically in contact with or secured directly to the structure of interest, thereby preventing, obstructing, or hindering access to the entire tower frame or structure. That is, existing solutions lack a clearance envelope that may aid in allowing 360-degree access to the structure and its various parts.

Existing containment solutions typically require extensive setup time. That is, these containment solutions are field-fitted to the structure which extends the amount of setup time and planning. For example, existing solutions require users to investigate, identify, and determine various potential means of attachment at various locations throughout the structure-greatly increasing the complexity of attachment and time required to complete. In many cases, existing solutions also suffer from attachment limitations. Attachment points back to the structure may be limited to the bracing configurations and/or supported appurtenances to which attachments can be constructed.

Existing containment solutions also tend to lack durability in various environmental configurations. For example, existing containment devices and solutions tend to rely on fabric and/or tarping. These solutions are, therefore, susceptible to collecting and accumulating significant amounts of moisture and/or precipitation, for example, folds and/or locations where the fabric or tarp is horizontally deployed or draped. This accumulation is undesirable as well as dangerous due to the potential for sudden release of the collected accumulation. In addition, collected moisture may hinder or prevent relocation of the tarping due to being weighed down by such accumulation.

Existing containment solutions are not designed or intended to function in wind. These solutions and their components lack adequate wind ratings for prolonged use on aerial structures, which are prone to elevated wind pressures. The poor performance of existing solutions result from inadequate and nonuniform attachment of inferior components to the tower structure, along with limited attachment opportunities around the perimeter of the fabric/tarping (tarping, if it includes any attachment points, typically only includes attachments at its corners or intermittently around only the perimeter).

The presently disclosed methods, devices, and systems address these shortcomings with standardized, robust containment, attachment, and positioning components and devices. These components and devices may be configured for use with various containment systems adapted for deployment on variously built and configured structures.

Aerial Structures

The disclosed containment systems, devices, and methods may be used with various aerial structures, such as framed or lattice structures. In many embodiments, the framed structures are tall slender structures, including, but not limited to, telecommunications and broadcast towers. Activities and purposes wherein the disclosed systems, devices, and methods may be deployed or used include repairing, modifying, or maintaining the disclosed structures, for example removing or applying a coating, such as paint, to one or more surfaces of the disclosed structures. In some embodiments, the removing or applying may result in liberating and/or aerosolizing one or more particles, such that the particle is airborne.

The disclosed containment systems, devices, and methods may be useful in encapsulating a portion(s) of the structure. In many embodiments, the encapsulation may include partial or complete encapsulation with one or more vertical and/or horizontal coverings or membranes.

The disclosed containment systems, devices, and methods may be used, deployed, or attached to various independent structural frame types and configurations. In many embodiments, the disclosed frames are sufficient to and capable of supporting the weight of the disclosed systems and devices. The disclosed system and devices are further configured to withstand, repel, and or mitigate environmental conditions, for example, moisture build-up, precipitation (rain, sleet, hail, snow), wind, etc. In most embodiments, the disclosed systems and devices may be configured to withstand structural loads resulting from these environmental conditions. Additionally, the disclosed systems and devices, may be configured to withstand, repel, and/or mitigate the disclosed conditions while allowing and providing personnel sufficient clearance for access around the structure.

Modularity/Adaptability

The disclosed containment systems, devices, and methods may be configured for use as one or more modules. That is the disclosed system, devices, and methods may allow for transport, deployment, assembly, and disassembly of one or more modules onto a variety of structural configurations. In many embodiments, the modular nature of the disclosed system may provide for dynamic deployment to various locations, structures, and/or positions on a single structure. In some embodiments, for example where a containment system comprises two or more containment modules, one module of the disclosed system may be disassembled and re-assembled above or below the other module, while workers continue to work in or at the other module. This may allow for vertical movement of the containment system, incrementally up or down the vertical structure.

The disclosed containment systems, devices, and methods may be configured to allow for universal attachment to various tower designs, structures, frames, and individual parts thereof. In many embodiments, the disclosed attachment devices or subsystems may be designed and/or configured to minimize the number and/or character of direct attachment points to the structure while allowing for various cross-sections in the structural members to which the frames are secured.

As depicted in FIG. 1A-FIG. 1G, an embodiment of a containment system 100 is shown and described. The specific embodiment of the containment system 100 may be adapted to couple to an aerial structure 102 such as a tower. For example, the aerial structure 102 may be a tower such as a lattice or frame structure having three main vertical members 104 and a series of cross or bracing members 106. Attached to the aerial structure 102 is one embodiment of the presently claimed containment system 100.

As shown for example in FIG. 1A, the containment system 100 includes a support structure 110 and a membrane 112. The support structure 110 is adapted to attach the containment system 100 to the aerial structure 102 and to provide support and attachment for the membrane 112.

The membrane 112 may be in the form of one or more panels 114. The membrane 112 may substantially surround a portion of the aerial structure 102, such as to contain contaminants, protect workers, or the like, as described herein. In the containment system 100, a plurality of panels 114 ring and/or substantially encapsulate the aerial structure 102.

The containment system 100 may be formed in one or more modules 108, which may be placed vertically with respect to one another (either stacked or spaced apart), such as to form a larger work or containment area on the aerial structure 102 compared to a single module 108. See, e.g., FIG. 4A and FIG. 4C showing stacked modules of the containment system 400 described with respect to FIG. 4A-FIG. 4C.

As shown for example in FIG. 1B, the containment system 100 includes a pan 136 that encloses the containment system 100 from below to prevent contaminants from falling onto the ground or from being upwelled by wind gusts traveling up the aerial structure 102. The pan 136 is described more fully with respect to FIG. 1F and FIG. 1G.

FIG. 1C shows an exploded view of the containment system 100. The containment system 100 includes a support structure 110. As described, the support structure 110 both couples the containment system 100 to the aerial structure 102 and supports the membrane 112. The support structure 110 includes one more armatures 124. In this specific example, the support structure 110 includes six armatures 124 in three vertically stacked pairs. The armatures 124 provide an interface between the vertical members 104 of the aerial structure 102 and a main frame 148 of the containment system 100.

The main frame 148 is formed of a plurality of structural members. As shown for example in FIG. 1C and FIG. 1E, the main frame 148 includes one or more vertical members 118 coupled to respective horizontal members 120 to form a box or rectangular structure. The vertical members 118 and horizontal members 120 may be further joined by respective cross members 122 such as to increase stiffness or strength of the main frame 148 compared to an embodiment that does not include the cross members 122.

The main frame 148 may itself be modular. For example, the main frame 148 may be formed of a portion 150a, a portion 150b, and/or a portion 150c each of which is substantially identical to the other portions 150a, b, c, such that the portions may be standardized and/or built offsite and assembled at a work site to complete a module 108. Such modularity has the benefit of reducing cost and complexity, reducing build time on site, and providing a module 108 that can be adapted to multiple types of aerial structures 102.

As shown for example in FIG. 1E, the aerial structure 102 may have a three-sided lattice structure, and the containment system 100 correspondingly has one portion 150a,b,c placeable on each side of the aerial structure 102 at a given elevation. More portions 150a,b,c may be placed on a side of the aerial structure 102 at different elevations (similar to the containment system 400 shown in FIG. 4C).

As shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and/or FIG. 1C, panels 114 may include a membrane 112 adjacent and/or connected to the panel frames 116. As shown for example in FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D, a panel 114 may be formed of a panel frame 116 and a membrane 112. The panel frame 116 is coupleable to the main frame 148. The panel frame 116 may be formed of one or more vertical members 152 coupled to respective horizontal members 154. The panel frame 116 may also include one or more cross members 156 that connect the vertical members 152 and horizontal member 154 in a diagonal fashion, such as for stiffness, strength, etc. The panel frame 116 may be removeable from the main frame 148, either with the membrane 112 attached to the panel frame 116, or without a membrane 112 attached. This removability again allows for case of installation, deconstruction, and for moving a module 108 up or down the aerial structure 102, and for replacing damaged or worn membrane 112. The membrane 112 may be attached to the panel frame 116 as described with respect to FIG. 6-FIG. 8, or other suitable methods. The panel frame 116 may be coupled to the main frame 148 via a connector (like rope, wire, zip ties, carabineers, etc.) received in respective apertures 134 formed in the main frame 148.

In some embodiments, the panels 114 and/or panel frame 116 may be supported by the plurality of armatures 124 securedly attached to and extending substantially horizontally outward from the aerial structure 102, rather than the main frame 148.

As shown for example in FIG. 1D, the armatures 124 may include one or more arms 126 that extend from a base 128 to the main frame 148. For example, the arms 126 may spread laterally from the base 128 to intersect and connect to the main frame 148. The armatures 124 may be connected to the main frame 148 by any suitable structure. For example, the armatures 124 may be coupled to the main frame 148 by one or more brackets, welds, fasteners (such as bolts, screws, nuts, rivets, etc.). In some embodiments, the armatures 124 and the main frame 148 may be formed from a unitary structure (e.g., made from a single piece of material).

A brace 130 may join the respective arms 126 of an armature 124. The brace 130 may provide lateral support or stiffness to the arms 126 and therefore the armature 124. For example, the brace 130 may help the armature 124 withstand wind, assembly, or other loads encountered when the containment system 100 is being assembled to, used with, or removed from the aerial structure 102. In addition to the braces 130 that connect the arms 126 of an armature 124, one or more braces 130 may connect adjacent armatures 124, and may, optionally help to structurally connect the panels 114 to the armatures 124, or the main frame 148. Braces 130 may be vertical, horizontal, or diagonal.

The containment system 100 includes an attachment system, such as a universal attachment system, for securing the support structure to the aerial structure. The attachment system accommodates various cross-sections of structural members (e.g., vertical members 104) of the aerial structure. The base 128 of the armature 124 includes a coupler 132 configured to releasably couple the armature 124 (and thus the module 108 of the containment system 100) to the aerial structure 102. As shown for example in FIG. 1D, the coupler 132 may include one or more U-bolts or other fasteners that can releasably couple the containment system 100 to the aerial structure 102 while supporting the weight of the containment system 100 and not damaging the aerial structure 102. FIG. 1E shows the armatures 124 securedly attached to vertical members 104 of the aerial structure 102 (e.g., by the couplers 132).

Turning to FIG. 1F-FIG. 1G, a pan 136 of the containment system 100 is shown and described. The pan 136 may be formed of one or more armatures 124 as described herein, coupled to respective horizontal members 120 and coupleable to the vertical members 104 of the aerial structure 102. The pan 136 includes one or more sub panels 140 formed of the membrane 112 material. Some of the sub panels 140 may be configurable, while others may be non-configurable. As shown, for example in FIG. 1G, a configurable panel 138 may include one or more apertures 142 and/or channels 144 adapted to a specific vertical member 104 or other component of the aerial structure 102. In this embodiment, the platform or pan 136 is comprised of the membrane 112 with one or more cut-outs, channels, holes, or passages in the fabric to allow transit of one or more structures, for example parts of the tower structure, transmission lines, conduits, etc. to pass through the containment system 100.

As used herein, a functional component of an aerial structure 102 is any component that provides a function for which the aerial structure was built or intended. For example, most aerial structures 102 have pipes, conduits, wires, transmission lines, or other devices coupled to the structure of the aerial structure 102 that provide a function for which the aerial structure 102 was built. As used herein, a structural component is any component that provides strength, rigidity, form, stability, etc. to an aerial structure, such as beams, girders, latticework, fasteners, plating, bracing, gussets, etc. Typically, functional components are not structural. However, in some cases a component may have a structural and functional aspect to it. For example, a conduit may both provide for a telecommunications cable, and add some additional rigidity to the aerial structure compared to the aerial structure without the conduit. For example, in a telecommunications aerial structure 102, one or more conduits carrying electrical and/or data cables may be joined to the aerial structure 102 to carry transmission signals to or from equipment attached to the aerial structure 102 (e.g., an antenna, beacon, light, etc.).

The configurable panels 138 may be designed or configured such that the apertures 142 and/or channels 144 can form a seal about one or more components of the aerial structure 102, such as functional components 158 or structural components (e.g., the vertical members 104). For example, the configurable panel 138 may include a hook-and-loop fastener, grommets, loops, or other fastener disclosed herein to enable the membrane 112 to be securely coupled to a component of the aerial structure 102.

The sub panels 140 and configurable panels 138 are joinable to one another (see, e.g., FIG. 1B and FIG. 1F) to form the pan 136 to enclose the lower or upper portion of a module 108 of the containment system 100. For example, although shown as a bottom of the module 108, the pan 136 may just as easily be applied to the top of a module 108 to form a lid, thereby providing even greater containment of the aerial structure 102 than with a bottom alone.

As shown for example in FIG. 2A-FIG. 2D, an embodiment of the containment system disclosed herein may be adapted for containment of horizontal members 202 of an aerial structure 102, such as a platform or candelabra stage. For example, an embodiment of a containment system 200 of the disclosed containment systems, devices, and methods may also include one or more horizontal containment structures. In some embodiments the horizontal structures may define a work platform. In many embodiments, the horizontal containment structures may aid in containing one or more contaminants, and/or may support maintenance personnel. In many embodiments, the disclosed horizontal containment structures, when configured for support of maintenance or other personnel, may define platforms for providing improved ergonomics and general access of personnel to the structure. In some embodiments, the horizontal containment structure may form a roof and may be generally perpendicular to the panels and the vertical tower. Some containment system embodiments may combine floor platforms and ceiling platforms, and/or a floor platform may also form a ceiling platform. The example horizontal member 202 shown has certain structural members hidden, for simplicity. In practice, a horizontal member 202 may have many thousands of individual structural members arranged in a complex three-dimensional lattice.

FIG. 2A shows one embodiment of a containment system 200 comprising a horizontal portion 214 and a vertical portion 216. The horizontal portion 214 may include a pan 206 configured to capture falling debris or contaminants. In the containment system 200, the horizontal portion 214 is configured as a platform or floor, positioned below and perpendicular to the panels of the vertical portion 216 as well as portions of the aerial structure 102. The containment system 200 is coupleable to one or more vertical members 104 of the aerial structure 102 as well as to one or more horizontal members 202 of the aerial structure 102.

For example, the horizontal portion 214 and/or vertical portion 216 may be formed of one or more panel 204 of the membrane 112 and one or more ribs 208 that couple to the panels 204 and to the vertical member 104 and/or horizontal member 202 of the aerial structure 102.

As shown for example in FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D, the rib 208 may include an attachment 210 or an attachment 212 suitable to attach the rib 208 to a portion of the aerial structure 102. For example, the attachment 210 and/or attachment 212 may include a substantially flat plate through which a bolt or other fastener maybe inserted to couple the plate to the vertical member 104 and/or horizontal member 202. For example, the attachment 210 may be adapted to couple the rib 208 to an angle or L-shaped section of the aerial structure 102. The attachment 212 may be similar to the attachment 210 but adapted to couple the rib 208 to a double thickness L-shaped section of the aerial structure 102.

In many embodiments, the ribs 208 are symmetrical about an axis. For the sake of brevity, one side of the rib 208 will be described with the understanding that the description is applicable to the other side of the rib 208. A leg 218 may extend from an attachment (e.g., the attachment 210 and/or attachment 212). The leg 218 provides an offset of the membrane 112 from the vertical member 104 and/or horizontal member 202, e.g., to permit a worker to access the structure of the aerial structure 102, while maintaining containment. The leg 218 may ‘strength to the containment system 300. The spine may include, or have coupled thereto, one or more attachments 320 as described herein and configured to attach the containment system 300 to an aerial structure 102 or another containment system.

The ribs 310 extend away from the spine 312 such as to permit a worker to access the knee structure 302, while maintaining containment. For example, a cross sectional area of the containment system 300 (see., FIG. 3C) may encompass and/or enclose a cross sectional area of the knee structure 302.

The membrane 112 may be coupled to, or stretched over the support structure 306 of the containment system 300 to provide containment, such as to form one or more panels 308. As with the containment system 100 or the containment system 200, the containment system 300 may include one or more configurable panels 314 that include apertures 316, cutouts, channels, or similar structures to allow the longitudinal members 304 and/or other functional or structural components of the knee structure 302 or the aerial structure 102 to pass therethrough, while maintaining containment.

Turning to FIG. 4A-FIG. 4C, an embodiment of a containment system 400 is described. The containment system 400 is adapted to provide containment for an aerial structure 102. The containment system 400 includes one or more cage assemblies 402 defined by respective support structures 404. The support structure 404 may be covered by one or more panels 406 formed of a membrane 112. In some embodiments, the panel 406 includes a support structure such as the panel frame 116. In other embodiments, no support structure is used with the panel and the membrane 112 is mounted directly to the cage assembly 402.

Respective membrane assemblies 410 may be suspended or coupled below the respective cage assemblies 402. In some embodiments, the membrane assemblies 410 may be retractable. The membrane assembly 410 may include portions of the membrane 112 with minimal structural components. For example, the membrane assemblies 410 may be drapes of the membrane 112. The membrane assemblies 410 may be coupled at upper and/or lower ends to one or more cage assemblies 402. For example, the containment system 400 may include one or more tiers 412 at different elevations along the aerial structure 102 and/or at different sides of the aerial structure 102.

The cage assemblies 402 and/or the membrane assemblies 410 may be suspended from the aerial structure 102 by respective stays 408 such as cables, chains, etc. Standoff brackets 414 may be coupled to the respective cage assemblies 402 to space the cage assemblies 402 from the aerial structure 102 to allow for worker access to the aerial structure 102 while maintaining containment.

As shown for example in FIG. 4A, the aerial structure 102 may have a three-sided lattice structure, and the containment system 400 correspondingly has one cage assembly 402 and/or one membrane assembly 410 on each side of the aerial structure 102 at a given elevation. More cage assemblies 402 and/or membrane assemblies 410 may be placed on a side of the aerial structure 102 at different elevations (see., FIG. 4C). For aerial structures with more or fewer sides to their cross sections, correspondingly more or fewer cage assemblies 402 and/or membrane assemblies 410 may be used on respective sides of the aerial structure 102 at a given elevation.

Thus, the containment system 400 may substantially contain a portion of an aerial structure 102 to contain contaminants generated during maintenance of the aerial structure 102.

As shown for example in FIG. 4B an interior view of a cage assembly 402 is shown. The cage assembly 402 may be formed of a plurality of vertical members 418, horizontal members 420, and/or cross members 422. The vertical members 418, horizontal members 420, and/or cross members 422 may form a three dimensional cage or box structure. For example, the cage assembly 402 may be a prismatic 6-sided rectangular cage. A floor 424 may be coupled to the members. The floor 424 may be a mesh or grate that enables a user 416 to move about in the cage assembly 402 to perform ‘maintenance on the aerial structure 102 from a safe and level platform. The cage assembly 402 may include one or more attachment 426 points such as hooks, clevises, apertures, flanges, etc. Suitable to attach the cage assembly 402 to the aerial structure 102.

In some embodiments, the cage assembly 402 includes an open side configured to face the aerial structure 102 and provide access thereto. Thus, the cage assembly 402 may be suitable for one or more users 416 or workers to access the aerial structure 102 to perform maintenance tasks.

As shown for example in FIG. 4B, the cage assembly 402 may be covered on one or more sides by a panel 406 formed, at least in part, by a membrane 112. As described herein, the membrane 112 provides containment of contaminants while also protecting the users 416 from the environment.

As shown for example in FIG. 4C, the membrane assemblies 410 may be retractable drapes that extend between tiers 412 of cage assemblies 402 and membrane assembly 410. Thus, the containment system 400 may provide the benefit of a modular solution for containment of portions of an aerial structure 102. For example, as work progresses up or down the aerial structure 102, one or more tiers 412 (e.g., working tiers) may be used for the maintenance work on the aerial structure 102, while another tier 412 (e.g., a moving tier) is disassembled and re-assembled above or below the working tiers so that work on the aerial structure 102 can progress without the workers performing the maintenance needing to pause for relocation of a tier.

Turning to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, an embodiment of a containment system 500 is shown. The containment system 500 is similar to other containment systems disclosed herein in that it includes a support structure and one or more panels made, at least in part, of a membrane. The containment system 500 is similar to the containment system 200 in that it is adapted to provide containment for a horizontal portion of an aerial structure 102. The containment system 500 includes a support structure 502, a panel 504, an attachment 506, and a pan 508. The support structure 502 attaches the containment system 500 to the aerial structure 102. The support structure 502 also receives the panels 504 of the membrane 112 to provide containment while also being spaced apart from the aerial structure 102 to afford user 416 access thereto.

Any of the structural members (e.g., vertical members, horizontal members, cross members, floors, etc.) of any containment system (e.g., the containment system 100, the containment system 200, the containment system 300, the containment system 400, and/or the containment system 500) disclosed herein may be made of a suitable lightweight material that provides sufficient strength and rigidity to support the users 416 and/or the weight of any tools the users 416 may use, and/or the weight of the containment system itself. As many aerial structures 102 can support a limited amount of additional weight within their design limits, it is advantageous to minimize the weight of the containment systems. Thus, for example, the structural members of the containment systems may be formed from steel, aluminum, titanium, fiber reinforced composites such as fiberglass, aramid, carbon fiber or the like. For example, the floor 424 may be expanded metal or a fiberglass grid that can support the weight of the users 416, tools, etc. while adding an insignificant amount of weight to the aerial structure 102. In some embodiments, a membrane 112 panel may be placed above or below the floor 424, such as to capture particulate contaminants released from an aerial structure 102. Similarly, the membrane 112 used with any containment system may be optimized for low weight, durability, and permeability.

Turning to FIG. 6-FIG. 7, examples of a membrane 112 are described. The disclosed containment systems and devices may be constructed of various materials. As shown in the figures, various parts, components, or devices of or on the system, such as a membrane, may comprise fabric. The disclosed fabric or membrane materials may possess various beneficial properties. In some embodiments, the component is a vertical panel, and the vertical panel may be constructed of fabric that may be permeable to one or more of gas or liquid. In many embodiments, the liquid may be water, for example fog, rain, or snow. In some embodiments, the disclosed fabrics may be configured to contain particles of various size while allowing for transit of one or more liquids or gases.

The disclosed containment systems, devices, and methods may include fabric components having one or more fabric attachment structures. In some embodiments, the disclosed fabric attachment structures may be positioned at or near a perimeter of the fabric or fabric component. In many embodiments, the fabric attachment structure may be an aperture 134, hole or passage through the surface of the fabric, for example an eye or eyelet 146, in some embodiments a grommet, for example a heavy-duty grommet.

FIG. 6 shows a detailed view of one embodiment of the disclosed membrane 112 for use with any containment system disclosed herein. In this example, the fabric is in two pieces (e.g., a first panel 114 and a second panel 114), which may be connected with the use of perimeter grommets or eyelets 146 at or near the attachment location 602. In this embodiment, perimeter and interior grommets may also aid in attaching fabric to containment system components, for example a panel frame 116 and/or structural members (e.g., a vertical member) of the vertical tower structure. Any of the components of any containment system herein may include one or more apertures 134 therethrough or therein that aid in coupling the panels 114 of membrane 112 thereto. For example, the apertures 134 in the components may substantially align with the eyelets 146, grommets, or apertures in the fabric such that the membrane can be lashed to the structure of the containment system with a suitable connector such a cord, cable, chain, rope, screw link, carabineer, zip-tic, etc.

In some embodiments, as shown for example in FIG. 7, an attachment system 700 for a membrane 112 may include a channel 702 and one or more fabric attachment structures such as longitudinal loops 704 adapted to accept an elongated element 706 such as a cable, rope, chain, tape, etc. The channel 702 may include an open portion 708 between the loops 704. The attachment system 700 may provide a benefit over other attachment system that include eyelets 146, as eyelets 146 can weaken the underlying membrane 112 due to the hole formed in the membrane 112 that receives the eyelet 146. In the attachment system 700, there the loops 704 provide similar function to the eyelets 146 but without causing large holes to be formed in the membrane 112. The loops 704 can be used to locate structural attachment points anywhere along the membrane 112. Additionally, the attachment system 700 may provide better wind and rain resistance again due to the lack of large holes formed therein. In some embodiments, the elongated element 706 can serve as a runner to enable the membrane 112 to be retracted (e.g., as described with respect to the membrane assemblies 410 of the containment system 400). The open portion may provide a benefit of reducing or preventing billowing of the membrane 112 (e.g., due to wind).

In some embodiments, as shown for example in FIG. 8, an attachment system 800 for a membrane 112 may include one or more one or more fabric attachment structures such as transverse loops 802. The attachment system 800 is similar to the attachment system 700 in many aspects and benefits, but the elongated element 706 is adapted to be run at an angle (e.g., about) 90° to the direction of the material forming the loop 802. The attachment system 800 may be configured as a loop 802 or belt, for example cross-webbing belt loop assemblies. In some embodiments the fabric attachment structures may include holes and loops, for example grommets and belt loop assemblies. In many embodiments, the attachment system 800 may allow attachment of the fabric at various points throughout the fabric to another device, component, part of the system, or to the aerial structure. In many embodiments, the attachment system 800 structures may provide for enhancing a property of the containment system, for example by increasing a wind load rating, such as required for tall vertical structures.

In the attachment system 700 or the attachment system 800, the membrane 112 comprises one or more loops 704 and/or loops 802. The loop structures may be formed of a continuous length of webbing affixed to the membrane 112 at various intervals. Loops are formed in between the affixed portions of fabric and webbing. In some embodiments, a second length of ribbon material, for example webbing, is positioned between the looped webbing and the fabric.

In some embodiments, the membrane 112 disclosed herein is as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,886,187 which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. For example, the membrane 112 may include a sheet of plastic material formed of interwoven (e.g., warp and weft) plastic fibers. A first set of fibers may lie in a first direction and have a first density. A second set of fibers may lie in a second direction and have a second density. For example, the first direction and the second direction may be generally perpendicular to one another. The first and second set of fibers may form a high density mesh pattern enabling water to pass through the membrane 112 while blocking light from passing through the membrane 112. The mesh may be of a suitable size to contain particles of contaminants such as dust, paint chips, paint droplets, dirt, etc. For example, the mesh may have an effective pore size of greater than about 4 μm, 5 μm, 10 μm, 20 μm, 30 μm, 40 μm, 50 μm, 60 μm, 70 μm, 80 μm, 90 μm, 100 μm, 150 μm, or 200 μm, and less than about 5 μm, 10 μm, 20 μm, 30 μm, 40 μm, 50 μm, 60 μm, 70 μm, 80 μm, 90 μm, 100 μm, 250 μm, 200 μm, or 250 μm. In some examples, the membrane 112 has approximately 13 fibers per inch (fpi) in a weft direction of approximately 3000 denier and approximately 38 fibers per inch (fpi) in the warp direction of approximately 525 denier. For example, more than about 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, or 49 fpi, and less than about 50, 49, 48, 47, 46, 45, 44, 43, 42, 41, 40, 39, 38, 37, 36, 35, 34, 33, 32, 31, 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, or 8 fpi in the weft or warp direction. In many embodiments, the plastic material is one or more of polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, polyester, or other suitable polymer that is light weight, permeable to liquid, but can block light and/or contain solid material.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. As will be apparent, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

All references disclosed herein, whether patent or non-patent, are hereby incorporated by reference as if each was included at its citation, in its entirety. In case of conflict between reference and specification, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

Although the present disclosure has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood the disclosure has been made by way of example, and changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

The description of certain embodiments included herein is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or its applications or uses. In the included detailed description of embodiments of the present systems and methods, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which are shown by way of illustration specific to embodiments in which the described systems and methods may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice presently disclosed systems and methods, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Moreover, for the purpose of clarity, detailed descriptions of certain features will not be discussed when they would be apparent to those with skill in the art so as not to obscure the description of embodiments of the disclosure. The included detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the disclosure is defined only by the appended claims.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of various embodiments of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings and/or examples making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the terms “a” and “an” are taken to mean “one”, “at least one” or “one or more”. Unless otherwise required by context, singular terms used herein shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,æ “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural and singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” and “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of the application.

All relative, directional, and ordinal references (including top, bottom, side, front, rear, first, second, third, and so forth) are given by way of example to aid the reader's understanding of the examples described herein. They should not be read to be requirements or limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use unless specifically set forth in the claims. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other, unless specifically set forth in the claims.

Of course, it is to be appreciated that any one of the examples, embodiments or processes described herein may be combined with one or more other examples, embodiments and/or processes or be separated and/or performed amongst separate devices or device portions in accordance with the present systems, devices and methods.

Finally, the above discussion is intended to be merely illustrative of the present system and should not be construed as limiting the appended claims to any particular embodiment or group of embodiments. Thus, while the present system has been described in particular detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should also be appreciated that numerous modifications and alternative embodiments may be devised by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the broader and intended spirit and scope of the present system as set forth in the claims that follow. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative manner and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

CONTAINMENT SYSTEM, USES, AND ASSEMBLY FOR AERIAL STRUCTURES

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

Original Assignees

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)