Patent Application
20210108430
This invention relates generally to edge protection devices for use on multi-story buildings and other applications where fall protection is required or warranted. In one particular embodiment the invention relates to a barrier fence or edge protection fencing system having a fence panel that is rotatable between a positon where the panel is deployed next to an exterior edge of a floor of a building under constructions, and a position where the fence panel is positioned a pre-determined distance back from the exterior edge of the floor under construction.
Many jurisdictions require edge protection around the exterior of a multi-story building during its construction. Such edge protection may take any one of a wide variety of different forms depending upon the nature of the building, the construction at hand, and the local health and safety laws of the applicable jurisdiction. One particular form of edge protection involves the placement of a series of fence or barrier panels around the perimeter of the individual floors of the building to help prevent people and objects from falling off.
Most edge protection fencing systems involve placing fencing panels immediately adjacent to the exterior perimeter of a particular floor. While such systems are generally efficient in preventing individuals and/or objects from falling off the side of a building, they can become cumbersome in instances where workers need to install services or structural elements at or in the vicinity of the exterior perimeter of the floor. In such cases, edge protection will at times be installed on the outside of buildings. However, doing so typically requires the installation of bracket screws on the outside of the slab to hold the edge protection in place. Posts and fence panels must then be installed. In addition to increased labour, the disadvantages of such a system include the fact that exterior cladding can be in the way or can be damaged.
In other cases it can become necessary to disassemble a perimeter fence, or a portion of it, perform the work necessary at the outer edge of the floor, and then reinstall the fence. The need to remove a fence panel and later reinstall it adds time and expense to the construction process. The added time and expense can be increased significantly where it is necessary to perform work at or near the perimeter edge of a floor around the entire building. In such cases each individual fence panel may need to be sequentially and separately removed and later reinstalled.
Before proceeding to a detailed description of the invention, however, it should be noted and remembered that the description of the invention which follows, together with the accompanying drawings, should not be construed as limiting the invention to the examples (or embodiments) shown and described. This is so because those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains will be able to devise other forms of this invention within the ambit of the appended claims.
There is therefore provided, in one embodiment, an edge protection fence for positioning adjacent to the edge of a floor of a building under construction, the fence comprising one or more support posts securable to a surface of the floor, and a fence panel rotatably mounted to the one or more support posts, wherein the fence panel is rotatable about a horizontal axis between a deployed position and a stowed position, when in the deployed position the fence panel being generally vertically oriented and positioned adjacent to the edge of the floor of the building to provide edge protection, when in the stowed position the fence panel having been rotated away from the edge of the floor of the building by a predetermined distance.
In a further embodiment there is provided an edge protection fence for positioning adjacent to the edge of a floor of a building under construction, the fence comprising one or more support posts securable to a surface of the floor; a fence panel rotatably mounted to the one or more support posts; and a net secured to the fence panel, wherein the fence panel is rotatable about a horizontal axis between a deployed position and a stowed position, when in the deployed position the fence panel being generally vertically oriented and positioned adjacent to the edge of the floor of the building to provide edge protection, when in the stowed position the fence panel having been rotated away from the edge of the floor of the building by a predetermined distance, and wherein when the fence panel is in the deployed position the net extending downwardly from the floor of the building under construction to direct debris that may fall from that floor onto an immediately adjacent lower floor.
The foregoing has outlined in broad terms some of the more important features of the invention disclosed herein so that the detailed description that follows may be more clearly understood, and so that the contribution of the instant inventors to the art may be better appreciated. The instant invention is not to be limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various other ways not specifically enumerated herein. Finally, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting, unless the specification specifically so limits the invention.
These and further aspects of the invention are described in detail in the following examples and accompanying drawings.
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show exemplary embodiments of the present invention in which:
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will herein be described hereinafter in detail, some specific embodiments of the instant invention. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments or algorithms so described.
With reference to the attached drawings, in
In broad terms, fence 10 is comprised generally of one or more support posts 12, a rotating panel 14, and one or more support arms 16 that rotatably secure or connect rotating panel 14 to support post 12.
In the embodiment shown in
In one embodiment, rotating panel 14 may be comprised of a first panel portion 26 and a second panel portion 28. Each panel portion has a generally horizontally oriented longitudinal edge such that the first and second panel portions are hingedly secured together along their respective longitudinal edges. First and second panel portions 26, 28 may thus be positioned in a folded state (see
Where rotating panel 14 is deployed adjacent to the edge of the floor, and where work is required in the vicinity of the edge of the floor such that the rotating panel 14 is in the way or a hindrance to workers, in accordance with the invention, fence panel 14 can be rotated from its first deployed position to its stowed, interior, position. From a thorough understanding of the invention, it will be appreciated that offsetting support post 12 from the outer perimeter of the floor structure, and by mounting rotating panel 14 to first horizontal rail 24 through the use of support arms 16, there is presented a structure that enables rotating panel 14 to be both (i) deployed at the edge of the floor structure to present a required degree of edge protection; and (ii) be rotated back away from the edge of the floor to permit work to be conducted along the floor's outer edge.
Where it is desirable to remove the fence panel from a position immediately adjacent to the edge of the floor system, the panel can be simply rotated about first horizontal rail 24 to permit full access by workers and other individuals to the edge of the floor structure. When the required work has been completed, re-instigating edge protection merely requires the fence panel to be rotated back from its stowed to its deployed position. The invention thus provides a structure and a method that readily permits quick access to the edge of a floor system, followed by a quick return of the edge protection system to its full integrity.
There may be situations in which it would be desirable to enclose the entire space between adjacent floors 2, 3. In such cases, fence 10 may include additional support arms 32. As shown in
In one embodiment, first horizontal rail 24 may be secured to vertical member 18 approximately 30 inches from floor 2, and second horizontal rail 25 may be secured to vertical member 18 approximately 42 inches from floor 2. First and second horizontal rails 24, 25 may be approximately 20 feet long and secured to two supports posts 12. First and second horizontal rails 24, 25 may be secured to vertical member 18 at other distances from floor 2, may be of different lengths, and may be secured to one or more than two supports posts 12. In a further embodiment support arms 16 and additional support arms 32 may be slidably secured to first and second horizontal rails 24, 25. In this manner, rotating panel 14 may slide right or left along first and second horizontal rails 24, 25.
It will be understood that support posts 12 could take any one of a wide variety of different forms and structures. For example, in some cases, the support posts may be columns 5 of building 1. As shown in
In other applications, rather than column 5, support posts 12 may be a post that does not require drilling in the floor or the ceiling, such as tension post 36. Tension post 36 may be placed in tension between the lower surface of upper floor 3 and the upper surface of lower floor 2 upon which the edge protection is desired (see
From a thorough understanding of the invention, one of skill in the art will appreciate that when such support or tension posts are utilized, it will in some instances be necessary for rotating panel 14 to be secured between two adjacent tension posts 36 with support arms 16 also being rotatably secured between two separate and adjacent support posts. In that manner, rotating the rotating panel can be accomplished without interfering with tension post 36 itself, since the rotating fence panel may move between the two adjacent posts. As well, because tension posts 36 extend to upper floor 3, first and/or second horizontal rails 24, 25 may be secured thereto at different heights.
In alternate applications, tension post 36 may include a pin at one of its ends. Pin 44 may, instead of being positioned beside tension post 36, be positioned within and extend from, the end of tension post 36.
In further alternate applications, rather than pins, tension posts 36 may be coupled to the floor and the ceiling using anchors.
In alternate applications, however, locking mechanism 38 of tension post 36 may instead include a spring (not shown) operatively coupled between inner tube 40 and outer tube 42 to separate them and provide tension to tension post 36 between the floor and the ceiling. As in the case of the earlier described embodiments, first and second horizontal rails 24, 25 may be attached to tension posts 36, and rotating panel 14 may be attached and secured to first and second horizontal rails 24, 25.
In yet further applications, combinations of different types of support posts 12 may be used together.
The present invention may be used by itself and/or in combination with guiding booths for cocoon self climbing screens. The described fence may be installed and provide protection until such self climbing screens are in place.
For example, “shoes” for climbing screens, or “cocoons”, are typically secured to a floor. These shoes are usually secured approximately three feet from the outer edge of the concrete floor slab, making sealing around each shoe difficult if not generally impossible. Advantageously, the brackets or support posts of the present invention can be secured around the sides of the shoes with the fence panels positioned inside of the building, for example, some three feet from the edge.
The fence can be rotated to its stowed configuration to allow a user to install a window sill track 6 at or adjacent the outer edge of the floor. The user can also install a window track 6 on an adjacent upper floor. When doing so, the user may be required to use a ladder or a similar apparatus. The present system may thus also provide load/fall protection as well.
As understood from the attached Figures, second panel portion 28 may be held at an angle to first panel portion 26 (i.e. they need not be parallel) and upper floor 3. This angle can permit objects falling from upper floor 3 to be caught by the fence panel and to be directed onto lower floor 2, thereby preventing the object from falling to the ground.
It will thus be appreciated that the present invention can provide edge protection to a floor of a building under construction, while presenting versatility to allow access to the vicinity of the floor next to its edge by rotating the fence between a stowed and a deployed position. It is to be understood that what has been described are the preferred embodiments of the invention. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth above, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
It is to be understood that the terms “including”, “comprising”, “consisting” and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers.
If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.
It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not be construed that there is only one of that element.
It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.
It is to be understood that were the specification or claims refer to relative terms, such as “front,” “rear,” “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” and “right” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly” etc.), such reference is used for the sake of clarity and not as terms of limitation, and should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawings under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or the method to be operated in a particular orientation. Terms, such as “connected,” “connecting,” “attached,” “attaching,” “join” and “joining” are used interchangeably and refer to one structure or surface being secured to another structure or surface or integrally fabricated in one piece.
Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described.
Methods of the instant disclosure may be implemented by performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks.
The term “method” may refer to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs.
For purposes of the instant disclosure, the term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a ranger having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. Terms of approximation (e.g., “about”, “substantially”, “approximately”, etc.) should be interpreted according to their ordinary and customary meanings as used in the associated art unless indicated otherwise. Absent a specific definition and absent ordinary and customary usage in the associated art, such terms should be interpreted to be ±10% of the base value.
When, in this document, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)-(a second number)”, this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 should be interpreted to mean a range whose lower limit is 25 and whose upper limit is 100. Additionally, it should be noted that where a range is given, every possible subrange or interval within that range is also specifically intended unless the context indicates to the contrary. For example, if the specification indicates a range of 25 to 100 such range is also intended to include subranges such as 26-100, 27-100, etc., 25-99, 25-98, etc., as well as any other possible combination of lower and upper values within the stated range, e.g., 33-47, 60-97, 41-45, 28-96, etc. Note that integer range values have been used in this paragraph for purposes of illustration only and decimal and fractional values (e.g., 46.7-91.3) should also be understood to be intended as possible subrange endpoints unless specifically excluded.
It should be noted that where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where context excludes that possibility), and the method can also include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all of the defined steps (except where context excludes that possibility).
Still further, additional aspects of the instant invention may be found in one or more appendices attached hereto and/or filed herewith, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set out at this point.
Thus, the invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While the inventive concept has been described and illustrated herein by reference to certain illustrative embodiments in relation to the drawings attached thereto, various changes and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made therein by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit of the inventive concept the scope of which is to be determined by the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/913,005 filed Oct. 9, 2019, and incorporates said provisional application by reference into this document as if fully set out at this point.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62913005 | Oct 2019 | US |
