Enclosure system for scaffolding

Abstract

An enclosure system for scaffolding frame that includes a plurality of stackable section members each having a first end and a second end and at least one slot. The stackable section members may be stacked one on top of each other so that the slot of each stackable section member is aligned with one another to form a continuous slot. The stacking of the stackable section members one on top of each other defines a continuous profile. Mounting members may secure each of the stackable section members to the scaffolding frame. An enclosing means is adapted to engage the slot and the continuous slot when the stackable section members are stacked one on top of each other to enclose the scaffolding frame.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to scaffolding systems and more particularly to an enclosure system that protects workmen from severe weather conditions, allows construction work to be done all year round and is easily installed to an existing scaffolding that is erected next to a building.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Construction work on various structures such as a building has been traditionally accomplished using a scaffold that is erected adjacent the wall of the building to provide access to the structure while it is under construction. Sheltering workers from inclement weather has usually been accomplished by attaching sheets of plastic or tarps that are attached to the frame of the scaffold by various means. Typically rope or wire is thread through the tarp and attached to the frame of the scaffold.

The disadvantage of this type of arrangement is that the tarp becomes difficult to handle especially at great heights. Furthermore once the tarp is attached to the frame of the scaffold, any significant wind can catch in the tarp and cause the tarp to act like as a sail and therefore create pressure on the footings of the scaffold.

Prior art scaffolding enclosures have been devised to address the noted problems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,770 issued on Apr. 25, 1995 to Suzuki relates to a sheet stretcher which comprises a base, which has a hole for slidably receiving an expanded portion formed at an edge of a sheet, a slit communicating with the hole and through which the end portion of the sheet continuous to its expanded portion is insertable, a hole for slidably receiving a further expanded portion formed at an edge of a further sheet, a slit communicating with the hole through which the end portion of the further sheet continuous to the further expanded portion is insertable.

Specifically, Patent '770 discloses a variety of sheet stretchers that may be assembled to connect a number of sheets to a scaffold frame. One type of stretcher connects sheets to sheets, while a second type of stretcher connects the sheet to an adjustment mechanism. Ropes or wires are used to attach the stretcher to the scaffolding frame.

Virtanen is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 3,995,715 which issued on Dec. 7, 1976 relates to a scaffolding a plurality of sheets of plastic having bead portions, profiles surrounding the bead portions of each two abutting sheet edges thereby securing the sheets to each other. A plurality of attachment members partly surrounds the profiles and holds the profiles in related assembly with the scaffolding.

Jankowski is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,889 which issued on Aug. 13, 1991 and relates to a scaffold enclosure having a plurality of panels. Each panel has a closure on a first lateral edge for securing that edge to an upright on the scaffolding. The closure can be straps having first and second flaps with hook and loop closures thereon for securing the straps to various sized uprights. Each panel also has fasteners, preferably continuous strips of hook and loop closures, on both its inner and outer surfaces at each edge. The panels are thus engageable on one another to form a scaffold enclosure with completely sealed seams. To facilitate installment, two types of panels, starter panels and continuing panels, are utilized, each having a particular arrangement of fasteners.

King is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,915 which issued on Nov. 8, 1988 and relates to an apparatus for suspending cladding or protective sheeting from scaffolding includes a first member detachably securable to an element of scaffolding, and a second member capable of attachment to said sheeting or cladding. The second member is adapted to hang from said first, thereby to hang the cladding or sheeting from scaffolding.

Nealeigh is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,999 which issued on Jul. 14, 1998 and relates to a series of horizontally spaced tubular metal frames each include a pair of vertical short and long leg members rigidly connected by an inclined support member having a projecting upper end portion. The leg members are removably connected to the top ends of vertically aligned legs of a tubular metal scaffold assembly positioned adjacent a building. The inclined support members receive connector members connected to the building roof or ridge members connected by horizontal support members and supported by vertical posts resting on the roof or floor. A flexible light transmitting plastic film is supported by the inclined support members and ridge connector members to enclose the frames and scaffold assembly, and the film has an edge portion clamped to the roof or floor.

Furthermore there are other enclosure systems that focus on constructing a whole building. For instance the “We Cover Building Systems”, Elmira, Ontario, Canada uses a polyoefin fabric for minimal heat transfer, and uses a flat sectional fabric fastening system that eliminated wrinkles, flapping, and chafing.

Although some of the prior art addresses some of the problems outlined above, they do not disclose an easy to install enclosure system that can be assembled with minimum labour, and can be used all year round and adapted to various weather conditions. Thus an enclosure system for scaffolding which may be easily attached to a scaffold frame, can be used with any height of structure, keeps inclement weather out, is easy to install is desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved an enclosure system that protects workmen from severe weather conditions, allows construction work to be done all year round and is easily installed to an existing scaffolding that is erected next to a building.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided an enclosure system for scaffolding frame that includes a plurality of stackable section members each having a first end and a second end and at least one slot. The stackable section members may be stacked one on top of each other so that the slot of each stackable section member is aligned with one another to form a continuous slot.

Conveniently, the stacking of the stackable section members one on top of each other defines a continuous profile. The continuous profile may further include a series of recesses at the first and second ends that can receive a connecting member so as to connect the stackable section members. Mounting members may secure each of the stackable section members to the scaffolding frame.

Preferably, an enclosing means is adapted to engage the slot and the continuous slot when the stackable section members are stacked one on top of each other to enclose the scaffolding frame.

Finally a method of erecting an enclosure system for scaffolding frame is also disclosed.

Advantages of the present invention are: easy to install to existing scaffold frames, provides a seal to keep inclement weather out of work area, adapted to accept a variety of tarps, such as reflective or insulated, made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or aluminum, workspace can be heated via connected members, tarp is elasticized, tarps can be linked together horizontally so that the enclosure system can be easily installed, quick connect attachment for securing enclosure system to structure, and can be adapted to fit around obstacles with a telescoping function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of the preferred embodiment(s) is(are) provided herein below by way of example only and with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 in a top plan view, illustrates the stackable section member and the mounting member mounted to a scaffolding frame in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 in a top plan view illustrates the stackable section member and the mounting member.

FIG. 3 a in a back perspective view, illustrates an alternative embodiment of the stackable section member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 b in a top plan view, illustrates an alternative embodiment of the stackable section member and mounting member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 c in a perspective view, illustrates the mounting member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 a in a side perspective view, illustrates the stackable section member and the mounting member of FIG. 3a.

FIG. 5 in a back perspective view, illustrates an alternative embodiment of the stackable section member of FIG. 3a.

FIG. 6 a in a back perspective view, illustrates an alternative embodiment of the stackable section member of FIG. 3a.

FIG. 6 b in a top plan view, illustrates an alternative embodiment of the stackable section member and mounting member of FIG. 6a.

FIG. 6 c in a perspective view, illustrates the mounting member of FIG. 6a.

FIG. 7 in a top plan view, illustrates the enclosure system in a telescoping position.

FIG. 8 in a top plan view, illustrates the continuous profile mounted to the scaffold frame.

FIG. 9 in a front elevational view, illustrates the connecting member.

FIG. 10 in a perspective view, illustrates the enclosing means inserted into the stackable section members.

FIG. 11 in a top plan view, illustrates the enclosure system mounted to the scaffold frame.

FIG. 12 a in a top plan view, illustrates the insulated enclosing means inserted into the stackable section members.

FIG. 12 b in a perspective view, illustrates the insulated enclosing means inserted into the stackable section members of FIG. 12a.

FIG. 13 a in a top plan view, illustrates the transparent enclosing means inserted into the stackable section members.

FIG. 13 b in a perspective view, illustrates the transparent enclosing means inserted into the stackable section members of FIG. 13a.

FIG. 14 in a side elevational view, illustrates the linking member.

FIG. 15 in a front view, illustrates the linking of two adjacent adjustable tarps.

FIG. 16 in a perspective view, illustrates the linking of two adjacent adjustable tarps.

FIG. 17 in a top plan view, illustrates the linking of two adjacent adjustable tarps.

FIG. 18 in a front elevational view, illustrates the assembled enclosure system.

FIG. 19 in an end view, illustrates a variation of the mounting member.

FIG. 20 in a bottom plan view, illustrates a variation of the mounting member in operation.

FIG. 21 in a perspective view, illustrates a variation of the mounting member.

FIG. 22 in an end view, illustrates a variation of the mounting member in operation.

FIG. 23 in a perspective view, illustrates the bracket of the mounting member.

FIG. 24 in an end view, illustrates a variation of the mounting member in operation.

In the drawings, preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated in top plan views, an enclosure system 10 for scaffolding frame 12 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 3-6 the enclosure system 10 for scaffolding frame 12 includes a plurality of stackable section members 14 each having a first end 16 and a second end 18, and at least one slot 20. The stackable section members 14 may be stacked one on top of each other so that the slot 20 of each stackable section member 14 is aligned with one another to form a continuous slot 22.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 8 and 9 the stacking of the stackable section members 14 one on top of each other defines a continuous profile 28 with a top side 30, a bottom side 32, two sides 34 and 36, as well as a central pocket 52 running the length of the continuous profile 28. Each side 34 and 36 has one of the slots 20. The slot 20 may be further defined as a C-shaped channel 38, which runs along each of the sides 34 and 36. The C-shaped channels 38 engages or retains an enclosing means 26.

Referring to FIG. 7 the bottom side 32 may further include a telescoping portion 78 that can adjust the distance between the stackable section members 14 and the scaffold frame 12. The ability to telescope the stackable section member 14 or the continuous profile 28 (once the stackable section members 14 are stacked) allows the installation to the enclosure system to go around any obstacles. The stackable section members 14 may be made from a variety of materials such as PVC and aluminum thereby allowing the enclosure system 10 to be mounted around corners and easily attached to structures at various angles.

The continuous profile 28 may further include a series of recesses 40 at the first and second ends (16 and 18 respectively) that can receive a connecting member 42. Each recess 40 may have an edge 50. The connecting member 42 allows for the connecting of either the first end 16 or the second end 18 of the stackable section members 14 to one another. Specifically the connecting member 42 may be a pin 44 having a raised center portion 46. Either end 48 and 49 of the pin 44 may be inserted into a recess 40 located on either the second end 18 of a first stackable section member 14. The recess 40 may receive the end 48 of the pin 44 until the raised center portion 46 of the pin 44 contacts the edge 50 of the recess 40. Therefore the other end 49 of the pin 44 is exposed, which allows a second stackable section member 14 to be aligned and stacked on top of the first stackable member 14, by inserting the other end 48 of the pin 44 into the recess 40 at the first end 16 of the second stackable section member 14. Subsequent stackable section members 14 can be likewise added so as to create the continuous profile 28.

Mounting members 24 may secure each of the stackable section members 14 to the scaffolding frame 12. The mounting members 24 can be mounted at various points along the scaffold frame 12 depending on the desire of the installer. The mounting member 24 may be better defined as a bracket 52 that is adapted or shaped to receive the scaffolding frame 12. FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate alternatives to the mounting member 24. More specifically FIGS. 19- 22 illustrate a hinged bracket 110 adapted to receive a thumb screw 112 that locks the hinged bracket 110 on the scaffolding frame 12. The hinged bracket 110 may have hooked ends 120 that can hook or latch onto the stackable section member 14. FIGS. 23-24 illustrate two brackets 114 having each having a threaded recess 116 at one end 122 that receives a fastening means 118 for securing the brackets 114 to the scaffolding frame 12. Each bracket 114 may have a hooked end 124 that can latch on to the stackable section member 14.

Referring to FIG. 3c and 6c the bracket 52 may also be notched 58 to easily receive a fastening means 54 for securing the bracket 52 to the stackable section members 14. The fastening means 54 may be a bolt and screw arrangement 56 by way of example though other fastening combinations are possible.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, an enclosing means 26 is adapted to engage the slot 20 and the continuous slot 22 when the stackable section members 14 are stacked one on top of each other to enclose the scaffolding frame 12. The enclosing means 26 may be an adjustable tarp 60 having two side edges 62 and 64 respectively. The side edges 62 and 64 of the adjustable tarp 60 are adapted to engage each of the C-shaped channels 38. The side edges 62 and 64 of the adjustable tarp 60 may further include a guide member 66 attached to each of the side edges 62 and 64. The guide member 66 may be inserted into each of the C-shaped channels 38 on each of the sides 34 and 36 of the continuous profile 28. The guide member 66 and the side edges 62 and 64 of the adjustable tarp 60 are then pulled along the C-shaped channels 38 and therefore along the continuous profile 28. The guide member may be rope or wire 68 that is positioned at the side edges 62 and 64 of the adjustable tarp 60. The side edges 62 and 64 are wrapped around the rope or wire 68 and the side edges 62 and 64 are then heat-sealed to secure the rope or wire 68 to the side edges 62 and 64 of the adjustable tarp 60.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13 the adjustable tarp 60 may have elastised portions 70 towards the side edges 62 and 64 to allow the adjustable tarp 60 to flex and contract when it is installed and in operation. The adjustable tarp 60 may be made from insulated material, reflective material, transparent material or camouflage material by way of example.

Referring to FIGS. 14, 15, 16 and 17 the adjustable tarp 60 may further be defined as having a top edge 72 and a bottom edge74. The top edge 72 and the bottom edge 74 each may have a linking member 76 so that the linking member 76 on the top edge 72 of the adjustable tarp 60 can connect to a linking member 76 on the bottom edge 74 of an adjacent adjustable tarp 60. The linking member 76 may be clasp mechanism 90 that links to adjacent adjustable tarps 60 together thereby ensuring that there is very little open space between the adjustable tarps 60 that could allow air in. Furthermore attachment loops 100 may also be located on the clasp mechanism 90 to ties down the sides 62 and 64 of the adjustable tarps 60 to provide further stability.

This arrangement in combination with elastised portions 70 and the configuration of the enclosing means in relation to the stackable section members 14 results in an efficient seal for the enclosure system 10. As a result there is less chance of the wind catching the tarp and causing it to form a sail and therefore destabilize the scaffolding frame 12. Furthermore the enclosure system 10 may be erected all year round since appropriate type of tarp material can be used depending the weather requirement, which results in year use of the enclosure system 10 and therefore year round construction. For example the insulated tarp may be used in winter to retain the heat between the building and the enclosure system 10. Furthermore the central pocket 52 that may run the length of the continuous profile 28 may act as a passage way for heat that is blown up from the base of the scaffolding frame 12 or a heated element may be threaded down the passageway by way of example.

Referring to FIG. 18, a method of erecting an enclosure system 10 for scaffolding frame 12 is also disclosed. The erecting of the enclosure system 10 includes the following steps: stacking the stackable section members 14 one on top of each other to form the first continuous profile 28 and so that each slot 20 on either side 34 and 36 of each stackable section member 14 is aligned when the first continuous profile 82 is mounted to the scaffold frame 12 thereby forming the continuous slot 22 on each of the two sides 34 and 36; securing the first continuous profile 28 to a first vertical member 80 of the scaffold frame 12 by the mounting members 24; stacking the stackable section members 14 one on top of each other to form the second continuous profile (not shown) and so that each slot 20 on either side 34 and 36 of each stackable section member 14 is aligned when the first continuous profile 28 is mounted to the scaffold frame 12 thereby forming the continuous slot 22 on each of the two sides 34 and 36; securing a second continuous profile to a second vertical member (not shown) of the scaffold frame 12 by the mounting members 24; inserting the enclosing means 26 into the continuous slot 22 of the first continuous profile 82; inserting the enclosing means 26 into the continuous slot 22 of the second continuous profile; pulling the enclosing means 26 along the continuous slots 22 to a desired distance along the first and second continuous profiles to enclose the scaffolding frame 12.

The method can be further defined as including the step of inserting a an end 48 of the connecting member 42 into a recess 40 of a second end 18 of a stackable section member 14 and inserting the other end 49 into a recess 40 of a second stackable section member 14. By repeating the process over and over the continuous profile 28 may be erected. The method can also include the step of connecting the linking member 76 on the top edge 72 of the enclosing means 26 to a linking member 76 on a bottom edge 74 of an adjacent enclosing means 26.

The insertion of the enclosing means 26 or adjustable tarp 60 into the C-shaped channels 38 can be accomplished a number of different ways. A series of adjustable tarps 60 that are pre-linked may be located on a nearby rack to allow easy access by the installer, so that upon installation, the first adjustable tarp 60 inserted into the C-shaped channels 38 and the remaining adjustable tarps 60 subsequently role off the rack as the enclosure system is erected 10. The guide member 66 or rope 68 on each side 62 and 64 of the enclosing means 26 may also be attached to a mechanical winch or similar device to help pull the adjustable tarp 60 up the structure.

Other variations and modifications of the invention are possible. All such modifications or variations are believed to be within the sphere and scope of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. An enclosure system for scaffolding frame, comprising: (a) a plurality of stackable section members each having a first end and a second end, and at least one slot, whereby said stackable section members are stacked one on top of each other so that each of said slot of each stackable section member is aligned with one another to form a continuous slot; (b) mounting members for securing each of said stackable section members to said scaffolding frame, and; (c) an enclosing means adapted to engage said slot and said continuous slot when said stackable section members are stacked one on top of each other to enclose said scaffolding frame.

2. An enclosure system for scaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of stackable section members are further defined as a profile with a top side, a bottom side, and two sides wherein each side has one of said slots further defined as a C-shaped channel along each of said sides that engages said enclosing means.

3. An enclosure system for scaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a connecting member for connecting either said first end or said second end of said stackable section members to one another.

4. An enclosure system for scaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein said profile further comprises a series of recesses at said first and second ends that receive said connecting member.

5. An enclosure system for scaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein said profile further comprises a central pocket running the length of each of said profile.

6. An enclosure system for scaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mounting member is a bracket adapted to receive said scaffolding frame.

7. An enclosure system for scaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bracket is notched to receive a fastening means for securing said bracket to said stackable section members.

8. An enclosure system for scaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein said enclosing means is an adjustable tarp having two side edges that are adapted, down the length of each of said side edges, to engage each of said C-shaped channels.

9. An enclosure system for scaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein said side edges of said tarp further comprise a guide member attached to each of said side edges, whereby said guide member is inserted into each of said C-shaped channels on each of said sides of said stackable section members and said side edges of said tarp are guided up said C-shaped channels.

10. An enclosure system for scaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein said guide member may be rope or wire.

11. An enclosure system for scaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein said adjustable tarp has elastised portions.

12. An enclosure system for scaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein said adjustable tarp made from insulated material, reflective material, transparent material or camouflage material.

13. An enclosure system for scaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein adjustable tarp further comprises a top edge and a bottom edge, said top and bottom edges each has a linking member, wherein said linking member on said top edge of said tarp can connect to a linking member on a bottom edge of an adjacent adjustable tarp.

14. An enclosure system for scaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bottom side further comprises a telescoping portion to adjust the distance between said stackable section members and said scaffold frame.

15. An enclosure system for scaffolding frame, comprising: (a) a plurality of stackable section members each having a first end, a second end, a top side, a bottom side, and two sides, each side having a slot whereby said stackable section members are stacked one on top of each other to form a first continuous profile, whereby each slot on either side of each stackable section member is aligned when said first continuous profile is mounted to said scaffold frame thereby forming a continuous slot on each of said two sides; (b) mounting members for securing each of said stackable section members to said scaffolding frame, and; (c) an enclosing means adapted to engage each continuous slot; wherein said first continuous profile is secured to a first vertical member of said scaffold frame and a second continuous profile is secured to a second vertical member of said scaffold frame, and said enclosing means engages each of said continuous slots on said first continuous profile and said second continuous profile.

16. An enclosure system for scaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein said enclosing means is further comprises a top edge and a bottom edge, said top and bottom edges each has a linking member, wherein said linking member on said top edge of said enclosing means can connect to a linking member on a bottom edge of an adjacent enclosing means.

17. An enclosure system for scaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein said enclosing means is an adjustable tarp having two side edges that are adapted, down the length of each of said side edges, to engage each of said slots.

18. An enclosure system for scaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein said adjustable tarp has elastised portions and made from insulated material, reflective material, transparent material or camouflage material.

19. A method of erecting an enclosure system for scaffolding frame, said enclosure system having a plurality of stackable section members each having a first end, a second end, a top side, a bottom side, and two sides, each side having a slot, mounting members for securing each of said stackable section members to said scaffolding frame, and an enclosing means adapted to engage said slot, said method comprising the following steps: (a) stacking said stackable section members one on top of each other to form a first continuous profile, whereby each slot on either side of each stackable section member is aligned when said first continuous profile is mounted to said scaffold frame thereby forming a continuous slot on each of said two sides; (b) securing said first continuous profile to a first vertical member of said scaffold frame by said mounting member; (c) securing a second continuous profile to a second vertical member of said scaffold frame by said mounting member; (d) inserting said enclosing means into said continuous slot of said first continuous profile; (e) inserting said enclosing means into said continuous slot of said second continuous profile; (f) pulling said enclosing means along said continuous slots to a desired distance along said first and, second continuous profiles to enclose said scaffolding frame.

20. A method of erecting an enclosure system for scaffolding frame as claimed in claim 19, said enclosing means further comprises a top edge and a bottom edge, said top and bottom edges each has a linking member, said method further comprising the step of connecting said linking member on said top edge of said enclosing means to a linking member on a bottom edge of an adjacent enclosing means.