Patent Application
20150176292
The present invention relates to construction scaffolding, and in particular, to a weatherproofing framework structure therefor.
Building projects typically require scaffolding to be erected around a walled structure to enable workers to access the building at various height levels to perform work. The workers on the scaffolding and adjacent work area are exposed to adverse weather conditions which limits productivity. Brick and stonework are common examples of construction work that requires scaffolding.
Attempts to address the adverse effect of weather conditions include inflatable structures to enclose the scaffold and isolate the internal environment from the weather conditions outside, as disclosed in EP 0948688 B1 for a “Weather Protected System for Mounting on a Scaffolding”. Drawbacks of this solution include bulkiness, expense, and the requirement of a power source.
Another approach in the prior art is disclosed in WO 1986/003538 for a “Weather Protecting Device for Stands”, requiring specialized rolls of weatherproofing material which are attached to the scaffolding by brackets that leave significant weather gaps between adjacent strips of weatherproofing material.
The present invention provides an enclosure system that allows for quick and easy installation and set-up of a framework and overlying weatherproofing layer over the work area on a standard scaffold structure without the need for specialized equipment.
The present invention relates to an enclosure system for weatherproofing the work area on a standard scaffold structure adjacent a vertical wall surface, comprising a framework of spaced apart structural members attached to the scaffolding and an overlying weatherproofing layer over the framework.
According to one aspect of the enclosure system according to the present invention an enclosure system is provided for weatherproofing the work area on a standard scaffold structure adjacent a vertical wall surface and attachment thereto, comprising a framework consisting of a plurality of spaced apart base bars joined to an equal plurality of extension bars, and an overlying weatherproofing layer. The standard scaffold structure comprises a plurality of vertical tubes. Each base bar has a length, hollow structural section, end portion, and opposing ends, one end being connected to the vertical tube on the standard scaffold structure by means of a coupler, and the other end being vertically offset from the first end toward the vertical wall surface and connected to the extension bar by means of a first joining structure. Each extension bar has a length, hollow structural section, end portion, and opposing ends, one end having a second joining structure complementary to the first joining structure on the base bar and connected thereto, and the other end having a head structure for engaging the vertical wall surface; the overlying weatherproofing layer comprises a sheet material overlying and attached to the framework.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, embodiments thereof will now be described in detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
The enclosure system according to the present invention comprises a framework consisting of a plurality of base bars joined to an equal plurality of extension bars, and an overlying weatherproofing layer. The framework is installed on a standard scaffold structure and is covered by any suitable weatherproofing material, such as a tarpaulin, to protect the workers and work area from weather elements.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the enclosure system is installed on the top level work area of a standard scaffold structure 9 above the highest walkboard, as shown in
The structural members forming the framework consist of a plurality of joined lengths of a base bar 1 and extension bar 2, which are connected at one end to the standard scaffold structure 9 and abut the vertical wall surface 28 at the other end to form a framework to support the tarpaulin.
As shown in
The base bar 1 may be provided with one or more toeboard brackets 7 at the bottom end 4 to receive a toeboard. The base bar 1 may also be provided with guardrail hooks 8 for attachment of horizontal guardrails at vertical intervals.
The top end 5 of the base bar 1 is vertically offset from the bottom end 4 of the base bar 1. Preferably, the top end 5 has an open end to receive the extension bar 2 within the hollow structural section of the base bar 1 as later described. When joined to the vertical tube 10 on the scaffolding the base bar 1 and extension bar 2 act as one element of the enclosure framework.
As shown in
The connection between the base bar 1 and the extension bar 2 is made telescopically adjustable by providing spaced apart apertures 6 at the top end 5 of the base bar 1, which are slidingly aligned with apertures 26 at the end 18 of the extension bar 2 and connected thereto by means of a locking pin. In this manner, the extension bar 2 is structurally attached to the base bar 1 and is telescopically adjustable to engage the vertical wall surface 28 and thus accommodate separation distance between the scaffolding and the vertical wall surface 28.
A head structure 21 is provided at the end 19 of the extension bar 2 to engage the vertical wall surface 28. Preferably, the head structure 21 has an angled flat surface 22 to effect a flat engagement with the vertical wall surface 28. The head structure 21 also has a hook 23 for attachment of an overlying weatherproofing layer near the second end 19.
As shown in
As shown in
While various embodiments in accordance with the present invention have been described and illustrated herein, it is understood that the invention is not limited thereto, and is susceptible to numerous changes and modifications as are known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention described herein is not limited to the particular embodiments described and illustrated, and includes all such changes and modifications as are encompassed by the scope of the following claims.
