Patent Application
20180044931
This application generally relates to safety and debris netting for multi-floor construction and more particularly to a drop netting system for multi-floor or other types of construction and related methodology.
The drawings appended hereto are mere schematics representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Understanding that these drawing(s) depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawing(s), in which:
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of this disclosure, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.
Reference throughout this specification to an “embodiment,” an “example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or combinations thereof described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases an “embodiment,” an “example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, to different embodiments, or to one or more of the figures. Additionally, reference to the wording “embodiment,” “example” or the like, for two or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are necessarily related, dissimilar, the same, etc. Each statement of an embodiment, or example, is to be considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing each embodiment.
Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as “another embodiment,” the identified embodiment is independent of any other embodiments characterized by the language “another embodiment.” The features, functions, and the like described herein are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.
As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is,” “are,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional un-recited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”
With reference to
In some embodiments, at least two terminal brackets 11 are provided, in the depicted non-limiting embodiment a first terminal bracket at the left rear corner of the slab 20 and a second terminal bracket at the right rear corner of the slab 20. At least two corner brackets are provided at the opposing outward facing corners of the slab 20. A plurality of add-on brackets 13 may also be optionally provided. In some embodiments, at least one add-on bracket is positioned on the slab 20 between the terminal brackets 11 and the corner brackets 12 and between the two corner brackets 12. In some embodiments, depending on the relative dimensions of the slab 20, two or more add-on brackets 13 may be positioned between the two corner brackets 12, or the terminal brackets 11 and corner brackets 12. In some embodiments, the corner brackets 12 are configured and installed such that they extend away from the edge 21 of the slab 20 further than that of the add-on brackets 13 or terminal brackets 11.
Shown in
The spaced-apart configuration of the net is particularly useful for stucco, concrete, paint and masonry workers that need access to the edge and bottom of a slab 20 and will be using construction materials that are prone to creating debris and loss of building material. They system 10 herein permits the worker to work right up to the edge of the slab 20 but be in close proximity to the net 30, which can quickly and easily contain debris and excess building material. In some embodiments, the corner bracket 12 extends away from the edge 21 of the slab 20 further than the terminal and add-on brackets, thereby creating a great access space at the corner of the slab 20, where more space is often needed for more intricate work.
It is appreciated and understood that the various brackets may comprise materials of varying material and cross-section. For example, wood, steel, aluminum, and combinations thereof may be employed. Cross-sections may vary as the bracket beams may be tubular, square, or L-shaped. The means and manner by which the brackets are secured to the slab 20 is not limiting although in some embodiments concrete screws or like fasteners can be used. Other hardware may be utilized to reinforce the attachment points on the slab. The net 15 can vary in type, thickness and designed although it may desirable to employ a net 15 with a fine mesh backing or fine mesh array in order to retain and prevent the dispersion of debris, especially that occurring during stucco, tile, and concrete application. The means of attaching the net to the distal ends of the brackets can vary but may include hooks, clips, eyelets, and other like fastening or securing means.
By way of non-limiting example, it is helpful to describe certain relative dimensions of system components. In some embodiments, it is desirable for each of the brackets 11, 12, and 13 to extend away from the edge 21 of the slab 20 by at least 12 inches to provide optimal clearance for construction. In some embodiments, the corner brackets extend from the edge 21 further than the other brackets; for example, the corner brackets may extend from the edge 21 by 18 inches whereas the terminal 11 and add-on 13 brackets extend only 12 inches. The spacing of the brackets may also vary although in one embodiment it is desirable that the brackets are spaced apart no greater than 15 feet in order for the net 15 to remain taut and secure. In some embodiments, the various brackets extend away from the edge the same distance as they extend toward the slab, i.e. a 36 inch corner bracket extends 18 inches away from the edge.
The system 10 of the present invention is designed to be installed on adjacent floors although it may be possible to install on every other floor or other desired spacing in order to cover more than one floor or story of a building. Moreover, the system can adapted to be installed on successive adjacent floors with multiple nets attached to the brackets 11, 12, and 13, in succession on each such floors in order to construct a netting system which covers the entire side or a large portion of a building. The netting system is also designed to be modular in order to permit its usage in a variety of applications and with various sized, shaped, and configured building structures. The system 10 may can be employed in a variety of building applications including high rise construction, low rise construction, bridge construction, and the like.
While specific embodiments have been described in detail, those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosures. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims, and any and all equivalents thereof.
