GB2591862A

GB2591862A - Safety net fan

Info

Publication number: GB2591862A
Application number: GB2019472.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ford David
Original assignee: Astute Safety Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: Astute Safety Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2019-12-11
Filing date: 2020-12-10
Publication date: 2021-08-11
Also published as: GB202019472D0; GB201918155D0

Abstract

The fan 28 comprises a first pair of elongate members 32, 34 and a second pair of elongate members 32, 34 and attachment mechanisms securing a safety net 30 to the elongate members. The first pair of elongate elements is secured to a first cantilever member 36 attached to a building structure 38 and the second pair of elongate members is secured to a second cantilever member 36 attachable to a building structure and the elongate elements of each pair are pivotally moveable with respect to each other so as to extend the safety net outwardly from a building structure. Each elongate element is attached to the cantilever member by a fixing system 52 comprising a positioning element 60 and a receiver element 54 for receiving the elongate element wherein the positioning element comprises a pivot aperture and an array of position apertures defining different positions of the elongate element. Each elongate member may be attached to the cantilever member by a fixing system comprising a positioning means and a receiving means. The fixing system may be located on the cantilever member.

Description

Title: Safety Net Fan

Field of the invention

This invention relates to a safety net fan of the type used to catch falling objects during building construction.

Background to the invention

When constructing buildings and other structures, safety net fans are temporarily secured to the structures to catch falling debris and prevent injury to those at ground in level.

The existing safety net fans are generally assembled by skilled scaffolders in situ which causes safety issues, particularly for very tall structures, and can cause delays and increased costs for the building process.

Summary of the invention

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a safety net fan comprising a first pair of elongate elements and a second pair of elongate elements and attachment means, or attachment device, securing a safety net to the elongate elements, wherein the first pair of elongate elements is secured to a first cantilever member, such as a cantilever arm, attachable to a building structure, and the second pair of elongate elements is secured to a second cantilever member attachable to a building structure and the elongate elements of each pair are pivotally moveable with respect to each other so as to extend the safety net outwardly from a building structure. Thus the elongate elements of the first pair are pivotally moveable with respect to each other and elongate elements of the second pair are pivotally moveable with respect to each other. The first cantilever member is typically spaced from the second cantilever member by a distance approximately the same as or similar to the width of the net.

Each elongate element is preferably attached to the cantilever member by a fixing device, such as a bracket, comprising a positioning means or member and a receiver means or member for receiving the elongate element, wherein the positioning means comprises a pivot aperture and an array of position apertures defining different positions of the elongate element. The combination of pivot aperture and position apertures allows the position of the receiver means to be adjusted relative to the positioning means, enabling the receiver means to be positioned at different angles of tilt, and so allowing the elongate element to be pivotally adjusted to different angles of tilt. Preferably the fixing system is located on the cantilever member.

A securing means such as a bolt, pigtail pin or other type of securing element may be used to secure the positioning means to the receiver means, the securing means in positionable to extend through the pivot aperture and one of the position apertures so as to secure the receiver means Thus the securing means may comprise at least one pigtail pin.

One pigtail pin may be used to extend through the pivot aperture and receiver means, with a second pigtail pin used to extend through the position aperture and receiver means. Alternatively a bolt may extend through the pivot aperture and receiver means.

The pivot aperture is preferably disposed above the array of position apertures. The array of position apertures may consist of a circular arc and the pivot aperture may be positioned within or substantially at an origin of the circular arc of position apertures.

The positioning means may comprise a first sleeve attached between a pair of plates, with each plate formed with a pivot aperture and position apertures. The first sleeve may incorporate one or more apertures to enable fixing of the first sleeve to the cantilever member. The first sleeve is typically rectangular having a square cross section and is configured to fit over the cantilever member.

Preferably each plate is attached to the sleeve so as to oppose the other plate, with apertures on the one plate aligning with apertures on the opposing plate.

The receiver means may comprise a second sleeve securable between the pair of plates, the second sleeve adapted to receive an elongate element. The elongate element and the receiver means are preferably provided with cooperating apertures to allow the elongate element and receiver means to be secured together, with securing typically taking place using a pigtail pin.

The attachment means may comprise ties or straps, for example tie-down straps with cam buckles or ratchets, hook straps, or Velcro® straps and which may form part of the safety net, typically being spaced along the safety net at regular intervals. The safety net may comprise one or more integral sleeves for receiving tubular members, such that at least part of the attachment means is able to attach to poles held within the in integral sleeves. This allows part of the attachment means to connect to a pole or rod rather than directly to the net which improves the longevity of the net.

The attachment means may, in addition or alternatively, comprise a receiving member for receiving at least one cylindrical member, such as a rod or tube, and a securing element for securing the at least one cylindrical member. The securing element is preferably slideably movable with respect to the receiving member so as to define a first position for receiving the at least one cylindrical member and a second position for securing the at least one cylindrical member.

The receiving member may comprise two spaced apart arms to define an open region for receiving one or more cylindrical members. The arms may be disposed one above the other, and preferably the securing element locates over both arms for slideable movement.

The securing element preferably incorporates comprises apertures to enable the securing element to be fixed in position using fixing means, such as a gravity locking pin, otherwise known as a pigtail pin, or bolt.

The receiving member may form part of the elongate element or may be movable relative to such an elongate element, and thus the receiving member may further comprise a third sleeve locatable around and movable with respect to the elongate element. The third sleeve enables the receiving member to be moved up and down with respect to the elongate element. This ensures the tension of the net can be adjusted prior to deployment.

The third sleeve may further comprise a plurality of spaced apart apertures such that fixing means, such as bolts, gravity locking pins or pigtail pins, can be used to secure the third sleeve to the elongate member.

Typically the safety net fan may further comprise at least one safety barrier, typically connected to one of each pair of elongate members. Typically the safety bather is a in plastics panel formed from fibre reinforced plastics although other substantially rigid plastics materials can be used if desired. Composite materials such as GRP are particularly preferred due to resistance to impact loads and durability.

The invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art safety net fan; Figure 2 is a side perspective view of a safety net fan in accordance with the invention, prior to deployment; Figure 3 is a schematic view of a net used in the safety net fan; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a bracket; Figures 5 and 6 are side perspective views of a safety net fan during deployment; and Figure 7 a side perspective view of a safety net when deployed.

Description

A prior art example of a safety net fan is shown in Figure 1 where a building under construction has partially uncompleted floors 10, 12 and a safety net 14 is connected to a scaffolding structure 16 so as to extend beyond the edge of unfinished floor 12 and to catch debris and the like before it falls to the ground. Scaffolding structure 16 is a substantially triangular arrangement extending over two floors, such that net 14 is connected to an arrangement of vertical and horizontal scaffolding poles 18, 20 and is supported by angled scaffolding poles 22 extending from the level of floor 10 up towards the outer edge 24 of net 14.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a safety net fan 28 in accordance with the invention prior to deployment into a position where it is able to catch debris. This safety net system comprises a safety net 30 secured between pairs of inner 32 and outer 34 posts fixed to spaced apart cantilever arms or horizontal stubs 36 attached to part of a building structure 38. Net 30 is typically around 3 metres wide and 2 metres tall with arms 36 spaced apart on the building structure 38 by a distance similar to the width of net 30. Net 30 is shown in detail in Figure 3 and consists of an elongate rectangular net with integrally formed sleeves 40, 42 for receiving cylindrical members, such as rods or poles. Ties 44 are positioned along the sides 46 and lower in edge 48 of net 30 and if desired these ties can be tie-down straps with cam buckles or ratchets, hook straps, straps with safety-latching hooks, or Velcro® straps. As shown in Figure 2, typically at least one safety barrier or panel 49 will also be secured to posts 32, generally so as to be in a vertical position. Typically panel 49 is formed from plastics materials such as fibre reinforced plastics or composite materials such as GRP.

A single tubular rod 50 extends through each of sleeves 40, 42 and fixing devices 52 mounted on posts 34 attach to and secure rods 50 so as to support net 30. By securing to rods 50 rather than directly to net 30, the point of attachment is robust and net 30 will not be damaged by fixing devices 52. Fixing devices 52 are also mounted on posts 32 and secure rods 50' extending through safety barrier 49 so as to fix barrier 49 in place. Ties 44 positioned along edge 48 of net 30 are secured to lower rod 50' so as to attach lower edge 48 to barrier 49. Rods 50, 50' are typically made of fibreglass, moulded with a cruciform cross-section to improve strength. Typically fixing device 52 is made of plastics materials such as fibre reinforced plastics or composite materials but can be made of metal.

Fixing devices 52 consist of receiving member 54 and securing element 56 slideably locatable on receiving member 54. Posts 32, 34 and receiving member 54 are provided with apertures through which bolts and/or gravity locking pins, otherwise known as pigtail pins, can be used to temporarily secure them to each other, and similarly receiving member 54 and securing element 56 are provided with cooperating apertures to allow them to be temporarily secured to each other.

Receiving member 54 is shown in more detail in Figure 5 and comprises a hollow substantially rectangular sleeve 60 slideable along posts 32, 34 allowing it to be positioned at a suitable height for net 30 Sleeve 60 is attached to arms 62, 64, with arm 62 disposed directly above arm 64 so as to form an opening or receiving channel 66 into which tubular members 50, 50' can be positioned and supported. Two opposing faces 68 of sleeve 70 are provided with a plurality of apertures 72, with apertures on each face 68, 70 in opposing alignment so as to allow bolts or other securing means to be passed through these apertures and through apertures in posts in 32, 34 so as to secure sleeve 60 to the posts.

Arms 62, 64 are each provided with two laterally spaced apart apertures 80, 82, 80', 82', with apertures 80, 80' in opposing alignment, arid similarly apertures 82, 82' also in opposing alignment. Securing element 56 comprises two apertures 90, 92 and is slid over arms 62, 64 until apertures 90, 92 are in alignment with arm apertures 82, 82' Gravity locking pins or bolts 94 are then inserted through the aligned apertures to lock securing element 56 to receiver member 54.

If desired, two tubular members can be secured within opening 66 by sliding securing element 56 over arms 62, 64 until apertures 90, 92 are in alignment with the second pair of arm apertures 80, 80'.

Once net 30 is secured in position between posts 32, 34, then it can be adjusted to extend laterally or at an angle from structure 38 by pivoting posts 34 relative to posts 32, as can be seen in Figures 5, 6 and 7.

Pivotal movement of posts 32, 34 relative to each other is achieved by each post 32, 34 being pivotally secured within a fixing device such as bracket 100, see Figure 4, which is located on cantilever arm 36 and connects each post to cantilever arm 36.

The innermost brackets 100 closest to building structure 38 secure posts 32 on which barrier 49 is mounted and outermost brackets 100' furthest from building structure 38 secure posts 34 on which net 30 is mounted.

Bracket 100 comprises two identical opposing upright plates 102, 102' connected to opposing sides of a square cross-section tube 104. The dimensions of tube 104 are complementary to those of cantilever arm 36 so that tube 104 is slideable over arm 36. Plates 102, 102' define a channel 106 in which rectangular sleeve 108 is secured, sleeve 108 receiving either post 32 or post 34. To secure bracket 100 in position, typically a bolt or pigtail pin 109 is positioned to extend through aperture 110 on plates 102, 102' and corresponding apertures in tube 104 (not visible). The parts forming bracket 100 can be made from metal such as stainless steel plate or composites such as reinforced fibreglass.

Each plate 102, 102' is formed with a single pivot aperture 112 and an array of four position apertures 114, 116, 118, 120, the position apertures disposed in an arc about pivot aperture 112. Apertures 114, 116 and 118 are positioned at an angle of 22.5° relative to the previous aperture, with aperture 120 at a far end of the array representing a horizontal position substantially parallel to tube 104 so that when sleeve 108 is secured through aperture 120, then sleeve 108 will be positioned substantially parallel to tube 104.

Sleeve 108 is formed with four vertically aligned apertures 122 on face 130, two of which can be seen with the third aperture positioned directly behind pivot aperture 112 and the fourth aperture below the third aperture and positionable to be directly behind a position aperture. There are four corresponding apertures 122' on opposing face 132 so as to create four pairs of aligned apertures. A bolt or other type of securing means 134 extends through apertures located behind pivot aperture 112 so as to pivotally secure sleeve 108 to plates 102, 102'. Typically posts 32, 34 are secured into sleeve 108 using bolts or pigtail pins extending through apertures in posts 32, 34 and apertures 122, 122' in sleeve 108.

Figures 5 to 7 show deployment of safety net fan 28 as posts 34 and net 30 are extended outwards beyond structure 38. Four panels 49 are secured to posts 32 using rods 50' and fixing devices 52 and net 30 is secured to posts 34 and lower rods 50' Posts 34 are gradually pivoted about pivot aperture 112 and lowered until they reach a position substantially parallel to tube 104 of bracket 100, see Figure 7, with net 30 extending outwards away from structure 38. A securing device, such as a bolt or pigtail pin is then passed through position apertures 120 in plates 102, 102' and lowermost holes 122, 122' in sleeve 108 to fix sleeve 108 in position and so fix posts 34 in position. Net 30 can be angled if required by using one of position apertures 114, 116, 118 instead of aperture 120 With the described arrangement, the safety net fan is mounted on a single floor rather than extending over two floors and is arranged to cantilever out from a single floor. The safety net fan can be formed at ground level without using qualified scaffolders in and bolted to a beam, truss or similar before it is lifted into place.

Claims

Claims 1. A safety net fan comprising a first pair of elongate elements and a second pair of elongate elements and attachment means securing a safety net to the elongate elements, wherein the first pair of elongate elements is secured to a first cantilever member attachable to a building structure, and the second pair of elongate elements is secured to a second cantilever member attachable to a building structure and the elongate elements of each pair are pivotally moveable with respect to each other so as to extend the safety net outwardly from a building structure.in 2. A safety net fan according to claim 1, wherein each elongate element is attached to the cantilever member by a fixing system comprising a positioning means and a receiver means for receiving the elongate element, wherein the positioning means comprises a pivot aperture and an array of position apertures defining different positions of the elongate element.3 A safety net fan according to claim 2, wherein the fixing system is located on the cantilever member.4. A safety net fan according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the pivot aperture is disposed above the array of position apertures.5. A safety net fan according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the array of position apertures consists of a circular arc 6. A safety net fan according to claim 5, wherein the pivot aperture is positioned within or substantially at an origin of the circular arc of position apertures.7. A safety net fan according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the positioning means comprises a first sleeve attached between a pair of plates, with each plate formed with a pivot aperture and position apertures.8. A safety net fan according to claim 7, wherein the first sleeve incorporates one or more apertures to enable fixing of the first sleeve to the cantilever member.9. A safety net fan according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the receiver means comprises a second sleeve securable between the pair of plates.10. A safety net fan according to any of claims 2 to 9, wherein the elongate element and the receiver means are provided with cooperating apertures to allow the elongate element and receiver means to be secured together.11. A safety net fan according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment in means comprises ties or straps.12. A safety net fan according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the safety net comprises one or more integral sleeves for receiving tubular members.13. A safety net fan according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment means comprises a receiving member for receiving at least one cylindrical member and a securing element for securing the at least one cylindrical member.14. A safety net fan according to claim 13, wherein the securing element is slideably movable with respect to the receiving member so as to define a first position for receiving the at least one cylindrical member and a second position for securing the at least one cylindrical member.15. A safety net fan according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the receiving member comprises a third sleeve locatable around and movable with respect to the elongate element 16. A safety net fan according to claim 13, 14 or 15 wherein the receiving member comprises two spaced apart arms to define an open region for receiving one or more cylindrical members.17. A safety net fan according to claim 16, wherein the arms are disposed one above the other.18. A safety net fan according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the securing element locates over both arms for slideable movement.19. A safety net fan according to any of the preceding claims comprising at least one safety barrier.20. A safety net fan according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a bottom edge of the safety net is securable to a safety barrier connected between one of each pair of in elongate elements.