JP7502087B2 - Working landing system with adjustable bridge - Google Patents

Description

The presented solution relates to a work landing system with a column-lifting work landing. The presented solution also relates to an adjustable bridge suitable for use in the work landing system.

Aerial access landings, such as elevating work landings supported by columns and their structures, are well known and are applied, for example, at various sites of building construction and repair, as well as when carrying out various maintenance and repair jobs. A work landing usually comprises a horizontal frame structure, by means of which the required workers, tools and other equipment and materials can be raised and lowered to the desired height to carry out the work. Although a work landing is typically made sturdy and elongated, it may also have a modified shape, including projections or even a circular shape, depending on the needs of the work site. Usually, a work landing has a rectangular shape, and the flooring belonging to its frame structure is demarcated by handrails for safety. The workers move on the flooring.

The work landing is moved along a vertical column structure, which may consist, for example, of a lattice structure, usually with a square cross section. The column structure may remain stationary and free standing, but typically the column structure is supported in place using fasteners. The column structure may also be supported at several different points, for example to a building, using fasteners. However, the fasteners allow the work landing to move up and down along the column structure, past them. The bottom end of the column structure may be supported on a particular scaffold or the like, but the work landing may also be mobile, in which case the column structure stands on a mobile base. The mobile base is formed, for example, by a carriage supported on wheels, which may be coupled to a towing vehicle. The column structure and the bottom part of the work landing are placed on the mobile base. The remaining part of the column structure may be detached and transported separately. Typically the mobile base includes several support legs, the position of which may be changed, which support the column structure when the work landing is in use.

There may be several support structures for a single work landing. It is also possible to connect two work landings, each of which is supported by one support structure. In this way it is possible to provide a larger work area and/or a larger load capacity.

The work landing is moved along the support structure using a lifting and lowering device, which is provided between the support structure and the work landing, connected to both of them or integrated into the framework structure of the work landing, for example its lifting frame. The lifting and lowering device comprises an actuator, for example an electric motor, and a transmission, which is connected to the gear rack of the support structure by means of one or more drive pinions. The pinions move up along the gear rack and at the same time the whole work landing moves along the support structure. Furthermore, the lifting and lowering device comprises a control system, which also comprises the control means necessary to control its operation, for example manually. The control means are normally arranged so that a person on the work landing may move the work landing all the way up or down to a given height and can exit the work landing or load goods. If necessary, a single control system may be used to control several lifting and lowering devices.

Some examples of pole-climbing work platforms are shown in European Patent Applications Nos. 2,489,622, 2,345,623, and 3,336,037.

For worker safety and satisfaction, it is important that the work landing is close to the building structure. However, this presents a challenge on construction and renovation sites where the building structure varies in shape along its height, for example the diameter of a tapered/tower-like structure changes along its height, such as a chimney or the like.

Patent application publication No. 2017-31681 discloses a typical arrangement of a pole-climbing work landing for such an inclined building structure. The pole is installed vertically so that the work landing is as close as possible to the bottom around the building structure. Naturally, when the work landing moves upward, the distance between the work landing and the edge of the structure increases, and it is necessary to use an overhand system, and a special floor may be extended or retracted in the direction to adjust the distance between the work landing and the edge of the structure, which is troublesome to adjust. Furthermore, the work landing cannot be lowered before lowering or retracting the overhand. Furthermore, the length of the anchor required to anchor the pole to the structure varies. It is not only inconvenient to prepare anchors of different lengths, but it is also difficult to install the anchors.

In JP 2004-176403, a plurality of working floors are arranged in a circumferential direction at a predetermined interval along the outer wall surface of the chimney. The working floors are supported by a unit frame that is fixed to the outer wall of the chimney and is adjustable according to the diameter of the chimney. A movable floor is arranged between two working floors. One end of the movable floor is connected to one end of an adjacent working floor via a pin, and the other end of the movable floor is a free end and is arranged movably on the other adjacent working floor. When the diameter of the chimney decreases and the unit frame is adjusted accordingly, the two working floors approach each other, and the overlapping area between the free end of the movable floor and the working floor on which the movable floor is arranged increases. The working floor is conveniently brought close to the structure. However, there is a gap between the movable floor and the structure, and the gap changes while the working floor moves up and down.

The working landing system according to the solution is presented in claim 1. The adjustable bridge according to the solution is presented in claim 15.

According to the presented solution, the adjusting bridge connecting the two work landings is automatically adjusted, so that when the work landing moves up and down along the support, the distance between the adjusting bridge and the adjacent structure, e.g. a building, can be controlled or, if necessary, kept constant. In other words, the presented work landing system guarantees the safety of the workers, so that the entire work area formed by the work landings and the adjusting bridge is always close to the structure while the landings move up and down.

The work landing system according to the presented solution comprises a first and a second support pillar, each of which is substantially upright and at an angle to each other, and a first and a second movable work landing, each of which is connected to the first and the second support pillars, respectively, and is therefore configured to move up and down along the pillars and simultaneously to remain at substantially the same height relative to each other.

The work landing system further includes an adjustment bridge having first and second ends on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the adjustment bridge, the adjustment bridge adapted to connect the first and second work landings, the first end being movably disposed on the first work landing and the second end being movably disposed on the second work landing.

The adjustment bridge further includes a motion transmission mechanism adapted to automatically synchronize the movement of the first and second ends, so that i) when the first and second work landings approach each other due to ascending and descending along the first and second columns, the first end is adapted to move horizontally along the first work landing toward the first work landing, and at the same time, the second end is adapted to move horizontally along the second work landing toward the second work landing, and ii) when the first and second work landings move away from each other due to ascending and descending along the first and second columns, the first end is adapted to move horizontally along the first work landing away from the first work landing, and at the same time, the second end is adapted to move horizontally along the second work landing away from the second work landing.

Adjustable bridges that include motion transmission mechanisms achieve the advantages discussed above.

By way of example, the adjustment bridge includes a motion transmission mechanism that is mechanically driven by the movement of the two working landings relative to each other. Thus, there is no need for an actuator requiring external power.

According to an example, the adjustment bridge further includes a guide mechanism adapted to guide the adjustment bridge for movement along the first and second working landings.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a proposed work landing system. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the work landing system shown in FIG. 1 including an adjustable bridge with a motion transmission mechanism according to an example. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another example of an adjusting bridge for use in the work landing system. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of yet another example of an adjusting bridge for use in the work landing system. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of a work landing system with the adjustable bridge of FIG. 3 at a height to which the work landing system can move downwards. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of a work landing system with the adjustable bridge of FIG. 3 at a height to which the work landing system can move upward. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the example work landing system of FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a working landing system including an adjustable bridge. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a working landing system including an adjustable bridge. FIG. 7 shows the relative positions of the working landing and the adjusting bridge when the working landing system is at a height corresponding to FIG. 6 . FIG. 6 shows the relative positions of the working landing and the adjusting bridge when the working landing system is at a height corresponding to FIG. 5 .

Reference will be made to the examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or corresponding reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to same or corresponding parts and features.

The figures are intended to illustrate examples of the presented solutions. As such, the figures are not to scale and do not imply a clear layout of the system components.

Figure 1 shows a working landing system to which the presented solution is applied. Working landing systems may be used for built and erected structures, including buildings with curved or sloping walls, e.g. chimneys, towers, columns.

The work landing system may have two or more work landings, and each pair of work landings may apply the presented solution. The work landing system may include several work landings that are sufficient to cover the perimeter of the structure.

The work landing system includes at least a first support 01a and a second support 01b (each of which is upright and includes a lower end and an upper end), a first movable work landing 02a connected to the first support 01a, and a second movable work landing 02b connected to the second support 01b. The work landings 02a, 02b are movable up and down along the support 01a, 01b, and the work landings 02a, 02b are configured to move simultaneously relative to each other to remain at substantially the same height.

As shown in FIG. 1, the columns 01a, 01b may be placed substantially upright and close to the walls of the structure such that at any point along the longitudinal axis of the columns 01a, 01b, the distance between the columns 01a, 01b and the structure is substantially constant. Due to the possibility that the structure is altered or the walls bend and tilt, the columns 01a, 01b may therefore tilt towards or away from each other. In the special case where the structure has walls that are both straight and vertically oriented, the columns 01a, 01b may only tilt towards or away from each other at all, or one of the columns 01a, 01b may only tilt towards or away from the other.

In other words, the columns 01a, 01b, each having a lower end and an upper end, are at an angle to each other, so that the upper ends are closer to each other than the lower ends. That is, the distance between the columns 01a, 01b decreases as one moves upward along the columns 01a and 01b, and increases as one moves downward along the columns 01a, 01b. In this example, the columns 01a, 01b are tilted towards each other, and the structure has curved and inwardly sloping walls. According to an alternative example, the lower ends are closer to each other than the upper ends. That is, the distance between the columns 01a, 01b decreases as one moves downward along the columns 01a and 01b, and increases as one moves upward along the columns 01a, 01b. In this example, the columns 01a, 01b are tilted away from each other, and the structure has curved and outwardly sloping walls.

The work landing system according to the presented solution further comprises an adjustment bridge 03 adapted to connect the first and second work landings 02a, 02b. The adjustment bridge 03 has first and second ends 04a, 04b on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction of the adjustment bridge 03.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first end 04a of the adjusting bridge 03 is movably disposed on the first working landing 02a, and the second end 04b is movably disposed on the second working landing 02b. By "movably disposed" is meant that the first and second ends 04a, 04b are not fixed in position on the working landings 02a, 02b, but rather the ends 04a, 04b may move on the working landings 02a, 02b and the adjusting bridge is not pulled away from the working landings 02a, 02b. In other words, both ends 04a, 04b of the adjusting bridge 03 may move along the working landings 02a, 02b, respectively, preferably simultaneously.

The adjustment bridge 03 includes motion transmission mechanisms 05a, 05b, and 05c, as illustrated in detail in Figures 2, 3, and 4.

In the example below, the motion transmission mechanisms 05a, 05b, 05c are mechanically driven by the movement of the first and second working landings 02a, 02b relative to each other, away from and towards each other, so that there is no need for a special electrical driver for the adjustment bridge 03. That is, the movement of the working landings 02a, 02b provides the force necessary to drive the motion transmission mechanisms 05a, 05b, 05c attached to the working landings 02a, 02b, which aid in the movement of the first and second working landings 02a, 02b relative to each other.

The motion transmission mechanisms 05a, 05b, 05c are adapted to synchronize the movement of the first and second ends 04a, 04b, so that when the first and second work landings 02a, 02b move toward each other, the first end 04a is adapted to move horizontally along the first work landing 02a toward the first work landing 02a, i.e. closer to the first support 01a, and at the same time the second end 04b is adapted to move horizontally along the second work landing 02b toward the second work landing 02b, i.e. closer to the first support 01a. When the first and second work landings 02a, 02b move away from each other, the first end 04a is adapted to move horizontally along the first work landing 02a away from the first work landing 02a, i.e., away from the first column 01a, and at the same time, the second end 04b is adapted to move horizontally along the second work landing 02b away from the second work landing 02b, i.e., away from the first column 01b.

The synchronous functionality of the motion transmission mechanisms 05a, 05b, 05c of the adjustment bridge 03 allows the working area formed by the working landing in combination with the adjustment landing to be automatically adjusted with the movement of the adjustment bridge 03 while the working landing moves up and down.

Furthermore, thanks to the motion transmission mechanism, the movement of the first and second ends 04a, 04b may be different, for example, to accommodate different shapes of the walls of the structure, in case the first and second columns 01a, 01b are tilted towards the structure at different angles because the inclination angle and/or curvature of the walls of the structure are different at different locations. In other words, the movement of the first and second ends 04a, 04b may be asymmetric, depending on the actual needs of the application. Advantageously, the working landing system will operate in an easier, more convenient and more versatile manner.

According to the example shown in Figs. 1 to 9b, the motion transmission mechanism 05a, 05b, 05c of the adjustment bridge 03 is adapted to synchronize the movement of the first and second ends 04a, 04b such that the distance moved by the first end 04a along the first working landing is substantially equal to the distance moved simultaneously by the second end 04b along the second working landing 02b. In other words, the first and second ends 04a, 04b move symmetrically on the working landings 02a, 02b.

The weight of the adjustment bridge 03 is thus evenly supported by the working landings 02a, 02b, which contributes to a more reliable system structure. Furthermore, when the movements of the first and second ends 04a, 04b are symmetrical, the working landing system is particularly advantageous for applications where the inclination angle and/or curvature of the walls of the structure are the same at different locations, e.g., in a chimney structure.

The adjustable bridge 03 is, according to one example, a steel beam structure. The adjustable bridge 03 has, for example, a rectangular shape. The adjustable bridge 03 has a deck as shown in FIG. 8b. The deck is, for example, attached to the steel beam structure. The deck may be formed by one or more sections made of sheets of suitable material, for example plywood or metal. In other figures, the adjustable bridge 03 is presented with the deck removed in order to make it easier to see the structure of the adjustable bridge 03.

In the figures, the adjustment bridge 03 and the first and second working landings 02a, 02b are shown without safety railings. The first and second working landings 02a, 02b have a deck formed, for example, by one or more sections made of a sheet of suitable material. The first and second working landings 02a, 02b may have a curved shape as shown in Figures 9a, 9b.

Reference is made to Figures 3 and 4, where examples of motion transmission mechanisms, referred to herein as motion transmission mechanisms 05b or 05c, are illustrated in more detail. These examples of motion transmission mechanisms 05b, 05c include a first idler wheel 06a attached to a first end 04a of the adjustment bridge 03, a second idler wheel 06b attached to a second end 04b of the adjustment bridge 03, and a first flexible linear element 07a having two opposite ends, the first flexible linear element being connected by one end circumnavigating the first idler wheel 06a to the first working landing 02a at a first attachment point 08a and by the second attachment point 08b. The first flexible linear element 07a is connected by its other end to the second landing 02b, and the second flexible linear element 07b has two opposite ends, the second flexible linear element 07b being connected by one end that goes around the second idler wheel 06b to the second working landing 02b at the second attachment point 08b, and the second flexible linear element 07b being connected by its other end to the first working landing 02a at the first attachment point 08a.

The first and second linear elements 07a, 07b may be connected to attachment points 08a, 08b using spring elements that allow for adjustment of the tension of the linear elements 07a, 07b.

Each mounting point 08a, 08b may include a bracket to be attached to one of the first and second work landings 02a, 02b and to which the first and second linear elements 07a, 07b are attached.

The first and second linear elements 07a, 07b form a loop that loops around the first and second idler wheels 06a, 06b. The first and second linear elements 07a, 07b are forced to move along the loop when the working landings 02a, 02b move up and down. The first and second linear elements 07a, 07b are mechanically driven by the movement of the first and second working landings 02a, 02b, i.e. the movement of the first and second attachment points 08a, 08b relative to each other. In addition, the length of the first and second linear elements 07a, 07b that are fixed has the effect that the linear elements 07a, 07b pull the idler wheels 06a, 06b as they pass through them.

The loop formed by the first and second linear elements 07a, 07b is thus connected to the working landings 02a, 02b via attachment points 08a, 08b, and the first and second idler wheels 06a, 06b guide the first and second linear elements 07a, 07b passing through them.

The locations of the first and second idler wheels 06a, 06b may be arranged according to the actual application. For example, the line representing the shortest distance between the first idler wheel 06a and the second idler wheel 06b may or may not be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the adjustment bridge 03.

As the work landings move closer to each other, the attachment points 08a, 08b of the work landings also move closer to each other and the loop formed by the first and second linear elements 07a, 07b is pulled to move clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the relative positions of the idler wheels 06a, 06b and the attachment points 08a, 08b. The first attachment point 08a moves away from the first idler wheel 06a and therefore the first end 04a is forced by the first linear element 07a to move horizontally along the first work landing 02a towards the first work landing 02a, and at the same time the second attachment point 08b moves away from the second idler wheel 06b and therefore the second end 04b is forced by the second linear element 07b to move horizontally along the second work landing 02b towards the second work landing 02b.

As the work landings move away from each other, the attachment points 08a, 08b of the work landings also move away from each other and the loop formed by the linear elements 07a, 07b is pulled to move clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the relative positions of the idler wheels 06a, 06b and the attachment points 08a, 08b. The second attachment point 08b moves away from the first idler wheel 06a and therefore the first end 04a is forced by the first linear element 07a to move horizontally away from the first work landing 02a along the first work landing 02a, and at the same time, as the first attachment point 08a moves away from the second idler wheel 06ab, the second end 04b is forced by the second linear element 07b to move horizontally away from the second work landing 02b along the second work landing 02b.

The motion transmission mechanism is not limited to the examples shown in FIG. 3 (i.e., chain) and FIG. 4 (i.e., cable or wire). The linear elements 07a, 07b can be ropes, cables, wires, belts, chains or any similar elements or combinations thereof, which can realize the concept of the motion transmission mechanism. Preferably, the linear elements 07a, 07b provide a fixed length, can transmit tensile forces, and have flexibility, so that the linear elements 07a, 07b can form linear and arcuate shapes.

The idlers 06a, 06b can be chain wheels, gears or any similar wheels that can realize the concept of a motion transmission mechanism. According to one example, the linear elements 07a, 07b are flexible both horizontally and vertically, i.e. in two perpendicular directions, such as ropes, cables, wires or the like, and therefore allow a slight difference in height between the two working landings 02a, 02b, which causes the linear elements 07a, 07b to bend slightly, especially at the idlers 06a, 06b.

Below is explained how the motion transmission mechanism according to the above mentioned example works. The first linear element 07a is guided from the first attachment point 08a to the first idler wheel 06a in a substantially horizontal first direction D01 away from the second working landing 02b, and in addition, the first linear element 07a is guided from the first idler wheel 06a in a substantially horizontal second direction D02 towards the second working landing 02b, such that the first and second directions D01, D02 are in opposite directions.

Similarly, the second linear element 07b is guided from the second attachment point 08b to the second idler wheel 06b in a substantially horizontal third direction D03 away from the first work landing 02a, and in addition, the second linear element 07b is guided from the second idler wheel 06b in a substantially horizontal fourth direction D04 toward the first work landing 02a, such that the third and fourth directions D03, D04 are in opposite directions.

The locations of the first and second attachment points 08a, 08b may be arranged according to the actual application. Preferably, the first and second idler wheels 06a, 06b move within the space between the first and second attachment points 08a, 08b. According to one example, the first attachment point 08a is close to the edge of the first work landing 02a and the second attachment point 08b is close to the edge of the second work landing 02b.

According to the example shown in Figs. 1 to 9b, the first and second directions D01 and D02 in the horizontal plane define a substantially equal angle θ01 with respect to the third and fourth directions D03 and D04. The angle θ01 is preferably less than 180 degrees, or less than 160 degrees, 140 degrees or 120 degrees. The angle θ01 may be selected according to the actual application, for example taking into account the inclination angle of the columns 01a and 01b with respect to the angle between the two work landings 02a, 02b.

For structures with curved and inclined walls, it is advantageous for the angle θ01 to be less than 180 degrees. In the example illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the angle θ01 is approximately 120 degrees. In the special case above, the angle θ01 is 180 degrees.

In addition, according to one example, as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5, the first, second, third and fourth directions D01, D02, D03 and D04 in the horizontal plane define substantially equal angles θ02 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the adjustment bridge 03. The angle θ02 is preferably greater than 0 degrees, or greater than 10 degrees, 20 degrees or 30 degrees. In other words, the loop formed by the linear elements 07a, 07b may be divided into two symmetrical parts that are mirror images of each other. In such a case, the movement of the first end 04a along the first working landing 02a is made symmetrical in relation to the movement of the second end 04b along the second working landing 02b when the working landings 02a, 02b move up and down.

For structures with curved and inclined walls, it is advantageous for the angle θ02 to be greater than 0 degrees. In the example illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the angle θ02 is approximately 30 degrees. In the special case above, the angle θ02 is 0 degrees.

The angles θ01, θ02 may be realized in many suitable ways. For example, one or more idlers included in the motion transmission mechanism may be used as shown in the examples of Figs. 4 and 7. Fig. 7 shows a bottom view of the example shown in Fig. 3. The adjustment bridge 03 comprises a central idler 06c attached to the mid-section of the adjustment bridge 03 such that the first and second linear elements 07a, 07b can be guided through the central idler 06c to change the direction of movement of the first and second linear elements 07a, 07b.

Preferably, when the first and second linear elements 07a, 07b are chains, the central idler wheel 06c includes an idler wheel that contacts both linear elements 07a, 07b to transfer motion from one linear element to another, thereby preventing the adjustment bridge 03 from moving when the first and second working landings 02a, 02b are stationary. The central idler wheel 06c may be a chain wheel, a gear, or any similar wheel.

Reference is made to FIG. 2, where another example of a motion transmission mechanism, referred to herein as motion transmission mechanism 05a, is illustrated in more detail. The motion transmission mechanism 05a of this example includes one or more pinions or gears 10 attached to the mid-section of the adjustment bridge 03, a first rack or toothed bar 11a having two opposite ends, connected by one end to the first working landing 02a by a joint and the other end extending to the mid-section to contact the one or more pinions or gears 10, and a second rack or toothed bar 11b having two opposite ends, connected by one end to the second working landing 02b by a joint and the other end extending to the mid-section to contact the one or more pinions or gears 10.

The one or more pinions or gears 10 are adapted to transmit motion from the first rack 11a to the second rack 11b and vice versa, whereby the first and second racks or toothed bars 11a, 11b are forced to move simultaneously relative to each other when the working landings 02a, 02b move up and down. Preferably, the first and second racks or toothed bars 11a, 11b are adapted to move equal distances.

The motion transmission mechanism 05a may be a rack and pinion gear set.

For structures with curved and inclined walls, it is advantageous that the first and second racks or toothed bars 11a, 11b in the horizontal plane define an angle with respect to each other, which angle corresponds to the angle θ01 in FIG. 5, and which angle is preferably less than 180 degrees, or less than 160 degrees, 140 degrees or 120 degrees. In the above special cases, the angle is 180 degrees.

In addition, according to one example, the first and second racks or toothed bars 11a, 11b in the horizontal plane define substantially equal angles with respect to the longitudinal direction of the adjustment bridge 03, which angles correspond to the angle θ02 in FIG. 5, which angle θ02 is preferably greater than 0 degrees or greater than 10 degrees, 20 degrees or 30 degrees. For structures with curved and inclined walls, it is advantageous for the angle to be greater than 0 degrees, for example about 30 degrees. In the above special case, the angle is 0 degrees.

Alternatively, the motion transmission mechanism is replaced with one or more actuators that generate the necessary forces to move the adjustment bridge 03 on the first and second working landings 02a, 02b such that the first and second ends 04a, 04b move in a symmetrical or asymmetrical manner as described above. The actuators may be linear or rotary actuators, e.g. electric motors. The actuators may include transmissions, e.g. gears and/or toothed bars, for moving the adjustment bridge 03. The actuators may be controlled by an electronic control unit. The control unit may include sensors adapted to measure the movement of the working landings 02a, 02b along the columns 01a, 01b. A signal indicative of the distance moved of the working landings 02a, 02b is transmitted to the control unit, which is adapted to determine the distance to be moved by the adjustment bridge 03 based on the signal. Alternatively, the signal is received from a control system of one of the working landings 02a, 02b. According to one example, the control system controls the function of the actuators.

Advantageously, optionally, according to one example, the adjusting bridge 03 further comprises a guide mechanism adapted to guide the adjusting bridge 03 in the example described above. Thanks to the guide mechanism, the adjusting bridge 03 may be guided to move only on a predetermined track or path or in a predetermined direction along the first and second working landings 02a, 02b, thus further ensuring the stability and reliability of the working landing system.

Reference is made to the examples of Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b. The adjusting bridge 03 is guided to move so that the first end 04a moves in a fifth direction D05 along the first working landing 02a, the fifth direction D05 in the horizontal plane defining a third angle (θ03) with respect to the longitudinal direction of the adjusting bridge 03, and the second end 04b moves in a sixth direction D06 along the second working landing 02b, the sixth direction D06 in the horizontal plane defining a fourth angle θ04 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the adjusting bridge 03.

Preferably, the third and fourth angles θ03, θ04 are greater than 0 degrees, or greater than 10 degrees, 20 degrees, or 30 degrees. For structures with curved and inclined walls, it is advantageous for the angles to be greater than 0 degrees, for example about 30 degrees. In the special case above, the angle is 0 degrees.

The third and fourth angles θ03, θ04 may be the same or different according to the actual application. According to the examples of Figs. 2 and 4, 8a and 8b, the third and fourth angles θ03, θ04 are substantially equal and the movement of the first and second ends 04a, 04b along the first and second working landings 02a, 02b is substantially symmetrical.

Preferably, the first and second directions D01, D02 (see, for example, FIG. 5) are parallel to the fifth direction D05 (see, for example, FIG. 8a), and in addition, the third and fourth directions D03, D04 are parallel to the sixth direction D06. Thus, the stability and reliability of the working landing system is further ensured, especially when the first and second linear elements 07a, 07b are used. Thereby, for example, loosening or overtightening of the linear elements 07a, 07b is avoided.

The examples of Figures 9a and 9b show the relative positions of the working landings 02a, 02b and the adjusting bridge 03 when the working landing system is at a height from which it can move upwards (see Figure 9a) and when it is at a height from which it can move downwards (see Figure 9b). The principles and features explained in the examples presented above also apply to those examples in which the first and second ends 04a, 04b of the adjusting bridge 03 move symmetrically on the working landings 02a, 02b.

In these examples of Figures 9a and 9b, when the first and second working landings 02a, 02b move up and down simultaneously, the fifth angle θ05 formed between the first working landing 02a and the adjusting bridge 03 (e.g., in the longitudinal direction of the adjusting bridge 03) in the horizontal plane remains the same, and the sixth angle θ06 formed between the second working landing 02b and the adjusting bridge 03 (e.g., in the longitudinal direction of the adjusting bridge 03) in the horizontal plane remains the same.

Preferably, the fifth and sixth angles θ05, θ06 are substantially equal, so that the adjustment bridge 03 moves along the working landings 02a, 02b without rotating relative to the working landings 02a, 02b and also relative to the adjacent structures. To this end, the third and fourth angles θ03 and θ04 should be equal.

As shown in Figures 9a and 9b, the first and second work landings 02a, 02b in the horizontal plane define an eighth angle θ08 with respect to each other. The eighth angle θ08 depends on the curvature of the building and how far the work landings are from each other. Preferably, the eighth angle θ08 is less than 180 degrees, or less than 160 degrees, 140 degrees, or 120 degrees.

In addition, the fifth and sixth directions D05 and D06, i.e. the third and fourth angles θ03 and θ04, are selected according to the inclination angle of the adjacent structures or the inclination angle of the columns 01a and 01b, see Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b, the distance between the adjustment bridge 03 and the adjacent structures can be kept the same regardless of the height position of the working landings 02a, 02b.

The guidance mechanism of the work landing system may be realized in many suitable ways.

In an example, referring to FIG. 8b, the guide mechanism may include at least one guide or rail 12 attached to the first working landing 02a, at least one element or wheel 13 attached to the first end 04a of the adjustment bridge 03 and adapted to slide or roll along the guide or rail 12 of the first working landing 02a, at least one guide or rail 12 attached to the second working landing 02b, and at least one element or wheel 13 attached to the second end 04b of the adjustment bridge 03 and adapted to slide or roll along the guide or rail 12 of the second working landing 02b.

Alternatively or additionally, in relation to the example of FIG. 8b, the guide mechanism may, for example, with reference to FIG. 3, include a first guide beam or rail 14a attached to the adjustment bridge 03 and extending from the middle section of the adjustment bridge 03 to a first end 04a, a second guide beam or rail 14b attached to the adjustment bridge 03 and extending from the middle section to a second end 04b, a first directional steering device 15a fixed to the first working landing 02a and adapted to move along the first guide beam or rail 14a when the first end 04a moves along the first working landing 02a, and a second directional steering device 15b fixed to the second working landing 02b and adapted to move along the second guide beam or rail 14b when the second end 04b moves along the second working landing 02b.

In this example, for a structure with curved and inclined walls, it is advantageous that the first and second guide beams or rails 14a, 14b in the horizontal plane define a seventh angle θ07 with respect to each other, the seventh angle θ07 being preferably less than 180 degrees, or less than 160 degrees, 140 degrees or 120 degrees. In the above special case, the angle is 180 degrees.

The guide mechanism as shown in Fig. 3 and the guide mechanism as shown in Fig. 8b may work independently or in combination. In the latter case, on each working landing 02a and 02b, the guide beam or rail 14a, 14b is parallel to the guide or rail 12 to ensure movement in the direction D05 or D06. In this example, the seventh angle θ07 is equal to the angle θ01 (see Fig. 5).

The guide mechanism is not limited to those examples shown in the figures. For example, as an alternative to the example shown in FIG. 3, the guide mechanism may include a first guide beam or rail attached to and extending along the first work landing 02a, a second guide beam or rail attached to and extending along the second work landing 02b, a first directional steering device fixed to the first end 04a and adapted to move along the first guide beam or rail when the first end 04a moves along the first work landing 02a, and a second directional steering device fixed to the second end 04b and adapted to move along the second guide beam or rail when the second end 04b moves along the second work landing 02b.

The first and second guide beams or rails and the first and second directional steering devices may be equal to or correspond to the first and second guide beams or rails 14a, 14b of FIG. 4, and the first and second directional steering devices may be equal to or correspond to the first and second directional steering devices 15a, 15b of FIG. 4.

In this example, for a structure with curved and inclined walls, it is advantageous that the first and second guide beams or rails in the horizontal plane define a seventh angle θ07 with respect to each other, the seventh angle θ07 being preferably less than 180 degrees, or less than 160 degrees, 140 degrees or 120 degrees. In the above special case, the angle is 180 degrees.

According to one example, the directional steering devices 15a, 15b are a pair of wheels and the guide beams or rails 14a, 14b are located between the wheels. Preferably, each directional steering device is adapted to allow the adjustable bridge 03 to move only in the direction D05 or D06 and not in a direction transverse to the direction D05 or D06.

According to one example, the first directional steering device 15a is mounted to a bracket at the first mounting point 08a and the second directional steering device 15b is mounted to a bracket at the second mounting point 08b.

It is to be understood that the disclosed solution examples are not limited to the structures disclosed herein, but extend to equivalents thereof, as would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

It should also be understood that the terms used herein are used for the purpose of describing examples only and are not intended to be limiting. References throughout this specification to "one example" or "an example" mean that the feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example of the solution.

As used herein, a number of items or structural elements may be presented in common lists for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as if each member of the list were individually identified as a separate and novel member.

In this description, the terms "substantially vertical" and "substantially horizontal" may be interchanged with the terms "vertical" and "horizontal". The direction of acceleration due to gravity is defined as the "vertical direction", and the "horizontal direction" defines the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. With respect to the orientations defined in this description, for example, references to "substantially vertical", "substantially horizontal", "substantially vertical", and "substantially parallel" also include orientations at angles relative to the absolute vertical, horizontal, vertical, and parallel directions, whereby the angles cover the range of angles considered reasonable when taking into account manufacturing tolerances and installation work, without departing from the concept of the presented solution.

The verbs "comprise" and "include" are used herein as open limitations that do not exclude or require the presence of unrecited features. It is further to be understood that the use of "a" or "an", i.e., the singular, throughout this specification does not exclude a plurality, unless specifically stated otherwise.

Although the solutions have been described by way of examples, it should be understood that the solutions are not limited to the disclosed examples, but are intended to cover various combinations and modifications within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (12)

1. A work landing system comprising:
- a first strut (01a) and a second strut (01b), each substantially upright, the first strut (01a) and the second strut (01b) being at an angle to each other;
a first movable work landing (02a) and a second movable work landing (02b), each connected to said first and second support columns (01a, 01b), respectively, such that said work landings (02a, 02b) can be raised and lowered up and down along said support columns (01a, 01b), said first and second work landings (02a, 02b) being configured to move simultaneously such that said work landings (02a, 02b) remain at substantially the same height relative to each other;
a working landing system comprising an adjusting bridge (03) having first and second ends (04a, 04b) opposite in a longitudinal direction of said adjusting bridge (03) and adapted to connect said first and second working landings (02a, 02b),
said first end (04a) being movably arranged on said first working landing (02a) and said second end (04b) being movably arranged on said second working landing (02b);
said adjustable bridge (03) further comprises a motion transmission mechanism (05a, 05b, 05c) adapted to automatically synchronize the movement of said first and second ends (04a, 04b), thus
- said first end (04a) is adapted to move horizontally along said first work landing (02a) towards said first work landing (02a) and simultaneously said second end (04b) is adapted to move horizontally along said second work landing (02b) towards said second work landing (02b) when said first and second work landings (02a, 02b) approach each other due to ascending and descending along said first and second columns (01a, 01b);
characterised in that said first end (04a) is adapted to move horizontally along said first work landing (02a) and away from said first work landing (02a) and at the same time said second end (04b) is adapted to move horizontally along said second work landing (02b) and away from said second work landing (02b), when said first and second work landings (02a, 02b) move away from each other due to ascending or descending along said first and second columns (01a, 01b);
The working landing system further comprises a guide mechanism adapted to guide the adjusting bridge (03) for movement along the first and second working landings (02a, 02b), thus
said first end (04a) is adapted to move along said first working landing (02a) in a fifth direction (D05), said fifth direction (D05) defining a third angle (θ03) in a horizontal plane with respect to said longitudinal direction of said adjusting bridge (03);
said second end (04b) is adapted to move along said second working landing (02b) in a sixth direction (D06), said sixth direction (D06) defining a fourth angle (θ04) in a horizontal plane with respect to said longitudinal direction of said adjusting bridge (03);
The third and fourth angles (θ03, θ04) are greater than 10 degrees and are substantially equal;
Working landing system. The work landing system of claim 1, wherein the motion transmission mechanism (05a, 05b, 05c) is adapted to be mechanically driven by the movement of the first and second work landings (02a, 02b) relative to each other. The work landing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the motion transmission mechanism (05a, 05b, 05c) is adapted to synchronize the movement of the first and second ends (04a, 04b) such that the distance moved by the first end (04a) along the first work landing is substantially equal to the distance moved simultaneously by the second end (04b) along the second work landing (02b). 1. A work landing system comprising:
- a first strut (01a) and a second strut (01b), each substantially upright, the first strut (01a) and the second strut (01b) being at an angle to each other;
a first movable work landing (02a) and a second movable work landing (02b), each connected to said first and second support columns (01a, 01b), respectively, such that said work landings (02a, 02b) can be raised and lowered up and down along said support columns (01a, 01b), said first and second work landings (02a, 02b) being configured to move simultaneously such that said work landings (02a, 02b) remain at substantially the same height relative to each other;
a working landing system comprising an adjusting bridge (03) having first and second ends (04a, 04b) opposite in a longitudinal direction of said adjusting bridge (03) and adapted to connect said first and second working landings (02a, 02b),
said first end (04a) being movably arranged on said first work landing (02a) and said second end (04b) being movably arranged on said second work landing (02b);
said adjustable bridge (03) further comprises a motion transmission mechanism (05a, 05b, 05c) adapted to automatically synchronize the movement of said first and second ends (04a, 04b), thus
- said first end (04a) is adapted to move horizontally along said first work landing (02a) towards said first work landing (02a) and simultaneously said second end (04b) is adapted to move horizontally along said second work landing (02b) towards said second work landing (02b) when said first and second work landings (02a, 02b) approach each other due to ascending and descending along said first and second columns (01a, 01b);
characterised in that said first end (04a) is adapted to move horizontally along said first work landing (02a) and away from said first work landing (02a) and at the same time said second end (04b) is adapted to move horizontally along said second work landing (02b) and away from said second work landing (02b), when said first and second work landings (02a, 02b) move away from each other due to ascending or descending along said first and second columns (01a, 01b);
The motion transmission mechanism (05b, 05c)
a first idler wheel (06a) attached to the first end (04a) of the adjustment bridge (03);
a second idler wheel (06b) attached to the second end (04b) of the adjustment bridge (03);
a first flexible linear element (07a) having two opposite ends, the first flexible linear element (07a) being connected by one end going around the first idler wheel (06a) to the first working landing (02a) at a first attachment point (08a) and by the other end being connected to the second landing (02b) at a second attachment point (08b);
a second flexible linear element (07b) having two opposite ends, the second flexible linear element (07b) being connected by one end going around the second idler wheel (06b) to the second working landing (02b) at the second attachment point (08b) and by the other end to the first working landing (02a) at the first attachment point (08a);
Including,
a working landing system, wherein said first and second linear elements (07a, 07b) form a loop looped around said first and second idler wheels (06a, 06b), said first and second linear elements (07a, 07b) being forced to move along said loop when said working landing (02a, 02b) moves up and down. the first linear element (07a) is led from the first attachment point (08a) to the first idler (06a) in a substantially horizontal first direction (D01) away from the second working landing (02b), and the first linear element (07a) is also led from the first idler (06a) in a substantially horizontal second direction (D02) towards the second working landing (02b), such that the first and second directions (D01, D02) are opposite;
The work landing system according to claim 4, wherein the second linear element (07b) is led from the second attachment point (08b) to the second idler wheel (06b) in a substantially horizontal third direction (D03) away from the first work landing (02a), and additionally the second linear element (07b) is led from the second idler wheel (06b) in a substantially horizontal fourth direction (D04) towards the first work landing (02a), such that the third and fourth directions (D03, D04) are opposite. The motion transmission mechanism (05b, 05c)
- further comprising a central idler wheel (06c) attached to the mid-section of said adjustment bridge (03);
A working landing system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first and second linear elements (07a, 07b) are guided via the central idler wheel in order to change the direction of movement of the first and second linear elements (07a, 07b). 1. A work landing system comprising:
- a first strut (01a) and a second strut (01b), each substantially upright, the first strut (01a) and the second strut (01b) being at an angle to each other;
a first movable work landing (02a) and a second movable work landing (02b), each connected to said first and second support columns (01a, 01b), respectively, such that said work landings (02a, 02b) can be raised and lowered up and down along said support columns (01a, 01b), said first and second work landings (02a, 02b) being configured to move simultaneously such that said work landings (02a, 02b) remain at substantially the same height relative to each other;
a working landing system comprising an adjusting bridge (03) having first and second ends (04a, 04b) opposite in a longitudinal direction of said adjusting bridge (03) and adapted to connect said first and second working landings (02a, 02b),
said first end (04a) being movably arranged on said first working landing (02a) and said second end (04b) being movably arranged on said second working landing (02b);
said adjustable bridge (03) further comprises a motion transmission mechanism (05a, 05b, 05c) adapted to automatically synchronize the movement of said first and second ends (04a, 04b), thus
- said first end (04a) is adapted to move horizontally along said first work landing (02a) towards said first work landing (02a) and simultaneously said second end (04b) is adapted to move horizontally along said second work landing (02b) towards said second work landing (02b) when said first and second work landings (02a, 02b) approach each other due to ascending and descending along said first and second columns (01a, 01b);
characterised in that said first end (04a) is adapted to move horizontally along said first work landing (02a) and away from said first work landing (02a) and at the same time said second end (04b) is adapted to move horizontally along said second work landing (02b) and away from said second work landing (02b), when said first and second work landings (02a, 02b) move away from each other due to ascending or descending along said first and second columns (01a, 01b);
The motion transmission mechanism (05a)
one or more pinions or gears (10) attached to the mid-section of said adjusting bridge (03);
a first rack or toothed bar (11a) having two opposite ends, connected at one end to said first working landing (02a) by a joint and extending to said intermediate section for contacting said one or more pinions or gears (10);
a second rack or toothed bar (11b) having two opposite ends, the second rack or toothed bar (11b) being connected at one end to the second working landing (02b) by a joint and extending to the intermediate section for contacting the one or more pinions or gears (10);
a working landing system, wherein said one or more pinions or gears (10) are adapted to transmit the movement of said first rack (11a) to said second rack (11b) and vice versa, said first and second racks or toothed bars (11a, 11b) being forced to move relative to each other when said working landing (02a, 02b) moves up and down. 1. A work landing system comprising:
- a first strut (01a) and a second strut (01b), each substantially upright, the first strut (01a) and the second strut (01b) being at an angle to each other;
a first movable work landing (02a) and a second movable work landing (02b), each connected to said first and second support columns (01a, 01b), respectively, such that said work landings (02a, 02b) can be raised and lowered up and down along said support columns (01a, 01b), said first and second work landings (02a, 02b) being configured to move simultaneously such that said work landings (02a, 02b) remain at substantially the same height relative to each other;
a working landing system comprising an adjusting bridge (03) having first and second ends (04a, 04b) opposite in a longitudinal direction of said adjusting bridge (03) and adapted to connect said first and second working landings (02a, 02b),
said first end (04a) being movably arranged on said first working landing (02a) and said second end (04b) being movably arranged on said second working landing (02b);
said adjustable bridge (03) further comprises a motion transmission mechanism (05a, 05b, 05c) adapted to automatically synchronize the movement of said first and second ends (04a, 04b), thus
- said first end (04a) is adapted to move horizontally along said first work landing (02a) towards said first work landing (02a) and simultaneously said second end (04b) is adapted to move horizontally along said second work landing (02b) towards said second work landing (02b) when said first and second work landings (02a, 02b) approach each other due to ascending and descending along said first and second columns (01a, 01b);
characterised in that said first end (04a) is adapted to move horizontally along said first work landing (02a) and away from said first work landing (02a) and at the same time said second end (04b) is adapted to move horizontally along said second work landing (02b) and away from said second work landing (02b), when said first and second work landings (02a, 02b) move away from each other due to ascending or descending along said first and second columns (01a, 01b);
The working landing system further comprises a guide mechanism adapted to guide the adjusting bridge (03) for movement along the first and second working landings (02a, 02b), thus
said first end (04a) is adapted to move along said first working landing (02a) in a fifth direction (D05), said fifth direction (D05) defining a third angle (θ03) in a horizontal plane with respect to said longitudinal direction of said adjusting bridge (03);
said second end (04b) is adapted to move along said second working landing (02b) in a sixth direction (D06), said sixth direction (D06) defining a fourth angle (θ04) in a horizontal plane with respect to said longitudinal direction of said adjusting bridge (03);
The guide mechanism includes:
at least one guide or rail (12) attached to said first working landing (02a);
at least one element or wheel (13) attached to the first end (04a) of the adjusting bridge (03) and adapted to slide or roll along the guide or rail (12) of the first working platform;
at least one guide or rail (12) attached to said second working landing (02b);
at least one element or wheel (13) attached to said second end (04b) of said adjusting bridge (03) and adapted to slide or roll along said guide or rail (12) of said second working landing. 1. A work landing system comprising:
- a first strut (01a) and a second strut (01b), each substantially upright, the first strut (01a) and the second strut (01b) being at an angle to each other;
a first movable work landing (02a) and a second movable work landing (02b), each connected to said first and second support columns (01a, 01b), respectively, such that said work landings (02a, 02b) can be raised and lowered up and down along said support columns (01a, 01b), said first and second work landings (02a, 02b) being configured to move simultaneously such that said work landings (02a, 02b) remain at substantially the same height relative to each other;
a working landing system comprising an adjusting bridge (03) having first and second ends (04a, 04b) opposite in a longitudinal direction of said adjusting bridge (03) and adapted to connect said first and second working landings (02a, 02b),
said first end (04a) being movably arranged on said first working landing (02a) and said second end (04b) being movably arranged on said second working landing (02b);
said adjustable bridge (03) further comprises a motion transmission mechanism (05a, 05b, 05c) adapted to automatically synchronize the movement of said first and second ends (04a, 04b), thus
- said first end (04a) is adapted to move horizontally along said first work landing (02a) towards said first work landing (02a) and simultaneously said second end (04b) is adapted to move horizontally along said second work landing (02b) towards said second work landing (02b) when said first and second work landings (02a, 02b) approach each other due to ascending and descending along said first and second columns (01a, 01b);
characterised in that said first end (04a) is adapted to move horizontally along said first work landing (02a) and away from said first work landing (02a) and at the same time said second end (04b) is adapted to move horizontally along said second work landing (02b) and away from said second work landing (02b), when said first and second work landings (02a, 02b) move away from each other due to ascending or descending along said first and second columns (01a, 01b);
The working landing system further comprises a guide mechanism adapted to guide the adjusting bridge (03) for movement along the first and second working landings (02a, 02b), thus
said first end (04a) is adapted to move along said first working landing (02a) in a fifth direction (D05), said fifth direction (D05) defining a third angle (θ03) in a horizontal plane with respect to said longitudinal direction of said adjusting bridge (03);
said second end (04b) is adapted to move along said second working landing (02b) in a sixth direction (D06), said sixth direction (D06) defining a fourth angle (θ04) in a horizontal plane with respect to said longitudinal direction of said adjusting bridge (03);
The guide mechanism includes:
a first guide beam or rail (14a) attached to said adjustment bridge (03) and extending from a mid-section of said adjustment bridge to said first end (04a);
a second guiding beam or rail (14b) attached to the adjusting bridge (03) and extending from the intermediate section to the second end (04b), the first and second guiding beams or rails (14a, 14b) defining a seventh angle (θ07) relative to one another in a horizontal plane;
a first directional steering device (15a) fixed to said first working landing (02a) and adapted to move along said first guide beam or rail (14a) when said first end (04a) moves along said first working landing (02a);
a second directional steering device (15b) fixed to said second work landing (02b) and adapted to move along said second guide beam or rail (14b) when said second end (04b) moves along the second work landing (02b). 1. A work landing system comprising:
- a first strut (01a) and a second strut (01b), each substantially upright, the first strut (01a) and the second strut (01b) being at an angle to each other;
a first movable work landing (02a) and a second movable work landing (02b), each connected to said first and second support columns (01a, 01b), respectively, such that said work landings (02a, 02b) can be raised and lowered up and down along said support columns (01a, 01b), said first and second work landings (02a, 02b) being configured to move simultaneously such that said work landings (02a, 02b) remain at substantially the same height relative to each other;
a working landing system comprising an adjusting bridge (03) having first and second ends (04a, 04b) opposite in a longitudinal direction of said adjusting bridge (03) and adapted to connect said first and second working landings (02a, 02b),
said first end (04a) being movably arranged on said first working landing (02a) and said second end (04b) being movably arranged on said second working landing (02b);
said adjustable bridge (03) further comprises a motion transmission mechanism (05a, 05b, 05c) adapted to automatically synchronize the movement of said first and second ends (04a, 04b), thus
- said first end (04a) is adapted to move horizontally along said first work landing (02a) towards said first work landing (02a) and simultaneously said second end (04b) is adapted to move horizontally along said second work landing (02b) towards said second work landing (02b) when said first and second work landings (02a, 02b) approach each other due to ascending and descending along said first and second columns (01a, 01b);
characterised in that said first end (04a) is adapted to move horizontally along said first work landing (02a) and away from said first work landing (02a) and at the same time said second end (04b) is adapted to move horizontally along said second work landing (02b) and away from said second work landing (02b), when said first and second work landings (02a, 02b) move away from each other due to ascending or descending along said first and second columns (01a, 01b);
The working landing system further comprises a guide mechanism adapted to guide the adjusting bridge (03) for movement along the first and second working landings (02a, 02b), thus
said first end (04a) is adapted to move along said first working landing (02a) in a fifth direction (D05), said fifth direction (D05) defining a third angle (θ03) in a horizontal plane with respect to said longitudinal direction of said adjusting bridge (03);
said second end (04b) is adapted to move along said second working landing (02b) in a sixth direction (D06), said sixth direction (D06) defining a fourth angle (θ04) in a horizontal plane with respect to said longitudinal direction of said adjusting bridge (03);
The guide mechanism includes:
a first guide beam or rail attached to and extending along said first working landing (02a);
a second guide beam or rail attached to and extending along the second working landing (02b), the first and second guide beams or rails defining a seventh angle (θ07) relative to one another;
a first directional steering device fixed to said first end (04a) and adapted to move along said first guide beam or rail when said first end (04a) moves along the first working landing (02a);
a second directional steering device fixed to said second end (04b) and adapted to move along said second guide beam or rail as said second end (04b) moves along the second work landing (02b). 11. The work landing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein when the first and second work landings (02a, 02b) move up and down simultaneously, a fifth angle (θ05) formed between the first work landing (02a) and the adjusting bridge (03) in the horizontal plane remains the same and a sixth angle (θ06) formed between the second work landing (02b) and the adjusting bridge ( 03 ) in the horizontal plane remains the same. 12. The work landing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein both the first and second columns (01a, 01b) are at an angle to the vertical, and both the first and second columns (01a, 01b ) are supported against a building or structure including walls that are at an angle to the vertical and define a curved shape in the horizontal direction.

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