WO2011061407A1

WO2011061407A1 - An apparatus for covering a wall

Info

Publication number: WO2011061407A1
Application number: PCT/FI2010/050942
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tommi Ojanen
Original assignee: Tommi Ojanen
Priority date: 2009-11-23
Filing date: 2010-11-22
Publication date: 2011-05-26
Also published as: FI20096231A0; FI121856B

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly for covering a wall, comprising a support system (1) to be placed in engagement with a substantially vertical wall, and an enclosure system (2) to be supported thereon for covering a wall (S). The support system (1) includes a suspension frame (1a) in an overhead position with respect to a wall or wall section (S') to be covered for supporting the enclosure system (2).

Description

An apparatus for covering a wall

The invention relates to an apparatus for covering a wall, comprising a support assembly to be placed in engagement with a substantially vertical wall, and an enclosure system to be braced thereon for covering a wall .

For example, in fagade, joint rehabilitations or in window renovations arises a need to cover the fagade of a building for the duration of construction activities, such that between an enclosure structure set up for its protection and a building wall develops a working space shielded from the environment. Erecting a ground-based scaffold, along with an enclosure structure for attachment thereto, is currently a highly laborious and tedious process as the installation requires a large amount of construction supplies as well as equipment, such as cranes etc. At present, such an undertaking requires the coverage for each currently treated building wall over its entire breadth or for the entire building, which causes nuisance throughout the construction project both for inhabitants and businesses possibly operating in the building. The erection and dismantling of a ground-based enclosure structure, along with shipments of materials and supplies included therein, require at least a few days depending on the size of a currently treated building, in addition to which the above type preparations often result in the need of traffic arrangements, particularly in more congested population centers. Moreover, maintaining sufficient heat in the enclosed working space, which is limited by an enclosure structure extending continuously along a building wall, e.g. across its entire breadth, is challenging particularly in winter conditions as the heat diffuses throughout the entire covered space. This is why the work cannot always continue due to the lack of sufficient heating in the working space. It is an object with an apparatus of the present invention to provide a decisive improvement for the foregoing problems and to thereby raise essentially the available prior art. In order to fulfill this object, the apparatus according to the invention is principally characterized in that the support assembly includes a suspension frame in an overhead position with respect to a wall or wall section to be covered for supporting the enclosure system. The most notable benefits gained by an apparatus of the invention include the simplicity and high performance of applicable equipment population and its use, first by virtue of the fact that it enables operations performed on the wall to be carried out in shorter lateral zones at a time. Hence, there is no need to cover e.g. the entire fagade of a building at one time with massive construction scaffolds, by virtue of which neither workings of the building nor its environment will be disturbed as much as with currently available systems. Thus, it is an essential advantage in the invention that it does not necessitate a conventional ground-based scaffold, but enables working within the enclosure by using a hanging cradle, other personnel hoists and/or quick- to-assemble smaller auxiliary platforms.

Making use of an apparatus according to the invention is also possible by using two or more parallel apparatuses simultaneously, such that one or more next-to-be-operated working areas can be subjected to heating/dehumidification prior to working on said area/areas. In the best case scenario, the apparatus according to the invention is erectable in less than an hour, which beneficially enables the advance preparations of relevant construction processes to be effectively minimized and, as a result, the working efficiency to be significantly improved as well. Another advantage gained by construction operations carried out intermittently in the direction of a building's breadth is that each resulting covered working space is not overly extensive, which beneficially enables maintaining it sufficiently warm even in cold conditions by outfitting the apparatus with appropriate overpressure-operated or the like heating systems. By virtue of its simple operating principle, the utilization range of an apparatus according to the invention is not limited e.g. to building contractors or the like, but its utilization is also possible by individual persons, e.g. in single family house renovations and the like. In addition, the apparatus according to the invention is found useful in shipyard and the like environments, resulting even there in a decisive improvement regarding safety and convenience at work. Consequently, one further essential benefit offered by the apparatus according to the invention is its ability, e.g. in Nordic conditions, to lengthen the season for certain type building projects most favorably by as much as about seven months. Other preferred embodiments for an apparatus of the invention are presented in dependent claims directed to the same.

In the following specification, the invention shall be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

shows in a perspective view one preferred apparatus of the invention installed on a wall of a flat roof building, fig. 2

shows in a schematic side view one preferred suspension frame included in an apparatus of the invention,

shows in a schematic side view, and in one preferred embodiment, a frame segment present on the ground and included in an apparatus of the invention, fig. 4

shows in a schematic sectional plan view one preferred embodiment for an enclosure system included in an apparatus of the invention, and fig . 5

shows a few optional bracing practices for a suspension frame included in an apparatus of the invention.

The invention relates to an apparatus for covering a wall, comprising a support assembly 1 to be placed in engagement with a substantially vertical wall, and an enclosure system 2 to be supported thereon for covering a wall S. Referring to preferred embodiments shown e.g. in figs. 1 and 2, the support assembly 1 includes a suspension frame la in an overhead position with respect to a wall or wall section S' to be covered for supporting the enclosure system 2.

In a preferred embodiment, referring especially to the embodiment shown in fig. 3, the support system 1 further includes a lower frame segment lb for anchoring the suspension frame la to the ground surface .

In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus is particularly intended for covering the fagade of a building for construction operations, such that between the enclosure system 2 and the building wall develops a working space T protected from the environment. Referring e.g. to figs. 1 and 2, the suspension frame la, protruding to a distance el from an exterior surface of the wall, is adapted to be supported with a first support system lal on a roof structure KT above the wall to be covered, and to be coupled with a second support system la2 to the on- ground frame segment lb.

Specifically, when using a conventional hanging cradle employed at construction sites, the apparatus is preferably selected to have a width of about 6,3-7 meters and, respectively, an effective overhang e3 (a distance of the second support system la2 from the wall surface S' ) to be about 2,5-3 meters, which enables installation of the hanging cradle and working upon the same inside the enclosure system 2. In that context, the installation of a hanging cradle can be performed by using conventional fastening systems for supporting it upon the roof of a building.

In a further preferred embodiment, the frame segment lb present on the ground is provided with e.g. with pulling and/or pushing handles at its front or rear edge, and/or with adjustable support legs which enable setting the frame segment lb in a sufficiently horizontal position e.g. on a sloping or irregular terrain. In the event that there is an air gap left underneath the frame segment, it is possible that a base R included therein be provided with a skirt made of an appropriate material and presenting for example adjustable vents. Furthermore, it is possible to provide the frame segment in a more or less integrated manner with a heating system for heating the working space T.

In still another preferred embodiment, referring specifically to fig. 2, in order to establish a moment arm, the first support system lal, which transmits force in a vertical direction h to a distance e2 from an attachment plane X of the suspension frame la, and the second support system la2, which is provided at the suspension frame's la forward edge, such as in its corners and midpoint, comprise tension transmitting tie rods, ropes, cables and/or the like preferably capable of being tightened by means of clamping elements. Especially in the embodiment according to fig. 3, the frame segment lb has its base R provided with tubes lb3 in coincidence with the support cables la2. The support cables are threaded e.g. through the tubes and tightened by clamping tools (not specifically shown in the drawing) associated with the tubes. Respectively, the suspension frame la preferably includes for example a screw-actuated clamping system KR for the tightening of attachment cables that make up the first support system lal.

In another preferred embodiment, the enclosure system 2 comprises a sheeting segment 2', which is reinforced with a bracing system 2a and is thin and pliable, such as made from rubber, plastics, cloth and/or the like material, and which covers the wall or wall section S' in the form of an uninterrupted surface, such as continuously in the vertical direction h, with rear and, if necessary, side surfaces 2'a, 2'b.

In reference to e.g. fig. 1, the pliable sheeting segment, such as a tarpaulin 2' , has its back and side surfaces 2'a, 2'b provided, for example at intervals of about a meter, with bracing ribs made e.g. from aluminum, fiberglass or carbon fiber, which enable making the per se light-structured tarpaulin sufficiently sturdy.

In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises storage elements lc provided in engagement with the on-ground frame segment lb for the enclosure system 2, such as for storing the sheeting segment 2' in a collapsed, folded, rolled and/or pleated condition. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in fig. 3, the tarpaulin 2', which makes up the enclosure system 2, is provided at appropriate distances from each other with coupling means o, such as sail locks, grommets or the like, by which it is coupled in its stored condition to tubes lb3 included in the base R.

In yet another embodiment, referring especially to fig. 2, the apparatus includes an attachment system Id, comprising e.g. vertically adjustable or replaceable connecting pieces Id' particularly for enabling a substantially horizontal position for the suspension frame la, depending on a top connection angle of the wall S to be covered, such as on the building's roof pitch or the like. Further, according to the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 2, in association with the suspension frame R is provided an anchoring system AV, comprising e.g. support arms, which are pivotably connected to the suspension frame and capable of being pivoted and locked against the wall S' , such that the suspension frame is not able to rotate in vertical plane. In still another preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes operating elements le for bringing the enclosure system 2 on the wall S for covering the same, such as by hoisting the sheeting segment 2' in a winch-driven manner Id' , with one or more ropes, cables or wires Id" coupled thereto, to the engagement with the suspension bar la. This can be carried out in a controlled manner, e.g. on a principle illustrated in fig. 3, by making use of coupling means o, such as sail locks, grommets or the like, which are present in the horizontal bracing ribs 2a' included in the light-structured sheeting segment 2' successively in its lengthwise direction, said process being controlled by the second support system la2.

The pliable sheeting segment 2' , such as a tarpaulin, has its leading edge provided e.g. with a reinforcing strip, which matches the bracing system 2a and has quick release clamps coupled therewith for securing the same to hoisting/lowering cables Id" (which is not specifically depicted in the drawings, though) . As a consequence, the sail locks or grommets, which are present in the bracing system 2a and function as the coupling means, begin to unravel, as shown in fig. 3, from top of the tubes lb3 present in the base R along the support cables la2 in the process of hoisting the tarpaulin 2' . In a further preferred embodiment, the tarpaulin 2' features horizontal zippers at intervals of about a meter, which enable its side segments 2'b to be opened for a suitable size. In this context, it is further possible to provide the suspension frame la and the frame segment lb with appropriate attachment systems for fixing the tarpaulin's side segments 2'b in a tightened condition e.g. with quick release clamping systems (this type of implementation is not specifically shown in the drawings, though) .

The suspension frame la and/or the frame segment lb is further preferably provided with motion elements la3, lbl, such as wheels, rollers or the like, which are capable of being locked immovably and/or driven from a standby position to an active position. When using e.g. so-called caster wheels lbl, which are vertically adjustable and capable of swivel according to the preferred embodiment shown for example in fig. 3, it is beneficial that the base R be provided with an underside bearing system lb2 for stabilizing the base thereupon on the ground surface. It is further possible to accompany the base R with a suitable adjustable extra weight system for adjusting the frame segment mass appropriately for each installation project (however, the drawing does not specifically depict this type of implementation) . In a yet further preferred embodiment, the suspension frame la is provided with a cover component If, which consists of one or a plurality of sections and which is flat, inclined down towards the forward edge and preferably transparent to light. It is possible, if necessary, to have also the suspension frame provided e.g. with a detachable skirt element presenting e.g. adjustable vent flaps for air circulation. When using for example two or three assemblies of the foregoing type simultaneously in parallel, there is no absolute necessity for the outermost assemblies' enclosure systems 2 to include one of the side segments 2'b, but instead the adjoining assemblies' tarpaulins 2' may have their back segments 2' a connected directly to each other by means of appropriate coupling systems, such as by Velcro, zipper, button or the like attachments, whereby the middle apparatus's tarpaulin 2' may include just the back segment 2' a. Further, according to the principle shown in fig. 4, the tarpaulin 2', reinforced e.g. with the appropriate bracing system 2 extending in a lateral direction p and having been stored on the storage elements lc, is pleated in such a way that its side laps 2'b overlie the back surface 2' a, the laps being opened by undoing the above-described zippers from a bottom end of the tarpaulin while the tarpaulin is in its raised position in engagement with the suspension frame la.

As shown in fig. 5, it is possible to couple the suspension frame la to a roof structure in a cable- effected manner, e.g. with attachment systems shown in figs. 5a-c, i.e. by using counter hooks V mounted on the opposite eaves of a building, an attachment loop connected to a permanent structure KA included in the roof of a building, or by way of anchoring over the roof to the footing. Further, according to what is shown in fig. 5 as an option 5, it is possible to make use of a counterweight VP to be laid on the roof. In connection with the suspension frame la, the frame segment lb, and/or e.g. with a hoisting and lowering assembly for the enclosure system 2 operated in a winch-driven manner Id' , it is also possible to make use of auxiliary power driven, such as motor-driven systems which can be controlled by remote operation, such as e.g. by controllers operating by way of radio frequency. In reference to the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the apparatus according to the invention is used e.g. in such a way that the suspension frame la is first lifted onto the roof KT of a building. This is followed by securing the attachment cables lal at their ends onto the counter hooks V mounted on the opposite eaves. Thereafter, the suspension frame is placed in its position, as shown e.g. in fig. 2, after which the attachment cables lal are tightened thereto by means of the clamps KR. This is followed by lowering the support cables la2 onto the ground surface by way of sheaves present e.g. at the suspension frame's forward edge, at which time said cables are fastened, e.g. with the above-described systems, to the frame segment lb. Then, the tarpaulin 2' is hoisted up and coupled e.g. to hang from the suspension frame. Thereafter, the tarpaulin's 2' side segments 2'b are released from top of the back segment 2' a and turned aside, followed by tightening the side segments and securing the same to the suspension frame and the frame segment. After this, the skirts present at the suspension frame and the frame segment, and the vents included therein, as well as, if necessary, a heating unit, are set up/ad usted, after which the protective cover made up by the apparatus is ready for service.

It is obvious that the invention is not limited to the above-illustrated or -described embodiments, but it can be subjected, within the scope of the basic inventive concept, to a wide range of modifications, depending e.g. on each particular project, operations to be performed, roof pitches, etc. Particularly as far as the suspension frame is concerned, the apparatus according to the invention is most preferably implemented by using rigid members, but naturally it can also be set up by utilizing certain type quick release and/or articulation solutions, e.g. by collapsing/folding the suspension frame and/or the frame segment for shipping and storing the apparatus, or else e.g. for modifying a configuration of the suspension frame or any of its components for a best possible compliance with the roof pitch of each building to be treated. In addition, it is possible to also furnish an apparatus of the invention e.g. with an overpressure-operated heating system for blowing warm air with a fan arrangement into the working space. In this case, there is another benefit in that, if necessary, e.g. the drying of a subsequently treated wall can be enhanced with blast air. Naturally, it is possible in this context to make use of some other type heating system as well. It is not absolutely necessary to make use of a separate cover component as shown in the embodiment depicted in the attached drawings, but, when using for example a partially transparent sheeting segment, it is possible to pull the same in a single piece across the suspension frame all the way to the roof of a building. It is also beneficially possible to operate the storage elements in a so-called roller curtain principle, whereby, e.g. in a single family house project, the suspension frame can additionally be anchored by means of anchoring hooks or "anchoring blocks" or the like capable of being secured directly to the ground surface .

Claims

1. An apparatus for covering a wall, comprising a support assembly (1) to be placed in engagement with a substantially vertical wall, and an enclosure system (2) to be supported thereon for covering, such as hooding, a wall (S), the support assembly (1) including a suspension frame (la) in an overhead position with respect to a wall or wall section (S' ) to be covered for supporting the enclosure system (2) and a lower frame segment (lb) for anchoring the support assembly to the ground surface, and said apparatus being particularly intended for covering the fagade of a building for construction operations, such that between the enclosure system (2) and the building wall develops a working space (T) protected from the environment, characterized in that the suspension frame (la), protruding to a distance (el) from an exterior surface of the wall, is adapted to be supported with a first support system (lal) on a roof structure (KT) above the wall to be covered, and to be coupled with a second support system (la2) to the frame segment (lb), whereby, in order to establish a moment arm, the first support system (lal), which transmits force in a vertical direction (h) to a distance (e2) from an attachment plane of the suspension frame (la), and the second support system (la2), which is provided at the suspension frame's (la) forward edge, such as in its corners and midpoint, comprise tension transmitting tie rods, ropes, cables and/or the like.

2. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the tie rods, ropes, cables and/or the like, which transmit tension to the second support system (la2), are adapted to be tightened with clamping means.

3. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the enclosure system (2) comprises a sheeting segment (2' ) , which is reinforced most preferably with a bracing system (2a) and is thin and pliable, such as made from rubber, plastics, cloth and/or the like material, and which covers the wall or wall section (S' ) in the form of an uninterrupted surface, such as continuously in the vertical direction (h) , with rear and side surfaces (2'a, 2'b) .

4. An apparatus as set forth in any of the preceding claims 1-3, characterized in that it comprises storage elements (lc) provided in engagement with the most preferably on-ground frame segment (lb) for the enclosure system (2), such as for storing the pliable sheeting segment (2' ) in a collapsed, folded, rolled and/or pleated condition.

5. An apparatus as set forth in any of the preceding claims 1-4, characterized in that it includes an attachment system (Id), comprising vertically adjustable or replaceable connecting pieces particularly for enabling a substantially horizontal position for the suspension frame (la) , depending on a top connection angle of the wall (S) to be covered, such as on the building's roof pitch.

6. An apparatus as set forth in any of the preceding claims 1-5, characterized in that it includes operating elements (le) for bringing the enclosure system (2) on the wall (S) for covering the same, such as by hoisting the light-structured sheeting segment (2' ) in a winch-driven manner (le'), with one or more ropes, cables or wires (le") coupled thereto, to the engagement with the suspension frame (la) by making use of coupling means (o) , which are present in horizontal bracing ribs (2a' ) included in the sheeting segment (2') successively in its lengthwise direction, said process being controlled by the second support system (la2).

7. An apparatus as set forth in any of the preceding claims 1-6, characterized in that the suspension frame (la) and/or the frame segment (lb) is provided with motion elements (la3), (lbl), such as wheels, rollers or the like, which are capable of being locked immovably and/or driven from a standby position to an active position.

8. An apparatus as set forth in any of the preceding claims 1-7, characterized in that the suspension frame (la) is provided with a cover component (If) , which consists of one or a plurality of sections and which is flat, inclined down towards the forward edge and most conveniently transparent to light.