WO2022201107A1

WO2022201107A1 - Canopy and method of protecting scaffolding with canopy

Info

Publication number: WO2022201107A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/052737
Authority: WO
Inventors: Miron Keller
Original assignee: Miron Keller
Priority date: 2021-03-25
Filing date: 2022-03-25
Publication date: 2022-09-29

Abstract

A canopy in the form of a flexible sheet (1) provided with four openings (2) which are provided with eyelets (2A) according to the invention is characterized in that the openings (2) are distributed on a trapezoidal plan with two parallel bases (1C, IB) and legs (1A, ID) having equal length, with at least one acute angle (KO) and at least one obtuse angle (KR) greater than 90.5 o and less than 125°, whereas the inner diameters of the eyelets (2A) are greater than or equal to 3 cm. A method of protecting scaffolding (R) equipped with poles (R2) with a canopy according to the invention is characterized in that the canopy used is the one according to the invention, wherein the eyelets (2A) are put on the poles (R2) of the scaffolding, and the edge of the sheet (1) which is closer to the longer base (1C) is stretched downwards.

Description

Canopy and method of protecting scaffolding with canopy

Field of the invention

[0001] The subject of the invention is a canopy, in particular a canopy in the form of a flexible sheet for covering scaffolding, and a method of protecting scaffolding by fixing the canopy thereon.

Background of the invention

[0002] British Patent Application Publication No. GB9102500 discloses a canopy in the form of a cover made of a piece of a tarpaulin, provided with elastic straps provided with hooks at their ends to enable the canopy to be hooked to the construction. The disadvantage of such a solution is that the cover collects water that can seep through it, so that the canopy does not fulfill its function.

[0003] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. JP3197548U discloses a canopy covering mounted on a scaffolding with a rigid element provided with openings, which protects the scaffolding from rain. This element can be fixed horizontally by inserting the vertical scaffolding elements into the openings. By extending these elements it possible to obtain a sloping roof that allows water to run off, but this complicates the installation. Additionally, high precision in assembling the scaffolding is required so that its vertical elements fit into the openings of the protecting element.

Problem to be solved

[0004] The problem to be solved is to provide scaffolding canopy which drains rainwater in a controlled manner while being light and easy to move, store and assemble.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a portable, lightweight and easy for assembling and disassembling scaffolding canopy that allows rainwater to drain out of the scaffolding area.

Summary of the invention

[0006] A canopy in the form of a flexible sheet provided with four openings which are provided with eyelets according to the invention is characterized in that the openings are distributed on a trapezoidal plan with two parallel bases and legs of equal length, with at least one acute angle and at least one obtuse angle greater than 90.5° and less than 125°, whereas the inner diameter of the eyelets are greater than or equal to 3 cm. Such canopy can be put on vertical elements of the scaffolding by passing these elements through the eyelets, or the eyelets can be slipped onto a pole. The trapezoidal arrangement of the openings of the sheet has the effect of forming a fold providing a profiled slope to allow water to drain out of the sheet and out of the scaffolding area.

[0007] Advantageously, the openings are reinforced (hard bound) with eyelets.

[0008] Alternatively, the eyelets are welded in the openings of the sheet.

[0009] Advantageously, the eyelets are provided with a cut. Thanks to the cut, installation on scaffolding levels other than the topmost level is possible.

[0010] Advantageously, the inner diameters of the eyelets are in the range from 3 cm to 6 cm, which corresponds to typical diameters of pipes used as vertical elements of scaffolding. [0011] Advantageously, the legs of the trapezoidal plan have lengths ranging from 65 to 76 cm, what corresponds to one of the typical width ranges of scaffolding members.

[0012] Alternatively, the legs of the trapezoid have lengths ranging from 98 to 111 cm, what corresponds to another of the typical scaffolding width range. [0013] Advantageously, the sheet is provided with auxiliary openings near the edge parallel to the longer base of the trapezoid. The auxiliary openings facilitate sheet tensioning and they force the proper water-draining shape. The openings also allow the attachment of stay ropes or leading the rope, what facilitates maintaining the shape of the canopy, even during windy weather.

[0014] Advantageously, the sheet is provided with auxiliary openings at both edges parallel to the bases of the trapezoid. Such a configuration allows the canopy to be attached not only to the scaffolding, but also to the building, and consequently protects the facade against wetting.

[0015] Advantageously, the sheet is provided with a drain near the center of the longer base. [0016] Advantageously, the drain is a cut extending from the edge of the sheet towards its center, substantially perpendicular to the longer base of the trapezoid. The cut facilitates folding the edge of the sheet extending beyond the trapezoidal outline of the openings and defining the drain for water.

[0017] Advantageously, the sheet comprises two layers. Advantageously, one of them is provided with a cut.

Advantageously, the other one is provided with excess material. As a result, a symmetrical fold forming the drain is formed at the site of the cut. The layers can be joined by welding.

[0018] Advantageously, the drain is an element provided in the sheet and made of a material stiffer than the sheet. It can be a ready-made shape that is formed with a press. Such an drain has a predefined shape independent of the accuracy of the canopy assembly.

[0019] Advantageously, the canopy has an extended margin at the shorter base of the trapezoid such that the distance between the shorter base and the closest parallel edge of the sheet is greater than 30 cm. Such distances make it possible to tie the canopy to the building and protect the facade. [0020] Advantageously, the edge of the sheet at the longer base is cut so that it has two sections at its ends, said sections being substantially perpendicular to the legs of the trapezoid, and a section between them having a length corresponding to the length of the shorter base of the trapezoid.

[0021] Advantageously, the canopy is provided with fastening straps at the openings. The fastening straps allows a more secure attachment of the canopy to scaffolding.

[0022] Advantageously, the sheet is provided with guides for stiffening elements extending in parallel to the legs of the trapezoid. The guides may be in the form of sleeves.

[0023] Advantageously, the sheet is made of canvas, film, or PVC-coated fabric.

[0024] Advantageously, the eyelets by which the openings are reinforced are made of metal or plastic.

[0025] A method of protecting scaffolding equipped with poles with a canopy according to the invention is characterized in that the canopy according to the invention is used, whereas the eyelets are put on the poles of the scaffolding, and the edge of the sheet which is closer to the longer base is stretched downwards.

Description of the drawings

[0026] The subject of the invention was shown in the embodiments in the accompanying drawings where:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic top view of a sheet forming a canopy according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 shows the canopy mounted on a scaffolding;

Fig. 3 shows a zoomed fragment of the sheet with a drain; Fig. 4 shows a zoomed fragment of the sheet with an opening for scaffolding pole and a fastening strap;

Fig. 5 shows a zoomed fragment of the sheet with the opening for scaffolding pole and the fastening strap, fixed to the scaffold;

Fig. 6 is a side view of scaffolding covered with the canopy made of the sheet, standing next to the building;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of scaffolding covered with the canopy made of the sheet, standing next to the building;

Fig. 8 is a top view of a sheet forming a canopy according to another embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 9 is a side view of the scaffolding protected with the canopy according to said another embodiment of the invention, standing next to the building which is higher than the scaffolding;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the scaffolding protected with the canopy according to said another embodiment of the invention, standing next to the building which is higher than the scaffolding;

Fig. 11 is a top view of a sheet forming a canopy according to yet another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 12 is a side view of scaffolding protected with the canopy according to said yet another embodiment of the invention, standing next to the building which is lower than the scaffolding;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of scaffolding protected with the canopy according to said yet another embodiment of the invention, standing next to the building which is lower than the scaffolding;

Figs 14 and 15 illustrate an embodiment of the invention with additional edge stiffening; Fig. 16 is a top view of a sheet forming a canopy according to a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 17 shows a canopy according to said further embodiment of the invention mounted on a scaffolding; whereas

Figs 18 and 19 show, respectively, a perspective view and a front view of an exemplary scaffolding protected from above with the canopy according to the invention, the scaffolding being composed of three sections, the first of which is protected at the front with a net, the second one with a tarpaulin and the third one is left unprotected;

Fig. 20 is a schematic view of a sheet forming a canopy according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the eyelets are provided with a cut;

Fig. 21 is a close-up view of an opening provided with an eyelet with a cut, with schematically indicated the direction in which the eyelet is slipped onto the pole;

Fig. 22 is a close-up view of fixing the canopy in the embodiment where the eyelets are provided with the cuts;

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a canopy in the embodiment with the eyelets provided with the cuts, which is mounted on a level other than the topmost of the scaffolding.

Description of the embodiments of the invention

[0027] In the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the canopy is made in the form of a flexible sheet 1 of a codura fabric. The sheet 1 can also be a combination of several sheets of film and/or canvas. In particular, a PVC-coated fabric can also be used, and polyethylene material, e.g. with a basis weight of 203 g/m2, also worked well. The sheet 1 is provided with four openings 2 with eyelets 2A made of stainless steel. One can also use galvanized steel or non-ferrous metals - especially non-corrosive ones, or plastic eyelets, especially those resistant to ultraviolet radiation.

[0028] The canopy is intended for system scaffolding with frame spacing of 207 cm x 73 cm.

[0029] The openings 2 reinforced with the eyelets 2A having inner diameter E = 4 cm are distributed on the plan of the isosceles trapezoid (marked with a dashed line in Fig. 1) with two parallel bases, the longer base 1C and the shorter base IB, and legs 1A, ID . The shorter base IB has length B = 207 cm and the longer base 1C has length C = 212.7 cm. The legs have lengths A = D = 73 cm. The height of the trapezoid equals H = 72.94 cm.

[0030] Acute angles KO of the trapezoid equal 87.7° whereas obtuse angles KR equal 92.3°.

[0031] The canopy is mounted on the scaffolding by putting openings 2 on the vertical scaffolding elements. The difference in the length of the bases IB, 1C forces the formation of a profiled fold falling toward the outer edge of sheet 1 which is closer to the base 1C, forming a profiled slope and draining rainwater during rainfall.

[0032] Additionally, sheet 1 at the outer edge along one base or along both bases IB and 1C is provided with a row of auxiliary openings 4 to facilitate fixing the folded edge to scaffolding, building or other elements using stay ropes. The sheet 1 fixed to the scaffolding R, the poles R2 of which are placed in the openings 2 , is shown in Fig. 2

[0033] Even better protection against leaking is obtained when the sheet 1 in the neighborhood of the longer base 1C is provided with a drain 3 which facilitates the even wrapping of the fold at the edge and facilitates the drainage of rainwater outside the scaffolding R.

[0034] Such drain 3 may be a simple cut in the edge of the sheet 1. A solution better than the cut is using a drain 3 provided by sewing the profiled insert into the sheet 1, the insert being more rigid than the fabric. Alternatively, the insert may be welded with impulse sealing machine. Such a solution is shown zoomed in Fig. 3. A similar effect can be obtained by using a two-layer sheet 1. The layers are sewn together with the upper one which is cut and the lower one which is not cut. The lower layer may be additionally provided with excess material. As a result, the lower layer is draped into the drain when it canopy is mounted on the scaffolding R. Alternatively, a similar effect can be obtained by using sheet

1 formed in the production process such that there is a fold formed by the excess material in the center between the longer base 1C of the trapezoid and the adjacent edge of the sheet 1. In such configuration, when the sheet is mounted on the scaffolding, the fold disappears due to the tension in the material, forming a tight drain 3.

[0035] A more secure attachment to the scaffolding R is achieved by providing fastening straps 6 at the openings 2. Such fastening straps 6 are sewn to the sheet 1 and/or fixed using the eyelet 2A of the opening 2 - as shown in Fig. 4. Conveniently, the fastening strap 6 is provided with an opening for tying it to the scaffolding R.

[0036] The invention is applicable to scaffolding of various kinds, in particular to system scaffolding with a standardized short side. Typical lengths A of the legs 1A, ID of the trapezoidal canopy according to the invention used in smaller scaffolding systems are: 67 cm ± 2 cm, 70 cm ± 2 cm, 73 cm ±

2 cm or 74 cm ± 2 cm, and in larger scaffolding systems they are: 100 cm ± 2 cm, 107 cm ± 2 cm, 109 cm ± 2 cm.

[0037] Experiments with changes in the geometry of the openings have shown that the canvas is well arranged if the openings 2 are distributed on a trapezoid having the obtuse angle ranging from 90.5° to 125°. The trapezoid should be essentially isosceles, otherwise the sheet 1, once installed on the scaffolding R, will not be arranged well and drainage of water will be disturbed. The tolerance of the dimensions of the sides of the trapezoid is 2 cm, while for the inner diameter of the eyelets it is 1 cm. An additional improvement in the arrangement of the sheet 1 on the scaffolding R can be obtained by stiffening the legs of the trapezoid with elements by providing guides for the stiffening elements 7 at the edges 5 of the sheet 1. The arrangement of the sheet 1 can also be improved if the long edges of the trapezoid are folded and welded with a hot wedge welding machine. Such edge reinforcement counteracts possible unfavorable tearing of the eyelets.

[0038] The scaffolding R standing next to the building BUD and covered with a canopy formed by the sheet 1 is shown in Fig. 6 in a side view and in Fig. 7 in perspective. The scaffolding R is partially under the cornice of the building BUD, which protects it from one side. Since not every building has a cornice, additional protection may be useful in some situations. Accordingly, a further embodiment of a canopy made of the sheet 1 according to the invention is proposed and shown in Fig. 8.

[0039] The embodiment of a canopy shown in Fig. 8 has, as before, a waterproof sheet 1 provided with four openings 2 distributed at the apexes of an isosceles trapezoid. Sheet 1 of synthetic PE film is used. It is also possible to use PVC film.

[0040] The openings 2 are hard-bound with eyelets 2A made of PVC, with internal diameters E = 4 cm, arranged on an isosceles trapezoid with two parallel bases, the longer 1C and the shorter IB, and the legs 1A, ID. [0041] At the shorter base IB, the sheet 1 is extended to have a margin with a length G being a distance between the edge of the sheet 1 and the shorter base IB. The length G equals 40 cm. The edges of the sheet on the side of both bases IB, 1C of the trapezoid are provided with auxiliary openings 4. Generally, additional utility was shown by canopies in which G was greater than 30 cm. It is a certain compromise to adopt the range from 40 cm to 150 cm, for which sheet 1 arranges well and reaches the building in most configurations, whereas the extending margin does not make it very difficult to install the canopy on the scaffolding R.

[0042] The canopy is intended for the 307 cm ^c 109 cm system scaffolding. The shorter base IB has a length of B = 307 cm and the longer base 1C has a length of C = 310.95 cm. The legs 1A, ID have lengths A = D = 109 cm.

[0043] The sheet 1 is provided with four openings 2 hard-bound with eyelets 2A made of PVC.

[0044] The acute angle KO of the trapezoid is 88.9° and the obtuse angle KR is 91.1°.

[0045] The difference in the length of the bases IB, 1C forces the formation of a profiled fold falling towards the outer edge of the sheet 1 closer to the longer base 1C, forming a profiled slope and draining rainwater during rainfall.

[0046] Experiments with changes in the geometry of the openings have shown that the canvas is well arranged if the openings 2 are distributed on a trapezoid having the obtuse angle ranging from 90.5° to 125°. Such dimensions allowed to obtain canopies with different degrees of inclination and different rates of water drainage. The following angles were particularly advantageous: 90.5°, 91°, 95°, 115°. The tolerance of the dimensions of the legs of the trapezoid is 2 cm, while the tolerance of the inner diameter of the eyelets 2A it is 1 cm. [0047 ] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the extended margin of size G provides the possibility to tie the canopy according to the invention to the building BUD and to prevent the scaffolding R from leaking from the wall side. Figs 9 and 10 show a side view and a perspective view, respectively, of scaffolding R protected with a canopy 1 according to this embodiment of the invention standing next to a building BUD higher than the scaffolding R. The extended margin of the sheet 1 distant by a length G from the shorter base of the canopy and equipped with auxiliary openings 4 is attached to the hooks provided in the wall of the building BUD, on which auxiliary openings 4 are put.

[0048] In some situations, either due to the work carried out or the length of the segment of the scaffolding R, the canopy is located higher than the nearest cornice or building element to which the sheet 1 edge can be attached. The scaffolding R may also be higher than the building. Again, the extended margin according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 11 can conveniently be used. Examples of attaching to the lower element of the building BUD are shown in Fig. 12 in the side view and in Fig. 13 in perspective. Also in this example, the hooks pass through the auxiliary openings 4 provided at the edge of the sheet 1 at a distance G from the shorter base IB of the trapezoid.

[0049] Fixing to hooks is convenient and acceptable in case of an unfinished and uninsulated facade. If the provision of hooks in the wall is inadvisable, tensioning with a rope and binding can be used. In such a configuration, it may be advantageous to provide guides and stiffening elements 7 in the edges 5 adapted to accommodate the stiffening elements - wooden, metal or plastic slats or bars, as shown in Fig. 14 and Fig. 15. The person skilled in the art will easily apply also solutions which are commonly known and used in tent poles. An analogous stiffening can also be applied to the extended margin of the sheet 1. Stiffened edges 5 may also be useful in the other embodiments of the invention discussed above and below.

[0050] Fig. 16 presents a top view of a canopy sheet 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention , whereas Fig. 17 shows in perspective the sheet 1 attached to scaffolding R. [0051] The principle of operation is the same, but in this embodiment the drain in the canopy mounted on the scaffolding is profiled by putting down a part substantially egual to the length of the shorter base IB on the longer base 1C and moving this part of the longer base 1C downwards.

[0052] In this way, it is possible to obtain a canopy having a substantially obligue surface above the scaffolding R and two vertical elements on the sides - as shown in Fig. 17 in the example of a canopy mounted on the scaffolding R. To achieve such a result, one has to use sheet 1 having appropriately shaped margin at the long edge of the trapezoid. This margin is formed by cutting the sheet 1 so that its edge adjacent to the longer base 1C of the trapezoid is a polyline comprising two sections IK perpendicular to legs 1A and ID of the trapezoid, respectively, and a section 1J arranged between them, parallel to the longer base 1C of the trapezoid and having a length substantially equal to that of the shorter base IB of the trapezoid. In order to obtain a perfect shape, the length of the section 1J should be shorter than the length of the shorter base IB of the trapezoid by a value equal to the diameter E of the eyelet 2A.

[0053] In such a configuration, it is advantageous to use the stiffen section 1J by providing a guide adjacent and parallel to it.

[0054 ] In yet another configuration, the openings 2 are provided with eyelets 2A with cuts 8. Such a configuration is shown in Fig. 20, Fig. 21, Fig. 22 and Fig. 23. The cut enables the sheet 1 to be attached by slipping it onto the poles R2 delimited by crossbars, as shown schematically in Fig. 21, which presents the two portions 8A and 8B of the cut 8 , tilted in the direction of the arrows in order to slip onto the pole. Fig. 22 shows what the canopy looks like when it is attached to the scaffolding. Such configuration is advantageous in that it allows mounting at levels other than the topmost of the scaffolding. In this configuration, the eyelets 2A provided with cut have an internal diameter of 51 mm and made of PVC worked well. The eyelets are preferably welded to the fabric of sheet 1 which is preferably PVC coated. Thanks to this, it is possible to mount the canopy on the scaffolding segments lower than the topmost one. This is especially useful for tall scaffolding.

[0055] A method according to the invention of protecting scaffolding R equipped with poles R2 with a canopy consists in that one uses the canopy according to an embodiment of the invention and the eyelets 2A are put on the poles R2 of the scaffolding, while the edge of the sheet 1 which is closer to the longer base 1C is stretched downwards.

[0056] Examples of the use of the canopy according to the invention as a result of the implementation of the method of protecting the scaffolding in large scaffolding systems together with additional protecting means such as tarpaulins and nets are shown in Fig. 18 and Fig. 19. An example of the use of the canopy as a result of the implementation of the embodiment of the method according to the invention, in which the eyelets are provided with cuts, is shown in Fig. 23 [0057] The canopy can be used both in small scaffolding systems with a single standard segment, as well as in long multi segment system solutions.

Claims

1. A canopy in the form of a flexible sheet (1) provided with four openings (2) which are provided with eyelets (2A) characterized in that the openings (2) are distributed on a trapezoidal plan with two parallel bases (1C, IB) and legs (1A, ID) having equal length, with at least one acute angle (KO) and at least one obtuse angle (KR) greater than 90.5° and less than 125°, whereas inner diameters of the eyelets (2A) are greater than or equal to 3 cm.

2. Canopy according to claim 1 characterized in that the openings (2) are reinforced with the eyelets (2A).

3. Canopy according to claim 1 characterized in that the eyelets (2A) are welded in the openings (2) of the sheet (1).

4. Canopy according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 characterized in that the eyelets (2A) are provided with cuts (8).

5. Canopy according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 characterized in that the inner diameters of the eyelets

(2A) are in the range from 3 cm to 6 cm.

6. Canopy according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 characterized in that the legs (1A, ID) have lengths in the range from 65 to 76 cm or from 98 to 111 cm.

7. Canopy according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or

6 characterized in that the sheet (1) is provided with auxiliary openings (4) near the edge parallel to the longer base (1C) of the trapezoid.

8. Canopy according to claim 7 characterized in that it is provided with auxiliary openings (4) near both edges parallel to the bases of the trapezoid (IB, 1C).

9. Canopy according to any of the claims from 1 to 8 characterized in that the sheet (1) is provided with a drain (3) near the center of the longer base (1C).

10. Canopy according to claim 9 characterized in that the drain (3) is a cut extending from the edge of the sheet (1) towards its center, substantially perpendicular to the longer base (1C) of the trapezoid.

11. Canopy according to claim 9 characterized in that the sheet (1) comprises two layers, one of which is provided with a cut and the other one is provided with excess material.

12. Canopy according to claim 1 characterized in that the drain (3) is an element provided in the sheet (1) made of a material stiffer than the sheet (1) itself.

13. Canopy according to any of the claims from 1 to 12 characterized in that it has an extended margin at the shorter base (IB) of the trapezoid such that the distance (G) between the shorter base (IB) and the closest parallel edge of the sheet (1) is greater than 30 cm.

14. Canopy according to any of the claims from 1 to 13 characterized in that the edge of the sheet (1) at the longer base (1C) is formed so that it has two sections (IK) at its ends, said sections are substantially perpendicular to the legs (1A, ID) of the trapezoid, and a section (1J) between them have a length corresponding to the length of the shorter base (IB) of the trapezoid.

15. Canopy according to any of the claims from 1 to 14 characterized in that it is provided with fastening straps (6) at the openings (2).

16. Canopy according to any of the claims from 1 to 15 characterized in that the sheet (1) is provided with guides for stiffening elements (7) extending in parallel to the legs (1A, ID) of the trapezoid.

17. Canopy according to any of the claims from 1 to 16 characterized in that the sheet (1) is made of a material selected from: canvas, film, or PVC-coated fabric.

18. Canopy according to any of the claims from 1 to 17 characterized in that the eyelets (2A) used to reinforce the openings (2) are made of a material selected from: metal or plastic.

19. A method of protecting scaffolding (R) equipped with poles (R2) with a canopy characterized in that the canopy used is the one as defined in any of the claims from 1 to 18, wherein the eyelets (2A) are put on the poles (R2) of the scaffolding (R), and the edge of the sheet (1) which is closer to the longer base (1C) is stretched downwards.