Enclosure system for scaffolding

Abstract

An enclosure system for scaffolding frame that includes a plurality of stackable section members each having a first end and a second end and at least one slot. The stackable section members may be stacked one on top of each other so that the slot of each stackable section member is aligned with one another to form a continuous slot. The stacking of the stackable section members one on top of each other defines a continuous profile. Mounting members may secure each of the stackable section members to the scaffolding frame. An enclosing means is adapted to engage the slot and the continuous slot when the stackable section members are stacked one on top of each other to enclose the scaffolding frame.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 743,750 filed Dec. 24, 2003. [0002] This invention relates in general to scaffolding systems and more particularly to an enclosure system that protects workmen from severe weather conditions, allows construction work to be done all year round and is easily installed to existing scaffolding that is erected next to a building.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Construction work on various structures such as a building has been traditionally accomplished using a scaffold that is erected adjacent the wall of the building to provide access to the structure while it is under construction. Sheltering workers from inclement weather has usually been accomplished by attaching sheets of plastic or tarps that are attached to the frame of the scaffold by various means. Typically rope or wire is thread through the tarp and attached to the frame of the scaffold. [0004] The disadvantage of this ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved an enclosure system that protects workmen from severe weather conditions, allows construction work to be done all year round and is easily installed to an existing scaffolding that is erected next to a building.

[0015] Conveniently, the stacking of the stackable section members one on top of each other defines a continuous profile. The continuous profile may further include a series of recesses at the first and second ends that can receive a connecting member so as to connect the stackable section members. Mounting members may secure each of the stackable section members to the scaffolding frame.

[0026] stabilizing said stackable section members relative said scaffolding frame.

[0027] Advantages of the present invention are: easy to install to existing scaffold frames, provides a seal to keep inclement weather out of work area, adapted to accept a variety of tarps, such as reflective or insulated, made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or aluminum, workspace can be heated via connected members, tarp is elasticized, tarps can be linked together horizontally so that the enclosure system can be easily installed, quick connect attachment for securing enclosure system to structure, and can be adapted to fit around obstacles with a telescoping function.

Problems solved by technology

The disadvantage of this type of arrangement is that the tarp becomes difficult to handle especially at great heights.

Furthermore once the tarp is attached to the frame of the scaffold, any significant wind can catch in the tarp and cause the tarp to act like as a sail and therefore create pressure on the footings of the scaffold.

Although some of the prior art addresses some of the problems outlined above, they do not disclose an easy to install enclosure system that can be assembled with minimum labour, and can be used all year round and adapted to various weather conditions.

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