Scaffolding fall protection system

Abstract

A scaffold system includes a scaffold frame, supporting one or more platforms. The scaffold system includes a fall protection system including a safety cable supported above the platform by safety cable supports. End supports include an enclosed end attachment while intermediate supports have guide rings that retain the cable but allow for insertion without threading the cable through the rings. Each worker is attached to the safety cable which can slide along the cable and between the guide rings of the intermediate safety cable supports. The workers arrest system generally includes a harness and a deceleration device. The cable supports are removably mounted to the frame with pin type connectors. A cover may be used for some applications and inclement weather with the safety cable supports passing through a seam in the cover or with the cover extending above and over the fall protection system.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention is directed to a fall protection system for scaffolding and to covered scaffolding with a fall protection system.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]Portable scaffold systems are well know and used widely in the construction and maintenance industries, providing elevated access for workers to walls, buildings and other structures. The particular configuration of the scaffolding varies depending upon the use with different heights, widths and sizes to match the particular structure that is worked on. Moreover, scaffolding that is used outdoors may require an enclosure when weather makes working on a scaffold system difficult and potentially dangerous if there is not some protection from the elements.[0005]As a safety precaution, a safety railing or other barrier should extend above and along the platform. Although such barriers are helpful, working conditions and regulations often also mandat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]The fall protection system includes cable supports, including end cable supports forming a short tube type member through which the safety cable passes. The intermediate cable supports include guide rings interacting to retain the safety cable, but which do not form a continuous closed ring around the cable. The guide rings are spaced apart arcing elements, with radially overlapping profiles so that the safety cable is retained. However, the opening between the guides allows for the arrest system to slide along the cable and pass between the guide ring elements without detachment from the cable. This configuration allows a worker to slide line clips of the arrest system along the safety cable without having to be detached from the safety system.

[0016]The safety cable is quickly and easily attached by forming a loop with two cable clamps or similar devices at each end and securing a loop around a portion of the scaffolding frame to provide a secure anchor at each end. The cable must be threaded through the tube portion of the end safety cable supports. However, the guide rings allow for simply angling the cable clips to pass under both ends of the guide ring elements and be centered in the guide rings. This configuration saves time for cable placement and still retains the cable in a safe manner. The other end of the cable is passed through the tube portion of the second end attachment and is also secured to the scaffolding frame by forming a loop with the cable and passing it around a frame member.

Problems solved by technology

Moreover, scaffolding that is used outdoors may require an enclosure when weather makes working on a scaffold system difficult and potentially dangerous if there is not some protection from the elements.

Such an arrangement decreases the amount of time that the worker must spend detaching and reattaching the lifeline.

Gaps, such as openings for doors in a masonry wall being constructed, present additional hazards as the safety of the wall is removed and workers may fall through these gaps.

However, it is not always possible to use such extensions and gaps of up to three feet may exist.

Moreover, erecting a railing on the inner portion of scaffolding to provide protection at these gaps may be impossible or impractical and / or may not work with all types of scaffolding and fall protection systems.

Similar design issues may arise at edges of buildings.

Although the prior art shows many barrier type systems, it can be appreciated that such systems do not provide for anchoring a lifeline allowing the lifeline to slide, providing freedom of movement for the workers while maintaining worker safety at a high level that meets the relevant standards in scaffold systems.

Further difficulties arise in providing a safe working environment when the scaffold system must be enclosed.

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