Balcony debris containment safety system

Abstract

The invention provides a balcony debris containment safety system configured to attach externally to a balcony structure during repair or maintenance activities such as balustrade repair, tiling, waterproofing, concrete spalling repairs and painting. The system includes a modular carrier unit that captures falling debris and tools, preventing hazards to pedestrians or property below. The system is lightweight, easy to install, and repositionable, enhancing safety and operational efficiency during maintenance work.

Description

Balcony Debris Containment Safety SystemTechnical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to safety equipment for building maintenance, and more particularly to a portable containment system designed to capture debris during balcony repair and restoration work.Background of the Invention

[0002] Traditionally, construction and maintenance tasks performed on high-rise residential and commercial balconies such as balustrade repair, tiling, waterproofing, concrete spalling repair and exterior painting have posed significant safety and operational challenges. In the scenarios, loose debris, falling tools or construction waste pose a direct risk not only to workers on site but also to pedestrians and property below. To manage these risks, contractors have conventionally relied on full scaffolding systems, safety nets or temporary containment measures to prevent the accidental fall of debris from the balcony edge. While such methods can offer a degree of protection, they come with a range of drawbacks that compromise their efficiency, costeffectiveness and practicality especially for small er-scale or short-duration tasks.

[0003] Full scaffolding in particular requires extensive setup time, high labour involvement and significant financial investment. It often necessitates skilled installation, site permits and substantial coordination with building management or regulatory authorities. This makes scaffolding an inefficient option for quick repairs or minor maintenance jobs that do not warrant a full-scale construction setup. Moreover, in dense urban environments where space is limited and time constraints are critical, erecting scaffolding around a building facade or individual balcony can prove logistically challenging or even infeasible. Even temporary netting or manual catchboards, when used, often lack structural integrity or fail to adequately contain the wide range of debris and tools involved in modem construction workflows. The solutions are typically improvised, inconsistent in performance and rarely meet formal safety compliance standards.

[0004] Another traditional alternative has been to rely solely on personal protective equipment (PPE) and worker training to prevent accidental falls of tools or debris. However, human error remains a significant factor on construction sites and relying entirely on personnel for fall prevention has led to repeated instances of property damage, injury and legal liability. In the absence of a standardized, portable containment system, even seasoned contractors have struggled to maintain consistent safety practices across varying balcony designs and building types. The diversity in balcony structures ranging from steel-framed railings to concrete parapets makes it difficult to employ a one-size-fits-all solution, often resulting in workers devising unsafe or temporary fixes that compromise both effectiveness and compliance.

[0005] Furthermore, in recent years there has been a growing emphasis on improving workplace safety regulations in the construction and maintenance industries. Regulatory authorities and building managers now demand higher accountability for safety practices with increased inspections and legal consequences for violations. This evolving landscape has created a pressing need for a more efficient, standardized and portable debris containment solution one that enhances safety without significantly increasing labour, time or cost. The industry lacks a dedicated system that combines structural integrity, ease of installation and adaptability to various balcony configurations while ensuring reliable containment of debris during operation.

[0006] In view of above, there is a pressing need for a dedicated, reliable and easily deployable solution specifically configured for balcony repair and maintenance work. Current methods are often time-consuming, costly and impractical for short-duration or small-scale tasks. Additionally, many existing solutions are incompatible with diverse balcony designs and often require structural modifications or extensive setup. The industry urgently requires a modular, lightweight and portable system that can be rapidly installed without permanent fixtures, while still providing effective containment of debris and tools during work at height.Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention provides a portable balcony debris containment safety system designed to enhance safety and operational efficiency during repair and maintenance tasks — such as balustrade repair, tiling, waterproofing, concrete spalling repair, and painting — by preventing debris and tools from falling over the balcony edge.

[0008] The system is lightweight, modular, and compatible with various balcony designs, allowing for rapid installation without the need for full scaffolding.

[0009] Its unique configuration includes adjustable hook rods, lateral guide wheels, and a debris-catching carrier unit that enables safe access and debris containment without modifying or compromising the balcony structure.

[0010] The invention provides a safety system comprising a carrier unit featuring a main board, side plates, and a bottom plate forming an open accommodation space designed to collect and contain waste materials generated during balcony repair work.

[0011] Adjustable hook rods assembled on the carrier unit. Each hook rod has a hook part designed to securely attach to the top edge of a balcony structure and a long slot that allows for length adjustment when aligned with fastening holes on the main board.Guide wheel assemblies movably arranged on both sides of the carrier unit, each including a second fastening element passing through an adjustment slot on a side plate. This allows the system to maintain close contact with the exterior wall surface and facilitates lateral movement along the balcony edge.

[0012] The system is constructed using lightweight materials such as aluminium or UV-resistant reinforced plastics. This choice of materials reduces the overall weight, making it easier for construction personnel to install and transport the system.

[0013] The hook rods and guide wheel assemblies are designed to be easily assembled and disassembled using fastening elements. This feature reduces setup time and labour costs, making the system practical for frequent use.

[0014] The carrier unit includes a first hanging hole for attaching an auxiliary rope. This auxiliary rope provides additional security by anchoring the system to the balcony structure, ensuring stability during use and preventing falls caused by strong winds and other accidental forces.

[0015] The hook rods include a second hanging hole for attaching an auxiliary rope, providing additional security by anchoring the system to the balcony structure.

[0016] The balcony debris containment safety system fulfils a long-standing need in the construction and maintenance industries by providing a practical means to improve safety standards and operational efficiency.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0018] Figure 1 : A three-dimensional exploded view of the balcony debris containment safety system.

[0019] Figure 2: An external view of the assembled safety system.

[0020] Figure 3 : A schematic diagram showing the installation of a single safety system on a flat balcony structure.

[0021] Figure 4: A schematic diagram showing the installation of two safety systems on a curved balcony structure.

[0022] Figure 5: A schematic diagram illustrating the adjustment of the hook rod assembled on the carrier unit.

[0023] Figure 6: An assembly diagram of the fastening element in the fastening hole.

[0024] Figure 7: A schematic diagram showing the adjustment of the hook rod on the carrier unit.

[0025] Figure 8: An assembly and adjustment diagram of the fastening element in the adjustment slot.

[0026] Figure 9: A schematic diagram showing the lateral movement of the carrier unit.Detailed Description

[0027] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. These illustrations are intended to aid in understanding the invention and may not represent exact proportions or configurations.

[0028] Overall Structure:Referring to FIG 1- FIG. 9, the present invention discloses a portable balcony debris containment safety system designed to improve safety and operational efficiency duringbalcony repair and maintenance tasks. The system comprises a carrier unit (1), adjustable hook rods (2) and guide wheel assemblies (3) all of which cooperate to securely attach to a balcony structure (4) and contain debris generated during work. Carrier Unit (1) which Comprises a main board (11) with side plates (12) on both sides and a bottom plate (13) connecting them to form an open accommodation space (14). The bottom plate (13) includes a protruding part (131) on its outer side, which extends beneath the balcony structure (4) (as shown by FIG. 3, 4,7-9). This feature forms a physical barrier that more effectively captures debris, paint drips, or other liquids generated during repair work, preventing them from falling through gaps between the system and the edge of the balcony. By extending directly underneath the working area, the protruding part (131) improves containment, offering enhanced protection for pedestrians, lower-level balconies, or property below. Hook Rods (2) and Each hook rod (2) feature a hook part (21) that attaches to the top edge of the balcony structure (4). A long slot (22) on the rod allows for length adjustment by aligning with fastening holes (111) on the main board (11). First fastening elements (23) secure the hook rods (2) to the carrier unit (1). The adjustable hook rods (2) allow the system to fit various balcony designs and structures, providing versatility and ease of use. Guide Wheel Assemblies (3): Installed on the side plates (12) via adjustment slots (121), allowing the carrier unit (1) to maintain contact with the exterior wall surface of the balcony structure (4) and to move laterally as needed. This facilitates quick repositioning during repair work without requiring extensive disassembly, improving efficiency.

[0029] Materials:The system is constructed from materials such as aluminium or reinforced plastics, suitable for outdoor use and capable of withstanding environmental conditions. The materials selected are resistant to chemicals and substances commonly encounteredduring balustrade repairing, tiling, waterproofing, and painting, ensuring the system's durability during such maintenance activities. This approach keeps the overall weight manageable, facilitating installation and transportation by construction personnel.

[0030] Installation and Use:Step 1 : Transport the Components• Bring the carrier units (1), hook rods (2), and guide wheel assemblies (3) to the work site.• Ensure all necessary parts are available for assembly.Step 2: Attach the Hook Rods (2) and Guide Wheel Assemblies (3)• Hook Rods (2): o Align the long slots (22) with the fastening holes (111) on the main board (H). o Insert the first fastening elements (23) through the aligned holes and slots. o Adjust the hook rods (2) to match the height of the balcony structure (4). o Tighten the nuts on the first fastening elements (23) to secure the hook rods (2).• Guide Wheel Assemblies (3): o Position the guide wheel assemblies (3) on the side plates (12). o Insert the second fastening elements (31) through the adjustment slots (121) and mounting holes. o Adjust the guide wheels to contact the exterior wall surface when installed.o Tighten the nuts on the second fastening elements (31) to secure the guide wheels.Step 3: Attach Auxiliary Ropes (5)• Thread auxiliary ropes (5) through the first hanging holes (15) and second hanging holes (25).• Adjust the ropes to provide sufficient slack for lifting the unit over the balcony structure (4).• Secure the other ends of the ropes to fixed points on the balcony structure (4).Step 4: Install the Carrier Unit• Lift the assembled carrier unit (1) over the balcony structure (4).• Hook the hook parts (21) over the top edge of the balcony structure (4).• Ensure the carrier unit (1) rests against the exterior wall and the guide wheels contact the wall surface.• Confirm that the auxiliary ropes (5) are properly secured and adjusted.Step 5: Adjust if Necessary• If adjustments are needed: o Lift the carrier unit (1) back over the balcony structure (4). o Loosen the fastening elements and adjust the hook rods (2) or guide wheel assemblies (3) as required. o Retighten the fastening elements and reinstall the carrier unit (1) and repeat step 4.

[0031] Operation:During repair work, such as balustrade repairing, tiling, waterproofing, and painting, debris and waste materials (A) — including old balustrade components, broken tiles or glass, old waterproofing membranes, paint chips, and coatings — can be directly deposited into the accommodation space (14) of the carrier unit (1), effectively serving as a barrier that prevents debris from falling to the ground below and posing hazards. The protruding part (131) of the bottom plate (13) ensures that no debris or liquids can fall through gaps between the system and the balcony edge. The lateral movement facilitated by the guide wheel assemblies (3) allows workers to reposition the system along the balcony as needed without requiring extensive disassembly.

[0032] Disassembly:After completing the repair work, the system can be easily disassembled by reversing the installation steps. The fastening elements (23, 31) can be moved to the enlarged holes (112, 122) at the ends of the fastening holes (111) and adjustment slots (121) for easy removal. The fastening elements remain attached to the hook rods (2) and guide wheel assemblies (3), preventing loss and ensuring component integrity. This ease of disassembly facilitates transportation and handling by construction personnel.

[0033] Description of Symbols:1 : Carrier Unit11 : Main Board111 : Fastening Hole112: First Enlarged Hole12: Side Plate121 : Adjustment Slot122: Second Enlarged Hole13: Bottom Plate131 : Protruding Part14: Accommodation Space15: First Hanging Hole2: Hook Rod21 : Hook Part22: Long Slot23 : First Fastening Element24: Reinforcement Rod25 : Second Hanging Hole3 : Guide Wheel Assembly31 : Second Fastening Element4: Balcony Structure5: Auxiliary RopeA: Waste Material

Claims

ClaimsI claim:

1. A balcony debris containment safety system, the system comprising: a carrier unit (1) including: a main board (11) with side plates (12) on both sides; a bottom plate (13) connected to the side plates (12) to form an open accommodation space (14); at least two fastening holes (111) provided on the main board (11) for securing adjustable hook rods (2); adjustment slots (121) present on the side plates (12); adjustable hook rods (2) assembled on the carrier unit (1), each hook rods including: a hook part (21) to securely attach to the top edge of a balcony structure (4); a long slot (22) allowing for length adjustment by aligning with the fastening holes (111); at least two first fastening elements (23) passing through the long slot(22) and the fastening holes (111) to secure the hook rods (2); guide wheel assemblies (3) movably arranged on both sides of the carrier unit (1), each comprising: a second fastening element (31) passing through an adjustment slot (121) on a side plate (12);wherein the guide wheel assemblies (3) are adjustable within the adjustment slots (121) by sliding along the slots and can be secured at desired positions, thereby enabling close contact with an exterior wall surface and facilitating lateral movement along the balcony edge.

2. The balcony debris containment safety system according to claim 1, wherein the outer side of the bottom plate (13) includes a protruding part (131) that extends beneath the balcony structure (4), forming a barrier to prevent debris, tools, paint, or liquids from falling between the balcony structure (4) and the containment system.

3. The balcony debris containment safety system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first enlarged hole (112) is provided at one end of each fastening hole (111), the first enlarged hole (112) having a diameter larger than the first fastening element (23), allowing for easy assembly and disassembly through the first enlarged hole (112).

4. The balcony debris containment safety system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a second enlarged hole (122) is provided at one end of each adjustment slot (121), the second enlarged hole (122) having a diameter larger than the second fastening element (31), allowing for easy assembly and disassembly through the second enlarged hole (122).

5. The balcony debris containment safety system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first hanging hole (15) formed on the main board (11) or the side plate (12), the first hanging hole (15) being configured to receive an auxiliary rope (5), wherein one end of the auxiliary rope (5) is securable to a fixed point on the balcony structure (4) to provide additional stabilization of the system during use.

6. The balcony debris containment safety system according to any one of the preceding claims, additionally comprising a reinforcement rod (24) on the inner side of the hook part (21) of each hook rod (2) to enhance strength and stability.

7. The balcony debris containment safety system according to claim 6, wherein a second hanging hole (25) is formed between the hook part (21) and the reinforcement rod (24) of each hook rod (2), through which an auxiliary rope (5) can be threaded, one end of the auxiliary rope (5) being secured to the balcony structure (4) for additional safety.

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