U.S. patent application number 15/130917 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-19 for netting structure.
This patent application is currently assigned to Pucuda, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Pucuda, Inc.. Invention is credited to John Rexroad.
Application Number | 20170298641 15/130917 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60037964 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170298641 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rexroad; John |
October 19, 2017 |
Netting Structure
Abstract
In various representative aspects, a netting structure is
configured to serve as a safety net used on construction sites to
catch debris or construction personnel from falling to the ground.
The netting structure eliminates the need to use a metal cable
along the perimeter of a beam to support the net that typically
requires the net to be clipped to the cable in several locations
along its perimeter. An assembly for guiding the ropes used to pull
the netting structure in place and secure the netting structure to
a building frame is also provided.
Inventors: |
Rexroad; John;
(Killingworth, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pucuda, Inc. |
Madison |
CT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Pucuda, Inc.
Madison
CT
|
Family ID: |
60037964 |
Appl. No.: |
15/130917 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 21/3266
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04G 21/32 20060101
E04G021/32 |
Claims
1. A netting structure comprising: a. a net further comprising an
outer edge; b. a primary border coupled to the outer edge of the
net; c. a secondary border extending from a first point on the
primary border to a second point on the primary border wherein the
secondary border forms an attachment point.
2. The netting structure in claim 1 further comprising a clip
wherein the clip is coupled to the primary border and the secondary
border of the netting structure.
3. The netting structure in claim 1 wherein the primary border is a
rope.
4. The netting structure in claim 1 wherein the secondary border is
a rope.
5. The netting structure in claim 1 further comprising a second
secondary border extending from a third point on the primary border
to a fourth point on the primary border wherein the secondary
border forms a second attachment point.
6. The netting structure in claim 1 further comprising a resilient
rod wherein: a. the resilient rod further comprises a first end and
a second end; and b. the first end of the resilient rod is coupled
to a first side of the outer edge and the second end of the
resilient rod is coupled to a second side opposite the first side
of the outer edge.
7. A netting structure comprising: a. a net further comprising an
outer edge; b. a primary border coupled to the outer edge of the
net; c. a first border line further comprising a first end and a
second end wherein the first end is coupled to a first point on the
primary border and the second end forms an attachment point; d. a
second border line further comprising a first end and a second end
wherein the first end is coupled to a second point on the primary
border and the second end forms an attachment point.
8. The netting structure in claim 7 further comprising a clip
wherein the clip is coupled to the primary border and the first
border line of the netting structure.
9. The netting structure in claim 7 further comprising a clip
wherein the clip is coupled to the primary border and the second
border line of the netting structure.
10. The netting structure in claim 7 wherein the primary border is
a rope.
11. The netting structure in claim 7 wherein the first and second
border lines are ropes.
12. The netting structure in claim 7 further comprising a third
border line further comprising a first end and second end wherein
the first end is coupled to a third point on the primary border and
wherein the second end forms a third attachment point.
13. The netting structure in claim 7 further comprising a resilient
rod wherein: a. the resilient rod further comprises a first end and
a second end; and b. the first end of the resilient rod is coupled
to a first side of the outer edge and the second end of the
resilient rod is coupled to a second side opposite the first side
of the outer edge.
14. A netting structure comprising: a. a net further comprising an
outer edge; b. a primary border coupled to the outer edge of the
net; c. a secondary border coupled to a portion of the outer edge
of the net such that the secondary border surrounds the primary
border such that the portion of the secondary border that is not
coupled to the outer edge forms an attachment point.
15. The netting structure in claim 14 further comprising a clip
wherein the clip is coupled to the primary border and the secondary
border of the netting structure along the portion of the secondary
border that is not coupled to the outer edge of the netting
structure.
16. The netting structure in claim 14 wherein the primary border is
a rope.
17. The netting structure in claim 14 wherein the secondary border
is a rope.
18. The netting structure in claim 14 further comprising a
resilient rod wherein: a. the resilient rod further comprises a
first end and a second end; and b. the first end of the resilient
rod is coupled to a first side of the outer edge and the second end
of the resilient rod is coupled to a second side opposite the first
side of the outer edge.
19. A guide for securing a netting structure to a building frame
comprising: a. a rectangular ring; the rectangular ring further
comprising four sides such that the four sides each further
comprise an inner side and forming a hollow area within the four
sides; b. a first pair of rollers each further comprising a first
and second end such that the first and second ends of the first
pair of rollers are axially coupled parallel to each other to
opposite inner sides of the rectangular ring.
20. The guide of claim 19 further comprising: a. a second pair of
rollers each further comprising a first and second end such that
the first and second ends of the second pair of rollers are axially
coupled parallel to each other to opposite inner sides of the
rectangular ring and perpendicular to the first pair of rollers
such that the first and second pair of rollers are able to rotate
freely around a central axis.
21. The guide of claim 19 further comprising: a. a guide ring
further comprising a loop with a hollow central area wherein the
guide ring is coupled to a vertical beam and the rectangular ring
is coupled to the vertical beam such that the hollow central area
of the guide ring and the hollow area within the four sides of the
rectangular ring align vertically along the vertical beam along the
same axis.
22. The guide of claim 19 further comprising: a. a pulley; and b. a
bracket coupled to a top edge of the rectangular ring such that the
pulley is axially coupled to the bracket so that: i. the pulley is
able to rotate freely around a central axis; and ii. the pulley is
positioned above one of the first or second pair of rollers.
23. The guide of claim 19 further comprising an adjustable member
further comprising a first end such that the adjustable member is
coupled the first end.
24. The guide of claim 19 further comprising a pivot adjustment
such that the pivot adjustment is coupled to a second end of the
adjustable member.
25. The guide of claim 22 further comprising a: a. second pulley
and b. a second bracket coupled to the top edge of the rectangular
ring such that the second pulley is axially coupled to the bracket
so that: i. the pulley is able to rotate freely around a central
axis; and ii. the pulley is positioned above a second of the first
or second pair of rollers.
26. The guide of claim 20 further comprising: a. a guide ring
further comprising a loop with a hollow central area wherein the
guide ring is coupled to a vertical beam and the rectangular ring
is coupled to the vertical beam such that the hollow central area
of the guide ring and the hollow area within the four sides of the
rectangular ring align vertically along the vertical beam along the
same axis.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates generally to netting
structures. More specifically, the invention relates to a netting
structure that serves as a safety net used on construction sites to
catch debris or construction personnel from falling to the ground.
The present invention provides an improved netting structure that
eliminates the need to use a metal cable along the perimeter of a
beam to support the net that typically requires the net to be
clipped to the cable in several locations along its perimeter. The
present invention also provides an assembly for guiding ropes used
to pull the netting structure in place and secure the netting
structure to a building frame.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] Any discussion of the prior art in the specification should
in no way be considered as an admission that the prior art is
widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the
field.
[0003] The use of safety nets on construction sites is often
desirable. Safety nets are netting structures that are typically
installed either around the perimeter of a building or beneath the
area of a floor in a building frame where the building is being
constructed, refurbished, or repaired. A properly installed netting
structure enables the netting to catch any debris or construction
personnel from falling to the ground and causing injury or
death.
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a basic two-story building frame. A
typical netting structure is installed around the inner perimeter
of the horizontal beams as personnel work on the building above the
net. FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed view of the prior art netting
structure. The existing netting structure typically requires a
metal cable, or series of metal cables, to first be installed
around the inside of the horizontal beams of the building frame as
shown. A net is then coupled along to the cable along its length
typically by using metal hooks at several locations around the
cable. This method of installation creates sag in the mesh of the
netting structure based on the tension of cable. It also creates
sag by scalloping of the border and the netting structure's mesh
between each hook. This scalloping can only be reduced by adding
closer hooks, but can be difficult, if not impossible, to
eliminate. Furthermore, tightening the net generally requires the
mesh and netting structure border to be pulled toward the cable for
connection. This can be extremely difficult due to the elevated
location of the netting structure and the many connection points
that must be made.
[0005] As shown in FIG. 3, the sagging in the prior art netting
structures is sometimes addressed by installing additional ropes
under the mesh or weaving them into the mesh to create pockets
between the slack mesh. Each rope will slacken with the perimeter
or border of the netting structure if it is attached to a point on
the perimeter. If the rope is pulled separately, it requires two
additional tie-off points per rope, which is inefficient. These
ropes also create points of possible injury or death as a person
falling into the net may hit a tensioned rope instead of the mesh.
It is also possible to gather the mesh to the border rope with
straps, however this does not reduce the border length.
[0006] The installation of these types of netting structures at
construction sites can be difficult. Because these structures are
typically installed high above the ground, they are often hard to
reach and require special equipment, scaffolding, or ladders to
lift the nets and the personnel who install them to the areas where
they are secured to the beams on the building frame. Also, because
the netting structures generally are designed have the perimeter of
these structures cover as much area of the work area below to
prevent even small objects from falling close to the building, it
is very difficult for personnel to access the structure to move,
maintain, or adjust it without disassembling large parts, or even
the entire structure. If personnel need to gain access to the
structure to adjust or move the it by loosening it at any point
along its perimeter, it may lead to greater sagging or
scalloping.
[0007] Another limitation to the present netting structures is that
the nets themselves generally have to be built to fit within the
size of the horizontal beams of the building frame.
[0008] The present invention overcomes the limitations in the prior
art addressed above, and provides a solution that is both easy to
install and use.
[0009] When installing vertical netting structures on the outside
of a building frame to prevent debris and personnel from falling
off the side of a horizontal beam, it is desirable for the vertical
net to be some distance away from the frame building to allow
workers to have freedom to move, and also to allow horizontal beams
to possibly be installed into the building frame at a later time.
The prior art typically requires a flag pole type design that is
secured to a vertical beam where the netting structure attaches to
a support point and drapes below the support point as shown in FIG.
3A. Or it requires a separate cantilever arm type system that needs
to hold the net out at least 13 feet per standards and regulations.
The present invention offers a solution to these limitations that
eliminates the need to use flag pole designs and cantilever arms,
still enables the vertical netting structure to rest a distance
away from the frame structure, and is also easy to install by using
pull ropes.
[0010] Other limitations to the present netting structures pertain
to the hardware used to secure the structures to the building
frames, and guide the ropes used to raise the structures in place.
When installing safety nets, if a metal cable is not used to secure
the netting structure around the beams of a building frame, a rope
is usually tied to one end of an attachment point and then pulled
through a large pulley or wooden block and tackle (wooden block and
tackle will also be referred to as a "pulley"). Often the wooden
pulleys are similar to those used on a sailing ship to guide ropes
to raise sails to their operating position. There are several
limitations to using this method. One limitation is that the pulley
is typically coupled to a vertical beam using a clip. When under
tension, a rope that is run through the pulley causes the pulley to
move toward the attachment point of the netting structure, which
creates a large gap between the beam and the netting structure as
shown in FIG. 3B. The larger the length of the pulley, the larger
the gap becomes between the bracket and the netting structure.
[0011] Another issue is how the pulley attaches to the netting
structure. The pulley most often secured to a bracket on a vertical
beam of the building structure. An eyebolt is then used to couple
the pulley to the bracket. A cable or rope is threaded through the
pulley or run through the eye of the eyebolt as secured to a
vertical beam. An eyebolt is typically designed and rated for a
direct pull load. The eyebolt is often not at the start in a shear
side or angle load. This is not a correct engineered system and can
lead to injury or death. In most cases pulleys are installed in the
corners of the building frame. This means when the pulleys are
under tension, they are likely being pulled away from the vertical
beams even though ideally they should run vertically alongside or
underneath the vertical beams.
[0012] Another limitation is the fact a pulley is designed to only
allow the diameter of rope to pass through and nothing else. Any
knot, splice, hook, or other attachment method would not allow
these additional components to pass through the pulley as shown in
FIG. 3C and would add additional space between the netting
structure and the building frame as shown in FIG. 3B.
[0013] It is desirable to provide component hardware that enables
safety netting structures to be installed to a building frame that
does not create additional open space between the building frame
and a safety net when installed under tension, and also to provide
attachment and guide hardware that allows ropes with additional
knots, splices, hooks, or related attachments to pass through them
when raising the netting structures in place that is effective and
easy to install.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The invention is summarized below only for purposes of
introducing embodiments of the invention. The ultimate scope of the
invention is to be limited only to the claims that follow the
specification.
[0015] It is an object of this invention to provide a netting
structure that is secured to the horizontal beams of a building
frame to catch falling debris or personnel within the building
structure.
[0016] It is an object of this invention to provide a netting
structure that has a primary border, that is typically a rope, that
is coupled to the entire outer edge of the netting structure.
[0017] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
netting structure that has a secondary border, that is typically a
rope, that is fixed at two points on the primary border to form an
attachment point.
[0018] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
netting structure wherein the primary and secondary borders are
coupled by one or more clips.
[0019] It is an object of the present invention that when the clips
are not coupled to the primary and secondary borders, the portion
of the netting structure coupled to the primary border near the
secondary border, drops downward and creates an opening between the
primary and secondary borders.
[0020] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
netting structure wherein the secondary border can be two distinct
ropes connected by their respective ends to the primary border at
distinct locations along the primary border.
[0021] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
netting structure with a resilient rod that is coupled to two sides
of the outer edge of the netting structure.
[0022] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
rectangular ring with two pairs of rollers axially coupled within
the inside of the rectangular ring such that each respective pair
of rollers is parallel to each other and perpendicular to the other
respective pair of rollers.
[0023] It is an object of the present invention that the rollers
are able to rotate freely about their respective axes within the
rectangular ring.
[0024] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
pulley that is axially coupled to a bracket that is connected above
the rectangular ring so that the pulley is capable of rotating
freely about its axis with the pulley being parallel to at least
one of the rollers within the rectangular ring.
[0025] It is an object of the present invention that the
rectangular ring is of sufficient cross-sectional area to enable
objects large enough to pass through its cross-sectional area when
a rope is connected to the objects as the rope is being used to
pull the netting structure toward a point on the building
frame.
[0026] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
adjustable member that is connected to the rectangular ring so that
the adjustable member can be coupled on one end to a vertical beam
of the building structure and allow the adjustable member to move
the position of the rectangular ring to and from the vertical beam
of the building frame.
[0027] A person with ordinary skill in the relevant art would know
that any shape or size of the elements described below may be
adopted as long as the end clamp can be used to secure solar panel
modules to the rail support structures and a binding bolt is used
to tighten the t-bolt to the guide of the rail support structure.
Any combinations of suitable number, shape, and size of the
elements described below may be used. Also, any materials suitable
to achieve the object of the current invention may be chosen as
well.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] A more complete understanding of the present invention may
be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when
considered in connection with the following illustrative figures.
In the following figures, like reference numbers refer to similar
elements and steps throughout the figures.
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a basic two-story building frame.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a top view of prior art net and connection to a
cable.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a top view of prior art net with additional ropes
to hold up sag and slack mesh.
[0032] FIG. 3A is a prior art shows means of attaching a net/flap
to an outrigger flagpole type of support.
[0033] FIG. 3B is a side view of prior art.
[0034] FIG. 3C is a side view detail of prior art.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the
netting structure.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the
netting structure and hardware installed on test frame.
[0037] FIG. 6 is a top view of details of a corner in FIG. 4.
[0038] FIG. 7 is a view of FIG. 6 with a split secondary rope.
[0039] FIG. 8 is a top and slightly forward view of FIG. 7 with
primary border and mesh gathered.
[0040] FIG. 9 is a bottom and slightly forward view showing an
alternate embodiment using a smaller net to protect a partial
area.
[0041] FIG. 10 is a top view of one corner of embodiment on test
frame with slight adjustment on only one side.
[0042] FIG. 11 is a front view of FIG. 8.
[0043] FIG. 12 is a top and slightly forward view of FIG. 6 with
corner open.
[0044] FIG. 13 is a top view of details of a corner in FIG. 4 with
mesh hung square.
[0045] FIG. 14 is a top view of an alternate embodiment with flap
manufactured attached to embodiment in FIG. 4.
[0046] FIG. 15 is the same as FIG. 14.
[0047] FIG. 16 is a bottom and slightly forward view of flap and
resilient spreaders connected to embodiment in FIG. 4 with snap
hooks installed on test frame.
[0048] FIG. 17 is a bottom and slightly angled view of FIG. 16.
[0049] FIG. 18 is a cutaway partial view of a resilient spreader
shown in FIG. 16.
[0050] FIG. 19 is a forward view of a resilient spreader similar to
FIG. 18 that does not require an outer jacket.
[0051] FIG. 20 is a side view of an alternate embodiment showing
the push guide with removable roller, and pivot.
[0052] FIG. 21 is the same as FIG. 20 except a split ring is
substituted for the guide with removable roller and pivot.
[0053] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a guide ring attached to a
bracket.
[0054] FIG. 23 is a bottom view of alternate embodiment showed in
FIGS. 16 and 17
[0055] FIG. 24 is a side view of the element in FIG. 21 installed
but does not pivot.
[0056] FIG. 25A is a side view of the guide ring of FIG. 25.
[0057] FIG. 25B is a bottom view of the guide ring of FIG. 25.
[0058] FIG. 25C is a side view of the guide ring of FIG. 25.
[0059] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the pull point shown in
FIG. 29 with a pulley.
[0060] FIG. 27 is a side view of the netting structure assembled to
a building structure.
[0061] FIG. 28 is an alternate view of FIG. 27.
[0062] FIG. 29 is a top view of a pull point.
[0063] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a pull point with dual
pulleys.
[0064] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an assembly showing five
pull points arranged on a bracket with dual pulleys.
[0065] FIG. 32 illustrates an alternate pull point/pulley
embodiment.
[0066] FIG. 33 illustrates a side view of a rope moving through the
embodiment in FIG. 32.
[0067] FIG. 34 illustrates an alternate embodiment of FIGS. 27 and
28 showing the assembly featuring the guide ring connected to the
vertical beam above the pull point.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0068] FIG. 4 shows a top view of an exemplary netting structure
100 and FIG. 5 shows a typical four-column beam building structure
105 with horizontal beams 107 and vertical beams 108 and with the
netting structure 100 installed. The netting structure 100 includes
a mesh 110 that is coupled to a border rope 120. The mesh 110 can
also be loose around the border rope 120 by weaving the border rope
120 into the mesh 110. The mesh 110 can be of different forms such
as straight or diamond-shaped netting or webbing. The border rope
120 in this embodiment is typically a single rope that encircles
the entire outer edge of the mesh 110 and then forms two distinct
ropes--a primary corner rope 130 and a secondary corner rope
140--where the attachment points 150 are located. The outer edge
can include the outermost perimeter of the mesh, but it can also
include some of the inner portion of the mesh 110 as well and is
not restricted to the outermost perimeter of the mesh. The border
rope 120 is typically fixed to the mesh 110 along the inner
perimeter and along the primary corner rope 130, although the
border rope 120 could be woven through the mesh 110 along the
perimeter so that the mesh 110 can move separately along the border
rope 120. The term "rope" can include any suitable cord, twine, or
string that is of sufficient strength to remain intact under large
pulling forces.
[0069] Although the netting structure 100 shown is rectangular in
shape, the structure 100 can be any suitable shape such as a
triangle, trapezoid, or other geometric shape to conform to the
shape of the building structure's vertical beams. The shape of the
structure 100 is defined by the number and location of the
attachment points 150 along its perimeter. The attachment points
150 are generally defined by the point where secondary corner rope
140 is attached to a means for pulling the netting structure 100
toward the building structure 105. In an embodiment that employs a
single secondary rope 140, the attachment point 150 is usually
where the loop of rope is formed in FIG. 6, or it can be where the
two separate border lines or ropes 143 and 146 are located as shown
in FIG. 7. The border lines are preferably ropes, but can also be a
cord, twine, string or rope-like structure that can be used under
high tension forces to pull the netting structure 100 into
place.
[0070] Other embodiments of the structure 100 utilize dual border
ropes that encircle the perimeter of the mesh 110. In a dual border
rope configuration, one rope acts as the primary border rope that
is fixed along the entire perimeter of the mesh, while the second
rope is fixed only to the inner perimeter of the mesh 110 with the
non-fixed portions serving as the attachment points 150 in each
corner of the structure 100. The border rope 120 can also include
more than two ropes as long as they are secured to a portion of the
mesh 110 along each side of the netting structure 100. Near each
attachment point 150, a plurality of clips 160 connect the primary
corner rope 130 with the secondary corner rope 140. The clips 160
are generally snap hooks, rings, quick hooks, or any suitable clip
capable of coupling the mesh 110 to the primary and secondary
corner ropes 130 and 140 under high stress loads.
[0071] FIG. 6 shows a detailed view of the attachment point 150 in
the structure 100. The clips 160 are free-floating along the length
of the split between the primary corner rope 130 and secondary
corner rope 140.
[0072] FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment where the secondary
corner rope 140 is divided into two secondary ropes 143 and 146
respectively. Additional connecting hardware can be added to the
open ends of each rope 143 and 146 so that they can be coupled to a
pulling means, such as a rope, for tightening. With the two ropes
143 and 146, each side of the netting structure 100 connected to
the ropes 143 or 146 can be independently pulled toward a point on
one of the horizontal beams 107 on the building structure 105 as
shown in FIG. 9. In that case, the rope 143 or 146 can be pulled to
bring the perimeter of the structure 100 closer to a side of the
work area where protection and safety is necessary, and away from a
side where it's not needed as shown in FIG. 10.
[0073] FIG. 4 shows a top and slightly forward view of FIG. 7 with
the primary corner rope 130 and mesh 110 gathered together. In the
case where only one secondary corner rope 140 is used, the rope 140
is also free moving and allows the rope 140 to self-place along the
length to allow tensioning of both sides of the netting structure
100 that are connected to the rope 140. FIG. 11 is a side view of
FIG. 8 and shows the mesh 110 near the attachment point 150
slacking below the plane of the netting structure 100, while the
mesh 110 connected to the border rope 120 remains in tension.
[0074] FIG. 12 shows the same attachment point 150 with the clips
160 removed from the secondary corner rope 140 (in the embodiment
where the secondary corner rope 140 is cut, the clips 160 are
removed from the secondary ropes 143 and 146). In this exemplary
embodiment, with the clips 160 removed, the mesh 110 falls downward
and creates an open space 162 in the area nearest the attachment
point 150. As shown in FIG. 13, when the clips 160 are connected,
the mesh 110 remains in tension everywhere else throughout the
netting structure 100. Even when the clips 160 are removed and an
opening 162 is created in the area, the mesh 110 along the border
rope 120 will still remain in tension. This enables personnel to
access the structure 100 by way of a ladder or other mechanical
means to more easily climb through, or work through the open area
162 without disrupting the tension in the mesh 110.
[0075] In another embodiment, a second netting structure 200, as
shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, can be added to a side of the netting
structure 100. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the second netting
structure 200 (also referred to as a "flap"), typically functions
as a vertical border net along the outer portion of the
construction frame to protect debris and personnel from falling off
the side of the frame. It can also be used to span a gap between
two horizontal netting structures 100. The flap 200 is typically
raised upward using a pulling rope along the outside area of the
construction frame beneath a horizontal beam 107 as shown in FIG.
17. The flap 200 can either be pre-manufactured as a single
structure with the mesh 210 and mesh 110 sharing the border rope
120, or the flap 200 can be a separate structure such that the mesh
210 is secured to its own flap border rope 220 and subsequently
secured to the netting structure 100 along the border rope 120. The
end of the flap border rope 220 that is not connected the border
rope 120 is a flap primary corner rope 230. As shown in the close
up view in FIG. 14, the flap primary corner rope 230 also
approaches the attachment point 150. The flap primary corner rope
230 is coupled to the secondary corner rope 140 by clips 160 in the
same manner that the primary corner rope 130 of the netting
structure 100 is coupled to the secondary corner rope 140 so that
the mesh 210 can be opened and lowered in the same fashion as the
mesh 110.
[0076] In the flap 200, the plane of the mesh 210 also includes a
member or rod 270 as shown in FIG. 16. In the exemplary embodiment,
the rod 270 is generally resilient and spans lengthwise across the
mesh 210 from one end of a border of the flap 200 to the opposite
side of the flap 200. The rod 270 serves two primary purposes.
First, the rod 270 prevents the mesh 210 from snagging or clumping
together before the flap 200 is raised to its destination, and
second, when the flap 200 is pulled up by a pulling rope, the beam
107 below causes the rod 270 to bend and hold the netting structure
200 away from the beam on which the worker is positioned as shown
in FIGS. 16 and 17. This enables the flap 200 to flex and conform
to the building frame itself. If the horizontal beam 107 is not
installed in advance, the rods 270 allow for the beam 107 to be
dropped in place from above, and the rods 270 will deflect pushing
the mesh 210 away from the beam 107 so the beam 107 can be
installed.
[0077] In the exemplary embodiment, the rod 270 is embedded within
a sleeve 280 as shown in FIG. 18 and is coupled to the border rope
120 on one side and runs perpendicular to the border rope 120
across the mesh 220 to the opposite end 290 of the mesh 210. Other
suitable ways to secure the rod 270 to the netting structure 100
include fixing the sleeve 280 to the mesh 210 itself, or using a
clip 160 through a grommet 285, as shown in FIG. 18, to one of the
loops in the mesh 210 or to the border rope 120 and opposite end
290. Generally, more than one rod 270 is used depending on the size
of the plane area of the mesh 210. If used, multiple rods 270 are
typically vertically spaced apart a given distance to provide
rigidity throughout the entire plane of the mesh 210.
[0078] An alternate embodiment of the rod 270 is shown in FIG. 19.
The rod 270 has a resilient length with a pair of snap hooks 272 or
other similar connecting means on each end so that they can be
secured to the opposite end 290 and border rope 120 of the flap 200
by way of a clip 160.
[0079] An alternate way of raising the flap 200 and keeping it a
desired distance from the building frame 105 is by using a push
interim support 400 as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. The push interim
support 400 pushes the flap 200 away from the structure for easier
access to the beams 107 and 108. It differs from the flag pole
method in the prior art as shown in FIG. 3A as it directs the flap
200 away from the building frame, while still leaving the push
interim support 400 and movement (pull) point 420 above the flap
200 as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. This also allows for adjustment in
and out depending on the requirement.
[0080] The embodiment in FIG. 20 of the push interim support 400
includes an adjustable member 405 that further comprises a base
connector 430 with a pivot adjustment 425 on one end, and a
removable roller structure 500 that contains a rope slot 510 on the
other end of the adjustable member 405. FIG. 21 shows a slightly
different embodiment with a split circular rope slot 520 on one end
of the adjustable member 405. The pivot adjustment 425 is
beneficial so that the flap 200 can be preinstalled and held flat
against the building frame 105 while the beam 107 is being raised
in place. The pivot adjustment 425 also allows for the unit to be
put in place while the flap 200 is in tension. The flap 200 can be
installed in place in a vertical position. Then the flap 200 can be
pushed down or pulled up in to an angled or horizontal position.
The flap 200 can then later be removed. All operations can be done
while the flap 200 and the pull rope 350 remain in tension. This is
not possible the prior art options.
[0081] Exemplary embodiments of guide assemblies used to secure the
netting structure 100 or flap 200 in place to the building frame
105 include a guide ring 600, a roller 700, and a pulley 800.
[0082] FIGS. 22, 25A, 25B, and 25C show a guide ring 600. The guide
ring 600 is typically hollow and circular in the shape of a ring,
but it can be of any suitable shape that allows a rope, a rope
knot, splice, or clip hardware to pass through it. The guide ring
600 is preferably made of a durable material, such as metal, that
can withstand substantial tension forces. The guide ring 600 is
coupled to a bracket 610, which in turn is secured to a vertical
beam 108 with a ratchet or other securing means through slot 611 so
that the plane of the guide ring 600 is oriented parallel to the
ground. The ring 600 and bracket 610 can be homogeneous or
constructed in separate parts. When secured to the beam 108, the
ring 600 serves as a guide for a pull rope 350 to pass through
along the beam 108. Multiple rings can be secured to the same
bracket 610 if desired.
[0083] FIG. 29 illustrates a single pull point 700. The pull point
700 is generally hollow and rectangular in shape. The pull point
700 includes a pair of top rollers 710 and a pair of bottom rollers
715. The rollers 710 are typically cylindrical structures that are
capable of freely rotating around a pin, but any suitable
rotational mechanism would be sufficient as well. Each top roller
710 is axially coupled to the inside of the pull point 700 by a pin
720 that enables the top roller 710 to freely rotate in either a
clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The top rollers 710 are
preferably arranged so that they are parallel to each other and are
axially coupled on opposite sides of the pull point 700 to each
other in the same plane as shown. More than two rollers 710 can be
added that are within the same plane as long as the inside area of
the pull point 700 is large enough to allow ropes, connecting
hardware, and even nets without secondary border ropes 140 and mesh
110 to pass through it. The bottom rollers 715 are also axially
coupled to the inside of the pull point 700, but sit either above
or below the top rollers 710 and are perpendicular to the top
rollers 710. It is understood by one of ordinary skill that
multiple levels of rollers can be added inside the pull point 700
as long as the outer edge 730 of the pull point 700 is deep enough
to accommodate the extra layers.
[0084] Like the guide ring 600, the pull point 700 is preferably
made of a durable material, such as metal, that can withstand
substantial tension forces. The pull point 700 is coupled to a
bracket 610, which in turn is secured typically to the same
vertical beam 320 above the guide ring 600. The bracket 610 is
typically secured with a ratchet so that the plane of the pull
point 700 is oriented parallel to the ground, but it can also be
bolted to the vertical beam 108 as well. The pull point 700 and
bracket 610 can be homogeneous or constructed in separate parts.
Any arrangement of the top rollers 710 and bottom rollers 715
preferably should provide sufficient open area in the center of the
pull point 700 to allow both rope 350 and connecting hardware to
pass through the area. When secured to the beam 108, the pull point
700 serves as a pulley-like structure that enables a pull rope 350
and certain connecting hardware to pass through the pull point's
700 center area as the rope 350 is being used to raise and secure
the netting structure 100 at its attachment points 150.
[0085] FIG. 26 shows another exemplary embodiment of the pull point
700. A pulley 740 is coupled to a side 730 of the pull point 700.
The pulley 740 includes a wheel 750 that is axially coupled to a
bracket 760 that sits above the rollers 710 or 715. The wheel 750
is typically positioned in the center of the side 730 so that any
rope that passes through it is centered as it passes through the
pull point 700. The wheel 750 generally has enough surface area so
that any knot or clip 160 that is attached to the rope 350 can move
be contained within the sides 770 of the wheel 750.
[0086] FIG. 27 shows a side view of assembly that uses the guide
ring 600 and pull point 700 (that includes pulley 740) in
combination with each other and secured to the same vertical beam
108. The pull point 700 is secured above the guide ring 600 on the
beam 108. The purpose of their simultaneous use is to allow rope
350 to efficiently provide tension to the attachment point 150 of
the netting structure 100 so that the structure 100 can be as close
to the beam 108 as possible and eliminate any open space between
horizontal beams 107 and the netting structure 100. The rope 350 is
typically coupled to the attachment point 150 by connecting it to
the secondary corner rope 140, or if the secondary corner rope 140
has been split into two, connecting it to one or both of the
separate secondary ropes 143 or 146. This can be done by knotting
the ropes together, or by coupling them with a clip 160. The rope
350 is then threaded through the center of the pull point 700 and
then downward so that it is threaded through the guide ring 600 as
shown. The clip 160 typically can fit through the pull point 700
and the guide ring 600. When the rope 350 is pulled downward
(typically by a person standing on the ground or by mechanical
means by using a ratchet for example, the secondary corner rope 140
is pulled in tension toward the pull point 700 as shown. In this
configuration, the rope 350 and the secondary corner rope 140
engage the wheel 750 and rollers 710 so that when they rotate, the
ropes move upward and downward with nearly no friction. This allows
the netting structure 100 to be pulled right up against the pull
point 700 and as close to the vertical beam 108 as possible. The
pull point 700 and guide ring 600 prevent the rope 350 from moving
outward and maintains vertical alignment with the vertical beam
108.
[0087] An alternate embodiment of the assembly in FIG. 27 is shown
in FIG. 28. In this configuration, the rope 350 is first threaded
through the guide ring 600, upward through the pull point 700, and
then downward over the side of the pull point 700 as shown. In this
case, the rope 350 is not directly next to the vertical beam 108 as
it is being pulled downward to bring the netting structure 100
close to the vertical beam 108. This same configuration of using
the pull point 700 and the guide ring 600 can also be used to raise
the flap 200 in place as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. An alternate
embodiment of FIGS. 27 and 28 is shown in FIG. 34.
[0088] FIGS. 30 and 31 show alternate embodiments of the pull point
700. As illustrated, additional pulleys 740 can be secured to other
sides 730 of the pull point 700. Additionally, multiple bays of
pull points 700 can be placed side-by-side around a bracket 610.
This embodiment utilizing multiple bays of pull points 700 is
typically used when multiple netting structures 100 have to be
installed on multiple floors. Several ropes can be pulled to raise
and lower the netting structures 100 simultaneously.
[0089] FIG. 32 shows an alternate design of pull point 700 with
pull point 703, which combines the pull point 700 and guide
assembly with a series of smaller rollers 770. The series of
rollers 770 carry the rope 350 over a larger radius (FIG. 33) which
may provide improved rope loading and can be used as a combined
unit or just as a pull point 700 or guide assembly. FIG. 32 also
shows how the bracket 610 can be bolted to steel or other surfaces,
or strapped.
[0090] In the preceding description, and for the purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are provided to thoroughly
understand the various aspects of the invention. It will be
understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that
the present invention may be practiced without these specific
details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown
or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the
invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is
sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the
invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in
software. It should be noted that there are many different and
alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the
disclosed embodiments may be applied. The full scope of the
invention is not limited to the example(s) that are described
below.
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