Protective weather-frame canopy enclosure for scaffolding

Abstract

A protective canopy framework for a construction enclosure system for use with scaffolding and tubular structures of the type to protect the worker from rain, sleet, snow, and direct sunlight. The unit consists of a base ( 10 ) with a plurality of pivoting and sliding attachments including a rear pivoting component ( 18 ), a pivoting face plate ( 20 ), a sliding-pivoting attachment ( 26 ) and a telescoping tube ( 16 ) to enable the top member ( 12 ) to be adjusted in height. In addition, a telescoping tube ( 14 ) will enable said top member ( 12 ) to adjust in length as well. The base ( 10 ) has a plurality of brace attachments ( 24 ) to allow the unit to connect with conventional scaffold bracing for structural stability. A plurality of apertures at the bottom of said base ( 10 ) exists to enable the unit to fasten to conventional scaffolding with a standard snap pin ( 30 ). A plurality of apertures exists at the top of said base ( 10 ) as well, to allow for height adjustability. The said telescoping members ( 14 ), ( 16 ), have multiple apertures to allow said unit to be locked into place with standard snap pin ( 30 ) at a predetermined height and length. The pivoting faceplate ( 20 ) is attached to said telescoping tube ( 14 ) to allow the unit to connect to a structure or attachment.

1 . A canopy framework for a construction enclosure system, comprising: 
 a) a plurality of vertical members pivotably connected to the top mechanism of said canopy framework; and    b) a plurality of slidable members movably connected to said top mechanism heretofore enabling a means for vertical and horizontal actuation;    c) whereby defining an adjustable cover support frame unit.    
   
   
       2 . The canopy framework of  claim 1 , wherein each said sliding member contains a plurality of apertures within each body such that said members can be fastened into place at a predetermined position.  
   
   
       3 . The canopy framework of  claim 1 , wherein utilizing a plurality of said pivotal members for securing the base of said framework to said top member.  
   
   
       4 . The canopy framework of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said slidable members possess a movably connected mounting plate.  
   
   
       5 . The canopy framework of  claim 1 , wherein said cover support frame unit provides a means for supporting a protective overlay.  
   
   
       6 . A method of at least partially enclosing a structure under construction, comprising: 
 a) providing a skeleton canopy framework for a construction enclosure system according to  claim 1;     b) rigidly and removably attaching the canopy framework to a temporary platform for supporting workmen during the erection of a building or structure;    c) securing the reinforcement members against respective frame members to increase the rigidity of such frame members, thereby defining reinforced members; and    d) rigidly securing the reinforced frame members to the brace attachment components such that said reinforced frame members are fixedly retained in a desired spatial relationship with an existing scaffold structure.    
   
   
       7 . The canopy framework of  claim 6 , wherein each said canopy frame unit can be modified providing a means of utilization with multiple applications.  
   
   
       8 . A protective scaffold canopy enclosure systems conformed to be position adjacent a building or structure, said system comprising a plurality of horizontally spaced scaffold units each having a pair of vertical legs, a set of brace members rigidly connecting said legs of adjacent said scaffold units, a corresponding plurality of horizontally spaced cover support frames each including a short leg member and a long leg member generally aligned with said vertical legs of the corresponding said scaffold units, each of said cover support frames include a plurality of said brace members respectively connecting to said scaffold units or support frames, also including an inclined top cover support member slidably and pivotably connecting the corresponding said leg members, means for releasably connecting said leg members of each said cover support frame to the corresponding said legs of said scaffold units with said leg members projecting upwardly from said legs, said slidable and pivotable vertical connecting legs of said cover support frame units movably connected enabling the top cover support member to adjust in height and length, whereby defining the adjustable cover support frame units.