GB2600094A

GB2600094A - Protective apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2600094A
Application number: GB2016282.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mohan Alan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-10-14
Filing date: 2020-10-14
Publication date: 2022-04-27
Also published as: GB202016282D0

Abstract

The apparatus 100, particularly for impact protection, comprises an elongate, substantially resilient (e.g. foam) core 102 between elongate inner 104 and outer 106 layers. The core comprises a plurality of spaced apart slits 108 extending partially (e.g. 80% through) from a first surface 101 towards a second 103 and entirely from a first to a second side. In embodiments the slits extend longitudinally and are spaced apart (e.g. equally) around a circumference of a tube 200 in use. The core may be substantially thicker than the inner and outer layers (e.g. 10 mm and 1 mm respectively). Edges of the inner and outer layers may extend beyond the core, optionally to be secured together. Longitudinal edges may comprise spaced apart holes, e.g. for cord or cable ties 210. The inner layer may provide a frictional grip surface and/or the outer may comprise high-visibility fluorescent material.

Description

PROTECTIVE APPARATUS

The present invention relates to apparatus for protecting an elongate object, such as a scaffold tube, and in particular, but exclusively, to a removable sleeve for protecting a scaffold tube or the like and/or for protecting a person in relation to the scaffold tube or the like.

A conventional tube and fittings on scaffold includes posts or standards (vertical scaffold tubes), runners or ledgers (horizontal side-to-side scaffold tubes), bearers or transoms (horizontal front-to-back scaffold tubes), and boards located on the bearers to provide a lift or working platform. The scaffold tubes present an obstacle to the scaffolders whilst constructing the scaffold, the trades people working on the scaffold, and pedestrians walking past or through the scaffold. These individuals can accidently walk into or unintentionally impact the scaffold tubes which can cause serious injury. Cyclists or other vehicles can also impact the scaffold tubes, such as the vertical standards, and cause damage to the vehicle, the tube and/or the driver.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide apparatus for locating around a scaffold tube to protect individuals from injury caused by unintentionally impacting the tube.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide apparatus for locating around a scaffold tube to efficiently add a protective barrier around a region of the tube, wherein the apparatus is easy and quick to locate on the tube and to 25 remove from the tube.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for locating around a scaffold tube, comprising: an elongate and substantially resilient core layer located between an elongate inner layer and an elongate outer layer, wherein the core layer comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart slits extending partially through a thickness of the core layer from a first surface towards a second surface opposed to the first surface and entirely across a width of the core layer from a first side to a second side opposed to the first side.

Optionally, each slit extends around 60-95% through the core layer from the first surface.

Optionally, each slit extends around 80% through the core layer from the first surface.

Optionally, a thickness of the core layer is substantially greater than a thickness of each of the inner and outer layers.

Optionally, the thickness of the inner and outer layers is substantially the same.

Optionally, a ratio of the thickness of the core layer to the thickness of the inner and outer layers is around 10:1 Optionally, the thickness of the core layer is around lOmm and the thickness of the inner and outer layers is around 1mm.

Optionally, the core layer comprises a foam material.

Optionally, edge regions of the inner and outer layers extend beyond corresponding edge regions of the core layer.

Optionally, the edge regions of the inner and outer layers are secured together.

Optionally, the edge regions of the inner and outer layers are secured together by a binding material.

Optionally, the inner and outer layers comprise a plurality of spaced apart holes along longitudinal edge regions thereof.

Optionally, the inner layer provides a frictional grip surface for engaging an outer surface of a scaffold tube.

15 20 25 Optionally, the outer layer comprises a high visibility and fluorescent outer surface.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a scaffold system comprising one or more apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing for locating around a scaffold tube, comprising: providing an elongate inner layer in a substantially flat state; locating an elongate and substantially resilient core layer centrally thereon; locating an elongate outer layer on the core layer to thereby locate the core layer between the inner and outer layers; and securing corresponding edge regions of the inner and outer layers together to locate the core layer therebetween, wherein the core layer comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart slits extending partially through a thickness of the core layer from a first surface towards a second surface opposed to the first surface and entirely across a width of the core layer from a first side to a second side opposed to the first side.

Optionally, the method comprises providing a plurality of spaced apart holes through the inner and outer layers and along corresponding longitudinal edge regions of the apparatus.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of adding impact protection to an elongate member, comprising: locating an elongate inner layer of an elongate apparatus around an outer surface of an elongate member, wherein the apparatus comprises: an elongate and substantially resilient core layer located between the elongate inner layer and an elongate outer layer, wherein the core layer comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart slits extending partially through a thickness of the core layer from a first surface towards a second surface opposed to the first surface and entirely across a width of the core layer from a first side to a second side opposed to the first side.

Optionally, the method comprises: wrapping the inner layer around the elongate member; and securing corresponding longitudinal edge regions of the apparatus together.

Optionally, the method comprises locating a securing element through corresponding holes provided along the longitudinal edge regions.

Optionally, the method comprises tightening the securing element to urge the longitudinal edge regions together and clamp the apparatus to the elongate member.

Description of the Drawings

Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a lateral cross section through apparatus according to certain embodiments of the present invention when both ends thereof are connected to form a sleeve; Figure 2a illustrates a longitudinal cross section through the apparatus during an initial stage of manufacture; Figure 2b illustrates a longitudinal cross section through the apparatus during a subsequent step of manufacture; Figure 3a illustrates a plan view of the apparatus in a substantially flat state; and Figure 3b illustrates an underside view of the apparatus in a substantially flat state.

Detailed Description

As illustrated in Figure 1, apparatus 100 according to certain embodiments of the present invention includes a core layer 102 sandwiched between an inner layer 104 and an outer layer 106.

The core layer 102 is substantially elongate and is around 2m long and around 150mm wide. The core layer 102 has a thickness of around lOmm which is substantially greater than a thickness of the inner and outer layers 104,106. The core layer 102 comprises a substantially resilient material, such as a polyethylene foam, a rubber, or the like such that it deforms at least laterally, i.e. in a direction from an outer first surface 101 to an inner second surface 103 with respect to a scaffold tube 200 when wrapped therearound, to absorb an impact load applied to the outer first surface when in use whilst returning to its original thickness when the impact load has been removed. The core layer 102 comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart slits 108 extending partially through the core layer material from the outer first surface 101 and entirely laterally across the width of the core layer from one side to the other side. Aptly, the slits are equally spaced apart but some adjacent slits may be spaced apart more or less than other adjacent slits, e.g. if the apparatus is configured to conform to a specific curved profile of an elongate object which is not circular in cross section for example. Aptly each block 110 defined by adjacent slits is around lOmm wide in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the core layer. Each slit extends to around 8mm from the inner second surface 103 of the core layer 102. Alternatively, one or more slits may extend more or less towards the inner second surface than other slits. Aptly, the slits extend around 60-95% through the core layer and aptly around 80%. The slits 108 provide the core layer with a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart hinge points proximal the inner second surface 103 thereof which allow the core layer, and the apparatus itself, to bend and the inner second surface 103 to adopt substantially the same radius of curvature as the outer surface of the scaffold tube without crumpling up. In turn, the apparatus can wrap relatively tightly around the scaffold tube whilst still presenting a sufficient, yet intermittent, i.e. discontinuous, outer surface for receiving and withstanding an impact load via the outer layer 106 of the apparatus. The slits 108 also allow the core layer, and the apparatus itself, to adopt a substantially flat configuration when not in use for efficient storage thereof and transportation. In this manner, the inner second surface 103 of the core layer 102 substantially corresponds in diameter to the outer surface of the scaffold tube, noting the thickness of the inner layer 104 therebetween, when the apparatus is securely located around the tube. The outer first surface 101 and the inner second surface 103 of the core layer 102, and also the inner layer 104 and outer layer 106 of the apparatus all share the same longitudinal axis of the scaffold tube when the apparatus is located thereon, i.e. they are coaxially arranged with respect to each other. This ensures a close and secure fit with the scaffold tube and a substantially uniform thickness of the core layer and the apparatus itself when in the form of a sleeve around the tube. Providing a uniform thickness of the core layer when the apparatus is located on the tube ensures maximum resilience is provided for withstanding an impact load from any direction with respect to the tube axis. The slits 108 also allow the resilient material of each block 110 defined by adjacent slits to deform outwardly, i.e. substantially circumferentially, when subjected to an impact load transferred to the outer first surface 101 thereof from the outer layer 106. This provides the apparatus with additional resilience and impact protection. The apparatus can be laid substantially flat when not in situ around a tube to thereby provide a substantially continuous outer first surface. The apparatus may be used in a substantially flat state for securing to a fence panel or door frame or the like where wrapping the apparatus around the elongate object on which impact protection is desired is not possible.

The inner layer 104 is substantially flexible to allow the same to be wrapped around a scaffold tube whilst not tearing or ripping. The thickness of the inner layer is such to allow the same to crease up when the apparatus is wrapped around the tube, whilst not compromising the overall flexibility, integrity or resilience of the apparatus when in situ on the tube. The inner layer is waterproof and resistant to corrosion, and also provides a frictional surface for engagement with the scaffold tube to prevent the apparatus slipping down the tube when located thereon. Aptly, the inner layer comprises a 'ripstop' Nylon TM woven fabric material. The inner layer is substantially elongate and is around 2m long and around 200mm wide. The thickness of the inner layer is around 0.1-10 mm depending on the diameter of the elongate member and therefore the required radius of curvature, and in turn crumpling, of the inner layer when in situ thereon, and has a mass per unit area of around 200g/sqm. Aptly, the inner layer is around 0.4-0.6mm thick.

The outer layer 106 is also substantially flexible to allow the apparatus to be wrapped around a scaffold tube without the outer later tearing or stretching or the like. The outer layer is also waterproof, printable, washable and resistant to corrosion. Aptly, the outer layer comprises a polyvinylchloride (PVC) material or the like, and is aptly a highly visible colour, such as fluorescent yellow, to provide a visual indicator, particularly in low light conditions, to individuals proximal to the scaffolding and warn the same about the presence of the scaffold tube's potentially in their path. The outer layer is substantially elongate and is around 2m long and around 200mm wide. The thickness of the inner layer is around 0.1-10mm, aptly around 0.6-0.8mm, and has a mass per unit area of around 550g/sqm.

To manufacture the apparatus 100, as illustrated in Figure 2a, the inner layer 104 is laid flat on a support surface and the core layer 102 is located centrally thereon. The outer layer 106 is located on the outer first surface 101 of the core layer. As illustrated in Figure 2b, the edge regions of the inner and outer layers 104,106 are then secured together using a suitable reinforcing material 112, such as bias binding or the like, to sandwich and contain the core layer therebetween and to add strength to the edge regions and prevent the same from fraying etc. As illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b, a plurality of spaced apart holes 114 are provided through the inner and outer layers and along each longitudinal edge region of the apparatus. The edge of each through hole is aptly reinforced with an eyelet, such as a 14x8mm brass eyelet, which also further secures the inner and outer layers together.

In use, as illustrated in Figure 1, the apparatus 100 is offered up to a scaffold tube or the like such that their longitudinal axes are substantially parallel with each other.

The apparatus is wrapped around the tube to bring its longitudinal edges together. Suitable cord or cable ties 210 are passed through opposed ones of the holes/eyelets to hold the longitudinal edge regions of the apparatus together and secure the apparatus on the tube.

Certain embodiments of the present invention therefore provide apparatus for locating around a scaffold tube to protect individuals from injury caused by unintentionally impacting the tube. The apparatus efficiently adds a protective barrier around a region of the tube, and the apparatus is easy and quick to locate on and remove from the tube. The apparatus is configured to be used in a sleeve-like form around an elongate object and also in a substantially flat form on an elongate object. The apparatus is efficient to store and transport and provides optimal resilience and impact protection when located on an elongate object.

Claims

Claims 1. Apparatus for locating around a scaffold tube, comprising: an elongate and substantially resilient core layer located between an elongate inner layer and an elongate outer layer, wherein the core layer comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart slits extending partially through a thickness of the core layer from a first surface towards a second surface opposed to the first surface and entirely across a width of the core layer from a first side to a second side opposed to the first side.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each slit extends around 60-95% through the core layer from the first surface.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each slit extends around 80% through the core layer from the first surface.
4. The apparatus according to any proceeding claim, wherein a thickness of the core layer is substantially greater than a thickness of each of the inner and outer layers.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the thickness of the inner and outer layers is substantially the same.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a ratio of the thickness of the core layer to the thickness of the inner and outer layers is around 10:1
7. The apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the thickness of the core layer is around 10mm and the thickness of the inner and outer layers is around 1mm.
8. The apparatus according to any proceeding claim, wherein the core layer comprises a foam material.
9. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein edge regions of the inner and outer layers extend beyond corresponding edge regions of the core layer.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the edge regions of the inner and outer layers are secured together.
11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the edge regions of the inner and outer layers are secured together by a binding material.
12. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner and outer layers comprise a plurality of spaced apart holes along longitudinal edge regions thereof.
13. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner layer provides a frictional grip surface for engaging an outer surface of a scaffold tube.
14. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer layer comprises a high visibility and fluorescent outer surface.
15. A scaffold system comprising one or more apparatus according to any preceding claim.
16. A method of manufacturing for locating around a scaffold tube, comprising: providing an elongate inner layer in a substantially flat state; locating an elongate and substantially resilient core layer centrally thereon; locating an elongate outer layer on the core layer to thereby locate the core layer between the inner and outer layers; and securing corresponding edge regions of the inner and outer layers together to locate the core layer there between, wherein the core layer comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart slits extending partially through a thickness of the core layer from a first surface towards a second surface opposed to the first surface and entirely across a width of the core layer from a first side to a second side opposed to the first side.
17. The method according to claim 16, comprising providing a plurality of spaced apart holes through the inner and outer layers and along corresponding longitudinal edge regions of the apparatus.
18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein each slit extends around 60- 95% through the core layer from the first surface.
19. The method according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein a thickness of the core layer is substantially greater than a thickness of each of the inner and outer layers.
20. A method of adding impact protection to an elongate member, comprising: locating an elongate inner layer of an elongate apparatus around an outer surface of an elongate member, wherein the apparatus comprises: an elongate and substantially resilient core layer located between the elongate inner layer and an elongate outer layer, wherein the core layer comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart slits extending partially through a thickness of the core layer from a first surface towards a second surface opposed to the first surface and entirely across a width of the core layer from a first side to a second side opposed to the first side.
21. The method according to claim 20, comprising: wrapping the inner layer around the elongate member; and securing corresponding longitudinal edge regions of the apparatus together.
22. The method according to claim 21, comprising locating a securing element through corresponding holes provided along the longitudinal edge regions.
23. The method according to claim 22, comprising tightening the securing element to urge the longitudinal edge regions together and clamp the apparatus to the elongate member.