US20130263549A1

US20130263549A1 - Safety screen system for steel erection work

Info

Publication number: US20130263549A1
Application number: US13/804,735
Authority: US
Inventors: John Kelly
Original assignee: Helmark Steel Inc
Current assignee: Helmark Steel Inc
Priority date: 2012-04-04
Filing date: 2013-03-14
Publication date: 2013-10-10

Abstract

A system for providing a safety barrier around a work area on a high-rise structure includes at least one vertical rail detachably connected to the structure. The system also includes a safety screen assembly detachably connected to the structure. The system further includes an adjustment mechanism operable to translate the vertical rail(s) and safety screen assembly relative to the structure at appropriate times. A method for moving a safety screen system on a high-rise structure includes detachably coupling at least one vertical rail and safety screen assembly to the structure, and actuating an adjustment mechanism at appropriate times to move the rail(s) and safety screen system upwardly relative to the structure.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/620,105, filed Apr. 4, 2012, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

The following description relates generally to safety barrier systems used in the construction of high-rise structures, and more particularly to a self-climbing, self-adjustable safety screen system and method in which a safety screen is movable up and down a high-rise structure using a built-in adjustment mechanism.

BACKGROUND

Workers who are engaged in constructing high-rise buildings face many safety risks, particularly when they work on unfinished floors that are located several stories above ground level. To combat the risk of falls, safety fences and other barrier systems have been developed. These barrier systems typically include a screen or fence that is erected around the work area, such as the perimeter edge of a floor slab. The weight of the screen is supported by one or more support members anchored to the structure.
Conventional safety barrier systems that are used on high-rise structures have many drawbacks. As an initial matter, conventional barrier systems cannot be easily moved after they are installed. This is problematic when the floors containing the safety barrier are completed, and a safety barrier is needed for new floors to be constructed above the completed floors. Many barrier systems must be dismantled, moved up the structure, and reassembled before workers can begin erecting and building the new floors. The process of dismantling and reassembling barrier systems requires a work crew to dismantle and reassemble the barrier. The process of dismantling and reassembling a safety barrier system can take a very long time, particularly when the system must be dismantled and moved up the structure component-by-component.
Some barrier systems are designed to be moved up or down the structure using a crane. Using a crane to lift the whole system reduces the need for dismantling and moving the system component-by-component. Nevertheless, the reliance on a crane presents other drawbacks. In the event that a crane is not available, the barrier system cannot be moved, and construction of new floors cannot proceed. Even when a crane is available, the crane must be taken off of other important tasks to move the safety barrier system, causing project delays.
Many conventional safety barrier systems also suffer from the drawback of long support beams. In these systems, the weight of the safety barrier is supported by long support beams that extend into the interior of the building. The support beams are typically anchored to a floor slab in the structure using brackets or other mounting means. This approach is not a viable option in high-rise structures that do not yet have floor slabs constructed. In addition, the long support beams that extend into the building make it very difficult to move the barrier system up or down the structure. To lift the barrier system using a crane, the support beams must be disconnected from the floor slab and either folded up in some manner, or disconnected from the rest of the barrier system. The process of disconnecting or folding up the support beams requires a crew of workers, and adds significant time and labor requirements to the project.
Still another drawback of conventional barrier systems is the weight of the safety barrier. In some systems, the weight of the barrier and its support structure is too great to be moved unless it is moved by a crane. If a crane is not available, a less powerful hoist mechanism can be used to lift the barrier system in sections. Moving the barrier system in sections using a hoist can take a long time, particularly with very large systems made up of hundreds of barrier sections.
The foregoing drawbacks are just some of the problems encountered with conventional safety barrier systems.

SUMMARY

Drawbacks of conventional barrier systems are resolved in many respects by self-climbing safety screen systems in accordance with the invention. In one aspect of the invention, a self-climbing safety screen system for providing a safety barrier around the perimeter of a high-rise structure includes at least one vertical rail detachably connected to the structure and a safety screen assembly detachably connected to the structure. The system also includes an adjustment mechanism that is operable to translate the safety screen assembly relative to the structure when the safety screen assembly is detached from the structure. The adjustment mechanism is also operable to translate the at least one vertical rail relative to the structure when the at least one vertical rail is detached from the structure.
In another aspect of the invention, the adjustment mechanism may be structurally integrated into the system.
In another aspect of the invention, the adjustment mechanism may include a hydraulic cylinder.
In another aspect of the invention, the at least one vertical rail may be detachably connected to the structure by a clamp that connects around an exterior member of the structure.
In another aspect of the invention, the safety screen assembly may be detachably connected to the structure by a detachable connection to the at least one vertical rail.
In another aspect of the invention, the safety screen assembly may include a plurality of vertical screen panels and a horizontal member, each vertical screen panel anchored to the horizontal member.
In another aspect of the invention, the horizontal member may be a truss that structurally supports the plurality of screen panels.
In another aspect of the invention, a portion of the adjustment mechanism may be detachably connected to the at least one vertical rail with a pin connection.
In another aspect of the invention, the adjustment mechanism may include a roller assembly attached to the safety screen assembly. The roller assembly may slidably engage the at least one vertical rail.
In another aspect of the invention, the safety screen assembly may include a plurality of transfer frames. At least one of the transfer frames may be connected to the structure by a clamp that detachably connects around an exterior member of the structure. At least one of the transfer frames may be detachably connected to the at least one vertical rail by a pin.
In another aspect of the invention, the at least one vertical rail may include a pair of vertical rails.
In another aspect of the invention, the adjustment mechanism may include an actuated or mechanized lifting device.
In another aspect of the invention, the adjustment mechanism may include a hoist.
In another aspect of the invention, a method for moving a self-climbing safety screen system up a high-rise structure under construction may include the steps of:

- detachably coupling a vertical rail to the structure in a first position;
- detachably coupling a safety screen assembly to the structure in a second position;
- detachably coupling an adjustment mechanism to the vertical rail;
- detaching the vertical rail from the structure;
- actuating the adjustment mechanism to move the vertical rail upwardly relative to the structure until the vertical rail is in a third position;
- detachably coupling the vertical rail to the structure in the third position;
- detaching the safety screen assembly from the structure;
- actuating the adjustment mechanism to move the safety screen assembly upwardly relative to the structure until the safety screen assembly is in a fourth position; and
- detachably coupling the safety screen assembly to the structure in the fourth position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The summary and the detailed description sections will be better understood in conjunction with the following drawing figures, which are not intended to be to scale, and which illustrate non-limiting examples:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a safety screen system in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the invention, installed on a high-rise structure;

FIG. 2A is a partial plan view of the safety screen system of FIG. 1, showing components of the system in more detail;

FIG. 2B is a magnified partial plan view of the safety screen system of FIG. 1, showing components of a corner section in more detail;

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of selected components of the safety screen system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is another elevation view of selected components of the safety screen system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged partial plan view of selected components of the safety screen system of FIG. 1, shown at one column of a structure;

FIG. 5B is an enlarged partial plan view of selected components of the safety screen system of FIG. 1, shown at another one column of a structure;

FIG. 6A is an elevation view of a column clamp component in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6B is a plan view of a column clamp component in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 7 is an elevation view of selected components of the safety screen system of FIG. 1, showing the system during a first step of operation;

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of selected components of the safety screen system of FIG. 1, showing the system during a second step of operation;

FIG. 9 is an elevation view of selected components of the safety screen system of FIG. 1, showing the system during a third step of operation;

FIG. 10 is an elevation view of selected components of the safety screen system of FIG. 1, showing the system during a fourth step of operation;

FIG. 11 is an elevation view of selected components of the safety screen system of FIG. 1, showing the system during a fifth step of operation;

FIG. 12 is an elevation view of selected components of the safety screen system of FIG. 1, showing the system during a sixth step of operation;

FIG. 13 is an elevation view of selected components of the safety screen system of FIG. 1, showing the system during a seventh step of operation;

FIG. 14 is an elevation view of selected components of the safety screen system of FIG. 1, showing the system during a eighth step of operation;

FIG. 15 is an elevation view of selected components of the safety screen system of FIG. 1, showing the system during a ninth step of operation;

FIG. 16 is an elevation view of components of an adjustment mechanism for the safety screen system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of components of the adjustment mechanism of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a cross section view of components of the adjustment mechanism of FIG. 16, taken through line 18-18 of FIG. 16; and

FIG. 19 is another cross section view of components of the adjustment mechanism of FIG. 16, taken through line 19-19 of FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The term “vertical”, as defined herein, means an up/down direction that is parallel or substantially parallel to the columns of a structure. The term “horizontal”, as defined herein, means a direction that is parallel or substantially parallel to floors of the structure. The term “up”, as defined herein, refers to a direction toward the highest point or top of the structure. The term “down”, as defined herein, refers to a direction toward the lowest point of the structure, i.e. the opposite of “up”.
A safety screen system for use during construction of a high-rise structure includes a movable safety screen that forms a barrier around the perimeter of the structure. The barrier surrounds one or more floors or levels under construction to protect construction workers from accidental falls. The safety screen system is movable up the structure as new floors or levels are erected. The safety screen system is also movable down the structure.
In one preferred embodiment, the system includes at least one vertical rail detachably connected to a structure, and at least one horizontal member detachably connected to the structure.
In another preferred embodiment, the system includes an integrated adjustment mechanism for moving the safety screen system up and down the structure. The integrated adjustment system is built into the safety screen system and moves with other components of the system. No external hoisting mechanisms, such as hoist lines or cranes, are needed to raise and lower the safety screen system.
In another preferred embodiment, the system includes a single horizontal member that supports a safety screen across an entire side of the structure. The horizontal member is a truss that provides a rigid but very light weight support mechanism capable of supporting one or more safety screen sections that span the entire side of the structure. Because of its light weight, the horizontal member can be lifted to raise safety screens spanning an entire side of a structure in a single lift, shortening the process of moving the safety screen system.
In another preferred embodiment, the safety screen system attaches to the structure solely by mechanisms that clamp around beams or columns of the structure. The clamping mechanisms allow the system to be mounted to steel structures that have no concrete members in place to anchor the system. For example, the vertical rail or rails of the system may attach to the structure with mechanisms that clamp around exterior members, such as exterior columns or exterior beams on the structure. The system is supported entirely on structural members at the outer perimeter of the structure. This avoids the need for long support braces and brackets that extend into the interior of the structure. The safety screen system and its supports are only used on or adjacent to the exterior façade of the structure being erected, so that the system is easily moved up and down the side of the structure.
In another preferred embodiment, a horizontal member supports a screen assembly that extends above the horizontal member. An adjustment mechanism is detachably connected to the vertical rail. The adjustment mechanism is operable to move the horizontal member upwardly or downwardly relative to the structure when the horizontal member is detached from the structure. The adjustment mechanism is also operable to move the vertical rail upwardly or downwardly relative to the structure when the vertical rail is detached from the structure.
In another preferred embodiment, a safety screen system includes a screen assembly, a vertical rail and an adjustment mechanism. When the screen assembly is coupled to the structure, the screen assembly provides a support mount for the adjustment mechanism to raise and lower the vertical rail. When the vertical rail is coupled to the structure, the vertical rail provides a support mount for the adjustment mechanism to raise and lower the screen assembly. As such, the screen assembly and the vertical rail alternate to serve as support mounts for one another.
A self-climbing safety screen system in accordance with the invention may be moved up and down a high-rise structure using a series of steps in which different components of the system are directly or indirectly attached and detached to and from the façade of the structure at different times, in a step-wise manner. In one possible method of operation, a vertical rail is detachably coupled to the structure in a first position. A safety screen assembly is detachably coupled to the structure in a second position. An adjustment mechanism is detachably coupled to the vertical rail to raise or lower the safety screen assembly.
To raise the safety screen assembly from the second position to a higher vertical elevation on the structure, the vertical rail is detached from the structure. The adjustment mechanism is then actuated to raise the vertical rail upwardly relative to the structure until the vertical rail is in a third position that is higher than the first position. The vertical rail is then detachably coupled to the structure in the third position. The safety screen assembly is then detached from the structure, and the adjustment mechanism is actuated to move the safety screen assembly upwardly relative to the structure until the safety screen assembly is in a fourth position higher than the second position. The safety screen assembly is then detachably coupled to the structure in the fourth position. The step of raising the vertical rail, and subsequently raising the safety screen, can be repeated multiple times until the safety screen is located at a desired vertical elevation on the structure.
Safety screen systems in accordance with the invention may include one or more safety screen assemblies on a side of a structure. Preferred systems in accordance with the invention have one and only one safety screen assembly per side of the structure, with each safety screen assembly spanning an entire side of the structure. Safety screen systems in accordance with the invention may be modular systems. Safety screen systems in accordance with the invention may also include one or more vertical rails per side of the structure, and one or more adjustment mechanisms per side of the structure. The number of vertical rails and adjustment mechanisms on each side of the structure can depend on a number of variables, including but not limited to the size and weight of the safety screen assembly on each side of the structure.
Referring to FIGS. 1-4, one example of a self-climbing safety screen system 100 is shown in accordance with the invention. System 100 is constructed around the perimeter of a high-rise structure S under construction. Structure S is generally rectangular in shape with four sides. System 100 includes a plurality of vertical rails 110 detachably connected to structure S on each of the four sides. System 100 also includes four separate screen assemblies 120, with each safety screen assembly spanning one side of structure S.
Safety screen assemblies 120 are detachably connected to the vertical rails 110. Each safety screen assembly 120 includes a series of vertical screen panels 122 that are arranged side by side. Each safety screen assembly 120 also includes a horizontal member 130. Each horizontal member 130 includes a truss 132 that spans one side of structure S, extending generally parallel to the perimeter of structure S. Screen panels 122 are anchored to horizontal member 130, so that the horizontal member commonly supports all of the screen panels on its respective side of the structure.
Screen assemblies in accordance with the invention can be connected to vertical rails and structures using a number of different connection mechanisms. In system 100, for example, screen assemblies 120 include one or more modular transfer frames 150. Transfer frames 150 interconnect each safety screen assembly 120 with structure S. Some transfer frames 150 also slidably engage the vertical rails 110. Those transfer frames 150 that slidably engage a vertical rail 110 connect with the vertical rail via a roller assembly 152. Each roller assembly 152 engages a vertical flange on one of the vertical rails 110. In system 100, there are two vertical rails 110 that engage roller assemblies 152 on each side of structure S. The two vertical rails 110 form a track 112 on which the safety screen assembly 120 and transfer frames 150 move up and down structure S to different vertical elevations. Track 112 itself is also movable up and down structure S to different vertical elevations. Track 112 anchors the system 100 while screen assemblies 120 are moved, and the screen assemblies anchor the system while the track is moved. This alternating support arrangement allows the system to be self-climbing and self-adjustable.
Each safety screen assembly 120 has an adjustment mechanism 140 that is operable to raise and lower the safety screen assembly relative to structure S. Each adjustment mechanism 140 is also operable to raise and lower vertical rails 110 relative to structure S when the vertical rails are detached from the structure. Systems in accordance with the invention may include any number and combination of mechanisms for raising and lowering a safety screen assembly and vertical rail. For example, systems in accordance with the invention may include actuated or mechanized lifting devices, including but not limited to lifting devices with hoist lines that are built into the system, and move with the system.
In system 100, each adjustment mechanism 140 includes two pairs of hydraulic cylinders 142 spaced horizontally from one another along the side of structure S. Each hydraulic cylinder 142 has a first or lower end 144 and a second or upper end 146. First end 144 is configured to be detachably connected to different points along a vertical rail 110. Second end 146 is fixed to a point on a transfer frame 150 adjacent the same vertical rail 110. In this arrangement, safety screen assembly 120 is connected to transfer frame 150, which in turn, is connected to the second end 146 of each hydraulic cylinder 142.
Hydraulic cylinders 142 are structurally integrated into system 100 and move with the system as the system components are raised and lowered on structure S. In this arrangement, each safety screen assembly 120 has its own built-in, self-contained hydraulic lift that is transported with the safety screen assembly as the safety screen assembly is raised and lowered relative to structure S. Hydraulic cylinders in accordance with the invention may be detachably coupled to vertical rails using a number of coupling mechanisms. Hydraulic cylinders 142, for example, are attached to and detached from vertical rails 110 with pin connections 180.
Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, one example of an adjustment mechanism 140 will be described in more detail. A pair of hydraulic cylinders 142 are mounted in slidable engagement with a vertical rail 110. Each hydraulic cylinder 142 has a first end 144 that includes a jacking beam 145. Jacking beam 145 defines a hole 147. Hole 147 is axially aligned with a hole 116 on vertical rail 110. A pin 182 is inserted through holes 116 and 147 to detachably couple the first end 144 of hydraulic cylinder 142 to vertical rail 110. The second end 146 of each hydraulic cylinder 142 is fixedly connected to transfer frame 150. In this arrangement, the second end 146 of each hydraulic cylinder 142 is fixedly attached to transfer frame 150, so that the upper end of the hydraulic cylinder moves in unison with the transfer frame when the safety screen assembly 120 is raised or lowered on structure S.
Referring now to FIG. 18, the connection between each hydraulic cylinder 142 and transfer frame 150 is shown. Each hydraulic cylinder 142 is connected to transfer frame 150 at two sections. A first section 148 of hydraulic cylinder 142 is fixedly attached to a first horizontal beam 154 on transfer frame 150. A second section 149 of hydraulic cylinder 142 is fixedly attached to a second horizontal beam 156 on transfer frame 150.
Roller assemblies 152 connect transfer frame 150 to vertical rail 110 in a slidable arrangement, as described previously. This slidable arrangement allows for raising and lowering of the safety screen assembly 120 along the exterior of structure S, and also allows for raising and lowering of vertical rails 110 along the exterior of the structure. Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 19, two roller assemblies 152 are shown mounted on first horizontal beam 154 of transfer frame 150. Two roller assemblies 152 are also shown mounted on second horizontal beam 156 of transfer frame 150. Each roller assembly 152 slidably engages a flange on vertical rail 110. In this arrangement, transfer frame 150 and upper ends 146 of hydraulic cylinders 142 can travel up and down vertical rail 110 when safety screen assembly 120 is raised and lowered, respectively, on structure S.
Screen assemblies in accordance with the invention preferably span the entire side of a structure, or substantially all of the side, as a single panel. The length of the safety screen assembly depends on the length of that side of the structure, which in turn may vary depending the particular floor level. Structure S, for example, has floors that gradually decrease in square footage as one proceeds from lower floor levels to higher floor levels. As such, some lower floor levels have a larger footprint, and consequently longer sides, than some of the higher floor levels. Therefore, some of the lower floor levels of structure S require longer screen assemblies than some of the higher floor levels. The length of the safety screen assembly can influence the number of vertical rails 110 and transfer frames 150 used on that side of the system.
Referring to FIG. 2A, one safety screen assembly 120 is installed on structure S in proximity to six exterior columns labeled C-1 to C-6. For this particular safety screen assembly 120, a total of two vertical rails 110 are used. One vertical rail 110 is detachably connected to column C-2 using a column clamp 160, and another vertical rail is detachably connected to column C-5 with another column clamp. There are also six transfer frames 150 that connect safety screen assembly 120 to structure S, one transfer frame for each column. Transfer frames 150 at columns C-1, C-3, C-4 and C-6 are detachably connected to the columns using column clamps 160. Transfer frames 150 at columns C-2 and C-5 are detachably connected to the vertical rails 110 with support pins 183. An example of a support pin 183 is shown in FIG. 16.
Vertical rails 110 and transfer frames 150 are detachably connected to structure S by clamps 160, as noted above. One example of a clamp 160 is shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Each clamp 160 is configured to connect around a column C on structure S. Clamps 160 are detachably connected to the columns C, and can be easily detached or disengaged from the column. Some clamps 160 may be configured to support only horizontal loads, while other clamps may be configured to support both horizontal and vertical loads. FIG. 5A shows an example of a clamp 160 which detachably connects one of the vertical rails 110 to one of the columns C of structure S. In this configuration, clamp 160 temporarily fixes the position of vertical rail 110 on structure S, allowing safety screen 120 to be raised or lowered, as will be explained. FIG. 5B shows an example of another clamp 160 which detachably connects a transfer frame 150 to another column C on structure S. In this configuration, clamp 160 temporarily fixes the transfer frame 150 on structure S, allowing the vertical rails 110 to be raised or lowered, as will be explained.
Each safety screen assembly 120 preferably includes one or more tilt-up platforms 126. Each platform 126 is pivotable to a down position, as shown in FIG. 3, to provide a temporary scaffold. Each platform 126 is also pivotable to an up position, as shown in FIG. 8, to allow the safety screen assembly 120 to be more easily raised or lowered relative to structure S.
All components of safety screen system 100 are installed and operate on the façade of structure S, with only the clamps 160 attaching directly to exterior members of the structure. As such, system 100 can be easily raised and lowered along the exterior of structure S, without disconnecting any part of the system from an interior part of the structure, and with little or no disruption of the construction project.
Referring to FIGS. 7-15, a sequence of steps for raising a safety screen system will now be described in accordance with one possible method of the invention. The sequence of steps will be described with reference to structure S and the components of system 100, described above. For clarity, some components of system 100 are omitted. Only one vertical rail 110, one hydraulic cylinder 142, and one transfer frame 150 are shown in the illustrated sequence, with the understanding that system 100 includes more than one of these components on each side of structure S, all operating in the same manner as described.
Vertical rail 110 is detachably coupled to structure S in a first position, using column clamps 160 (e.g. FIG. 7). A safety screen assembly 120 is detachably coupled to structure S in a second position, also using column clamps 160. Safety screen assembly 120 is also connected to a transfer frame 150 as shown. A lower end 144 of hydraulic cylinder 142 is detachably coupled to vertical rail 110 at a first point 111 on the rail. An upper end 146 of hydraulic cylinder 142 is fixedly connected to a point 151 on transfer frame 150.
FIG. 7 shows a stage just prior to raising the safety screen 120. To raise the safety screen 120, vertical rail 110 must first be raised. To raise vertical rail 110, the column clamps 160 securing the vertical rail to columns C are removed, and platforms 126 are folded up against safety screen assembly 120 (e.g. FIG. 8). Any support pin 183 inserted into vertical rail 110 is also removed to detach the vertical rail from transfer frame 150. Although column clamps 160 and support pins 183 are removed, vertical rail 110 is still attached to system 100 by virtue of pin 182 that detachably connects the vertical rail to hydraulic cylinder 142 at first point 111. Hydraulic cylinder 142 is then retracted to hoist vertical rail 110 upwardly relative to structure S (e.g. FIG. 9).
Depending on the stroke length of the hydraulic cylinder 142, some of the steps for raising vertical rail 110 may need to be repeated until the vertical rail is raised to the desired position. In the current example, the process of raising vertical rail 110 is repeated by removing pin 182 from the vertical rail and moving lower end 144 of hydraulic cylinder 142 to a second point 113 on the rail that is lower than first point 111, and further away from upper end 146 (e.g. FIG. 10). Lower end 144 is then pinned to vertical rail 110 at second point 113. Hydraulic cylinder 142 is then retracted again to hoist vertical rail 110 upwardly relative to structure S to a higher position (e.g. FIG. 11).
The process of extending and retracting hydraulic cylinders can be repeated one or more times to raise the rails 110 from one floor level to the next. Repeating the process multiple times may be needed where the stroke length of the hydraulic cylinders 142 is less than the distance between one floor and the next. Once each vertical rail 110 is raised to the desired position, each vertical rail 110 is detachably coupled to structure S by reconnecting the vertical rail to column C using column clamps 160.
Safety screen assembly 120 can be raised to a higher position relative to structure S by detaching the safety screen assembly from the structure and actuating hydraulic cylinder 142. Prior to actuating hydraulic cylinder 142, vertical rail 110 must be secured to structure S, if not already secured. To secure vertical rail 110, lower end 144 of hydraulic cylinder 142 is detachably coupled to the vertical rail with a pin 182. In addition, vertical rail 110 is detachably coupled to structure S with column clamps 160. Upper end 146 of hydraulic cylinder 142 is fixedly connected to a point 151 on transfer frame 150. Hydraulic cylinder 142 is pressurized to move safety screen assembly 120 upwardly relative to structure S until the safety screen assembly is in a higher position relative to the structure (e.g. FIG. 12). Lower end 144 of hydraulic cylinder 142 is then detached from second point 113 on vertical rail 110, retracted, and reattached to first point 111 on the vertical rail (e.g. FIG. 13). Hydraulic cylinder 142 is pressurized again to move safety screen assembly 120 upwardly until the safety screen assembly is in a higher position relative to structure S (e.g. FIG. 14). The process of detaching hydraulic cylinder 142 from vertical rail 110, retracting the hydraulic cylinder, reattaching the hydraulic cylinder to a higher point on the vertical rail, and reactivating the hydraulic cylinder is repeated until safety screen assembly 120 is raised to the desired position adjacent the new work area. Safety screen assembly 120 is then secured in position by coupling transfer frame 150 to vertical rail 110 using support pin 183 (e.g. FIGS. 15). Other transfer frames 150 along safety screen assembly 120 that are not in proximity to a vertical rail are detachably connected to an exterior member using a clamp 160. At this stage, platforms 126 can be lowered to provide a temporary scaffold in the new work area.
Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be limited to the specific embodiments. The specific embodiments described herein are provided as examples. Various modifications, variations and combinations of the devices, components and methods described herein will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A self-climbing safety screen system for providing a safety barrier around the perimeter of a high-rise structure under construction, the safety screen system comprising:

at least one vertical rail detachably connected to the structure;

a safety screen assembly detachably connected to the structure; and

an adjustment mechanism, the adjustment mechanism operable to translate the safety screen assembly relative to the structure when the safety screen assembly is detached from the structure, the adjustment mechanism also operable to translate the at least one vertical rail relative to the structure when the at least one vertical rail is detached from the structure.

2. The self-climbing safety screen system of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism is structurally integrated into the system.

3. The self-climbing safety screen system of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a hydraulic cylinder.

4. The self-climbing safety screen system of claim 1, wherein the at least one vertical rail is detachably connected to the structure by a clamp that connects around an exterior member of the structure.

5. The self-climbing safety screen system of claim 1, wherein the safety screen assembly is detachably connected to the structure by a detachable connection to the at least one vertical rail.

6. The self-climbing safety screen system of claim 1, wherein the safety screen assembly comprises a plurality of vertical screen panels and a horizontal member, each vertical screen panel anchored to the horizontal member.

7. The self-climbing safety screen system of claim 6, wherein the horizontal member is a truss that structurally supports the plurality of screen panels.

8. The self-climbing safety screen system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the adjustment mechanism is detachably connected to the at least one vertical rail with a pin connection.

9. The self-climbing safety screen system of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a roller assembly attached to the safety screen assembly, the roller assembly in slidable engagement with the at least one vertical rail.

10. The self-climbing safety screen system of claim 1, wherein the safety screen assembly comprises a plurality of transfer frames.

11. The self-climbing safety screen system of claim 10, wherein at least one of the transfer frames is connected to the structure by a clamp that detachably connects around an exterior member of the structure.

12. The self-climbing safety screen system of claim 10, wherein at least one of the transfer frames is detachably connected to the at least one vertical rail by a pin.

13. The self-climbing safety screen system of claim 1, wherein the at least one vertical rail comprises a pair of vertical rails.

14. The self-climbing safety screen system of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises an actuated or mechanized lifting device.

15. The self-climbing safety screen system of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a hoist.

16. A method for moving a self-climbing safety screen system up a high-rise structure under construction, the method comprising the steps of:

detachably coupling a vertical rail to the structure in a first position;

detachably coupling a safety screen assembly to the structure in a second position;

detachably coupling an adjustment mechanism to the vertical rail;

detaching the vertical rail from the structure;

actuating the adjustment mechanism to move the vertical rail upwardly relative to the structure until the vertical rail is in a third position;

detachably coupling the vertical rail to the structure in the third position;

detaching the safety screen assembly from the structure;

actuating the adjustment mechanism to move the safety screen assembly upwardly relative to the structure until the safety screen assembly is in a fourth position; and

detachably coupling the safety screen assembly to the structure in the fourth position.