AU2013203442B2

AU2013203442B2 - Screen Module

Info

Publication number: AU2013203442B2
Application number: AU2013203442A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Margaret PROKOP
Original assignee: Natform Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Acrow Screens Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2012-04-12
Filing date: 2013-04-10
Publication date: 2015-01-22
Anticipated expiration: 2033-04-10
Also published as: WO2013152389A1; AU2013203442A1

Abstract

A screen module suitable for attachment to an edge region of a multi-storey building for inhibiting falls therefrom in use is described. The screen module includes: a main frame; a screen assembly mounted to the main frame for inhibiting falls from the multi-storey building; and a staircase affixed to the main frame for providing access from one floor of the multi-storey building to another, the staircase including: one or more flights of stairs; and one or more landings disposed at an end of the one or more flights of stairs, the one or more landings being mounted to the end of the one or more flights of stairs so as to move between a stowed position in which the one or more landings are disposed in an inoperative position and a deployed position in which the one or more landings are disposed in an operative position. 42 * E~gu27

Description

1 SCREEN MODULE Field of the invention [001] The invention relates to a screen module for installation on multi-storey buildings for safe working at heights and reducing falls from the building. Background of the invention [002] During construction of multi-storey buildings, screens are often provided, mounted at edge regions of one or more incomplete storeys so that during certain fitouts and/or other operations, workers are inhibited from falling from the edge. The screens when installed extend across several floors, since it is quite normal for several floors to be simultaneously under completion. [003] Travelling between floors during construction of the multi-storey building can be time-consuming and dangerous, since a hoist does not provide access to the top working floor, or deck, as it is called. [004] Permanent staircases are usually not complete during the construction phase of the building, so they cannot be used to move between floors. [005] Therefore staircases are known to be installed in screen modules so that workers can easily and quickly move from floor to floor during construction of the top three levels of the multi-storey building. [006] In order to construct multi-storey buildings in the fastest time possible, screen modules are typically constructed offsite and installed in a prefabricated condition. When the distance between floors is high, the associated screen module with integral staircase becomes large and difficult to transport to site. It becomes necessary to hire large trucks and regulations often then require attendant vehicles to lead and to follow the trucks so as to warn other road users of large and heavy loads on the trucks. Furthermore, regulations often dictate that the screen modules are transported in the small hours of the morning when almost every other road user is asleep.

2 [007] These arrangements make the overall use cost of a screen module high and in any event, the large size of the screen module makes it cumbersome and slow to assemble. [008] The present invention provides a new screen module. Summary of the invention [009] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a screen module for attachment to an edge region of a multi-storey building for providing access between storeys of a multi-storey building, the screen module including: a main frame defining a void, the main frame including soldiers disposed at a periphery of the void, the soldiers having an elongate body and a plurality of holes spaced along the elongate body for interengagement by a climbing ram; a screen assembly including a plurality of screen wall elements mounted to the periphery of the main frame for inhibiting falls from the multi-storey building; and a staircase disposed within the void and affixed to the main frame for providing access from one floor of the multi-storey building to another, the staircase including: one or more flights of stairs; and one or more landings disposed at an end of the one or more flights of stairs, each one of the one or more landings being pivotally mounted to the end of the one or more flights of stairs so as to swing between a stowed position in which the one or more landings are disposed in an inoperative position and a deployed position in which the one or more landings are disposed in an operative position wherein the staircase is mounted to selected holes in the soldiers so as to selectively adjust the elevation and attitude of the staircase relative to the main frame. [010] Preferably in the inoperative position the one or more landings are substantially disposed within the main frame and in the operative position at least a portion of the one or more landings are disposed outside the main frame.

3 [011] Preferably the main frame includes soldiers so as to be engaged by a screen climbing apparatus so the screen module can be elevated or lowered to another storey of a multi-storey building. [012] Preferably the main frame includes spaced-apart frame elements so as to provide a void within which the staircase may be affixed to the main frame. [013] Preferably the spaced-apart frame elements include screen elements which act as walls to inhibit falls from the screen module when mounted on the spaced apart frame elements. [014] Preferably the spaced-apart frame elements include end frame elements disposed at ends of the screen module, proximal frame elements disposed proximal the building when the screen module is mounted on the edge region thereof, distal frame elements disposed distal the building when the screen module is mounted thereon and upper and lower frame elements so that when the screen elements are mounted together with the spaced-apart frame elements so that in use there are provided end walls, proximal and distal walls, and upper and lower walls. In some arrangements the proximal wall is open, that is, without a screen so as to provide working access to the screen module so that work may be performed on the edge region of the building while a worker is standing in the screen module. [015] Preferably the screen module includes access doors for controlling access to the staircase. [016] Preferably the one or more flights of stairs includes a pair of spaced-apart stiles which support a plurality of treads attached thereto and disposed therebetween. [017] Preferably the staircase in use is mounted to the soldiers so that their elevation and attitude can be adjusted relative to the screen module. [018] **** [019] Preferably the staircase and landing are constructed from steel or aluminium.

3A [020] Preferably the screen module includes a frame extension assembly adapted to mount to one or more of the end frame elements so as to provide an extended void. [021] Preferably the frame extension assembly includes a box frame. [022] Preferably at least a portion of the landing in the deployed position extends outward of the end frame elements of the main frame. Preferably the landing in the deployed position is wholly within the extended void provided by the frame extension assembly.

4 [023] Preferably one or more platforms are provided for working in the screen module, such as on an edge region of the multi-storey building. Preferably the platform is disposed horizontally and at the same working height as one of the landings of the staircase. Preferably each one of the one or more platforms is disposed within the main frame. Preferably one or more platform extensions are provided so that the platforms are extensible so as to provide a working platform in the extended void provided by the frame extension assembly. Optionally each one of the one or more platform extensions is detachable, telescopic or pivotable to extend into the extended void of the frame extension assembly. Preferably the platform extensions are mounted on the soldiers so that their height and attitude can be adjusted. [024] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of inhibiting falls from an edge of a multi-storey building, the method including the steps of: affixing a screen module to the edge of the multi-storey building, the screen module including: a main frame; a screen assembly mounted to the main frame for inhibiting falls from the multi-storey building; and a staircase affixed to the main frame for providing access from one floor of the multi-storey building to another, the staircase including: one or more flights of stairs; and one or more landings disposed at an end of the one or more flights of stairs, the one or more landings being mounted to the end of the one or more flights of stairs so as to move between a stowed position in which the one or more landings are disposed in an inoperative position and a deployed position in which the one or more landings are disposed in an operative position. [025] In this specification and the claims that follow, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date: part of common general knowledge in any country or region; or 5 known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned. Brief Description of the drawings [026] To enable a clearer understanding of the invention, preferred embodiments will hereinafter be described with reference to the drawings, and in those drawings: [027] Figure 1 is a front elevation view from inside a multi-storey building of a screen module with an integral staircase with pivoting landings in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pivoting landings shown in a stowed position for transport; [028] Figure 2 is a front elevation view from the same inside position of the screen module shown in Figure 1, the landings shown in a deployed position; [029] Figure 3 is a side elevation view of the screen module of Figs 1 and 2 shown in a deployed position; and [030] Figure 4 is a plan view of the screen module of Figs 1 - 3 shown in a deployed position. Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment [031] Referring to the drawings there is provided a screen module generally indicated at 10, the screen module suitable for attachment to an edge region of a multi-storey building so as in use to inhibit falls therefrom. One concrete floor of the building is shown in the drawings at item 5, another concrete floor is shown at item 7. The edge region of the concrete floor is shown at 8. [032] The screen module 10 includes a main frame 12 and a screen assembly 14 mounted to the frame 12 for inhibiting falls from the multi-storey building. The main frame 12 includes spaced-apart frame element assemblies end 41 and 43, top 42, bottom 44, proximal 45 and distal 46 so as to provide a void 47 therebetween. The screen assembly 14 includes screen elements 49 which are disposed on the spaced-apart frame element assemblies to act as walls 91 to 6 inhibit falls from the screen module 10 and edge 8 of the multi-storey building. The main frame 12 also includes soldiers 25, 26, 27, 28 so that the screen module may be engaged by a screen climbing apparatus (not shown) so it can be elevated or lowered to another storey of the multi-storey building. The soldiers 25, 26, 27 and 28 also allow for the screen module to be held in a selected vertical position by the props 29 and bracket 31. [033] The walls 91 include proximal wall 92, distal wall 93, upper wall 94 and lower wall 95. In the embodiment shown there is no end wall disposed on frame assembly 41 or 43. To provide end walls, there is provided two frame extension assemblies 96 and 97. Those two frame extension assemblies 96 and 97 are in the embodiment shown detachable and include box frames 48 one of each of which in use is mounted to end frame assemblies 41 and 43 so as to provide void extensions 65 and 66. [034] The screen module 10 also includes a staircase 16 for providing access, for example, from one storey 5 of the multi-storey building to another storey 7. The staircase 16 includes a flight of stairs 17 and is affixed to the soldiers of the main frame 12 within the void 47. The flight of stairs 17 includes two landings 18 and 19, each one of the landings 18, 19 disposed at a respective end 20, 21 of the flight of stairs 17, the landings 18, 19 being pivotally mounted to the respective ends 20, 21 of the flight of stairs 17 so as to pivot between a stowed position (Figure 1) within the frame and a deployed position (Figure 2). In the stowed position the landings 18, 19 are disposed wholly within the void 47 of the main frame. In the deployed position the landings 18, 19 extend outwardly of the void 47 of the main frame. [035] The staircase 16 may include one or more flights of stairs 17. The landings 18, 19 may telescope from the flight of stairs 17, or may be detachable, or may move from the stowed position to the deployed position in some suitable manner. [036] The flight of stairs 17 further includes a pair of spaced-apart stiles 51, 52 which support a plurality of treads 53 attached thereto and disposed therebetween. To pivotally mount the landings 18, 19, a pivot 55 is connected to an end of each stile 51, 52.

7 [037] The soldiers 25, 26, 27 and 28 include a plurality of spaced apart apertures so that the staircase 16 may be positioned in any one of a plurality of positions relating to the height of the staircase 16 relative to the screen module and its attitude relative to a horizontal plane. [038] The staircase 16 and landings 18, 19 are constructed from steel. Other materials may also be used such as aluminium. [039] The screen module 10 further includes access doors 30 for controlling access to the staircase 16. [040] In operation the main frame 12 of the screen module 10 is assembled in a location remote from the multi-storey building with the landings in the stowed position and the frame extensions 48 detached therefrom, or pivoted or otherwise retracted into a stowed position. In this manner the main frame 12 is assembled and ready to deploy, and has a small envelope for transportation. Advantageously the envelope is small enough so that a truck carrying the main frame 12 of the screen module 10 does not require a leading and a trailing escort (not shown). [041] Upon deployment at the multi-storey building construction site, the landings quickly move into their deployed position extending outside the main frame 12, in the embodiment shown, by pivoting about the pivot 55. The frame extension assemblies 96 and 97 either extend or pivot or otherwise quickly attach to the main frame 12 (by virtue, in the embodiment shown, of being a box-frame) so that the void 47 in the main frame is extended by adding voids 65 and 66. Screen elements 49 are deployed on the spaced-apart frame assemblies to form walls 91 - end wall 48, top 42, bottom 44 and distal 46. Proximal screen walls may or may not be utilised. [042] Working platforms 88 are then installed so that workers may work (when the proximal screen wall 45 is not installed) on the edge 8 of the building while positioned on the platform within the screen module. Platform extensions 60 and 61 are included so as to extend the working platforms 88. The platform extensions 60 and 61 extend by telescoping, pivoting or by reattachment of a detachable platform extension 60, 61. [043] The word 'comprising' and forms of the word 'comprising' as used in this description do not limit the invention claimed to exclude any variants or additions.

8 [044] Modifications and improvements to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A screen module for attachment to an edge region of a multi-storey building for providing access between storeys of a multi-storey building the screen module including: a main frame defining a void, the main frame including soldiers disposed at a periphery of the void, the soldiers having an elongate body and a plurality of holes spaced along the elongate body for interengagement by a climbing ram; a screen assembly including a plurality of screen wall elements mounted to the periphery of the main frame for inhibiting falls from the multi-storey building; a staircase disposed within the void and affixed to the main frame for providing access from one floor of the multi-storey building to another, the staircase including: one or more flights of stairs; and one or more landings disposed at an end of the one or more flights of stairs, each one of the one or more landings being pivotally mounted to the end of the one or more flights of stairs so as to swing between a stowed position in which the one or more landings are disposed in an inoperative position and a deployed position in which the one or more landings are disposed in an operative position, wherein the staircase is mounted to selected holes in the soldiers so as to selectively adjust the elevation and attitude of the staircase relative to the main frame.

2. The screen module in accordance with claim 1 wherein in the inoperative position the one or more landings are substantially disposed within the main frame and in the operative position at least a portion of the one or more landings are disposed outside the main frame.

3. The screen module in accordance with claim 1 or 2 wherein the screen module includes access doors for controlling access to the staircase.

4. The screen module in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the main frame includes spaced-apart frame elements so as to provide a void within which the staircase may be affixed to the main frame.

5. The screen module in accordance with claim 4 wherein the spaced-apart frame elements include screen elements which act as walls to inhibit falls from the screen module when mounted on the spaced-apart frame elements. 10

6. The screen module in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the one or more flights of stairs includes a pair of spaced-apart stiles which support a plurality of treads attached thereto and disposed therebetween.

7. The screen module in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the staircase and landing are constructed from steel or aluminium.

8. The screen module in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the screen module includes a frame extension assembly adapted to mount to one or more of the end frame elements so as to provide an extended void.

9. The screen module in accordance with claim 8 wherein the frame extension assembly includes a detachable box frame.

10. The screen module in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein at least a portion of the landing in the deployed position extends outwardly of the end frame elements of the main frame.

11. The screen module in accordance with any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the landing in the deployed position is wholly within the extended void provided by the frame extension assembly when that frame extension assembly is affixed to the main frame.

12. The screen module in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein one or more working platforms are provided for working in the screen module.

13. The screen module in accordance with claim 12 wherein the working platform is disposed horizontally and at the same working height as one of the landings of the staircase.

14. The screen module in accordance with claim 12 or 13 wherein each one of the one or more working platforms is disposed within the main frame.

15. The screen module in accordance with any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein one or more platform extensions are provided so that the platforms are extensible so as to provide a working platform in the extended void provided by the frame extension assembly when that frame extension assembly is affixed to the main frame.

16. The screen module in accordance with claim 15 wherein the platform extensions are mounted on the soldiers so that their height and attitude can be adjusted.