JP7743155B2 - Ceiling opening protection device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a curing device that forms an opening in a ceiling board and temporarily closes the opening to temporarily restore the ceiling when construction work is carried out using the opening.

Conventionally, openings are created in the ceiling boards that make up the ceiling of an existing building by, for example, demolishing a portion of the boards, and then using those openings to carry out specific construction work (such as work related to pipes and ducts installed above the ceiling). However, if the construction work takes a certain amount of time to complete and the existing building where the work is being carried out is currently being used by regular users such as office workers and business associates (this is "vacant-premises construction"), the work is not carried out when the existing building is in use, such as on weekdays, but only when the existing building is not in use by regular users, such as on Saturdays, Sundays, or at night (hereinafter referred to as "construction possible periods").

However, if openings are left open during the above-mentioned construction work, there is a risk that the appearance will be compromised, the existing finishes (existing interior) underneath will be soiled, and safety will be compromised when the existing building is in use, such as on weekdays. Therefore, when the existing building is in use, such as on weekdays, it is necessary to temporarily close the openings as a protective measure and allow the ceiling to be temporarily restored.

As shown in Figure 7, a conventional method for temporarily closing an opening involves attaching a specified board 110 (such as plastic plywood) to a ceiling board 100 or a base material 101 (such as a rafter or rafter support) using screws or masking tape, and then closing the opening 100a with the board 110. Another method for fastening a board to a ceiling board, etc., is to use hook-and-loop fasteners (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-118096

However, with the above-mentioned method of closing openings with boards, the boards must be removed when construction resumes and then reinstalled when construction is temporarily suspended - a tedious and time-consuming process that must be carried out every time construction is possible. For example, some construction projects may require work every weekend for several months, resulting in the need for this time-consuming process seven or eight times or more. This can reduce work efficiency. Furthermore, the need for this type of work every time construction is possible increases the costs associated with installing and removing the boards, which can ultimately lead to increased construction costs.

Furthermore, if there are few places where the boards are secured with screws, etc., there is a risk that all or part of the boards may fall or sag when the existing building is in use, such as on weekdays. Falling or sagging boards are undesirable in terms of safety and appearance.

In addition, repeated removal and installation of the panels may cause them to become damaged or deteriorate. If the panels become damaged or deteriorated, it may no longer be possible to adequately prevent the appearance of the opening from being impaired by closing it.

The present invention was made in light of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a ceiling opening protection device that can effectively improve workability and prevent cost increases, while also achieving better performance in terms of safety, appearance, and prevention of damage to existing interior fittings.

Below, each means suitable for achieving the above objective will be explained item by item. Where necessary, the specific effects of the corresponding means will also be noted.

Means 1. A ceiling opening protection device for temporarily closing an opening formed in a plate-shaped ceiling board that constitutes the ceiling of an existing building and temporarily restoring the ceiling when carrying out construction work using the opening,
a pair of parallel rails disposed on either side of the opening in the ceiling;
a suspension member attached to each of the pair of rails and movable along the extending direction of the pair of rails;
a curtain whose both widthwise end edge portions are suspended by the suspension members, and which can be extended and folded by movement of the suspension members along the rails;
The opening can be closed by extending the curtain ,
The rail is a base material located behind the existing ceiling board and from which the ceiling board is hung, and is attached to the base material that remains on the edge or side of the opening in the ceiling board after the part corresponding to the opening has been removed .

According to the above-mentioned method 1, the opening in the ceiling board can be temporarily closed by extending the curtain. This makes it extremely easy to open and close the opening, and once the rails, curtains, etc. are installed at the start of construction, there is no need to repeatedly (for example, each time construction is possible) perform the tedious work of opening and closing the opening (such as removing and reinstalling boards). This effectively improves the workability of protecting the construction area. Furthermore, by eliminating the need for repeated work, the costs associated with opening and closing the opening, i.e., the costs of protection, can be reduced. As a result, increases in construction costs can be effectively prevented.

Furthermore, sheet curtains are relatively light compared to board materials, and the curtains are suspended by hanging members. This makes it extremely unlikely that all or part of the curtain will fall or sag when the existing building is in use, such as on weekdays. This not only ensures good safety, but also more reliably prevents a decline in appearance and soiling of the existing interior.

In addition, even if the opening is repeatedly opened and closed, the curtains will hardly be damaged or deteriorated. This means that the curtains can be more reliably maintained for a long period of time to prevent deterioration in appearance.

Furthermore, according to the above-mentioned method 1 , the rails are attached to the underlying material (such as a joist or joist support) that was located behind the original ceiling board, particularly to the underlying material that remains on the edge of the opening or on the side nearby. This makes the rails very difficult to see, improving the appearance.

Means 2 : The covering device for a ceiling opening according to Means 1 , wherein the rail is disposed in the opening, and at least a portion of the rail is positioned above the lower surface of the ceiling board.

According to the second aspect, the rail is disposed (recessed) in the opening, with at least a portion of the rail positioned above the underside of the ceiling board. This allows the curtain to be closer to the opening when the opening is closed. Therefore, the opening can be more reliably made invisible or difficult to see when viewed from below. As a result, it is possible to improve the appearance and more effectively prevent the lower interior (existing interior) from being soiled by dust and the like.

Means 3 : The ceiling opening covering device according to means 1 or 2, characterized in that at least the portion of the curtain located between both end edge portions in the width direction suspended by the suspension member is configured to be stretched along the width direction of the curtain.

According to the above-mentioned method 3 , for example, by making the width of at least the portion of the curtain located between the portions hung by the hanging members approximately equal to the distance between the rails, at least the portion of the curtain located between the both widthwise edge portions is stretched (applied tension) along the width of the curtain. Therefore, when the opening is closed, it is possible to make it less likely for the curtain to sag due to its own weight. As a result, a better appearance can be obtained.

10 is a schematic perspective view showing the ceiling portion viewed from below when the opening portion is closed. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the ceiling portion as viewed from below when the opening portion is open. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing the ceiling portion viewed from above when the opening portion is closed. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the ceiling portion as viewed from above when the opening portion is open. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective schematic view showing the rails, the hanging members, and the like. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view showing the rails, the hanging members, and the like. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a conventional method for temporarily restoring a ceiling portion.

One embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the ceiling opening curing device 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "curing device 1") is a device that forms an opening 51a in a ceiling board 51 that constitutes the ceiling portion 50 of an existing building, and then temporarily closes the opening 51a to temporarily restore the ceiling portion 50 when carrying out construction work that utilizes the opening 51a. The existing building is currently in use by regular users such as office workers and business associates, and is, for example, a relatively large building. Before describing the curing device 1, we will first describe the ceiling portion 50 on which the curing device 1 is installed.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the ceiling section 50 comprises a plate-shaped ceiling board 51 and a base material 52 for fixing the ceiling board 51. The ceiling board 51 has a rectangular opening 51a formed by dismantling a portion of it. This opening 51a is used when carrying out construction work on various equipment installed behind the ceiling board 51. The shape of the opening 51a can be modified as needed.

In this embodiment, opening 51a is formed to correspond to a location (such as a hallway or corridor connecting rooms) where equipment (such as refrigerant piping) related to multiple systems of equipment (such as air conditioning equipment) is concentrated. Therefore, opening 51a can be commonly used when performing work related to these multiple systems of equipment (such as renovation work on air conditioning equipment) for each system, regardless of which system is being worked on.

On the other hand, if it takes a certain amount of time (for example, two or three months) to complete the construction of all the system-related equipment, the existing building is currently in use, as mentioned above, and so the construction (work) can only be carried out when the existing building is not in use (hereinafter referred to as "construction possible periods"), such as on Saturdays, Sundays, or at night. Furthermore, if the opening 51a is located in a busy passageway, there will be an unspecified number of passersby, some of whom will be concerned about appearances and others about safety, so those carrying out the construction will need to take care to protect the area.

Here, while the opening 51a can be used during each possible construction period, creating a new opening 51a in the ceiling board 51 or restoring the ceiling board 51 every time a construction period is possible (e.g., every weekend) is undesirable in terms of labor and material costs, construction time, and other factors. On the other hand, leaving the opening 51a open could result in a deterioration in the appearance and safety of the existing building when it is used by regular users. Furthermore, this would result in the contractor failing to provide protection as a preservation measure to prevent damage and soiling to the constructed or installed items and to prevent hazardous accidents. Therefore, a protection device 1 is provided to temporarily close the opening 51a and temporarily restore the ceiling section 50 each time construction is temporarily completed during each possible construction period. The protection device 1 is installed, for example, during the first possible construction period and removed during the last possible construction period.

Returning to the explanation of the ceiling section 50, the base material 52 is provided on the back (above) of the ceiling board 51 and includes a joist 52a and a joist support 52b.

The rafters 52a are rod-shaped members that form the framework for the base on which the ceiling boards 51 are attached, and the ceiling boards 51 are fastened to the rafters 52a with iron screws or the like. There are multiple rafters 52a, arranged parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the opening 51a is formed between two rafters 52a, immediately adjacent to these rafters 52a, with the long sides of the opening 51a extending along the rafters 52a.

The soffit supports 52b are rod-shaped members that support the soffits 52a and are fixed to the soffits 52a. Multiple soffit supports 52b are arranged parallel to each other, extending perpendicular to the soffits 52a. The soffit supports 52b are suspended by specified suspension bolts 53, thereby suspending and supporting the ceiling board 51 from above. In this embodiment, to facilitate smooth construction, at least the portion of the soffit supports 52b located vertically above the opening 51a has been cut and removed. Furthermore, the portion of the soffit 52a that was suspended by the removed soffit supports 52b located vertically above the opening 51a has also been cut and removed. Of course, the soffit supports 52b and the soffits 52a will be restored after construction is complete.

As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the opening 51a may be opened so that the ceiling board 51 extends to the inside of the rough siding 52a, meaning that the rough siding 52a is not visible from below. Furthermore, although not shown, when considering the overall fastening and joint alignment of the ceiling board 51, if the ends of two ceiling boards are fastened to the rough siding 52a, when creating the opening 51a, the ceiling board 51 is removed from its end without cutting, with the intention of utilizing the original rough siding 52a, so that about half the width of the rough siding 52a may be visible from below.

Next, we will explain the curing device 1. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the curing device 1 includes a rail 2, a hanging member 3, and a curtain 4.

The rails 2 are so-called curtain rails, and support the hanging member 3 in a manner that allows it to move longitudinally. A pair of rails 2 are provided on either side of the opening 51a in the ceiling section 50. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, each rail 2 is attached to a base material 52 (in this embodiment, the rough siding 52a) via a predetermined interposition member 5. That is, each rail 2 is attached to the base material 52 located behind the existing ceiling board 51 and from which the ceiling board 51 is hung. The portion of the base material 52 corresponding to the opening 51a has been removed, and the rails 2 are attached to the base material 52 that remains at the edge or side of the opening 51a. The rails 2 may also be attached directly to the base material 52 without the interposition member 5.

Furthermore, the rail 2 is positioned in the opening 51a (entering the opening 51a). At least a portion of the rail 2 is positioned above the underside of the ceiling board 51.

Multiple hanging members 3 are attached to each of a pair of rails 2 and each has a wheel portion 31 supported by the rails 2 and a hook portion 32 that protrudes below the underside of the rails 2. The rolling of the wheel portion 31 relative to the rails 2 allows the hanging members 3 to move along the direction in which the rails 2 extend.

The curtain 4 is composed of a rectangular sheet material that is slightly larger than the opening 51a. The curtain 4 is suspended at both widthwise edge portions by multiple hanging members 3 (particularly the hook portions 32).

The curtain 4 can be extended and folded by moving the hanging member 3 along the rail 2. When the curtain 4 is extended, the opening 51a can be closed (see Figures 1 and 3), while when the curtain 4 is folded, at least a portion of the opening 51a can be opened (see Figures 2 and 4). In this embodiment, the extended curtain 4 spreads out flat, but it may also be configured to spread out in a slightly wavy manner.

In addition, for example, by making the width of at least the portion of the curtain 4 located between the portions hung by the hanging members 3 approximately equal to the distance between the two rails 2, at least the portion of the curtain 4 located between the two widthwise edge portions hung by the hanging members 3 is stretched along the width direction of the curtain 4.

As described above in detail, this embodiment makes it extremely easy to open and close the opening 51a. Furthermore, once the rail 2, curtain 4, etc. are installed at the start of construction (e.g., during the first possible construction period), there is no need to repeatedly (e.g., each time a construction period begins) perform the tedious work of opening and closing the opening 51a (e.g., removing and reinstalling board materials such as plastic plywood). This effectively improves the ease of protecting the construction area. Furthermore, by eliminating the need for repeated work, the cost of opening and closing the opening 51a, i.e., the cost of protection, can be reduced. As a result, increases in construction costs can be effectively prevented.

Furthermore, the curtain 4 is relatively lightweight and is suspended by the suspension member 3. This makes it extremely unlikely that all or part of the curtain 4 will fall or sag when the existing building is in use, such as on weekdays. This not only ensures good safety, but also more reliably prevents deterioration of the appearance and soiling of the existing interior.

In addition, even if the opening 51a is repeatedly opened and closed during the construction period (e.g., two or three months), there is almost no damage or deterioration to the curtain 4. Therefore, the effect of preventing deterioration in appearance can be more reliably achieved over the long term.

Furthermore, the rail 2 is attached to the base material 52 (in this embodiment, the rough joist 52a) located behind the ceiling board 51. This makes the rail 2 very difficult to see, improving the appearance.

In addition, the rail 2 is positioned (recessed) in the opening 51a, with at least a portion of the rail 2 positioned above the underside of the ceiling board 51. This allows the curtain 4 to be closer to the opening 51a when the opening 51a is closed. Therefore, when viewed from below, the opening 51a can be made more reliably invisible or difficult to see. As a result, it is possible to improve the appearance and more effectively prevent the lower interior (existing interior) from being soiled by dust and other particles.

Furthermore, at least the portion of the curtain 4 located between the two widthwise edge portions is stretched (tensioned) along the width of the curtain 4. Therefore, when the opening 51a is closed, the curtain 4 is less likely to sag due to its own weight. As a result, a better appearance can be achieved. It also prevents damage and soiling to the constructed or installed items, and can be installed as a protective measure that contractors should take to prevent hazardous accidents.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented, for example, as follows. Of course, other applications and modifications not exemplified below are also possible.

(a) In the above embodiment, the rail 2 is configured to be attached to the joist 52a, but the attachment target of the rail 2 is not limited to the joist 52a. Therefore, the rail 2 may be attached to a base material 52 other than the joist 52a (for example, the joist support 52b), or to the ceiling board 51. Of course, the rail 2 and its attachment target may be attached directly, or a member such as the interposition member 5 may be interposed between the rail 2 and its attachment target. When attaching the rail 2 to an attachment target such as a ceiling board 51, for example, a component capable of clamping the attachment target may be fixed to the rail 2 in advance, and the attachment target may be clamped between the component, thereby attaching the rail 2 to the attachment target.

(b) A stopper may be provided to restrict the movement of the curtain 4 when the opening 51a is closed or open. By providing a stopper, the opening 51a can be more reliably maintained in the closed or open state.

A handle may also be provided for use in moving the curtain 4, making it easier to open and close the opening 51a. The handle may also be configured to be freely attached and detached to the curtain 4, etc.

(c) In the above embodiment, the rail 2 is positioned in the opening 51a. However, for example, when the rail 2 is attached to the joist support 52b, the rail 2 may be configured to be positioned above the opening 51a. In this configuration, the entire rail 2 can be positioned above the underside of the ceiling board 51, and when the opening 51a is closed, the curtain 4 can be positioned even closer to the opening 51a. This makes it possible to more reliably make the opening 51a invisible or difficult to see, further improving the appearance.

1...Ceiling opening protection device, 2...Rail, 3...Hanging member, 4...Curtain, 50...Ceiling portion, 51...Ceiling board, 51a...Opening, 52...Base material.

Claims (3)

A ceiling opening protection device for temporarily closing an opening formed in a plate-shaped ceiling board that constitutes the ceiling of an existing building and temporarily restoring the ceiling when carrying out construction work using the opening.
a pair of parallel rails disposed on either side of the opening in the ceiling;
a suspension member attached to each of the pair of rails and movable along the extending direction of the pair of rails;
a curtain whose both widthwise end edge portions are suspended by the suspension members, and which can be extended and folded by movement of the suspension members along the rails;
The opening can be closed by extending the curtain ,
The rail is a base material located behind the existing ceiling board and from which the ceiling board is hung, and is attached to the base material that remains on the edge or side of the opening in the ceiling board after the part corresponding to the opening has been removed . 2. The ceiling opening protection device according to claim 1 , wherein the rail is disposed in the opening, and at least a portion of the rail is positioned above the lower surface of the ceiling board. A ceiling opening protection device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least the portion of the curtain located between the two widthwise end edge portions suspended by the hanging member is configured to be stretched along the width direction of the curtain.