LIGHTWEIGHT CONTAINMENT SYSTEM

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) and 37 C.F.R. § 1.78 to provisional application No. 63/714,346 filed on Oct. 31, 2024, titled “LIGHTWEIGHT CONTAINMENT SYSTEM” and to provisional application No. 63/822,565 filed on Jun. 12, 2025, titled “LIGHTWEIGHT CONTAINMENT SYSTEM” all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

FIELD

The disclosed processes, methods, and systems are directed to construction and use of containment systems, particularly lightweight containment systems.

BACKGROUND

Existing containment systems are often field-fitted and lack uniform design that would allow them to be easily transported, installed, and used with various tower structures. These systems are also unable to provide a sufficient level of containment and adequate access to workers, as well as efficient setup, function, and stability in various environmental conditions such as fog, rain, ice, snow, and wind. Such existing systems are also heavy, being formed of many steel trusses and similar components, making movement of the systems to or from a site difficult. The presently disclosed devices, systems, and methods address these shortcomings.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a lightweight containment system for an aerial structure includes an adaptable support structure configured to attach to various configurations of aerial structures; a membrane that substantially surrounds a portion of the aerial structure to contain contaminants; and an attachment system for securing the support structure to the aerial structure.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the adaptable support structure includes a plurality of struts coupled to one another at respective ends thereof.

Optionally, in some embodiments, least two struts of the plurality of struts are coupled to one another via a pivot.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the lightweight containment system further includes a stabilizer coupled to the support structure 200 and to a vertical member of the aerial structure.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the stabilizer is pivotally coupled to the support structure.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the membrane includes a fabric.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the lightweight containment system further includes a marionette coupler configured to couple a marionette rigging to the support structure and the aerial structure.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the lightweight containment system further includes a membrane attachment element coupled to the support structure.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the membrane attachment element is coupleable to an elongated filament, and the elongated filament is configured to couple to and position the membrane.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the support structure includes a first frame including a plurality of fibrous elements coupled to one another.

In one embodiment, a lightweight containment system for an aerial structure includes a first frame including a plurality of fibrous elements coupled to one another; a second frame including a second plurality of fibrous elements, wherein at least one of the fibrous elements of the first plurality of fibrous elements and at least one of the fibrous elements of the second plurality of fibrous elements are configured to couple to a radiating element of the aerial structure.

Optionally, in some embodiments, at least one fibrous element of the first plurality of fibrous elements is configured to couple to a first end of the radiating element and the at least one of the fibrous elements of the second plurality of fibrous elements is configured to couple to a second, opposite end of the radiating element.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the lightweight containment system further includes a membrane coupled to the first frame and the second frame to contain contaminants therein.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the lightweight containment system further includes a membrane coupled to either of the first frame or the second frame in a direction transverse to a longitudinal direction of the aerial structure.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the radiating element includes a batwing antenna.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the radiating element includes two dipoles mounted at an angle relative to one another, and the at least one fibrous element of the first plurality of fibrous elements includes at least four fibrous elements coupled to respective lateral elements of the respective two dipoles.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the lateral elements are disposed at a lower end of the radiating element.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the lateral elements are disposed at an upper end of the radiating element.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the first frame and the second frame form a containment unit, and the containment system further includes a plurality of containment units disposed along a longitudinal direction of the aerial structure.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the lightweight containment system further includes a membrane coupled to each of the containment units to contain contaminants therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an elevation view of an example of a containment system for an aerial structure including a containment unit.

FIG. 1B is an elevation view of an example of a containment system for an aerial structure including two containment units disposed longitudinally along the aerial structure.

FIG. 1C is an elevation view of an example of a containment system for an aerial structure including three containment units disposed longitudinally along the aerial structure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a support structure of the containment system of FIG. 1A-FIG. 1C.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the support structure of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the support structure of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a detail view of an embodiment of a stabilizer connector of the support structure of FIG. 2 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a section view of a portion of the support structure showing an embodiment of an attachment element of the support structure of FIG. 2 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a detail view of an embodiment of a main coupler of the support structure of FIG. 2 taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a detail view of a portion of the support structure showing an embodiment of a membrane attachment element of the support structure of FIG. 2 taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a section view of a portion of the support structure of FIG. 2 showing an embodiment of a marionette coupler taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the support structure of FIG. 2 installed on an example of an aerial structure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a containment system for an aerial structure including a containment unit.

FIG. 12 is section view of the containment unit of FIG. 11 taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 13A is a detail view of a portion of the FIG. 11 taken at line 13A of FIG. 12.

FIG. 13B is a section view of a lateral tie of the containment unit of FIG. 11 taken along line 13B-13B of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the containment system of FIG. 11 including three containment units disposed longitudinally along the aerial structure.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a support structure of the containment system of FIG. 1A-FIG. 1C.

FIG. 16A is an isometric view of an attachment assembly of the support structure of FIG. 15.

FIG. 16B is a cross section view of the embodiment of the attachment assembly FIG. 16B taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17A is an isometric view of a main coupler of the support structure of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17B is a section view of the main coupler of FIG. 17A taken along line 17B-17B of FIG. 17A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are methods and systems for aiding in maintaining an aerial structure, for example a television, radio, cellular, microwave, transmission, reception, repeating, or broadcast tower, a bridge, a building, a sculpture, or the like. For example, aerial structures often need to be painted, cleaned, or otherwise maintained. Without a containment system, these processes can release contaminants to the environment, exposing people, plants, and animals to the contaminants. For example, some aerial structures, particularly older structures are painted with lead-based paint. When that paint is removed, lead-bearing chips and dust can be released. The disclosed containment systems capture and contain such contaminants, preventing their release into the environments, while aiding worker access to the aerial structure, preventing moisture build-up, and also providing some measure of worker protection from the extremes environments around many aerial structures (e.g., strong wind, rain, hail, etc.)

The presently disclosed devices, systems, and methods address drawbacks of existing, field-fitted containment systems in terms of at least: non-uniform designs, low levels of containment, access concerns, extensive setup time, limited attachment options, and poor performance in various environmental conditions.

In contrast, the presently disclosed devices, systems, and methods provide for uniformity of design, for use with and deployment on varied structures, enhanced containment of various contaminants, independent/adaptable structural parts, modular designs, near-universal, or broadly adaptable attachment systems, work platforms, enhanced fabrics, light-weight components, and uniform fabric attachments systems.

Existing containment solutions typically employ standard (i.e., readily available, non-purpose designed) fabric or tarping. This requires personnel to field fit the containment by attaching the fabric or tarping, as best as possible, to the structure being worked on. In many cases, the tarping/fabric is loosely attached to the structure. Securing these containment structures is therefore inadequate and non-uniform and achieved with any available (or created) attachment points.

Existing containment solutions also provide incomplete and/or partial containment of airborne contaminants. Often, existing containment is achieved through use of vertical, free-hanging fabric or tarping, which often lacks any horizontal component to collect falling debris or debris deflected upward. These non-purpose built, existing solutions are typically in contact with or secured directly to the structure of interest, thereby preventing, obstructing, or hindering access to the entire tower frame or structure. That is, existing solutions lack a clearance envelope that may aid in allowing 360-degree access to the structure and its various parts.

Existing containment solutions typically require extensive setup time. That is, these containment solutions are field-fitted to the structure, extending the amount of setup time and planning. For example, existing solutions require users to investigate, identify, and determine various potential means of attachment at various locations throughout the structure—greatly increasing the complexity of attachment and time required to complete. In many cases, existing solutions also suffer from attachment limitations. Attachment points back to the structure may be limited to the bracing configurations and/or supported appurtenances.

Existing containment solutions also tend to lack durability in various environmental configurations. For example, existing containment devices and solutions tend to rely on generic fabric and/or tarping, neither suitable nor intended for these applications. They are, therefore, susceptible to collecting and accumulating significant amounts of debris, moisture and/or precipitation, for example, folds and/or locations where the fabric or tarp is horizontally deployed or draped. This accumulation is undesirable as well as dangerous due to the potential for sudden release of the collected accumulation. In addition, collected moisture may hinder or prevent relocation of the tarping due to being weighed down by such accumulation.

Existing containment solutions are not designed or intended to function in wind. These solutions and their components lack adequate wind ratings for prolonged use on aerial structures, which are prone to elevated wind pressures. Accordingly, these components often break, tear, rip, and/or shred when exposed to even moderate wind conditions. The poor performance of existing solutions results from multiple failures, including use of inferior/generic fabrics or tarping, inadequate and nonuniform attachment of inferior components to the tower structure, limited/inadequate attachment opportunities around the perimeter of the fabric/tarping (tarping, if it includes any attachment points, typically only includes attachments at its corners or intermittently around only the perimeter). In contrast, the disclosed systems are, in many embodiments, rated to operational wind speeds of up to 38 miles per hour (MPH) and non-operational winds from 74-88 MPH in accordance with the ANSI/TIA-322-A standard. Operational winds are considered during active construction and include fully deployed components of the containment systems disclosed herein. Non-operational winds are considered during extended times of inactivity (e.g., overnight). The disclosed systems facilitate rapid partial disassembly in case of excessive wind, such as by retracting a portion of the membrane to reduce wind load.

Existing containment systems are typically made with heavy materials such as steel and other metals as a major proportion of the components of the system. These heavy components cause a variety of problems. For example, moving the system from job site to job site, let alone re-positioning on the same structure, is made more difficult with heavy components, increasing handling and shipping costs. Furthermore, heavier components are typically more dangerous to maneuver and assemble/disassemble and the consequences and likelihood of an unintended release (e.g., cable break, swinging, etc.) of such heavy components is more severe compared to lighter components. Lastly, the additional weight load placed on the aerial structure from the heavy components of existing systems can stymie work on the aerial structure. For example, if the containment system is made from heavy components, fewer work cells of such systems may be placed on an aerial structure at the same time while still maintaining a safe working load on the structure, thereby necessitating moving a smaller amount of equipment along the structure multiple times.

The presently disclosed methods, devices, and systems address these shortcomings with standardized, robust containment, attachment, and positioning components and devices. These components and devices may be configured for use with various containment systems adapted for deployment on variously built and configured structures.

Aerial Structures

The disclosed containment systems, devices, and methods may be used with various aerial structures, such as framed or lattice structures, pylons, etc. In many embodiments, the framed structures are tall slender structures, including, but not limited to, telecommunications and broadcast towers. For example, some systems and methods disclosed herein are specially adapted for towers that support so-called batwing antennas. A batwing antenna, also known as a super turnstile antenna, is a broadband omnidirectional antenna. It includes of two pairs of dipoles mounted at right angles to each other and fed in phase quadrature. The design resembles the shape of a bat's wings when viewed from above, hence its name. This type of antenna is typically used for very high frequency (VHF) and ultra-high frequency (UHF) transmissions in television broadcasting.

Activities and purposes wherein the disclosed systems, devices, and methods may be deployed or used include repairing, modifying, or maintaining the disclosed structures, for example removing or applying a coating, such as paint, to one or more surfaces of the disclosed structures. In some embodiments, the removing or applying may result in liberating and/or aerosolizing one or more particles, such that the particle is airborne.

The disclosed containment systems, devices, and methods may be useful in encapsulating a portion(s) of the structure. In many embodiments, the encapsulation may include partial or complete encapsulation with one or more vertical and/or horizontal coverings or membranes.

The disclosed containment systems, devices, and methods may be used, deployed, or attached to various independent structural frame types and configurations. In many embodiments, the disclosed frames are sufficient to and capable of supporting the weight of the disclosed systems and devices. The disclosed system and devices are further configured to withstand, repel, and or mitigate environmental conditions, for example, moisture build-up, precipitation (rain, sleet, hail, snow), wind, etc. In most embodiments, the disclosed systems and devices may be configured to withstand, minimize, or deflect structural loads resulting from these environmental conditions. Additionally, the disclosed systems and devices, may be configured to withstand, repel, and/or mitigate the disclosed conditions while allowing and providing personnel sufficient clearance for access around the structure.

Modularity/Adaptability

The disclosed containment systems, devices, and methods may be configured for use as one or more containment units or modules. That is the disclosed system, devices, and methods may allow for transport, deployment, assembly, and disassembly of one or more containment units onto a variety of structural configurations. In many embodiments, the modular nature of the disclosed system may provide for dynamic deployment to various locations, structures, and/or positions on a single structure. In some embodiments, for example where a containment system comprises two or more containment units, one unit of the disclosed system may be disassembled and re-assembled above or below a second unit, while workers continue to work in or at the second unit. This may allow for vertical movement of the containment system, incrementally up or down the vertical structure. When more than one containment unit is deployed, the units may, or may not, be adjacent to one another.

The disclosed containment systems, devices, and methods may be configured to allow for universal attachment to various tower designs, structures, frames, and individual parts thereof. In many embodiments, the disclosed attachment devices or subsystems may be designed and/or configured to minimize the number and/or character of direct attachment points to the structure while allowing for various cross-sections in the structural members to which the frames are secured.

Membrane

In some embodiments, the membrane 108 disclosed herein is as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,886,187 which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. For example, the membrane 108 may include a sheet of plastic material formed of interwoven (e.g., warp and weft) plastic fibers. A first set of fibers may lie in a first direction and have a first density. A second set of fibers may lie in a second direction and have a second density. For example, the first direction and the second direction may be generally perpendicular to one another. The first and second set of fibers may form a high density mesh pattern enabling water to pass through the membrane 108 while blocking light from passing through the membrane 108. The mesh may be of a suitable size to contain particles of contaminants such as dust, paint chips, paint droplets, dirt, etc. For example, the mesh may have an effective pore size of less than about 5 μm, 10 μm, 20 μm, 30 μm, 40 μm, 50 μm, 60 μm, 70 μm, 80 μm, 90 μm, 100 μm, or 200 μm. In some examples, the membrane 108 has approximately 13 fibers per inch in a weft direction of approximately 3000 denier and approximately 38 fibers per inch in the warp direction of approximately 525 denier. In many embodiments, the plastic material is one or more of polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, polyester, or other suitable polymer that is light weight, permeable to liquid, but can block light and/or contain solid material.

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1A-FIG. 1C illustrate a containment system 100 including examples of various numbers (one, two, or three, respectively) of containment units 104 deployed on an aerial structure 102 (e.g., a lattice tower formed of a plurality of vertical members 106 with various cross bracing). In other examples, more containment units 104 may be deployed as desired. As shown, any number of containment units 104 may be placed on or moved along (up or down) the aerial structure 102, as maintenance is completed on the aerial structure 102.

In the example shown, the containment unit 104 includes a support structure 200 and a membrane 108 attached thereto. In many embodiments the membrane 108 substantially surrounds a portion of the aerial structure 102, such as to contain contaminants therein. The support structure 200 attaches the containment unit 104 to the aerial structure 102, while the membrane 108 contains contaminants from the maintenance activity performed on the aerial structure 102. The membrane 108 may be arranged in one or more panels, such as a main panel 110 and/or an auxiliary panel 112. The panels may be individual pieces of the membrane 108 or may be formed of one or more pieces of the membrane 108 that span two or more panels.

With reference to FIG. 2-FIG. 9, components of the support structure 200 and the membrane 108 are described in further detail. In the embodiment shown, the support structure 200 includes a plurality of main struts 202. The main struts 202 are connected at their respective ends to a plurality of auxiliary struts 204. One or more stabilizers 206 may be connected between the main struts 202. The stabilizers 206 may help the containment unit 104 resist loads induced by wind or maintenance activities on the aerial structure 102.

Any of the main struts 202, auxiliary struts 204, or stabilizers 206 may be formed of lightweight members, which may be tubular or hollow. The materials forming the members may be lightweight metals such as elastomers, polymeric materials (e.g., plastics), aluminum, magnesium, or even thin-walled steel. In other embodiments, the tubular members may be formed of composite materials such as fiber glass, carbon fiber, or aramid composites. In other embodiments still, the tubular member may be formed of fibrous materials such as wood, bamboo or other natural fibers.

The stabilizers 206 are connected to the main struts 202 via stabilizer connectors 502 (described in more detail with respect to FIG. 5). An attachment element 602 is coupled to the stabilizers 206. The attachment element 602 facilitates attachment of the support structure 200 to the aerial structure 102. The attachment element 602 is described in more detail with respect to FIG. 6. The respective ends of the main struts 202 and the auxiliary struts 204 are connected to one another via main couplers 702 (described in more detail with respect to FIG. 7). Various numbers of membrane attachment elements 802 may be coupled to any of the main struts 202 or auxiliary struts 204. The membrane attachment elements 802 facilitate attachment and movement of the panels of the membrane 108 to the support structure 200. In many examples, a marionette coupler 902 may be coupled to any of the main struts 202 or auxiliary struts 204. The marionette couplers 902 facilitate attachment of marionette rigging to the support structure 200. In many embodiments, the stabilizers 206 are not structurally significant to the weight-bearing capacity of the support structure 200. As such, after the marionette rigging is installed, to couple the support structure 200 to the aerial structure 102, the stabilizers 206 and/or stabilizer connectors 502 may be removed or disconnected.

As shown for example in FIG. 3, the stabilizers 206 may be placed at skewed angles (see, e.g., near section line 6-6 of FIG. 3) with respect to one or more of the main struts 202 or auxiliary struts 204, such as to accommodate different sizes of main struts 202, differences or variations of the vertical members 106 of the aerial structure 102, or for ease of field assembly. For example, where the stabilizers 206 are not structurally significant, perfect or even good alignment of the stabilizer 206 with the other components of the support structure 200 may not be needed, and time may be saved in assembly by not pursuing such alignment.

Also shown in FIG. 3 are one or more floor panels 114. The floor panels 114 are also formed of the membrane 108. The floor panels 114 may be individual pieces of the membrane 108 or may be formed of one or more pieces of the membrane 108 that span two or more floor panels 114. An example of a bottom view of the support structure 200 and the floor panels 114 is shown in FIG. 4. The floor panels form a catchment for falling debris and contaminants that would otherwise fall to the ground or to a containment unit 104 below a given containment unit 104. In some embodiments, one or more floor panels may be provided to cover substantially all or most of the area within the vertical panels. For example, in FIG. 4, a triangular floor panel (not shown) may be provided between the vertical members 106 of the aerial structure

Turning to FIG. 5, an embodiment of a stabilizer connector 502 is described. The stabilizer connector 502 includes a first arm 508. The first arm 508 is selectively coupleable to the main strut 202 such as by one or more fasteners 512 (e.g., a shackle, U-bolt, or the like). The stabilizer connector 502 includes a second arm 510 coupleable to an end of the stabilizer 206. The joint between the second arm 510 and the stabilizer 206 is typically a rigid or fixed joint but may also be a selectively removable joint. The first arm 508 and the second arm 510 are pivotally coupled to one another via moveable joint 504 including a pivot 506. The pivot 506 may be an axle, a bolt, a bearing, bushing, etc. or any other structure that enables pivotal movement of the stabilizer 206 with respect to the main strut 202. An advantage of this pivotal movement may be the ability to modularly adapt the support structure 200 to various aerial structure 102 types or even to adapt to variations within a given aerial structure 102. Furthermore, the pivot 506 aids in assembly of the support structure 200 by providing for “give” and movement of the stabilizer 206 and the main strut 202 while the support structure 200 is assembled or disassembled.

Turning to FIG. 6, an embodiment of an attachment element 602 is described. The attachment element 602 includes a plate 604 including a plurality of adjustment apertures 606 formed therethrough. The adjustment apertures 606 may be placed at various spacings and locations within the plate 604 such as to accommodate different sizes of vertical members 106 of a given aerial structure 102, or different aerial structures 102. The adjustment apertures 606 receive a fastener 512 to selectively couple the plate 604 to the vertical member 106. As discussed herein, the attachment element 602 may couple the stabilizers 206 to the vertical members 106, particularly for assembly and disassembly of the containment system 100. In many embodiments, the attachment elements 602 may be decoupled from the vertical member 106 or removed after the support structure 200 is assembled.

Turning to FIG. 7, an embodiment of a main coupler 702 is shown. The main coupler 702 is adapted to couple (e.g., releasably couple) the main struts 202 to the auxiliary struts 204. In other embodiments, the main coupler 702 may be used to couple two or more main struts 202 to one another, or two or more auxiliary struts 204 to one another. In the example shown, the main coupler 702 forms a moveable joint 704. The first arm 708 is selectively coupleable to an end of the main strut 202 or the auxiliary strut 204 such as by one or more fasteners 512 (e.g., a shackle, U-bolt, or the like). The second arm 710 is selectively coupleable to an end of the main strut 202 or the auxiliary strut 204 such as by one or more fasteners 512 (e.g., a shackle, U-bolt, or the like). In some embodiments, either or both of the first arm 708 or the second arm 710 may be fixedly coupled to the main struts 202 or auxiliary struts 204 (e.g., by welding, soldering, being unitarily formed, etc.). The first arm 708 and the second arm 710 are pivotally coupled to one another via the moveable joint 704 including a pivot 706. The pivot 706 may be an axle, a bolt, a bearing, bushing, etc. or any other structure that enables pivotal movement of the coupled struts (e.g., any combination of main struts 202 and/or auxiliary struts 204). An advantage of this pivotal movement may be the ability to modularly adapt the support structure 200 to various aerial structure 102 types or even to adapt to variations within a given aerial structure 102. Furthermore, the pivot 706 aids in assembly of the support structure 200 by providing for “give” and movement of the respective main struts 202 and auxiliary struts 204 while the support structure 200 is assembled or disassembled.

Turning to FIG. 8, shows an embodiment of a membrane attachment element 802. The membrane attachment element 802 includes a plate 806 with one or more apertures 804 formed therethrough. In other embodiments, rigging points such as clevises, rings, or loops may be provided in addition to, or instead of, the apertures 804. The apertures 804 or other rigging points facilitate the attachment of an elongated filament 1004 to the plate 806. The plate 806 is selectively coupleable to a strut (e.g., main strut 202, auxiliary strut 204, or even a stabilizer 206) via one or more fasteners 512. In various embodiments, the elongated filaments 1004, such as ropes, cables, or chains may be connected between membrane attachment elements 802 of two or more vertically spaced support structures 200 to enable the attachment and movement of the membrane 108 with respect to the containment unit 104. See, e.g., FIG. 10. In many embodiments, the elongated filaments 1004 may be optional.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a marionette coupler 902. The marionette coupler 902 is adapted to couple to one or more components of the support structure 200. FIG. 9 shows the marionette coupler 902 coupled to a main strut 202. In other examples, a marionette coupler 902 may be coupled to an auxiliary strut 204 or other component of the support structure 200. The marionette coupler 902 includes a base 904. The base 904 is typically planar but may have other suitable shapes. One or more flanges 906 rise from the base 904. In the example shown, flanges 906 rise proud of the base 904 both above and below an attachment region 910 of the base 904 configured for attachment to a main strut 202 or auxiliary strut 204 such as via a fastener 512.

The flanges 906 include apertures 908 or other attachment features therethrough or thereon configured to accept a marionette rigging 1002. A marionette rigging 1002 may be a cable, chain, rope, combination thereof, or other structural filament suitable to couple the support structure 200 to the aerial structure 102. For example, a loop may be formed in the marionette rigging and one or more components of the aerial structure may be received in the loop. For example, marionette rigging 1002 may be wrapped around the vertical member 106 and nestled at intersection points on the leg where bracing members frame to the vertical member 106. This arrangement helps distribute the vertical loads (weight) from the containment system directly to the vertical members 106 and the lateral wind loads directly to the bracing members of the aerial structure 102. See, e.g., FIG. 10. The marionette couplers 902 beneficially provide the apertures 908 above and below the attachment region 910 to couple the support structure 200 to the aerial structure 102 above and below such that its position can be adjusted or fixed as desired. Furthermore, the marionette coupler 902 may be positioned substantially any place along a main strut 202 or an auxiliary strut 204 to adjust to aerial structures 102 of different size or shape, or different sizes and shapes within a given aerial structure 102.

As shown for example in FIG. 10, the embodiment of the support structure 200 shown in the previous figures is shown coupled to an aerial structure 102. The order of the assembly of the support structure 200 herein is merely for clarity. Other orders of assembly are envisioned within this disclosure. Also, one or more components may be optional and may not be installed with the support structure 200.

To assemble the support structure 200 to the aerial structure 102, the main struts 202 are coupled to the auxiliary struts 204 via the main couplers 702. Specifically, the fasteners 512 of the main couplers 702 may be fastened about respective ends of the main strut 202 and/or auxiliary strut 204. The pivot 706 of the main couplers 702 may be flexed or moved to facilitate assembly. The auxiliary struts 204 may be shorter in length than the main struts 202, such that when the support structure 200 is assembled, it has the shape of a hexagon or truncated triangle. The shape of the support structure 200 may be adapted as desired to accommodate different shapes or types of aerial structures. In some embodiments, the auxiliary struts 204 may be optional and the main couplers 702 are attached to one another via the main couplers 702 without an intervening auxiliary strut 204.

The marionette couplers 902 may be coupled to the respective main strut 202 or auxiliary struts 204, if not already present. For example, any of the stabilizer connectors 502, attachment elements 602, main couplers 702, membrane attachment elements 802, and/or marionette couplers 902 or portions thereof may be coupled to the struts prior to assembly (e.g., when the struts are on the ground and assembly thereof is easier than on the aerial structure 102). The marionette riggings 1002 may be coupled to the apertures 908 of the marionette couplers 902. The marionette riggings 1002 may also be coupled to the vertical members 106 of the aerial structure 102 e.g., to position the support structure 200 along a portion of the support structure 200 where work is to be undertaken.

If used, the stabilizers 206 may be coupled to the main struts 202 and to the stabilizer connectors 502. The stabilizers 206 may be removed or disconnected after installation of the support structure 200. Swaying of the support structure 200 is controlled by the use of multiple marionette riggings 1002 to provide lateral restraint for the support structure 200.

The membrane attachment elements 802 may be attached to the main strut 202 and/or auxiliary struts 204 in not already present. The elongated filaments 1004 may be coupled to the apertures 804 of the membrane attachment element 802. The elongated filaments 1004 may be coupled to the membrane 108, e.g., to one or more panels. Such attachment may take place before or after the elongated filament 1004 is coupled to the membrane attachment element 802. The floor panels 114 may be installed at various points of the assembly process. The floor panels 114 extend in a direction transverse to a longitudinal direction of the aerial structure.

A second or subsequent support structure 200 may be placed above or below the first support structure 200 and the membrane 108 extended therebetween. See, e.g., FIG. 1A-FIG. 1C.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a containment system 1100 for an aerial structure including a containment unit 1102. The containment system 1100 is particularly suited for use with certain features of an aerial structure 102 such as certain radiating elements or antennae. In the example shown, the radiating element is an example of a batwing antenna. However, the containment system 1100 is suitable for use with a variety of radiating elements.

The light-weight nature of the containment system 1100 is particularly important, as the containment system 1100 is configured for coupling to the radiating element, which may, or may not be a structurally significant element. In cases where the radiating element is not a structural element, such as a batwing antenna, keeping the weight of the containment system 1100 facilitates its use without overloading the radiating element.

In this embodiment, the containment system 1100 is coupled to an aerial structure 102 in the form of a pylon tower as opposed to a lattice tower. However, the containment system 1100 is suitable for use with pylon towers, lattice towers, and other types of aerial structures 102.

In the embodiment shown, the radiating element 1104 includes pairs of dipoles 1110a, dipole 1110b mounted at right angles to each other. The dipoles 1110a/b include a plurality of lateral elements 1106 that extend substantially horizontally with respect to a pylon 1118 of the aerial structure 102. The lateral elements 1106 are coupled together by a spine 1108. The spine 1108 forms a V-shape or U-shape when viewed in an elevation view. That is, the lateral elements 1106 closer to the mid portion 1124 of the radiating element 1104 are typically shorter in length than the lateral elements 1106 at the upper portion 1122 and lower portion 1126 of the radiating element 1104.

The embodiment of the containment unit 1102 of the containment system 1100 shown in FIG. 11 includes frames 1112 attached to lateral elements 1106 of the radiating element 1104 at the upper portion 1122 and lower portion 1126 of the radiating element 1104. The frames 1112 are formed of a plurality of fibrous elements 1114 coupled to form a closed ring. In the example shown, the fibrous elements 1114 are sawn dimensional lumber. In other embodiments, the fibrous elements 1114 may be bamboo or other natural fibers. In other embodiments, still, the fibrous elements 1114 may be replaced with lightweight plastic or metal struts (such as the main struts 202 and/or auxiliary struts 204).

As shown for example in FIG. 13A, the fibrous elements 1114 may be coupled to one another at respective ends thereof, such as by a mitered joint, butt joint, or the like. As shown for example in FIG. 13B, the frames 1112 may include respective lateral ties 1116 that couple the fibrous elements 1114 to the lateral elements 1106 of the radiating element 1104. The lateral ties 1116 may be formed of the same materials or different materials as the fibrous element 1114.

FIG. 14 is an elevation view of the containment system 1100 is shown with multiple containment units 1102 coupled to respective radiating element 1104 of a pylon 1118 of an aerial structure 102. FIG. 12 is a plan view of a top portion of a containment unit 1102 taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 14 and showing a floor element 1120. The floor elements 1120 extend in a direction transverse to a longitudinal direction of the aerial structure. The floor element 1120 of one containment unit 1102 may serve as the ceiling for an adjacent containment unit 1102. The containment units 1102 may be spaced out along the pylon 1118. One or more containment units 1102 may be used and may be moved along the pylon 1118 as desired. In FIG. 14, a membrane 108 is installed on a portion of the containment system 1100. In the example, shown, the membrane 108 spans across multiple containment units 1102. In other embodiments the membrane may contain just a single containment unit 1102 or group of containment units 1102.

Turning to FIG. 15, an embodiment of a support structure 1500 is shown. The support structure 1500 is suitable for use in place of, or with the support structure 200 as disclosed herein. The support structure 1500 includes a main strut 1502, an auxiliary strut 1504, an attachment assembly 1602, and a main coupler 1700. Similar to the support structure 200, the support structure 1500 has the shape of an irregular hexagon or a truncated triangle. Like the support structure 200, the shape of the support structure 1500 may be adapted as desired to accommodate different shapes or types of aerial structures. The support structure 1500 differs from the support structure 200 in that it typically does not include the stabilizers 206. The support structure 1500 also uses a different main coupler 1700 in place of the main coupler 702. The support structure 1500 also includes an attachment assembly 1602 in addition to, or in place of, the marionette coupler 902 used with the support structure 200. The support structure 1500 may enable simpler setup and use, and lower cost and weight compared to the support structure 200.

Turning to FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B, the attachment assembly 1602 includes a sleeve 1604. The sleeve 1604 has an inner dimension (e.g., diameter) suitably large to fit over a corresponding outer dimension (e.g., diameter) of the main strut 1502 of the support structure 1500. As shown for example in FIG. 16B, a clearance 1616 or gap may be formed between the main strut 1502 and the sleeve 1604 to allow the sleeve 1604 to be easily slid over the main strut 1502 to a desired position before being locked in place as described further herein. The sleeve 1604 may be formed of a single piece or two or more pieces joined together. As shown for example in FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B, the sleeve 1604 may be formed of two portions (e.g., halves) with a spacer 1608 therebetween. In some embodiments, the ends of the two portions of the sleeve 1604 may be cut (e.g., saw cut) portions with relatively rough or un-finished surfaces. The spacer 1608 acts as a buffer or bushing to reduce or prevent wear between the respective ends of the portions of the sleeve 1604. Typically, the spacer 1608 is not fixed to the sleeve 1604 portions.

One or more portions of the sleeve 1604 may have coupled thereto, or formed therewith, a flange 1606a, 1606b and/or flange 1606c. The flanges 1606a/b/c, include one or more apertures 1614 formed therein. The apertures may be used to connect marionette rigging 1002 or other structures or devices to the attachment assembly 1602 and thus the support structure 1500. In some embodiments, the flange 1606b and the flange 1606c may be mirror structures of one another about the axis 1618.

To secure the attachment assembly 1602 to the support structure 1500, one or more clamps 1610 may be deployed adjacent to ends of the sleeve 1604. In some embodiments, the clamps 1610 are fixed to the sleeve 1604 (e.g., by welding, integral forming, adhesives, etc.) In some embodiments, the clamps 1610 are not fixed to the sleeve 1604 but are separate devices removable from an adjacent position to the sleeves 1604. As shown for example in FIG. 16A, the clamps 1610 may include a first annular portion 1612a and a second annular portion 1612b. The annular portions 1612a/b may be selectively couplable to one another via one or more fasteners 512, such as bolts, cap screws, or the like. The clamps 1610 have an inner dimension that, when the annular portions 1612a/b are coupled together may interfere with the outer dimension of the main strut 1502. Thus, the assembled clamp 1610 and main strut 1502 may not be slidable with respect to one another. The sleeve 1604 may be positioned between two or more assembled clamps 1610, thereby preventing the slidable motion of the sleeve 1604 relative to the main strut 1502. In some embodiments, the clamps 1610 may also prevent the rotational motion of the sleeve 1604 relative to the main strut 1502.

Turning to FIG. 17A, the main coupler 1700 includes an end portion 1702. The end portion 1702 has an outer dimension (e.g., diameter) smaller than a corresponding inner dimension (e.g., diameter) of the main strut 1502. Thus the end portion 1702 may be slidably coupled to the main strut 1502. In many embodiments, the end portion 1702 may be fixed to the main strut 1502 such as by welding, adhesives, etc. In some embodiments, such as shown for example in FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B, the end portion 1702 may be removably couplable to the main strut 1502. For example, one or more compression members 1710 may be passed through apertures formed in both the main strut 1502 and the end portion 1702. The compression members 1710 may receive a fastener 512 such as a bolt or cap screw. As the fasteners 512 are tightened, the compressive forces they form are born by the compression members 1710 to prevent the main strut 1502 and/or 1702 from collapsing. Yet, the compression members 1710 and fasteners 512 together selectively lock the end portion 1702 and the main strut 1502 together, both rotationally and slidably. The flange 1704 may be a planar structure with one or more apertures formed therein. The flange 1704 may be fixed to the end portion 1702 such as by welding, adhesives, etc.

The main coupler 1700 may also include a flange 1706 fixed to an end of the auxiliary strut 1504 such as by welding, adhesives, etc. The flange 1704 and flange 1706 may be selectively coupleable to one another via appropriate fasteners 512.

Thus, a stable, but easily removable joint is formed between the auxiliary strut 1504 and the main strut 1502 by the main coupler 1700.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. As will be apparent, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

All references disclosed herein, whether patent or non-patent, are hereby incorporated by reference as if each was included at its citation, in its entirety. In case of conflict between reference and specification, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

Although the present disclosure has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood the disclosure has been made by way of example, and changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

The description of certain embodiments included herein is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or its applications or uses. In the included detailed description of embodiments of the present systems and methods, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which are shown by way of illustration specific to embodiments in which the described systems and methods may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice presently disclosed systems and methods, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Moreover, for the purpose of clarity, detailed descriptions of certain features will not be discussed when they would be apparent to those with skill in the art so as not to obscure the description of embodiments of the disclosure. The included detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the disclosure is defined only by the appended claims.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of various embodiments of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings and/or examples making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the terms “a” and “an” are taken to mean “one”, “at least one” or “one or more”. Unless otherwise required by context, singular terms used herein shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”. Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural and singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” and “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of the application.

All relative, directional, and ordinal references (including top, bottom, side, front, rear, first, second, third, and so forth) are given by way of example to aid the reader's understanding of the examples described herein. They should not be read to be requirements or limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use unless specifically set forth in the claims. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other, unless specifically set forth in the claims.

Of course, it is to be appreciated that any one of the examples, embodiments or processes described herein may be combined with one or more other examples, embodiments and/or processes or be separated and/or performed amongst separate devices or device portions in accordance with the present systems, devices and methods.

Finally, the above discussion is intended to be merely illustrative of the present system and should not be construed as limiting the appended claims to any particular embodiment or group of embodiments. Thus, while the present system has been described in particular detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should also be appreciated that numerous modifications and alternative embodiments may be devised by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the broader and intended spirit and scope of the present system as set forth in the claims that follow. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative manner and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.