TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to construction equipment; and more specifically to an apparatus and a method for temporarily covering an opening, such as a staircase opening, for preventing personnel from falling down through the opening during construction of buildings and the like.

BACKGROUND

In the construction of buildings, usually there are openings on upper floors leading to lower floors. For example, during construction of the building with multiple floors, walls and floors of the building are constructed first, and an opening may be left in the upper floor to allow for erecting a staircase providing access between the two floors. During construction process, the opening for staircase may be left uncovered, and thus there is a risk that a construction worker may fall down through such opening, which may result in serious injury or even death. In order to prevent this accidental fall off, such opening needs to be covered. Further when staircase for higher floor is to be constructed, it may be necessary to cover the opening of area of the staircase of the lower floor so that the workers may stand over it and erect the staircase for the successive higher floor.

Traditionally, such openings are covered by means of wooden planks. The construction workers may stand on the planks to erect the staircase. However, in many cases, the wooden planks may not be of suitable lengths to cover the entire opening. Further, the wooden planks, in itself, may not have sufficient load carrying capacity to safely carry the combined weight of the workers and also in addition, usually, weight of material for erecting the staircase. Some manufacturers have introduced stacked scaffolding based systems which are often substituted for wooden planks, and which could be adjusted to cover the entire opening; but those are complex to install and may still be unsafe as they also suffer from limited load carrying capacity, typically around 150 Kgs which may not be enough for supporting combined weight of the workers and required material placed thereon.

Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome various problems associated with the apparatus and the method for covering the opening. SUMMARY

The present disclosure seeks to provide an apparatus and a method for covering an opening. The present disclosure specifically addresses problems related to unsafe and complex means for covering openings. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered in prior art, and provides means for covering an opening which is simpler, adjustable, and allow to support wooden planks thereon and thereby increase their load carrying capacity.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for covering an opening, the apparatus comprising:

- a first adjustable beam having a first end and a second end, the first adjustable beam configured to allow adjustment of length thereof between the first end and the second end thereof; and

- one or more second adjustable beams, with each of the one or more second adjustable beams having a first end and a second end, and comprising a bracket at the first end thereof, and are configured to allow adjustment of length thereof between the first end and the second end thereof,

- wherein the first adjustable beam is adapted to be removably secured at the first end and the second end thereof to opposing ends of the opening,

- wherein each of the one or more second adjustable beams is adapted to be removably secured at the second end thereof to a far-end of the opening, opposite the first adjustable beam

- wherein the bracket of each of the one or more second adjustable beams is adapted to be removably coupled to the first adjustable beam along the length, such that each of the one or more second adjustable beams is either moveable along or removeable from the first adjustable beam to provide access to the opening.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method comprising:

- providing a first adjustable beam having a first end and a second end;

- adjusting length of the first adjustable beam between the first end and the second end thereof such that the first adjustable beam is extending between opposing ends of the opening; - removably securing the first adjustable beam at the first end and the second end thereof to the opposing ends of the opening, respectively;

- providing one or more second adjustable beams, with each of the one or more second adjustable beams having a first end and a second end and comprising a bracket at a first end thereof;

- removably coupling the bracket to the first adjustable beam along the length; and

- adjusting length of each of the one or more second adjustable beams between the first end and the second end thereof such that each of the one or more second adjustable beams is extending between the first adjustable beam and a far-end of the opening, opposite the first adjustable beam; and

- removably securing each of the one or more second adjustable beams at the second end thereof to the far-end of the opening,

- such that each of the one or more second adjustable beams is either moveable along or removeable from the length of the first adjustable beam to provide access to the opening.

Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate or at least partially address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, and provide the system and the method for covering the opening.

Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

FIG. 1A is a diagrammatic perspective view of an apparatus for covering an opening, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. IB is a diagrammatic perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A implemented for covering an opening of a staircase, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1C is a diagrammatic perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A implemented for covering an opening (larger than the opening of FIG. IB) of a staircase, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. ID is a diagrammatic perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A implemented for partially covering the opening of the staircase, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. IE is a diagrammatic perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A implemented for partially covering the opening of the staircase, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. IF is a diagrammatic perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A with sleeves used therein, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a platform formed over the opening (such as the opening of FIG. IB or the opening of FIG. 1C) supported by the apparatus of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a first adjustable beam of the apparatus of FIG. 1 A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a partial diagrammatic perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 A depicting fastening of the first adjustable beam therein with sides of the opening, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a second adjustable beam of the apparatus of FIG. 1 A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 A implemented for covering an elliptical shaped opening;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a trap hatch secured between two adjacent second adjustable beams, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGs. 8 A and 8B are top and bottom view of a trap hatch secured between two adjacent second adjustable beams, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a U-shaped structure attached to the trap hatch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a platform formed over the opening supported by the apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 11 is a flowchart listing steps of a method for covering the opening, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the nonunderlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for covering an opening, the apparatus comprising:

- a first adjustable beam having a first end and a second end, the first adjustable beam configured to allow adjustment of length thereof between the first end and the second end thereof; and

- one or more second adjustable beams, with each of the one or more second adjustable beams having a first end and a second end, and comprising a bracket at the first end thereof, and are configured to allow adjustment of length thereof between the first end and the second end thereof,

- wherein the first adjustable beam is adapted to be removably secured at the first end and the second end thereof to opposing ends of the opening,

- wherein each of the one or more second adjustable beams is adapted to be removably secured at the second end thereof to a far-end of the opening, opposite the first adjustable beam

- wherein the bracket of each of the one or more second adjustable beams is adapted to be removably coupled to the first adjustable beam along the length, such that each of the one or more second adjustable beams is either moveable along or removeable from the first adjustable beam to provide access to the opening.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method comprising:

- providing a first adjustable beam having a first end and a second end;

- adjusting length of the first adjustable beam between the first end and the second end thereof such that the first adjustable beam is extending between opposing ends of the opening;

- removably securing the first adjustable beam at the first end and the second end thereof to the opposing ends of the opening, respectively;

- providing one or more second adjustable beams, with each of the one or more second adjustable beams having a first end and a second end and comprising a bracket at a first end thereof; - removably coupling the bracket to the first adjustable beam along the length; and

- adjusting length of each of the one or more second adjustable beams between the first end and the second end thereof such that each of the one or more second adjustable beams is extending between the first adjustable beam and a far-end of the opening, opposite the first adjustable beam; and

- removably securing each of the one or more second adjustable beams at the second end thereof to the far-end of the opening,

- such that each of the one or more second adjustable beams is either moveable along or removeable from the length of the first adjustable beam to provide access to the opening.

In the construction of buildings, usually there are openings which may needed to be covered temporarily. For example, during construction of multi-floor buildings with lifts, there is shaft opening left to allow for installing the lift after the required floors have been built. The opening for the lift has to be covered for allowing safe movement of workers during the construction of the walls and the floors. Otherwise, there may be a chance that the workers may accidently fall down through such an opening. Similarly, when a staircase providing access between one floor to an immediate upper floor is to be erected, the opening for the staircase in the said one floor is required to be covered so that the workers may stand over covering for the opening while installing the required assemblies for erecting the staircase leading to said the upper floor.

The apparatus of the present disclosure is implemented for the objective of covering the opening. Throughout the present disclosure, the term “apparatus” has been used to refer to any device, arrangement or equipment for covering an opening, particularly for temporarily covering an opening. In the examples of the disclosure, the opening has been generally explained with the example of a staircase opening; however, it would be appreciated that that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to any other type of opening, such as a shaft opening for lifts in construction sites or any other site without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present disclosure.

The apparatus comprises a first adjustable beam having a first end and a second end. The first adjustable beam is configured to allow adjustment of length thereof between the first end and the second end thereof. The apparatus further comprises one or more second adjustable beams, with each of the one or more second adjustable beams having a first end and a second end. The one or more second adjustable beams comprises a bracket at the first end thereof. The one or more second adjustable beams are configured to allow adjustment of length thereof between the first end and the second end thereof.

Herein, the term “beam” has been used to refer to structures that may be placed horizontally so that it may withstand vertical loads and stress. Herein, the vertical load may be the weight of the construction worker(s) who may stand over covering formed over the opening using the present apparatus, in addition to weight of any load being carried by the construction worker(s) such as material for erecting staircase as well as any other construction material and/or construction equipment which may have been placed over the said covering.

Herein the term “trap hatch” has been used to refer to structures that may be placed horizontally over two adjacent second adjustable beams so that it may cover the space between the two adjacent second adjustable beams and withstand vertical loads and stress. Herein, the vertical load may be the weight of the construction worker(s) who may stand over covering formed over the opening using the present apparatus, in addition to weight of any load being carried by the construction worker(s) such as material for erecting staircase as well as any other construction material and/or construction equipment which may have been placed over the said covering. Optionally, the trap hatch comprises stainless steel, carbon steel and/or aluminium.

Optionally, at least one of the first adjustable beams and the one or more second adjustable beams may comprise stainless steel, carbon steel and/or aluminium. It may be understood that the first adjustable beam and the second adjustable beam must be sturdy enough in order to successfully bear vertical load thereon (as discussed in more detail later in the description). Stainless steel, carbon steel and/or aluminium may be employed for manufacturing of the first adjustable beam and the second adjustable beam as these materials are, generally, corrosion resistant, heat and fire resistant, recyclable and easy to conform into a suitable shape. Furthermore, the said materials have high strength so as to enable the present apparatus to bear significant loads due to weight of the workers and the staircase efficiently.

In one or more examples, the first adjustable beam may have a rectangular or a cylindrical cross-sectional shape, or any other suitable polygonal shape without any limitations. Further, each of the second adjustable beams may generally have a similar cross-sectional shape as the first adjustable beam; however, in some examples, one or more of the second adjustable beams may have a different cross-sectional shape than the first adjustable beam without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present disclosure. Herein, the cross-sectional shape of the first adjustable beam and the second adjustable beams may be selected based on the possible vertical loads that may be required to supported by the present apparatus.

As discussed, the apparatus of the present disclosure is implemented for covering an opening, with the opening being of varying shapes and sizes. In an example implementation, the present apparatus may be used for covering an elliptically shaped opening. In this example, the first adjustable beam is removably secured at the first end and the second end thereof to opposing ends of the opening, across the centre of the opening. Each of the one or more second adjustable beams is adapted to be removably secured at the second end thereof to a far-end of the opening, opposite the first adjustable beam. The one or more second adjustable beams may be arranged on the first adjustable beam to extend in opposite directions and be removably secured to opposite far-ends of the opening. The one or more second adjustable beams may also be adjusted to different lengths such that the circular opening may be entirely covered without any beams extending past the opening and into the floor space.

In another example implementation, the present apparatus may be utilized for covering a rectangular opening having a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side, with the first side and the second side being opposite to each other along a longer length of the said rectangular opening, and the third side and the fourth side being opposite to each other along a shorter length of the said rectangular opening. That is, the first side and the second side may be parallel to each other and form shorter sides of the said rectangular opening, and the third side and the fourth side may be parallel to each other and form longer sides of the said rectangular opening.

The first adjustable beam is adapted to be removably secured at the first end and the second end thereof to the first side and the second side of the opening, with the first side and the second side being two opposing sides in the opening. Herein, the first adjustable beam has a generally linear structure with the first end and the second end. In the present example, the length of the first adjustable beam is adjusted between the first end and the second end thereof (by some adjusting mechanism) corresponding to the longer length of the said rectangular opening, such that the first adjustable beam extends between the longer length of the said rectangular opening, with the first adjustable beam being supported on the first side and the second side of the said rectangular opening. Herein, the first adjustable beam may be positioned closer to and along the fourth side of the opening.

In an embodiment, the first adjustable beam is a telescopic beam. Such a telescopic beam may comprise a series of rigid nested structures that may be extended and retracted. The nested structures may be rectangular or cylindrical or any polygonal shape. Furthermore, each structure may be rigid and hollow in order to accommodate the successive smaller structure. Hence, a length of the first adjustable beam as the telescopic beam can be adjusted, i.e. increased by extending and decreased by retracting the said series of rigid nested structures therein.

In another embodiment, the first adjustable beam is a collapsible beam. The collapsible beams may be made up of a plurality of flat elongated modules. Each module may have a head and a tail. The modules may be arranged linearly, such that the tail of each module may fit into a receiving socket present on the head of the successive modules. For example, the tail of the first module may fit in to the socket present on the second module. The modules may be rotated along the socket in order to retract and extend the collapsible beams, and thereby decrease and increase the length of the first adjustable beam as the collapsible beam respectively.

In yet another embodiment, the first adjustable beam is a screw-type beam. The screw-type beam also comprises the plurality of modules. However, contrary to the telescopic beam or the collapsible beam, the modules of the screw type beam may be connected by means of screws. Each module may have the head and the tail. The tail of each module may be connected to the head of the successive module by means of screws. For example, the tail of the first module may be connected to the head of the second module by means of screws. Thereby, the module(s) at end of such screw-type beam may be rotated in one direction to increase the length of the first adjustable beam as the screw-type beam and in opposite direction to decrease the length of the first adjustable beam as the screw-type beam.

Optionally, the first adjustable beam comprises an L-shaped bracket, having a first portion and a second portion, at each of the first end and the second end thereof, with the first portion of the L-shaped bracket at each of the first end and the second end in the first adjustable beam being parallel to the length of the first adjustable beam. Herein, the term “bracket” has been used for structural element to allow for placing the first adjustable beam onto sides of the opening. Specifically, the L-shaped bracket is the structural element in the shape of the letter “L”. Like, the letter “L”, the L-shaped bracket has two portions, including the first portion and the second portion. Both the first portion and the second portion may be thin rectangular strips. Herein, the first portions of the L-shaped bracket may be parallel to the length of the first adjustable beam, and the second portions of the L-shaped bracket may be orthogonal to the first portion and the length of the first adjustable beam. Further, the second portions of the L-shaped bracket may be coupled at the first end and the second end of the second adjustable beam.

Optionally, the first portion of the L-shaped bracket at each of the first end and the second end in the first adjustable beam is raised above the length of the first adjustable beam, and is adapted to be seated on corresponding of the first side and the second side of the opening such that the length of the first adjustable beam is generally in a same plane as a plane of the opening. That is, the first portion of the L-shaped bracket at each of the first end and the second end of the first adjustable beam may be slightly raised above the linear length portion of the first adjustable beam. In other words, the first portion of the L-shaped bracket and the length of the first adjustable beam may have some gap therebetween such that when the first portion of the L-shaped bracket seated on corresponding of the first side and the second side of the opening, the linear length of the first adjustable beam rests on the same plane of the first side and the second side of the opening. Herein, the first portion of the L-shaped bracket may be raised so that the first adjustable beam and the surface surrounding the opening are at the same level. Thus, when wooden planks or the like may be placed over the apparatus to fully cover the opening (as discussed later), the formed covering structure is generally in the plane of the floor which has the opening, and this may help to prevent accidental tripping over the covering structure when the worker may be walking around near the opening in the construction site.

Optionally, the first portion of the L-shaped bracket at each of the first end and the second end in the first adjustable beam has one or more apertures formed therein to removably fasten the first adjustable beam at the first end and the second end thereof to the first side and the second side of the opening. Once the length of the first adjustable beam has been sufficiently adjusted to extend between the first side and the side of the opening, and is placed on the said longer length thereof, the first adjustable beam needs to be secured in place. Otherwise, there is a possibility that the apparatus may move or slip away from the opening. In order to secure the first adjustable beam on the first side and the second side of the opening, one or more apertures are formed on the first portion of each of the L-shaped bracket therein. The apertures herein may be in the form of the screw holes. Further, the fasteners, such as screws, may be tightened in the apertures of each of the L-shaped bracket and through surfaces at the first side and the second side of the opening, to removably fasten the first adjustable beam therein. That is, the screws may be passed through the apertures in the first portion of the L-shaped bracket on the first end so that the first end is fastened to the first side of the opening. Similarly, another set of screws may be passed over the apertures present on the first portion of the L-shaped bracket present on the second end of the first adjustable beam so that the second end is fastened to the second side of the opening.

As discussed, each of the one or more second adjustable beams have the first end and the second end, and comprise a bracket at the first end thereof, and are configured to allow adjustment of length thereof between the first end and the second end thereof. In the present embodiments, similar to the first adjustable beam, each of the one or more second adjustable beams is one of the telescopic beam, the collapsible beam or the screw-type beam, as discussed. Herein, the second adjustable beams have generally linear structure with the first end and the second end. In the present example, the lengths of the second adjustable beams are adjusted between the first end and the second end thereof corresponding to the shorter length of the said rectangular opening, such that the second adjustable beams extend between the shorter length of the said rectangular opening. Herein, the second adjustable beams may be positioned parallel to each other, and generally equidistant from each other.

Each of the one or more second adjustable beams is adapted to be removably secured at the second end thereof to the third side of the opening, with the third side being generally orthogonal to the first side and the second side in the opening. As mentioned, the third side may be the side along the longer length of the opening. The third side and the fourth side may be parallel to each other, and may be orthogonal to the first side and the second side. The second end of each of the second adjustable beams may be secured by fastening means to the third side of the opening while deploying the apparatus on the opening. It may be appreciated that if the second ends of the second adjustable beams are not secured, the corresponding second adjustable beams may slide over when the workers walk over them, and may possibly cause accidents. Optionally, each of the one or more second adjustable beams comprises an L-shaped bracket, having a first portion and a second portion, at the second end thereof, with the first portion of the L-shaped bracket at the second end of each of the one or more second adjustable beams being parallel to the length of the corresponding second adjustable beam. Contrary to the first adjustable beam that may have a L-shaped bracket on the first end and the second end, the second adjustable beam may have the L-shaped bracket only on its second end. As discussed, the L-shaped bracket may be structure in the shape of the letter “L” and may have the first portion and the second portion. Both the first portion and the second portion may be thin rectangular strips. The first portion may be parallel to the length of the corresponding second adjustable beam. The second portion may be orthogonal to the length of the corresponding second adjustable beam. Herein, the second portion may be coupled at the second end of the second adjustable beam.

Optionally, the first portion of the L-shaped bracket at the second end in each of the one or more second adjustable beams is raised above the length of the corresponding second adjustable beam, and is adapted to be seated on the third side of the opening such that the lengths of the one or more second adjustable beams are generally in a same plane as a plane of the opening. The first portion of the L-shaped bracket at the second end in each of the second adjustable beams may be at a certain height above the length of the corresponding second adjustable beam. That is, the first portion is elevated and there may be some distance between the first portion and the linear length portion of the corresponding second adjustable beam. Herein, the first portion of the L-shaped brackets may be raised so that the corresponding second adjustable beam and the surface surrounding the opening are at same level. Thus, when wooden planks or the like may be placed over the apparatus to fully cover the opening (as discussed later), the formed covering structure is generally in the plane of floor which has the opening, and this may help prevent accidental tripping over the covering structure when the worker may be walking around near the opening in the construction site.

Optionally, the first portion of the L-shaped bracket at the second end in each of the one or more second adjustable beams has one or more apertures formed therein to removably fasten the corresponding second adjustable beam at the second end thereof to the third side of the opening. As discussed, the first portion of the L-shaped bracket at the second end of the second adjustable beam may be placed on the third side of the opening. The first portion needs to be secured on the third side. For this purpose, the apertures may be formed in the first portion. The apertures herein may be in the form of the screw holes. Further, the fasteners, such as screws, may be tightened in the apertures of each of the L-shaped bracket and through surface at the third side of the opening, to removably fasten the corresponding second adjustable beam therein. That is, the screws may be passed through the apertures in the first portion of the L-shaped bracket so that the second end is fastened to the third side of the opening.

Herein, once the first portion is positioned on the surface near the third side of the opening, screws may be passed tightly through the apertures in order to fasten the second end of the second adjustable beam. In order to remove the second end, the screws may be unscrewed by means of drivers such as screw drives. The opening may also be partially opened by removing few second adjustable beams. For example, when the stairs for second floor need to be deployed the opening at the second floor is covered. When the worker needs to go down to the first floor, some of the second adjustable beams may be removed that may be sufficient enough for the worker to get down.

The bracket of each of the one or more second adjustable beams of the apparatus is adapted to be removably coupled to the first adjustable beam at the length thereof, such that each of the one or more second adjustable beams is either moved along or removed from the length of the first adjustable beam to provide access to the opening. As discussed, the second adjustable beam comprises a bracket at the first end. The bracket is used herein to couple the second adjustable beam to the length of the first adjustable beam. Herein, the brackets of the plurality of second adjustable beams may be coupled to (looped over) the length of the first adjustable beam, such that the plurality of second adjustable beams are arranged parallel to each other to cover the opening. In the present embodiments, the brackets of the plurality of second adjustable beams may slide over the length of first adjustable beam, to vary the size of the opening if required. The number of the second adjustable beams that may be employed depends upon the size of the opening, in particular the longer length of the opening. It may be understood that as the number of second adjustable beams are increased, the size of the opening may decrease. Herein, the second adjustable beams may be placed at equal distance. The size of the opening may be varied by either moving one or more of the second adjustable beams along the length of the first adjustable beam, or by removing one or more of the second adjustable beams from the length of the first adjustable beam. Optionally, the bracket at the first end in each of the one or more second adjustable beams is a U-shaped bracket. It may be understood that U-shaped bracket is the bracket in the shape of the letter U. As the letter “U”, the U-shaped bracket may have three portions, a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion and the second portion may be parallel to each other. The third portion may connect the first portion and the second portion such that the third portion is orthogonal to the first portion and the second portion. Herein, the U-shaped bracket is looped around the length of the second adjustable beam. Since, the U-shaped bracket is not fixed on the length of the first adjustable beam, the second adjustable beam may move along the length of the second adjustable beam. Hence, the second adjustable beams need not be removed for changing its position on the length of the first adjustable beam.

Optionally, the bracket at both the first and the second end in each of the one or more second adjustable beams is a U-shaped bracket. Each of the one or more second adjustable beams may be removably attached by the U-shaped bracket at the first end to a first adjustable beam, and removably attached by the U-shaped bracket at the second end to another first adjustable beam of a separate apparatus, or another second adjustable beam of a separate apparatus. Beneficially, in an embodiment, multiple apparatuses can be combined in a modular manner in a variety of orientations such that an opening of any size or shape can be covered.

As discussed, the first adjustable beam may be a telescopic adjusting mechanism in which a first portion of the first adjustable beam is accommodated into a second portion thereof, with the said first portion being smaller in size (like perimeter or circumference) than the said second portion. Herein, the present apparatus further includes sleeves which are provided on the first portion of the first adjustable beam onto which the U-shaped brackets of the second adjustable beams (arranged on the first portion of the first adjustable beam) are mounted, so as to accommodate for the smaller size of the first portion of the first adjustable beam in relation to the U-shaped brackets. Such sleeves may be in the form of a hollow cylindrical pipe or the like with an outer perimeter, for example, being slightly smaller than inner perimeter of U-shaped bracket, and with length being generally equal to length of the U- shaped bracket. In one or more examples, scaffold boards may then be cut to fit the staircase opening and then laid down on the top of the apparatus resulting in a platform and making the area safe to work. The platform may withstand the combined weight of the workers and may be used as a sturdy base for further construction work, such as to erect wall for staircase leading to the upper floor. Herein, the apparatus may be removed from the opening, leaving the wall in place. In order to remove the second adjustable beam, the bracket on the first end of the second adjustable beam may be unhooked from the length of the first adjustable beam and the second end may be unsecured. If the staircase that the apparatus is covering needs to be accessed, the scaffolding boards may simply be removed and then as many second adjustable beam as necessary may be removed for someone to pass through.

Once the job is done, the fastening means may be removed so that the second adjustable beams can be taken out and the apparatus is disassembled. Furthermore, the fastening means may also be removed to slide the corresponding second adjustable beam over the first adjustable beam and to position it on a desirable location on the third side. This makes the repositioning of the second adjustable beam easier, for varying the size of the opening if required.

In an embodiment, the apparatus may include a trap hatch including a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of the trap hatch is removably attached to the one or more second adjustable beams.

Optionally, the trap hatch may have a flat surface or a rectangular telescopic structure for extending the surface area of the trap hatch. Alternatively, optionally, the flat rectangular surface is foldable along the free ends of the trap hatch. Optionally, the trap hatch may be extendable along a length of the one or more one or more second adjustable beams and configured to cover a space between two or more adjacent second adjustable beams.

Optionally, the second end of the trap hatch may include at least one U-shaped structure to allow insertion of scaffold boards. The scaffold boards may be removably secured to the trap hatch for example with screws, through one or more apertures in the U-shaped channel. Beneficially, insertion of the scaffold planks in the U-shaped channel improves the overall stability of the structure. This allows workers to be able to stand on the trap hatch whilst the structural integrity of the apparatus is retained. The second end of the trap hatch and the one or more second adjustable beams may be connected through a plurality of hinge joints, allowing the trap hatch to be opened and closed. The inclusion of the trap hatch within the apparatus beneficially allows for access to the opening to be retained without having to remove scaffold boards from the apparatus. Optionally, the first end of the trap hatch may include an opening for accommodating a part of a ladder.

The second end of the trap hatch may be configured to allow movement of the trap hatch along the one or more second adjustable beams. Beneficially, the ability to move the trap hatch along the length of the one or more second adjustable beams allows the opening for accommodating a part of a ladder to be positioned in different locations.

Moreover, the present description also relates to the method for covering the opening as described above. The various embodiments and variants disclosed above apply mutatis mutandis to the method for covering the opening.

Optionally, the method for covering the opening further comprises providing an L-shaped bracket, having a first portion and a second portion, at each of the first end and the second ends of the first adjustable beam, with the first portion of the L-shaped bracket at each of the first end and the second end in the first adjustable beam being parallel to the length of the first adjustable beam.

Optionally, the first portion of the L-shaped bracket at each of the first end and the second end in the first adjustable beam of the method for covering the opening is raised above the length of the first adjustable beam, and wherein the method further comprises seating the first portion of the L-shaped bracket at each of the first end and the second end in the first adjustable beam on corresponding of the first side and the second side of the opening such that the length of the first adjustable beam is generally in a same plane as a plane of the opening.

Optionally, the method for covering the opening further comprises providing an L-shaped bracket, having a first portion and a second portion, at the second end of each of the one or more second adjustable beams, with the first portion of the L-shaped bracket at the second end of each of the one or more second adjustable beams being parallel to the length of the corresponding second adjustable beam. Optionally, the first portion of the L-shaped bracket at the second end in each of the one or more second adjustable beams of the method is raised above the length of the corresponding second adjustable beam, and wherein the method for covering the opening further comprises seating the first portion of the L-shaped bracket at the second end in each of the one or more second adjustable beams on the third side of the opening such that the lengths of the one or more second adjustable beams are generally in a same plane as a plane of the opening.

Optionally, the bracket at the first end in each of the one or more second adjustable beams of the method for covering the opening is a U-shaped bracket.

The apparatus of the present disclosure is adjustable so as to be implemented for covering openings of different sizes, as for a multitude of different sizes of staircases. The present apparatus provides means for simple adjustment thereof to cover any size of typical opening in construction sites. The present apparatus is easy to assemble and disassemble, so it could be installed quickly. The present apparatus provide means for covering an opening, usually between floors in multi-floor buildings, in construction sites so as to eliminate the risk of a worker possibly falling down through the opening, and thus making every floor as safe as the ground floor for performing construction related activities. This makes the present apparatus not only robust but also versatile across many traits.

The apparatus and the method for covering the opening is advantageous as it provides a safe and hassle-free solution for covering the opening. The present apparatus and the method may be used for covering the opening of various sizes by adjusting the length of the first adjustable beam and the second adjustable beam. Herein, in case the opening needs to be partially opened for whatever reason, some of the second adjustable beams may be removed without having to disassemble the whole apparatus. The apparatus when deployed on the opening is on the same level as the floor surface. Hence, the apparatus and the method may not provide any abruptions on the surface which may cause accidents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIGs. 1 A-1F, in combination, illustrated are diagrammatic perspective views of an apparatus 100 for covering an opening, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the apparatus 100 comprises a first adjustable beam 102 and a plurality of second adjustable beams 104. The first adjustable beam 102 has a first end 108 and a second end 110. The first adjustable beam 102 has an adjusting mechanism 112 configured to allow adjustment of length between the first end 108 and the second end 110. Each of the second adjustable beams 104 has a first end 114 and a second end 116. The second adjustable beam 104 has an adjusting mechanism 118 configured to allow adjustment of length thereof between the first end 114 and the second end 116. Furthermore, each of the second adjustable beams 104 comprises a U-shaped bracket 120 at the first end 114.

Referring to FIG. IB, the apparatus 100 is placed over the staircase to cover an opening 101A. The first adjustable beam 102 is adapted to be removably secured at the first end 108 and the second end 110 thereof to a first side 122 and a second side 124 of the opening 101 A. The first side 122 and the second side 124 are two opposing sides in the opening 101A. Each of the one or more second adjustable beams 104 is adapted to be removably secured at the second end 116 thereof to a third side 126 of the opening 101 A. Herein, the third side 126 may be generally orthogonal to the first side 122 and the second side 124 of the opening 101A. The bracket 120 of each of the one or more second adjustable beams 104 is adapted to be removably coupled to the first adjustable beam 102 at the length thereof. Herein, the second adjustable beams 104 are removably coupled to the first adjustable beam 102 at the length thereof, so that each of the second adjustable beams 104 is either moved along or removed from the length of the first adjustable beam 102 to provide access to the opening 101A

Referring to FIG. 1C, herein, the apparatus 100 is utilized for covering an opening 101B, with the opening 101B of FIG. 1C being larger than the opening 101A of FIG. IB. For this purpose, the first adjustable beam 102 and the second adjustable beams 104 are in extended form by adjusting of lengths thereof. Herein, the first adjustable beam 102 is extended by using the respective adjusting mechanism 112, and the second adjustable beam 104 is extended by using the respective adjusting mechanism 118, so that the apparatus 100 is able to cover the opening 101B.

Referring to FIG. ID, herein, the apparatus 100 is utilized for partially covering the opening 101A. As may be seen, in comparison to FIG. IB, some of, in particular two of, the second adjustable beams 104 are removed, so that there is some gap to access the opening 101A with the apparatus 100 partially covering the opening 101A. Referring to FIG. IE, herein, the apparatus 100 is utilized for partially covering the opening 101A. As may be seen, in comparison to FIG. IB, some of, in particular five of, the second adjustable beams 104 have been moved by sliding along the first adjustable beam 102 towards one side i.e. towards the first end 108 thereof, so that there is some gap to access the opening 101A with the apparatus 100 partially covering the opening 101A.

Referring to FIG. IF, herein, the adjusting mechanism 112 is a telescopic adjusting mechanism in which a first portion 102A of the first adjustable beam 102 is accommodated into a second portion 102B thereof, with the said second portion 102B being larger than the said first portion 102A. Herein, the apparatus 100 further includes sleeves 128 which are provided on the first portion 102A of the first adjustable beam 102 onto which the U-shaped brackets 120 of the second adjustable beams 104 (arranged on the first portion 102A of the first adjustable beam 102) are mounted, so as to accommodate for smaller size (e.g. perimeter) of the first portion 102A of the first adjustable beam 102 in relation to U-shaped brackets 120.

Referring to FIG. 2, the apparatus 200 is shown being implemented for covering an opening (not shown), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus 200 supports a plurality of scaffoldings 202, 204, 206, 208, 210 and 212 and a worker 214 walking thereon. The apparatus 200 is generally covered by the scaffoldings 202-212 which helps the worker 214 to move around over the opening. The scaffolding 202-212 are placed herein, such that a floor 216 and the scaffoldings 202-212 are generally in the same plane.

Referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is a diagrammatic perspective view of a first adjustable beam 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first adjustable beam 300 has a first end 302 and a second end 304. The first adjustable beam 300 comprises an adjusting mechanism 306. The adjusting mechanism 306 is configured to allow adjustment of length between the first end 302 and the second end 304. Each of the first end 302 and the second end 304 has an L-shaped bracket 308 and 310 respectively. The bracket 308 on the first end 302 comprises a first portion 312 and a second portion 314. The first portion 312 is parallel to the length of the first adjustable beam 300. The first portion 312 is raised above the length of the first adjustable beam 300. Furthermore, the first portions 312 has two apertures 316 and 318. The apertures 316 and 318 are formed to removably fasten the first adjustable beam 300 at the first end 302 thereof. The bracket 310 on the second end 304 comprises the first portion 320 and the second portion 322. The first portion 320 is parallel to the length of the first adjustable beam 300. The first portions 320 is raised above the length of the first adjustable beam 300. Furthermore, the first portion 320 has two apertures 324 and 326.

Referring to FIG. 4, illustrated is a partial diagrammatic perspective view of a first adjustable beam 400 being secured to a side of the opening, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the first adjustable beam 400 comprises an L-shaped bracket 408 on a first end 402 thereof. The bracket 408 on the first end 402 comprises a first portion 412 and a second portion (not shown). The first portion 412 has two apertures 416 and 418. Two screws 420 and 422 are passed through the apertures 416 and 418 respectively in order to secure the first adjustable beam 400 in place to a floor surface 424.

Referring to FIG. 5, illustrated is a diagrammatic perspective view of a second adjustable beam 500, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The second adjustable beam 500 has a first end 502 and a second end 504. The second adjustable beam 500 has an adjusting mechanism 506 configured to allow adjustment of length between the first end 502 and the second end 504. Furthermore, the second adjustable beam 500 comprises a U-shaped bracket 508 at the first end 502 and a L-shaped bracket 510 at the second end 504. The L-shaped bracket 510 comprises the first portion 512 and the second portion 514. The first portions 512 is parallel to the length of the second adjustable beam 500. The first portion 512 is raised above the length of the second adjustable beam 500. Furthermore, the first portion 512 has two apertures 516 and 518.

Referring to FIG. 6, illustrated is a diagrammatic perspective view of the apparatus 600 utilized for covering an elliptically shaped opening 614. The first adjustable beam 602 is adapted to be removably secured at the first end 606 and the second end 608 thereof to a first end 616 and a second end 618 of the elliptically shaped opening 614, across the centre of the opening. Each of the one or more second adjustable beams 604 is adapted to be removably secured at the second end 620 thereof to a far-end of the opening 622A-B, opposite the first adjustable beam 602. The one or more second adjustable beams 604 are arranged on the first adjustable beam 602 to orient in opposing directions and are attached to opposite far-ends 622A-B of the elliptical shaped opening 614. The one or more second adjustable beams 604 are of varying lengths so as to adequately cover the elliptical opening 614 without extending past the opening and into the floor space.

Referring to FIG. 7, illustrated is a diagrammatic perspective view of a trap hatch 700 being secured between two adjacent second adjustable beams 702, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The trap hatch 700 has a first end 704 and a second end 706. Further, the second end 706 of the trap hatch 700 is removably attached to the one or more second adjustable beams 702. Specifically, the first end 704 includes an opening for accommodating a part of a ladder (not shown in figure), and the second end 706 includes at least one U-shaped structure (not shown in figure) and configured to allow movement of the trap hatch 600 on the one or more second adjustable beams 702.

Referring to FIGs. 8A and 8B, illustrated are top and bottom view of a trap hatch 800 (such as the trap hatch 700 of Fig. 7), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The trap hatch 800 has a first end 802, a second end 804 and at least one U-shaped structure 806 configured to allow movement of the trap hatch 800 on the one or more second adjustable beams (not shown in figure). Further, as shown in the top and bottom view of the trap hatch 800 the U-shaped structure 806 is connected to the trap hatch 800 at the second end 804 through a plurality of hinges 808 for allowing free rotation of the trap hatch around second adjustable beams. Furthermore, the U-shaped structure 806 is elongated along the length of the second end 804 and the first end 802 the trap hatch includes a plurality of U- brackets 810 for securing the trap hatch 800 on the adjacent second adjustable beam.

Referring to FIG. 9, illustrated is an exploded view of a U-shaped structure 900, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The U-shaped structure 900 is connected to the trap hatch 902 (such as the trap hatch 700 of Fig. 7) through a plurality of hinges 904. The U-shaped structure 900 has a plurality of brackets 906 for securing the trap hatch 902 on the second adjustable beam and an elongated opening 908 for accommodating a plurality of horizontal planks with the trap hatch 902.

Referring to FIG. 10, illustrated is a perspective view of the apparatus 1000 (such as the apparatus 200 of Fig. 2) is shown being implemented for covering an opening (not shown), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus 900 supports a plurality of scaffoldings 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008 and 1010, and a trap hatch 1012 (such as the trap hatch 700 of Fig. 7). The apparatus 1000 is generally covered by the scaffoldings 1002-1010 and the trap hatch 1012, which help the worker to move around over the opening. An opening 1014 on the trap hatch 1012 accommodates a ladder 1016.

Referring to FIG. 11, illustrated is a flowchart 1100 listing steps of a method for covering an opening, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method includes, at a step 1102, providing a first adjustable beam. Herein, the first adjustable beam has a first end and a second end. The method includes, at a step 1104, adjusting length of the first adjustable beam between the first end and the second end thereof such that the first adjustable beam is extending between a first side and a second side of the opening, with the first side and the second side being two opposing sides in the opening. The method includes, at a step 1106, removably securing the first adjustable beam at the first end and the second end thereof to the first side and the second side of the opening, respectively. The method includes, at a step 1108, providing one or more second adjustable beams, with each of the one or more second adjustable beams having a first end and a second end and comprising a bracket at a first end thereof. The method includes, at a step 1110, removably coupling the bracket to the first adjustable beam at the length thereof. The method includes, at a step 1112, adjusting length of each of the one or more second adjustable beams between the first end and the second end thereof such that each of the one or more second adjustable beams is extending between the first adjustable beam and a third side of the opening, with the third side being generally orthogonal to the first side and the second side in the opening. The method includes, at a step 1114, removably securing each of the one or more second adjustable beams at the second end thereof to the third side of the opening. Herein, each of the one or more second adjustable beams is either moved along or removed from the length of the first adjustable beam to provide access to the opening.

Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.