Containment system, uses, and assembly for aerial structures

Abstract

Disclosed herein are methods, devices, and systems for containment of one or more particles in a work area. In many embodiments, components of the system may be standardized and/or modular to provide for use in various configurations and on various structures, for example a broadcast tower. These components and devices may be configured for use with various containment systems and adapted for deployment on variously built and configured structures.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A containment system for an aerial structure, comprising:
 a support structure configured to attach to various configurations of aerial structures;   a modular 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, wherein the attachment system accommodates a plurality of cross-sections of structural members of the aerial structure.   
     
     
         2 . The containment system of  claim 1 , wherein the support structure includes one or more armatures configured to extend horizontally outward from the aerial structure. 
     
     
         3 . The containment system of  claim 1 , further comprising a pan that encloses the containment system from below to prevent contaminants from falling to the ground. 
     
     
         4 . The containment system of  claim 3 , wherein the pan comprises a configurable membrane to allow the passage a component of the aerial structure. 
     
     
         5 . The containment system of  claim 4 , wherein the configurable membrane includes an aperture or a channel configured to conform to the component of the aerial structure. 
     
     
         6 . The containment system of  claim 1 , wherein the modular membrane comprises at least one fabric attachment structure. 
     
     
         7 . The containment system of  claim 6 , wherein the fabric attachment structure comprises a loop. 
     
     
         8 . A method of containing contaminants originating from an aerial structure, comprising:
 attaching a support structure of a containment system to the aerial structure;   configuring a modular membrane around a portion of the aerial structure to encapsulate contaminants; and   utilizing an attachment system to secure the support structure to the aerial structure, the containment system adaptable to multiple types of aerial structures.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the support structure includes one or more armatures configured to extend horizontally outward from the aerial structure. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising a pan that encloses the containment system from below to prevent contaminants from falling to the ground. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the pan comprises a configurable membrane to allow the passage a component of the aerial structure. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the configurable membrane includes an aperture or a channel configured to conform to the component of the aerial structure. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the modular membrane comprises at least one fabric attachment structure. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the fabric attachment structure comprises a loop. 
     
     
         15 . A modular containment system for deployment on an aerial structure, the system comprising:
 a support structure configured for attachment to the aerial structure;   a fabric configured to capture particulate contaminants;   a work platform integrated into the support structure, providing safe access and egress for workers maintaining the aerial structure.   
     
     
         16 . The modular containment system of  claim 15 , wherein the support structure includes one or more armatures configured to extend horizontally outward from the aerial structure. 
     
     
         17 . The modular containment system of  claim 15 , further comprising a pan that encloses the modular containment system from below to prevent contaminants from falling to the ground. 
     
     
         18 . The modular containment system of  claim 17 , wherein the pan comprises a configurable membrane to allow the passage of a component of the aerial structure. 
     
     
         19 . The modular containment system of  claim 17 , wherein the configurable membrane includes an aperture or a channel configured to conform to the component of the aerial structure. 
     
     
         20 . The modular containment system of  claim 15 , wherein the modular membrane comprises at least one fabric attachment structure.