CPC E04D 15/06 (2013.01) [B65H 16/005 (2013.01); B65H 75/2484 (2021.05); B65H 75/30 (2013.01); B65H 2701/1922 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A method of providing fall protection on a rooftop that includes a plurality of spaced support beams, the method comprising:
providing a roll of fabric, the roll having a first end and a second end;
providing a dispensing apparatus having a frame, a first and second hub attached to the frame, and a hub brake that includes the first hub, the hub brake having a locked position in which the first hub resists rotational motion and an unlocked position in which the first hub freely rotates;
placing the first end of the roll on the first hub and placing the second end of the roll on the second hub;
dispensing a continuous length of the fabric by unwinding the roll, the continuous length including a first portion and a second portion;
securing the first portion of the fabric to the rooftop by sandwiching it between the support beams and one or more roof panels;
positioning the dispensing apparatus on the rooftop such that (i) the dispensing apparatus is disposed atop the support beams in a region devoid of any roof panels and (ii) the second portion of the fabric, disposed between the first portion and the roll, overlays the support beams in a region devoid of any roof panels; and
holding the second portion of the fabric in place at least in part by placing the hub brake in the locked position;
wherein the first hub comprises an expansion hub configured to alternate between a contracted position and an expanded position, the method further comprising simultaneously, when the second portion of the fabric overlays the support beams in the region devoid of any roof panels:
(a) placing the expansion hub in the expanded position and the hub brake in the locked position, and thereby
(b) holding the dispensing apparatus in a substantially fixed position on the support beams.
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