Abstract: An improved building access system includes a turntable having an upper surface and a lower surface, a main tower attached to the turntable's upper surface, a boom tower pivotally attached to the turntable and disposed so as to form an angle with the main tower, and a balancing tower also pivotally attached to the turntable and also disposed so as to form an angle with the main tower. It also includes means for changing these angles between the main tower and, respectively, the boom tower and the balancing tower, and a cathead pivotally attached to the end of the boom tower which is opposite the end attached to the turntable.

Abstract: An improved structural member includes a pair of top flanges each extending along the member's length in a separated and opposed co-planar fashion, and a pair of similarly separated and opposed co-planar bottom flanges also extending throughout the member's length. At least two web members connect the lowermost surfaces of the top flanges to the uppermost surfaces of the bottom flanges, and at least one leg member connects these web members together and holds them in a spaced-apart relationship. The invention also includes cooperatively configured components for connecting the inventive structural members together in end-to-end and perpendicular relationships, and also strengthening members which may be added to or removed from the structural members, as needed. Additionally, components for attaching the structural members to other mechanisms and to conventional accessories are provided, so that a modular beam and scaffold system is formed.

Abstract: An improved structural member includes a pair of top flanges each extending along the member's length in a separated and opposed co-planar fashion, and a pair of similarly separated and opposed co-planar bottom flanges also extending throughout the member's length. At least two web members connect the lowermost surfaces of the top flanges to the uppermost surfaces of the bottom flanges, and at least one leg member connects these web members together and holds them in a spaced-apart relationship. The invention also includes cooperatively configured components for connecting the inventive structural members together in end-to-end and perpendicular relationships, and also strengthening members which may be added to or removed from the structural members, as needed. Additionally, components for attaching the structural members to other mechanisms and to conventional accessories are provided, so that a modular beam and scaffold system is formed.

Abstract: Wheel assemblies for attachment to a carriage or a vehicle. The wheel assemblies can be configured for four wheel steering, locked in predetermined directions, or free pivoting. The wheel assemblies further include an apparatus for retracting and extending the wheels of the carriage to support the carriage on fixed length supports.

Abstract: A compact mobile crane for lifting or lowering a load to or from a roof or other location of a building, and for raising, lowering, and supporting a load along the sides of a building. Elements of the mobile crane can be folded to allow the mobile crane to be moved into, and transported by, a standard size building elevator. Wheel assemblies on the carriage of the mobile crane can be configured for four wheel steering, locked in predetermined directions, or free pivoting. The wheel assemblies further include a wheel retraction apparatus for retracting the wheels of the mobile crane to support the crane on fixed length supports. The carriage frame members include rows of holes spaced at equal distances from each other, providing a system for easily fastening numerous elements to the mobile crane.

Abstract: A modular truss frame system which can be assembled in a variety of sizes and configurations includes a plurality of interchangeable tubular chord members, as well as a plurality of interchangeable tubular diagonal web members. A plurality of top node connection members join together predetermined ones of the top chord members in an end-to-end relationship. The top node members also serve to join one end of each of the web members to the ends of predetermined ones of the top chord members. A plurality of bottom node connection members are used to join together predetermined ones of the ends of the web members which are opposite the ends thereof that are joined to the top chord members by the associated top node members. The top chord members and the associated ends of the web members are connected to the top node, and the opposite ends of the web members are connected to the bottom node, by means such that each member is attachable to its respective node without rotational movement of the member.

Abstract: A truss frame with three-dimensional bracing includes at least three top rails which are joined together so as to define a substantially planar surface. A plurality of bracing members are attached to the top rails and depend toward a bottom connection which have a predetermined location with respect to the top rails. The bottom connection location is chosen so that the bracing members form truss-like braces for the top rails. In one embodiment, the top rails, bracing members, and bottom connection form the shape of a pyramid. A plurality of these truss frames is utilized to form a modular platform. The platform also includes means for fastening the top rails of adjoining truss frames together so as to form a continuous top chord in a direction parallel to that spanned by the connected truss frames.

Abstract: A modular scaffolding system includes a plurality of interchangeable structural members, each having a circular cross section. Each member also has a plurality of holes drilled in its outer surface. The holes are located in a pattern that allows flexibility in connecting other structures to the circular member. A number of members are attached together to form a frame, and a scaffold is attached to the frame by appropriate means. The components of the modular scaffolding system may be formed into a variety of configurations, including roof-based and ground-based rolling scaffolds and a trolley-suspended scaffold which moves on a monorail. A moment-arm connecting joint and a pivoting composite connection are provided for connecting the components of the scaffolding system together so that scaffold exhibits a high degree of rigidity, while also providing adjustable angles between predetermined structural members.

Abstract: A chain of end support sections are foldably linked together and hang vertically from either side of a horizontal support beam. The beam is attached to a pair of suspension cables through two motorized grip hoists rigidly attached to the beam and the cables then hang downwardly along the chains of end support sections to the ground. Work platforms extend horizontally between the end support sections and can move vertically independently of the end support sections. Means are provided for selectively attaching the ends of any work platform to the cables or the end support sections thereby enabling the independent movement of the end support sections and the work platforms during erection and disassembly of the scaffold system.

Abstract: A mobile siding scaffold system which comprises a roof vehicle and a scaffold. The roof vehicle is mounted on castors. Attached to the vehicle frame and extending over the front of the frame are two telescoping booms. These booms are provided with cables and suspension beam connection points, and enable the scaffolding to be carried along the sides and around the outside corners of buildings without the need to disassemble the scaffold. Adjustable outriggers are mounted on the frame so as to be able to extend in front of the frame for stability to prevent the weight of the scaffolding from upending the frame. For further stability, telescoping arms provided with counterweights may be mounted on the frame, so as to extend out to the rear of the frame. The scaffold includes the following: A horizontal platform suspension beam, which may be fastened to the cables and fastened to the support beam connection points, has holes aligned with the cables to allow the cable to pass through.