Abstract: A releasable joint connects an upright (10) and a transverse brace (16) in an aluminum scaffold frame. A horizontal aluminum flange (12) is attached to the upright (10) and an aluminum connector (18) to the brace (16). The connector (18) has a mouth (50) which receives the flange (12). A steel wedge (20) is inserted through a vertical passage (52) in the connector (18) and an opening (28) in the flange (12). The opening (28) contains a vertical, planar wedge-seating surface (36) of uniform horizontal cross-section. The connector (18) contains a pair of parallel, planar wedge-seating surfaces (54, 56), one above and one below the flange (12). These surfaces (54, 56) extend downwardly and radially outwardly relative to the upright (10) at a predetermined angle relative to vertical and have uniform horizontal cross-sections.

Abstract: A scaffold comprises uprights and transverse tubular braces formed of aluminum. Each upright includes a tubular post extruded with external alignment grooves. Identical aluminum flange assemblies are spaced apart along the post. Each flange assembly includes an extruded sleeve with internal aligning ribs that interlock with the external grooves of the post, and a flange cast with internal ribs that interlock with external alignment grooves extruded with the sleeve. Flange decreases continuously from a central part to its periphery. A set of wedge-receiving openings is formed between the central part and periphery. A brace carries an aluminum connector having upper and lower sections that define a mouth for receiving the flange. An outer part of the mouth mates with inclined upper and lower surfaces of the central part of the flange. An inner part of the mouth remains clear of the flange so that shear forces and bending moments are applied by the brace to the thicker central part of the flange.

Abstract: A pump jack scaffold includes a pair of extruded aluminum poles. Each pole has a rectangular cross-section. Wood is adhered to one side wall of each pole, providing a surface a jack mechanism can grip. Each of the other three side walls is extruded with a longitudinal structure, internal to the pole, which defines a lengthwise T-slot opening into the exterior of the associated sidewall. Bolts are insert into the T-slots to fasten braces, which can be used either to engage an adjacent building structure, to join the uprights to define a more unitary structure, or to render the scaffold self-supporting. Each pole is separable into upper and lower sections for transportation. The sections are joined by a resilient internal bridging member which is extruded of aluminum. It has an elongate central portion, webs extending radially from the central part, and a bracing portion terminating each web and engaging a corner of the pole.

Abstract: A plank for use on a scaffold. The principal component is a hollow integral aluminum extrusion with an elongate rectangular shape transverse to its length. The extrusion has a top wall, a pair of spaced-apart opposing sidewalls extending downwardly from the top wall, and a longitudinal locking structure located between the sidewalls. A complementary fastening assembly cooperates with the locking structure to secure the extrusion to a horizontal cross-member of the scaffold. Sheet material containing mineral particulates is adhered to the upper surface of the extrusion to provide a non-slip walking surface. After use in an environment containing dangerous contaminants, such as radioactive materials, the sheet material may be stripped for disposal and the extrusion cleaned with an appropriate solvent before re-application of fresh sheet material.

Abstract: A knock-down swing stage base includes a pair of extruded aluminum beams with generally C-shaped cross-sections. The beams are oriented parallel to one another and joined by identical aluminum cross-members. Each cross-member is integrally extruded with paired ribs defining a set of screw-receiving passages in a predetermined spacing arrangement. Sets of apertures are formed in the webs of the beams at regular intervals, each set observing the spacing arrangement characteristic of the set of screw-receiving passages. Each cross-member is located with its set of screw-receiving passages simultaneously registered with a set of apertures in one beam and a corresponding set in the other beam. Screws are used to releasably secured the cross-members to the beams. A combination of left-hand and right-hand screws are used to enhance resistance of the base to twisting. Brackets are shaped to receive and slide along an upper flange extruded with each beam.