Multipurpose frame assembly

Abstract

A multipurpose frame assembly (10) for interconnection with existing conventional scaffolding modules (M) is disclosed. The frame assembly (10) includes a plurality of end frames (12,14). The end frames (12,14) each include four, generally coextensive, coplanar legs (22,24,34,36), with at least two of the legs being spaced apart an industry standard dimension (DIS). Paired sets of the legs (16,18) are coupled together by horizontal rungs (38,40) that cooperate with a cross member assembly (20) to provide one of the paired sets (16,18) the industry standard spacing. In other embodiments, end frames (100,200) include a knock-down cross member assembly (106) and a box cross member assembly (206), respectively. Further disclosed embodiments show a multipurpose frame assembly (300) configured for vertically shoring a high capacity load and a tower assembly (400) configured for elevating a work surface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to assemblies for shoring a load or supporting an elevated work surface. More specifically, the present invention concerns a multipurpose frame assembly including a plurality of end frames that each have four legs comprising two sets of paired legs with the sets being coupled to each other and one of the sets being coupled together with a cross member assembly. The four-legged construction provides a high strength frame for vertically shoring high capacity loads yet allows the frame to be complementally dimensioned for interconnection with conventional modular scaffolding to support and elevate a work surface.

[0003] 2. Discussion of Prior Art

[0004] In many construction applications it is necessary to vertically support an elevated load. For example, when building a multistoried structure, typically a concrete floor is poured at each story that requires shoring during construction. It is known in the art to use dedicated high-strength shoring frames to support such loads.

[0005] It is also often necessary in the construction industry to vertically support an elevated work surface. For example, in order to perform work on the exterior of a building (e.g., brick laying, painting, roofing, sandblasting, etc.), workers typically require an elevated work surface to support themselves, their tools, and the building materials. It is known in the art to construct a system of scaffolding supported on the ground for elevating such work surfaces. Conventional modular scaffolding is typically used for these purposes and includes modules formed from frames having legs spaced apart an industry standard width (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or 5 feet). Each frame is removably couplable to another frame (e.g., using diagonal braces) to form a standardized module. The legs complementally couple with the legs of other modules so that modules can be vertically coupled together to construct a tower. This conventional scaffolding is relatively light weight so as to be easily portable and therefore is limited in its capacity to securely elevate a work surface to some heights. It is known in the art to utilize dedicated high-strength shoring frames as a lowermost base to support conventional scaffolding in a tower configuration in order to increase the stable elevation of the work surface.

[0006] Known prior art dedicated high-strength shoring frames are problematic and have several limitations. For example, prior art shoring frames require relatively large diameter tubing formed of a heavy metal in order to support a high capacity load and are therefore not readily portable. In addition, prior art shoring frames must be fitted with decking and retrofit with specially manufactured frame connectors in order to be coupled to conventional scaffolding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides an improved multipurpose frame assembly that does not suffer from the problems and limitations of prior art shoring frames as set forth above. The inventive frame assembly includes a plurality of end frames that each utilize a four-legged construction that provides a high strength frame for vertically shoring high capacity loads yet allows the frame to be complementally dimensioned for interconnection with conventional modular scaffolding to support and elevate a work surface.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention concerns a multipurpose frame assembly for interconnection with existing conventional modular scaffolding frames each which include load-bearing connection legs spaced apart an industry standard distance. The multipurpose frame assembly includes a plurality of end frames. Each end frame broadly includes a first set of paired legs spaced apart a first distance, a second set of paired legs coupled to the first set of paired legs and being spaced apart a second distance that is different from the first distance, and a cross member assembly operable to couple the first set of paired legs together. The first and second sets of paired legs are coextensive and generally coplanar. The first and second sets of paired legs are adapted to couple to another end frame of the multipurpose frame assembly. One of the first or second distances is an industry standard distance so that the corresponding first or second set of paired legs is adapted to couple to an existing conventional modular scaffolding frame.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention concerns a multipurpose frame assembly that is similar to the frame assembly provided in the first aspect of the invention previously discussed. However, each end frame of the frame assembly of this second aspect of the invention broadly includes a cross member assembly that is operable to removably couple the first set of paired legs together.

[0010] A third aspect of the present invention concerns a tower assembly that broadly includes a base assembly including a first base frame removably coupled to a second base frame, and a scaffold assembly vertically supported on the base assembly and including a first scaffold frame removably coupled to a second scaffold frame. The first and second base frames each include two inner base legs horizontally spaced a first dimension and two outer base legs horizontally spaced a second dimension that is different from the first dimension. The first and second scaffold frames each include two scaffold legs horizontally spaced one of the first or second dimensions.

[0011] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multipurpose frame assembly constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and shown interconnected with existing conventional modular scaffolding;

[0014] FIG. 2 is an enlarged elevational view of an end frame of the multipurpose frame assembly illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 3 is an exploded elevational view of an end frame of a multipurpose frame assembly constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention and including a knock-down cross member assembly;

[0016] FIG. 4 is an elevational view of an end frame of a multipurpose frame assembly constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention and including a box cross member assembly;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a multipurpose frame assembly constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention and including four interconnected end frames; and

[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tower assembly constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention and shown supported on a sidewalk.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Turning initially to FIG. 1, the multipurpose frame assembly 10 selected for illustration is shown interconnected with a module M of existing conventional modular scaffolding. The module M is comprised of two frames F1 and F2, each having legs L1,L2 and L3,L4 respectively. The legs L1,L2 and L3,L4 of each frame F1,F2 are spaced an industry standard dimension (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or 5 feet) designated in FIG. 1 as DIS. In this manner, the frames are readily connectable to other frames to construct scaffolding towers for elevating a work surface. In this regard, each of the legs L1,L2,L3, and L4 include open axial ends E adapted to receive (e.g., dimensioned for a press-fitting, holed for receipt of locking pins, etc.) frame connectors (not shown) for connecting one frame to another frame. The frames F1 and F2 are removably and horizontally coupled together by diagonal braces B1 and B2. Supported on the frames F1 and F2 are walkboards W1,W2,W3 forming the elevated work surface. The illustrated multipurpose frame assembly 10 includes end frames 12 and 14. Each of the end frames 12,14 are virtually identical and therefore only the end frame 12 will be described in detail with the understanding that the end frame 14 is constructed in a similar manner. The end frame 12 broadly includes a paired set of inner legs 16, a paired set of outer legs 18, and a cross member assembly 20.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the paired set of inner legs 16 includes legs 22 and 24. For purposes that will subsequently be described, the legs 22 and 24 are generally coextensive and generally coplanar with one another. Each of the legs 22,24 are generally tubular in shape and include open axial ends (only the upper axial ends 26 and 28 of the legs 22 and 24, respectively, are shown). The axial ends are configured to define inner diameters dimensioned to receive conventional frame connectors (not shown) for vertically coupling the respective leg to a leg of another frame. Each of the legs 22,24 also include diametrically opposed pin-receiving apertures 30 formed in the circumferential surface thereof adjacent the open axial ends. The apertures 30 are configured to receive cotter-type pins (not shown) for securing the frame connectors to the legs 22,24. In a similar manner, the axial ends of the legs 22,24 are operable to receive most any type of standardized accessory commonly used with existing conventional scaffolding frames (e.g., casters, leveling jacks, etc.). The legs 22 and 24 are coupled together by the cross member assembly 20. For purposes that will subsequently be described, the cross member assembly 20 is configured so that the legs 22 and 24 are spaced apart a first dimension 32 (see FIG. 2).

[0021] The paired set of outer legs 18 includes legs 34 and 36. The legs 34 and 36 are configured in a manner similar to the configuration of the legs 22 and 24. In this regard, the legs 34 and 36 are generally coextensive, coplanar, and tubular in shape. The legs 34 and 36 include open axial ends that define inner diameters dimensioned to receive standardized accessories including frame connectors. The legs 34 and 36 further include the pin-receiving apertures 30. Each of the legs 34,36 is fixed relative to a respective one of the legs 22,24 by a plurality of corresponding horizontal rungs 38 and 40 (see FIG. 2). For purposes that will subsequently be described, the rungs 38,40 are configured to cooperate with the cross member assembly 20 so that the legs 34 and 36 are spaced apart a second dimension 42 (see FIG. 2). The second dimension 42 is different from the first dimension 32 and in the illustrated end frame 12 the dimension 42 is greater than the dimension 32.

[0022] Each of the legs 22,24,34,36 is generally coextensive with all of the other legs. In this manner, each of the legs 22,24,34,36 is configured to be a load-bearing leg. The legs 22,24,34,36 can be used in combination with accessories such as leveling jacks and shore heads and therefore substantial coextensiveness of all legs is not critical. However, the four-legged construction of the end frames of the present invention provides for a high strength frame capable of vertically shoring high capacity loads, therefore, it is important that the legs be at least generally coextensive. Each of the legs 22,24,34,36 is also generally coplanar with all of the other legs. In this manner, the end frame 12 is readily vertically interconnectable with other similarly configured end frames as well as existing conventional modular scaffolding frames. In this regard, it is important that one of the first or second dimensions 32,42 be equivalent to an industry standard width dimension for existing conventional modular scaffolding frames (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or 5 feet). In the multipurpose frame assembly 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second dimension 42 is an industry standard width. Accordingly, the legs L1,L2,L3,L4 of the module M connect to the outer paired set of legs of the end frames 12 and 14 (see FIG. 1).

[0023] The end frame 12 is also readily horizontally and removably couplable to other similarly configured end frames (e.g., end frame 14 as shown in FIG. 1). In this regard, each of the legs 22,24,34,36 include a plurality of frame locks 44 fixed to the circumferential surface thereof. Each of the frame locks 44 is configured to receive a complemental end portion of a diagonal brace 46. The illustrated frame locks 44 are Q-type locks known in the art. Suitable frame locks are available from Granite Industries of Archbold, Ohio under the trade name Q-Lock. It is within the ambit of the present invention to utilize any suitable frame lock, for example, D-, H-, S-, W-, or X-type locks (also available from Granite Industries). It is further within the ambit of the present invention to utilize other safety features that are not shown in the illustrated end frames. Exemplary features are disclosed in the following filed application for U.S. patents (having the same inventive entity as the present application): Ser. No. 09/766,334, entitled UTILITY SCAFFOLDING HAVING SAFETY FEATURES, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein as is necessary for a full and complete understanding of the present invention.

[0024] As previously discussed, the legs 22,24,34,36 are each configured to receive standardized accessories such as leveling jacks. The multipurpose frame assembly 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1 includes jack plates 48 configured to be received by adjacent inner and outer legs (e.g., legs 22,34 and 24,36) and further configured to receive a standard leveling jack 50. However, a leveling jack for each leg could be utilized.

[0025] As previously discussed, the four-legged construction of the end frames of the present invention provides for a high strength frame capable of vertically shoring high capacity loads. In addition, the four-legged construction allows for a frame formed of tubing typically used for existing conventional modular scaffolding frames (e.g., steel tubing having an industry standard inner diameter such as 1⅜ inch). In this manner, the end frames are relatively light weight so as to be readily portable. Moreover, as previously discussed, the end frames are readily connectable to existing conventional modular scaffolding frames as well as the standardized accessories associated therewith. In this regard, the legs of the end frames 12 and 14 are preferably formed of steel tubing having an industry standard inner diameter. However, the legs need not be formed of steel or even of tubing as it is well within the ambit of the present invention to utilize various alternative configurations, designs, materials, etc. for the legs of the end frames. It is important, however, that the end frame include four, generally coextensive, coplanar legs, with at least two of the legs being spaced apart an industry standard dimension.

[0026] As previously discussed, the cross member assembly 20 couples the legs 22,24 of the paired set of inner legs 16 together so that they are spaced apart the first dimension 32. The cross member assembly 20 of the frame assembly 10 includes two horizontally extending bars 52 and 54. The bars 52 and 54 are closely spaced and separated by transverse supports 56. In the illustrated end frame 12, the bars 52,54 are fixed to the legs 22,24 (e.g., weldment, etc.). However, it is within the ambit of the present invention to utilize various alternative configurations and designs for the cross member assembly 20. It is important, however, that the cross member assembly 20, singly or in combination with the horizontal rungs 36,38, provide for one of the first or second dimensions 32,42 to be an industry standard dimension.

[0027] One such alternative configuration is the knock-down cross member assembly utilized in the end frame 100 illustrated in FIG. 3. The end frame 100 includes a paired set of inner legs 102, a paired set of outer legs 104, and a cross member assembly 106. The paired sets of inner and outer legs 102,104 are substantially similar to the paired sets of legs 16 and 18 of the end frame 12 and therefore will not be further described in detail. The knock-down cross member assembly 106 is similar to the cross member assembly 20 of the end frame 12 in that it provides, singly or in combination with horizontal rungs, for one of the first or second dimensions to be an industry standard dimension. However, the cross member assembly 106 removably couples the inner legs 102. In this regard, the assembly 106 includes a horizontally extending spacer 108 removably coupled between spacer-receiving shafts 110. The shafts 110 are fixed to the inner legs 102 (e.g., welded, etc.). The spacer 108 is coupled to the shafts 110 by pins 112. The spacer 108 and the pins 112 each include complementing apertures 114 configured for receiving cotter-type pins (not shown) for removably coupling the spacer 108 to the pins 112. In the illustrated end frame 100, the pins 112 are fixed to the shafts 110. However, it is within the ambit of the present invention to utilize various alternative designs for the assembly 106. For example, the pins 112 could be removably coupled to the shafts 110. It is also possible for the pins 112 to be fixed to the spacer 108 in a permanent manner (e.g., by welding) and removably coupled to the shafts 110. The knock-down cross member assembly 106 provides an end frame that can be readily disassembled for transport through restricted ingresses to job sites requiring an elevated work surface (e.g., below a city street requiring ingress through a man-hole).

[0028] Another alternative configuration is the box cross member assembly utilized in the end frame 200 illustrated in FIG. 4. The end frame 200 includes a paired set of inner legs 202, a paired set of outer legs 204, and a cross member assembly 206. The paired sets of inner and outer legs 202,204 are substantially similar to the paired sets of legs 16 and 18 of the end frame 12 and therefore will not be further described in detail. The box cross member assembly 206 is similar to the cross member assembly 20 of the end frame 12 in that it provides, singly or in combination with horizontal rungs, for one of the first or second dimensions to be an industry standard dimension. However, the cross member assembly 206 couples the inner legs 202 together and provides for work surfaces to be supported at two different elevations. In this regard, the assembly 206 includes a first horizontally extending bar 208 rigidly fixed between the paired set of inner legs 202 and a second horizontally extending bar 210 rigidly fixed between the legs 202. The first and second bars 208,210 are located on opposing sides of the vertical center defined by the paired set of inner legs 202. The first and second bars 208,210 are vertically spaced from the vertical center so as to each be located adjacent a respective axial end of the inner legs 202 (see FIG. 4). The bars 208,210 are sufficiently spaced to allow a work surface (e.g., walkboards, etc.) to be supported on either or both bars 208,210. Each of the bars 208,210 is supported by corresponding trusses 212 and 214, respectively, that are fixed to the corresponding bar 208 or 210 and an adjacent leg of the paired set of inner legs 202.

[0029] As previously discussed with respect to the end frame 12, the inventive four-legged construction of the present invention provides for a high strength frame capable of vertically shoring a high capacity load. In addition, each of the end frame embodiments discussed above is configured for both vertical and horizontal coupling with other similarly configured frames. As detailed above, it is important that the end frame configuration include four, generally coextensive, coplanar legs, with at least two of the legs being spaced apart an industry standard dimension. However, it is within the ambit of the present invention to utilize many varied alternative configurations and designs embodying these important features. One such alternative frame design is the multipurpose frame assembly 300 illustrated in FIG. 5. The frame assembly 300 includes four end frames 302, 304, 306, and 308 coupled together in a load-shoring configuration.

[0030] The end frames 302,304,306,308 are all virtually identically configured and therefore only the end frame 302 will be described with the understanding that the end frames 304,306,308 are similarly configured. The end frame 302 is similar to the end frame 12 of the frame assembly 10 described above and includes a paired set of inner legs 310 (defining a first dimension), a paired set of outer legs 312 (defining a second dimension), and a cross member assembly 314. The cross member assembly 314 is similar to the cross member assembly 20 of the end frame 12 and it provides, singly or in combination with horizontal rungs, for one of the first or second dimensions to be an industry standard dimension. Each of the legs of the end frame 302 includes frame locks 316 for receiving an end portion of a diagonal brace 318. The diagonal braces 318 removably and horizontally couple the end frame 302 to the end frame 304. The illustrated frame locks are disclosed and claimed in the copending application for U.S. patents (having the same inventive entity as the present application), Ser. No. 09/756,949, entitled LOCKING ASSEMBLY MECHANISM FOR SCAFFOLDING, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein as is necessary for a full and complete understanding of the present invention.

[0031] The illustrated end frame 302 includes a leveling jack 320 coupled to the lower open axial end of each of the legs of the paired sets 310,312. The frame assembly 300 is configured for vertically shoring a high capacity load. In this regard, the horizontal rungs of the end frame 302 are configured to space the corresponding adjacent inner and outer legs a greater distance than the end frames previously described. However, the horizontal rungs cooperate with the cross member assembly 314 to provide an industry standard dimension for one of the first or second dimensions. In addition, each of the coextensive legs of the paired sets of inner and outer legs 310,312 have a shorter height dimension than the previously described end frames.

[0032] As previously described, the end frames of the present invention are readily vertically interconnectable with existing conventional modular scaffolding frames. In application, the inventive frames provide for an improved tower assembly for elevating a work surface. One example is the tower assembly 400 illustrated in FIG. 6. The tower assembly 400 includes a base assembly 402 and a scaffold assembly 404 vertically supported on the base assembly 402. The base assembly 402 includes a first base frame 406 removably and horizontally coupled to a second base frame 408 (with frame locks and diagonal braces). The base frames 406,408 are configured similarly to the end frames 12,14 of the frame assembly 10 and each include four coextensive legs (with only the base frame 406 being described). The base frame 406 includes two inner base legs 410,412 and two outer base legs 414,416. The inner base legs 410,412 are horizontally spaced a first dimension and the outer base legs 414,416 are horizontally spaced a second dimension that is different from the first dimension. In the illustrated tower assembly 400, the first dimension is an industry standard dimension, however, as previously described, the second dimension, rather than the first, could be an industry standard dimension. In this regard, the scaffold assembly 404 is vertically coupled to the inner base legs of the base frames 406 and 408 (e.g., with frame connectors, etc.). The legs of each of the frames of the scaffold assembly 404 are spaced an industry standard dimension equivalent to the first dimension. The scaffold assembly 404 is virtually identical to the previously discussed scaffolding module M and therefore will not be described in detail. The tower assembly 400 is illustrated in use as a sidewalk tower. For a sidewalk tower application, it is preferred that the paired set of inner legs be spaced an industry standard dimension, and most preferably the widest industry standard dimension (e.g., 5 feet).

[0033] The preferred forms of the invention described above are to be used as illustration only, and should not be utilized in a limiting sense in interpreting the scope of the present invention. Obvious modifications to the exemplary embodiments, as hereinabove set forth, could be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0034] The inventor hereby states his intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of the present invention as pertains to any apparatus not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A multipurpose frame assembly for interconnection with existing conventional modular scaffolding frames each of which include load-bearing connection legs spaced apart an industry standard distance, the multipurpose frame assembly including a plurality of end frames each comprising:

a first set of paired legs spaced apart a first distance;

a second set of paired legs coupled to the first set of paired legs and being spaced apart a second distance that is different from the first distance; and

a cross member assembly operable to couple the first set of paired legs together,

said first and second sets of paired legs being coextensive and generally coplanar,

said first and second sets of paired legs being adapted to couple to legs of another end frame of the multipurpose frame assembly,

one of said first or second distances being at least substantially equal to the industry standard distance so that the corresponding first or second set of paired legs is adapted to couple to an existing conventional modular scaffolding frame.

2. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 1,

the second set of paired legs being fixed relative to the first set of paired legs by at least two horizontally extending rungs.

3. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 2,

each leg of the first and second sets of paired legs including axially opposite open ends adapted to receive connection means for vertically coupling the leg to other end frames of the multipurpose frame assembly and to existing conventional modular scaffolding frames.

4. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 3,

each set of paired legs including at least one frame lock adapted to receive a brace for removably horizontally coupling the set of paired legs to another end frame of the multipurpose frame assembly.

5. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 1,

said cross member assembly including at least one horizontally extending bar rigidly fixed between the first set of paired legs.

6. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 5,

said cross member assembly including at least one additional horizontally extending bar rigidly fixed between the first set of paired legs,

said at least one additional bar being substantially vertically spaced from said at least one bar.

7. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 5,

said one of the first or second distances being the first distance so that the first set of paired legs is adapted to couple to an existing conventional modular scaffolding frame.

8. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 5,

said one of the first or second distances being the second distance so that the second set of paired legs is adapted to couple to an existing conventional modular scaffolding frame.

9. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 1,

said cross member assembly including at least one horizontally extending spacer removably coupled between the first set of paired legs and being operable to removably couple the first set of paired legs together.

10. A tower assembly comprising:

a base assembly including spaced apart, removably coupled first and second base frames,

said first and second base frames each including two inner base legs and two outer base legs,

said inner and outer legs being generally coextensive,

said two inner base legs of each base frame being horizontally spaced a first dimension,

said two outer base legs of each base frame being horizontally spaced a second dimension that is different from the first dimension; and

a scaffold assembly vertically supported on the base assembly and including spaced apart, removably coupled first and second scaffold frames,

said first and second scaffold frames each including a pair of scaffold legs,

said scaffold legs of each pair being horizontally spaced one of said first or second dimensions.

11. The tower assembly as claimed in claim 10,

all of said legs having a substantially similar inner diameter.

12. The tower assembly as claimed in claim 11,

said scaffold legs of each pair being horizontally spaced the first dimension,

each of said inner base legs being vertically coupled to one of the scaffold legs.

13. The tower assembly as claimed in claim 11,

said scaffold legs of each pair being horizontally spaced the second dimension,

each of said outer base legs being vertically coupled to one of the scaffold legs.

14. A multipurpose frame assembly for interconnection with existing conventional modular scaffolding frames each of which include load-bearing connection legs spaced apart an industry standard distance, the multipurpose frame assembly including a plurality of end frames each comprising:

a first set of paired legs spaced apart a first distance;

a second set of paired legs coupled to the first set of paired legs and being spaced apart a second distance that is different from the first distance; and

a cross member assembly operable to removably couple the first set of paired legs together,

said first and second sets of paired legs being coextensive and generally coplanar,

said first and second sets of paired legs being adapted to couple to another end frame of the multipurpose frame assembly,

one of said first or second distances being at least substantially equivalent to the industry standard distance so that the corresponding first or second set of paired legs is adapted to couple to an existing conventional modular scaffolding frame.

15. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 14,

the second set of paired legs being fixed relative to the first set of paired legs by at least two horizontally extending rungs.

16. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 15,

each leg of the first and second sets of paired legs including axially opposite open ends adapted to receive connection means for vertically coupling the leg to other end frames of the multipurpose frame assembly and to existing conventional modular scaffolding frames.

17. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 16,

each set of paired legs including at least one frame lock adapted to receive a brace for removably horizontally coupling the set of paired legs to another end frame of the multipurpose frame assembly.

18. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 17,

said one of the first or second distances being the first distance so that the first set of paired legs is adapted to couple to an existing conventional modular scaffolding frame.

19. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 17,

said one of the first or second distances being the second distance so that the second set of paired legs is adapted to couple to an existing conventional modular scaffolding frame.

20. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 14,

said cross member assembly including at least one horizontally extending spacer removably coupled between the first set of paired legs and being operable to removably couple the first set of paired legs together.

21. A multipurpose frame assembly for interconnection with existing conventional modular scaffolding frames each of which include load-bearing connection legs spaced apart an industry standard distance, the multipurpose frame assembly including a plurality of end frames each comprising:

a first set of paired legs spaced apart a first distance;

a second set of paired legs coupled to the first set of paired legs and being spaced apart a second distance that is different from the first distance; and

a cross member assembly operable to couple the first set of paired legs together,

said first and second sets of paired legs being coextensive and generally coplanar,

said first and second sets of paired legs being adapted to couple to another end frame of the multipurpose frame assembly,

one of said first or second distances being an industry standard distance so that the corresponding first or second set of paired legs is adapted to couple to an existing conventional modular scaffolding frame,

said cross member assembly including first and second horizontally extending bars rigidly fixed between the first set of paired legs,

said first set of paired legs defining a vertical center,

said first and second bars being located on opposing sides of said vertical center and vertically spaced therefrom.

22. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 21,

the second set of paired legs being fixed relative to the first set of paired legs by at least two horizontally extending rungs.

23. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 22,

each leg of the first and second sets of paired legs including axially opposite open ends adapted to receive connection means for vertically coupling the leg to other end frames of the multipurpose frame assembly and to existing conventional modular scaffolding frames.

24. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 23,

each set of paired legs including at least one frame lock adapted to receive a brace for removably horizontally coupling the set of paired legs to another end frame of the multipurpose frame assembly.

25. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 21,

said one of the first or second distances being the first distance so that the first set of paired legs is adapted to couple to an existing conventional modular scaffolding frame.

26. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 21,

said one of the first or second distances being the second distance so that the second set of paired legs is adapted to couple to an existing conventional modular scaffolding frame.

27. A method of constructing a tower comprising the steps of:

(a) assembling a base having eight coextensive legs; and

(b) vertically supporting a scaffold having four coextensive legs on the base so that the four legs of the scaffold are coupled to four of the eight legs of the base.

28. The method as claimed in claim 27,

step (a) including the steps of assembling two four-legged end frames and removably and horizontally coupling the end frames together.

29. The method as claimed in claim 28,

step (b) including the steps of supporting a two-legged scaffold frame on the inner-most legs of one of the four-legged end frames and supporting another two-legged scaffold frame on the inner-most legs of the other four-legged end frame.

30. The method as claimed in claim 28,

step (b) including the steps of supporting a two-legged scaffold frame on the outer-most legs of one of the four-legged end frames and supporting another two-legged scaffold frame on the outer-most legs of the other four-legged end frame.