SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTIVE SCAFFOLDING

Abstract

A scaffold system includes at least two essentially vertical support assemblies having an upper end and a lower end, wherein each essentially vertical support assembly includes at least two vertical support members connected by at least one horizontal member. A platform is attached proximate to the upper ends of the at least two essentially vertical support assemblies, wherein the vertical support assemblies are positioned to be proximate to a structure. One or more gap fillers are movably attached adjacent to the platform along at least a portion of the platform length and are configured to extend at least a portion of the platform towards the structure. One or more movable gates are attached to the essentially vertical support assemblies of one or more movable scaffolds, wherein the movable scaffolds are configured to be positioned on opposite sides of the structure to enable access to a top of the structure, and the movable gates may be connected to each other over the top of the structure.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to scaffold systems, and more particularly, to scaffold systems incorporating gap fillers and/or gates.

BACKGROUND

Scaffold systems are generally well-known in the art for providing users with access to structures that would not be achievable from ground-level. The composition of scaffold systems may vary greatly, as any materials that may support a user above ground-level may constitute such a system. However, scaffold systems in the art share similar deficiencies with regard to providing users with safe access to the structures. For example, due to the shape of many structures, the scaffold system may not be able to be positioned close to the structure where access may be needed. This may create a gap between the scaffold and the structure through which a user could fall. Further, while scaffold may be positioned on opposite sides of a structure, they may not provide a 360-degree zone of safety for users on top of the structure. Moreover, these scaffold systems lack the ability to integrate with each other to create boundaries for the users.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a scaffold system includes at least two essentially vertical support assemblies having an upper end and a lower end, wherein each essentially vertical support assembly includes at least two vertical support members connected by at least one horizontal member. A platform is attached proximate to the upper ends of the at least two essentially vertical support assemblies, the platform including a length and a width, wherein the vertical support assemblies are positioned to be proximate to a structure. One or more gap fillers are movably attached adjacent to the platform along at least a portion of the platform length, wherein the one or more gap fillers are configured to extend at least a portion of the platform towards the structure.

One or more of the following features may be included. One or more rolling assemblies may be attached proximate to the lower end of the at least two essentially vertical assemblies, wherein the one or more rolling assemblies may be configured to enable the scaffold system to be movable. The at least two essentially vertical support assemblies may include a plurality of keyholes within the at least two vertical support members, wherein the plurality of keyholes may be configured to enable the platform to be removably attached to the at least two essentially vertical support assemblies in a plurality of positions along a height of the at least two vertical support assemblies. The at least two essentially vertical support assemblies may also include a plurality of horizontal members, wherein the plurality of horizontal members may be configured to be attached to the at least two essentially vertical support assemblies to enable a user to access the platform.

The scaffold system may include one or more stability members, wherein the one or more stability members may be configured to attach to the at least two vertical support assemblies to provide the at least two essentially vertical support assemblies with resistance to separation from each other. The scaffold system may also include one or more reinforcing members, wherein the one or more reinforcing members may be attached between at least one of the at least two essentially vertical support assemblies and the platform. The structure may be chosen from the group consisting of: buildings; buses; trains; cars; trucks; and airplanes. The platform may include horizontal beams that may be removably attached proximate to the upper ends of the at least two essentially vertical support assemblies, wherein the horizontal beams may be spaced apart from each other to create a void between the horizontal beams. A planar structure may be configured to attach to the horizontal beams to span the void.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, a scaffold system includes a first movable scaffold. The first movable scaffold includes a first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies having an upper end and a lower end, wherein each essentially vertical support assembly includes at least two vertical support members connected by at least one horizontal member. A first platform is attached proximate to the upper end of the first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies, the first platform including a length and a width, wherein the first set of at least two vertical support assemblies are positioned to be proximate to a structure. A first movable gate is attached to the first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies.

A second movable scaffold is configured to be proximate to an opposite side of the structure. The second movable scaffold includes a second set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies having an upper end and a lower end, wherein each essentially vertical support assembly includes at least two vertical support members connected by at least one horizontal member. A second platform is attached proximate to the upper end of the second set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies, the second platform including a length and a width, wherein the vertical support assemblies are positioned to be proximate to the structure. A second movable gate is attached to the second set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies, wherein the first movable scaffold and the second movable scaffold are configured to be positioned on opposite sides of the structure to enable access to a top of the structure, and the first movable gate and the second movable gate may be connected to each other over the top of the structure.

One or more of the following features may be included. At least the first movable scaffold may include one or more rolling assemblies that may be attached proximate to the lower end of at least the first set of the two essentially vertical support assemblies. At least the first set of the two essentially vertical support assemblies may include a plurality of keyholes, wherein the plurality of keyholes may be configured to enable the first platform to be removably attached to at least the first set of the two essentially vertical support assemblies in a plurality of positions along a height of at least the first set of the two vertical support assemblies. At least the first gate may include one or more keys, wherein the one or more keys may be configured to interface with the plurality of keyholes to enable the first gate to be removably attached to at least the first set of the two essentially vertical support assemblies in a plurality of positions along a height of at least the first set of the two vertical support assemblies. At least the first set of the at least two essentially vertical support assemblies may include a plurality of horizontal members, wherein the plurality of horizontal members may be configured to be removably attached to at least the first set of the two essentially vertical support assemblies to enable a user to access the platform.

The scaffold system may include one or more stability members, wherein the one or more stability members may be configured to attach to at least the first set of at least two vertical support assemblies to provide at least the first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies with resistance to separation from each other. The scaffold system may also include one or more reinforcing members, wherein the one or more reinforcing members may be configured to attach between at least the first set of the two essentially vertical support assemblies and the first platform. The structure may be chosen from the group consisting of: buildings; buses; trains; cars; trucks; and airplanes. At least the first platform may also include horizontal beams removably attached proximate to the upper ends of at least the first set of the two essentially vertical support assemblies, wherein the horizontal beams may be spaced apart from each other to create a void between the horizontal beams. A planar structure may be configured to attach to the horizontal beams to span the void.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, a scaffold system includes a first movable scaffold. The first movable scaffold includes a first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies having an upper end and a lower end, wherein each essentially vertical support assembly includes at least two vertical support members connected by at least one horizontal member. A first platform is attached proximate to the upper end of the first set of the at least two essentially vertical support assemblies, the first platform including a length and a width, wherein the first set of at least two vertical support assemblies are positioned to be proximate to a structure. A first movable gate is attached to the first set of at least two essentially vertical support members. A first set of one or more gap fillers is movably attached proximate to the first platform, wherein the first set of one or more gap fillers are configured to extend the first platform towards the structure.

A second movable scaffold is configured to be proximate to an opposite side of the structure. The second movable scaffold includes a second set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies having an upper end and a lower end, wherein each essentially vertical support assembly includes at least two vertical support members connected by at least one horizontal member. A second platform is attached proximate to the upper end of the second set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies, the second platform including a length and a width, wherein the second set of at least two vertical support assemblies are positioned to be proximate to the structure. A second movable gate is attached to the second set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies, wherein the first movable scaffold and the second movable scaffold are configured to be positioned on opposite sides of the structure to enable access to a top of the structure, and the first movable gate and the second movable gate may be connected to each other over the top of the structure. A second set of one or more gap fillers are movably attached proximate to the second platform, wherein the second set of one or more gap fillers are configured to extend the second platform towards the structure.

One or more of the following features may be included. At least the first movable scaffold may include one or more rolling assemblies that may be attached proximate to the lower end of the first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies. At least the first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies may include a plurality of keyholes, wherein the plurality of keyholes may be configured to enable the first platform to be removably attached to the first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies in a plurality of positions along a height of the first set of at least two vertical support assemblies. At least the first gate may include one or more keys, wherein the one or more keys may be configured to interface with the plurality of keyholes to enable the first gate to be removably attached to at least the first set of the two essentially vertical assemblies in a plurality of positions along a height of the first set of at least two vertical support assemblies. At least the first movable scaffold may include a plurality of horizontal members, wherein the plurality of horizontal members may be configured to be removably attached to at least the first set of the two essentially vertical assemblies to enable a user to access the first platform.

The scaffold system may include one or more stability members, wherein the one or more stability members may be configured to attach to at least the first set of the two vertical support assemblies to provide the first set of the two essentially vertical support assemblies with resistance to separation from each other. At least the first movable scaffold may include one or more reinforcing members, wherein the one or more reinforcing members may be configured to attach between at least the first set of the two essentially vertical support assemblies and the first platform. The structure may be chosen from the group consisting of: buildings; buses; trains; cars; trucks; and airplanes. At least the first platform may include horizontal beams removably attached proximate to the upper ends of the first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies, wherein the horizontal beams are spaced apart from each other to create a void between the horizontal beams. A planar structure may be configured to attach to the horizontal beams to span the void.

The invention may be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages. The scaffold system may be easily movable and positioned around any number of structures. Also, it may include gap fillers to provide users with safe passage between the scaffold system and a structure by diminishing the chance that a user could fall between the scaffold and the structure. Further, the scaffold system may include gates that, when interfaced with each other and a railing along the scaffolding, may provide a 360-degree zone of safety (e.g., boundary) within which users may safely access the top of a structure.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a scaffold system according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is side view of the scaffold system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is top view of the scaffold system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a scaffold system according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an alternative embodiment a scaffold system according to another embodiment of the invention.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 & 2, there is shown an embodiment of a scaffold system 10. The scaffold system 10 may include at least two essentially vertical support assemblies 12A and 12B having an upper end 14 and a lower end 16. Each of the essentially vertical support assemblies 12A and 12B may include at least two vertical support members 18 connected by at least one horizontal member 20. The vertical support members 18 may be composed of steel angles, and may be metal inert gas (MIG) welded together with the horizontal member 20. The horizontal member 20 may be composed of one (1) inch steel pipe.

The essentially vertical support assemblies 12A and 12B may also include a plurality of horizontal members 20. The horizontal members 20 may be configured to be attached to the vertical support members 18 to enable a user to access a platform 22. The horizontal members 20, when positioned along a height 24 of the vertical support members 18, may be configured to form a ladder. The ladder may enable a user to climb the height 24 of the essentially vertical support assemblies 12A and 12B to access a platform 22.

The platform 22 may be attached proximate to the upper ends 14 of the essentially vertical support assemblies 12A and 12B. The platform 22 includes a length 26 and a width 28. The platform 22 may be made of any material capable of supporting at least one or more users, including, but not limited to steel, metal, plywood, or a combination of these materials. For example, the platform 22 may include a ⅝ inch thick plywood panel that may be edged with a ¾ inch steel channel.

The scaffold system 10 may be configured to be positioned next to a structure 30. The structure 30 may be any structure for which a user may desire access at a height greater than the user could obtain from a ground-level position. For example, the structure 30 may be a building, a bus, a train, a car, a truck, and an airplane. However, the shape of the structure 30 may not enable the scaffold system 10 to be positioned close to the structure 30 where access may be needed. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the wider base of a bus creates a gap 32 between the platform 22 and the top of the bus, which may create a dangerous work environment.

To span the gap 32, one or more gap fillers 34 may be movably attached adjacent to the platform 22 along at least a portion of the platform length 26. The gap fillers 34 may be configured to extend at least a portion of the platform 22 towards the structure 30, and thereby span the gap 32. The gap fillers 34 may be made of any material capable of supporting at least one or more users between the platform 22 and the structure 30, including, but not limited to steel, metal, plywood, or a combination of these materials. For example, the gap fillers 34 may include a ⅝ inch thick plywood panel that may be edged with a ¾ inch steel channel. The gap fillers 34 may be rotatably attached to the scaffolding system 10.

The gap fillers 34 may be movably attached adjacent to the platform 22 by rotatably coupling the gap filler 34 to the platform 22 by in such a way to be rotatable relative to the scaffold system 10.

In another exemplary embodiment, the gap fillers 34 may be configured as non-rotatable gap fillers that may be constructed with an essentially fixed right angle (e.g., in the form of a “step”) (not shown). When configured as such, the gap fillers 34 may be removably attached to, e.g., scaffolding system 10, thus providing repositionable access to the structure 30. The gap fillers 34 may be configured to enable the gap fillers 34 to be moved and positioned anywhere along the length of the scaffold system 10, thereby providing easy configuration to the structure 30.

One or more rolling assemblies 36 may be attached proximate to the lower end 16 of the essentially vertical assemblies 12A and 12B. The rolling assemblies 36 may be configured to enable the scaffold system 10 to be movable around the structure 30. The rolling assemblies 36 may include any mechanism capable of supporting the scaffold system 10, (including, but not limited to, one or more users) and that provides the scaffold system 10 with the ability to be moved. For example, 5 inch threaded-stem casters may be screwed into a threaded coupling that may be welded to the lower end 16 of the essentially vertical support assemblies 12A and 12B.

The essentially vertical support assemblies 12A and 12B may include a plurality of keyholes 38 within the vertical support members 18. The keyholes 38 may be configured to enable the platform 22 to be removably attached to the essentially vertical support members 18 in a plurality of positions along a height 24 of the vertical support assemblies 12A and 12B. The keyholes 38 may include a void in the shape of a key-hole, which, as will be discussed in greater detail below, may interface with the keys of other scaffolding systems.

The scaffold system 10 may include one or more stability members 40. The stability members 40 may be configured to attach to the vertical support assemblies 12A and 12B to provide the essentially vertical support assemblies 12A and 12B with resistance to separation from each other. The stability members 40 may include, but are not limited to trusses, extension trusses, and inverted trusses. The stability members 40 may be a sheet of metal folded and/or bent to form a shape having some structural integrity and/or strength. Further, when connected between the essentially vertical support assemblies 12A and 12B, the strength of the stability members 40 may provide the essentially vertical support assemblies 12A and 12B with resistance to separation from each other.

The scaffold system 10 may also include one or more reinforcing members 42. The reinforcing members 42 may be attached between at least one of the essentially vertical support assemblies 12A and 12B and the platform 22. To provide the platform 22 with strength sufficient to support at least one or more users, the reinforcing members 42 may be connected diagonally between at least one of the essentially vertical support assemblies 12A and 12B and the platform 22.

Referring also to FIG. 3, the platform 22 may include horizontal beams 44 that may be removably attached proximate to the upper ends 14 of the essentially vertical support assemblies 12A and 12B. The horizontal beams 44 may be spaced apart from each other to create a space between the horizontal beams 44 into which the platform 22 may be positioned. The horizontal beams 44 may be made of any material capable of supporting at least the platform 22, including, but not limited to steel, metal, plywood, or a combination of these materials. For example, the horizontal beams 44 may be a length of a steel “L-shaped” channel. The platform 22 may be configured to attach to the horizontal beams 44 to span the space.

In use, the scaffold system 10, with the gap fillers 34 rotated to rest on top of the platform 22, may be moved into position adjacent to the structure 30, such as a bus. Once the scaffold system 10 is in position, the gap fillers 34 may be rotated into position to rest on top of the structure 30, thereby providing safe access to the top of the structure 30 by diminishing the chance that a user could fall between the scaffold system 10 and the structure 30.

Referring also to FIG. 4, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the invention, scaffold system 110. The scaffold system 110 may include a first movable scaffold 146. The first movable scaffold 146 may include a first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies 112A and 112B having an upper end 114 and a lower end 116. Each essentially vertical support assembly 112A and 112B may include at least two vertical support members 118 connected by at least one horizontal member 120. As described above, the vertical support members 118 may be composed of steel angles, and may be metal inert gas (MIG) welded together. The horizontal member 120 may be composed of one (1) inch steel pipe.

The essentially vertical support assemblies 112A and 112B may also include a plurality of horizontal members 120. The horizontal members 120 may be configured to be attached to the vertical support members 118 to enable a user to access a first platform 148. The horizontal members 120, when positioned along a height 124 of the vertical support members 118, may be configured to form a ladder. The ladder may enable a user to climb the height 124 of the essentially vertical support assemblies 112A and 112B to access the first platform 148.

The first platform 148 may be attached proximate to the upper end 114 of the first set of essentially vertical support assemblies 112A and 112B. The first platform 148 includes a length 126 and a width 128. Additionally, and similar to the platform 22 (see above), the first platform 148 may comprise any material capable of supporting at least one or more users, including, but not limited to steel, metal, plywood, or a combination of these materials. For example, the first platform 148 may include a ⅝ inch thick plywood panel that may be edged with a ¾ inch steel channel.

Additionally, one or more safety guards (not shown) may be attached proximate to the upper end 114 of the first set of essentially vertical support assemblies 112A and 112B. The one or more safety guards may be positioned along the length 126 of the first platform 148 such that they provide a boundary within which users may safely access the top of the scaffold system 110. For example, the safety guards may take the form of a railing system to help alleviate the chance that a user will fall from the first platform 148.

The scaffold system 110 may be configured to be positioned next to a structure 130. The structure 130 may be any structure for which a user may desire access at a height greater than the user could obtain from a ground-level position. For example, the structure 130 may be a building, a bus, a train, a car, a truck, and an airplane. However, the shape of the structure 130 may not enable the scaffolding system 110 to be positioned close to the structure 130 where access may be needed. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the wider base of a bus creates a gap 132 between the first platform 148 and the top of the bus, which may create a dangerous work environment.

A first movable gate 150 may be attached to the first set of essentially vertical support assemblies 112A and 112B. The first movable gate 150 may be made of any material that may enhance the prevention of one or more users from improper/inadvertent departure from the scaffold system 110, including, but not limited to steel, metal, plywood, or a combination of these materials. As will be described in greater detail below, the first movable gate 150 may be removably attached to the first set of essentially vertical support assemblies 112A and 112B, and may interface with a second movable gate to create a boundary at the top of the scaffold system 110.

A second movable scaffold 152 may be configured to be proximate to an opposite side of the structure 130. The second movable scaffold 152 may include a second set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies 154A and 154B having an upper end 114 and a lower end 116. Each essentially vertical support assembly 154A and 154B includes at least two vertical support members 118 connected by at least one horizontal member 120. Similar to that described above, the vertical support members 118 may be composed of steel angles, and may be metal inert gas (MIG) welded together. The horizontal member 120 may be composed of one (1) inch steel pipe.

A second platform 156 may be attached proximate to the upper end 114 of the second set of essentially vertical support assemblies 154A and 154B. The second platform 156 includes a length 126 and a width 128. Similar to the platform 22 and the first platform 148 (see above), the second platform 156 may be made of any material capable of supporting at least one or more users, including, but not limited to steel, metal, plywood, or a combination of these materials. For example, the second platform 156 may include a ⅝ inch thick plywood panel that may be edged with a ¾ inch steel channel.

Additionally, one or more safety guards (not shown) may be attached proximate to the upper end 114 of the second set of essentially vertical support assemblies 154A and 154B. The one or more safety guards may be positioned along the length of the second platform 156 such that they provide a boundary within which users may safely access the top of the scaffold system 110. For example, the safety guards may take the form of a railing system to help alleviate the chance that a user will fall from the second platform 156.

A second movable gate 158 may be attached to the second set of essentially vertical support assemblies 154A and 154B. The first movable scaffold 146 and the second movable scaffold 152 may be configured to be positioned on opposite sides of the structure 130 to enable access to a top 160 of the structure 130, and the first movable gate 150 and the second movable gate 158 may be connected to each other over the top 160 of the structure 130. Similar to the first movable gate 150, the second movable gate 158 may be made of any material that may enhance the prevention of one or more users from improper/inadvertent departure from the scaffold system 110, including, but not limited to steel, metal, plywood, or a combination of these materials. The second movable gate 158 may be removably attached to the second set of essentially vertical support assemblies 154A and 154B, and may interface with the first movable gate 150 to create a boundary at the top 160 of the scaffold system 110.

One or more rolling assemblies 136 may be attached proximate to the lower end 116 of at least the first set of essentially vertical support assemblies 112A and 112B. Similar to that described above, the rolling assemblies 136 may be configured to enable the scaffold system 110 to be movable around the structure 130. The rolling assemblies 136 may include any mechanism capable of supporting the scaffold system 110, (including, but not limited to, one or more users) and that provides the scaffold system 110 with the ability to be moved. For example, 5 inch threaded-stem casters may be screwed into a threaded coupling that may be welded to the lower end 116 of at least the first set of essentially vertical support assemblies 112A and 112B.

Additionally, at least the first set of essentially vertical support assemblies 112A and 112B may include a plurality of keyholes 138 within the vertical support members 118. The keyholes 138 may be configured to enable the first platform 148 to be removably attached to the first set of essentially vertical support assemblies 112A and 112B in a plurality of positions along a height 124 of the vertical support members 118. The keyholes 138 may include a void in the shape of a key-hole, which may interface with the keys of other scaffolding systems.

At least the first movable gate 150 may include one or more keys 162. The keys 162 may be configured to interface with the keyholes 138 to enable the first movable gate 150 to be removably attached to the first set of essentially vertical support assemblies 112A and 112B in a plurality of positions along the height 124 of the vertical support members 118. The keys 162 may be configured to fit within the void created by the keyholes 138. When the keys 162 are fit within the void created by the keyholes 138, the force of gravity may be sufficient to maintain the first movable gate 150 in the selected position along the height 124 of the vertical support members 118.

The scaffold system 110 may include one or more stability members 140. The stability members 140 may be configured to attach to at least the first set of vertical support assemblies 112A and 112B to provide the first set of essentially vertical support assemblies 112A and 112B with resistance to separation from each other. As described above, the stability members 140 may include, but are not limited to trusses, extension trusses, and inverted trusses. The stability members 140 may be a sheet of metal folded and/or bent to form a shape having some structural integrity and/or strength. Further, when connected between the essentially vertical support assemblies 112A and 112B, the strength of the stability members 140 may provide the essentially vertical support assemblies 112A and 112B with resistance to separation from each other.

The scaffold system 110 may also include one or more reinforcing members 142. The reinforcing members 142 may be attached between at least one of the essentially vertical support assemblies 112A and 112B and the first platform 148. To provide the first platform 148 with strength sufficient to support at least one or more users, the reinforcing members 142 may be connected diagonally between at least one of the first set of the essentially vertical support assemblies 112A and 112B and the first platform 148.

At least the first platform 148 may include horizontal beams 144 that may be removably attached proximate to the upper ends 114 of the essentially vertical support assemblies 112A and 112B. The horizontal beams 144 may be spaced apart from each other to create a space between the horizontal beams 144 into which the first platform 148 may be positioned. The horizontal beams 144 may be made of any material capable of supporting at least the first platform 148, including, but not limited to steel, metal, plywood, or a combination of these materials. For example, the horizontal beams 144 may be a length of a steel “L-shaped” channel. The first platform 148 may be configured to attach to the horizontal beams 144 to span the space.

In use, the scaffold system 110, with the gap fillers 134 rotated to rest on at least the top of the first platform 148, may be moved into position adjacent to the structure 130, such as a bus. Once the scaffold system 110 is in position, the gap fillers 134 may be rotated into position to rest on the top 160 of the structure 130, thereby providing safe access to the top 160 of the structure 130.

Referring also to FIG. 5, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the invention, scaffold system 210. The scaffold system 210 may include a first movable scaffold 246. The first movable scaffold 246 may include a first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies 212A and 212B having an upper end 214 and a lower end 216. Each essentially vertical support assembly 212A and 212B may include at least two vertical support members 218 connected by at least one horizontal member 220. As described above, the vertical support members 218 may be composed of steel angles, and may be metal inert gas (MIG) welded together. The horizontal member 220 may be composed of one (1) inch steel pipe.

The essentially vertical support assemblies 212A and 212B may also include a plurality of horizontal members 220. The horizontal members 220 may be configured to be attached to the vertical support members 218 to enable a user to access a first platform 248. The horizontal members 220, when positioned along a height 224 of the vertical support members 218, may be configured to form a ladder. The ladder may enable a user to climb the height 224 of the essentially vertical support assemblies 212A and 212B to access the first platform 248.

The first platform 248 may be attached proximate to the upper end 214 of the first set of essentially vertical support assemblies 212A and 212B. The first platform 248 includes a length 226 and a width 228. Additionally, and similar to the platform 22 (see above), the first platform 248 may comprise any material capable of supporting at least one or more users, including, but not limited to steel, metal, plywood, or a combination of these materials. For example, the first platform 248 may include a ⅝ inch thick plywood panel that may be edged with a ¾ inch steel channel.

Additionally, one or more safety guards (not shown) may be attached proximate to the upper end 214 of the first set of essentially vertical support assemblies 212A and 212B. The one or more safety guards may be positioned along the length 226 of the first platform 248 such that they provide a boundary within which users may safely access the top of the scaffold system 210. For example, the safety guards may take the form of a railing system to help alleviate the chance that a user will fall from the first platform 248.

The first movable scaffold 246 may be configured to be positioned next to a structure 230. The structure 230 may be any structure for which a user may desire access at a height greater than the user could obtain from a ground-level position. However, the shape of the structure 230 may not enable the first movable scaffold 246 to be positioned close to the structure 230 where access may be needed. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the wider base of a bus creates a gap 232 between the first platform 248 and the top of the bus, which may create a dangerous work environment.

To span the gap 232, one or more gap fillers 234 may be movably attached adjacent to the first platform 248 along at least a portion of the platform length 226. The gap fillers 234 may be configured to extend at least a portion of the first platform 248 towards the structure 230, and thereby span the gap 232. The gap fillers 234 may be made of any material capable of supporting at least one or more users between the first platform 248 and the structure 230, including, but not limited to steel, metal, plywood, or a combination of these materials. For example, the gap fillers 234 may include a ⅝ inch thick plywood panel that may be edged with a ¾ inch steel channel.

The gap fillers 234 may be movably attached adjacent to the first platform 248, by rotatably coupling the gap filler 324 to the first platform 248 in such a way to be rotatable relative to the scaffold system 210.

In another exemplary embodiment, the gap fillers 234 may be configured as non-rotatable gap fillers that may be constructed with an essentially fixed right angle (e.g., in the form of a “step”) (not shown). When configured as such, the gap fillers 234 may be removably attached to, e.g., scaffolding system 210, thus providing repositionable access to the structure 230. The gap fillers 234 may be configured to enable the gap fillers 234 to be moved and positioned anywhere along the length of the scaffold system 210, thereby providing easy configuration to the structure 230.

A first movable gate 250 may be attached to the first set of essentially vertical support assemblies 212A and 212B. The first movable gate 250 may be made of any material that may enhance the prevention of one or more users from improper/inadvertent departure from the scaffold system 210, including, but not limited to steel, metal, plywood, or a combination of these materials. As mentioned above, the first movable gate 250 may be removably attached to the first set of essentially vertical support assemblies 212A and 212B, and may interface with a second movable gate to create a boundary at the top 260 of the scaffold system 210.

A second movable scaffold 252 may be configured to be proximate to an opposite side of the structure 230. The second movable scaffold 252 may include a second set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies 254A and 254B having an upper end 214 and a lower end 216. Each essentially vertical support assembly 254A and 254B includes at least two vertical support members 218 connected by at least one horizontal member 220. Similar to that described above, the vertical support members 218 may be composed of steel angles, and may be metal inert gas (MIG) welded together. The horizontal member 220 may be composed of one (1) inch steel pipe.

A second platform 256 may be attached proximate to the upper end 214 of the second set of essentially vertical support assemblies 254A and 254B. The second platform 256 includes a length 226 and a width 228. Similar to the platform 22 and the first platform 248 (see above), the second platform 256 may be made of any material capable of supporting at least one or more users, including, but not limited to steel, metal, plywood, or a combination of these materials. For example, the second platform 256 may include a ⅝ inch thick plywood panel that may be edged with a ¾ inch steel channel.

Additionally, one or more safety guards (not shown) may be attached proximate to the upper end 214 of the second set of essentially vertical support assemblies 254A and 254B. The one or more safety guards may be positioned along the length 226 of the second platform 256 such that they provide a boundary within which users may safely access the top of the scaffold system 210. For example, the safety guards may take the form of a railing system to help alleviate the chance that a user will fall from the second platform 256.

The second movable scaffold 252 may be configured to be positioned next to the structure 230. The structure 230 may be any structure for which a user may desire access at a height greater than the user could obtain from a ground-level position. However, the shape of the structure 230 may not enable the second movable scaffold 252 to be positioned close to the structure 230 where access may be needed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the wider base of a bus creates a gap 232 between the second platform 256 and the top of the bus, which may create a dangerous work environment.

To span the gap 232, one or more gap fillers 234 may be movably attached adjacent to the second platform 256 along at least a portion of the platform length 226. The gap fillers 234 may be configured to extend at least a portion of the second platform 256 towards the structure 230, and thereby span the gap 232. The gap fillers 234 may be made of any material capable of supporting at least one or more users between the second platform 256 and the structure 230, including, but not limited to steel, metal, plywood, or a combination of these materials. For example, the gap fillers 234 may include a ⅝ inch thick plywood panel that may be edged with a ¾ inch steel channel. The gap fillers 234 may be rotatably attached to the scaffolding system 210. Alternatively, the gap fillers 234 may be removably attached to the second platform 256.

A second movable gate 258 may be attached to the second set of essentially vertical support assemblies 254A and 254B. The first movable scaffold 246 and the second movable scaffold 252 may be configured to be positioned on opposite sides of the structure 230 to enable access to the top 260 of the structure 230, and the first movable gate 250 and the second movable gate 258 may be connected to each other over the top 260 of the structure 230. As described above and similar to the first movable gate 250, the second movable gate 258 may be made of any material that may enhance the prevention of one or more users from improper/inadvertent departure from the scaffold system 210, including, but not limited to steel, metal, plywood, or a combination of these materials. The second movable gate 258 may be removably attached to the second set of essentially vertical support assemblies 254A and 254B, and may interface with the first movable gate 250 to create a boundary at the top 260 of the scaffold system 210.

At least the first movable scaffold 246 may include one or more rolling assemblies 236 that may be attached proximate to the lower end 216 of the first set of essentially vertical support assemblies 212A and 212B. Similar to that described above, the rolling assemblies 236 may be configured to enable the scaffold system 210 to be movable around the structure 230. The rolling assemblies 236 may include any mechanism capable of supporting the scaffold system 210, (including, but not limited to, one or more users) and that provides the scaffold system 210 with the ability to be moved. For example, 5 inch threaded-stem casters may be screwed into a threaded coupling that may be welded to the lower end 216 of at least the first set of essentially vertical support assemblies 212A and 212B.

Additionally, at least the first set of essentially vertical support assemblies 212A and 212B may include a plurality of keyholes 238 within the vertical support members 218. The keyholes 238 may be configured to enable the first platform 248 to be removably attached to the first set of essentially vertical support assemblies 212A and 212B in a plurality of positions along a height 224 of the vertical support assemblies 218. The keyholes 238 may include a void in the shape of a key-hole, which may interface with the keys of other scaffolding systems.

At least the first movable gate 250 may include one or more keys 262. The keys 262 may be configured to interface with the keyholes 238 to enable the first movable gate 250 to be removably attached to the first set of essentially vertical support assemblies 212A and 212B in a plurality of positions along the height 224 of the vertical support members 218. The keys 262 may be configured to fit within the void created by the keyholes 238. When the keys 262 are fit within the void created by the keyholes 238, the force of gravity may be sufficient to maintain the first movable gate 250 in the selected position along the height 224 of the vertical support members 218.

The scaffold system 210 may include one or more stability members 240. The stability members 240 may be configured to attach to at least the first set of vertical support assemblies 212A and 212B to provide the first set of essentially vertical support assemblies 212A and 212B with resistance to separation from each other. As described above, the stability members 240 may include, but are not limited to trusses, extension trusses, and inverted trusses. The stability members 240 may be a sheet of metal folded and/or bent to form a shape having some structural integrity and/or strength. Further, when connected between the essentially vertical support assemblies 212A and 212B, the strength of the stability members 240 may provide the essentially vertical support assemblies 212A and 212B with resistance to separation from each other.

The scaffold system 210 may also include one or more reinforcing members 242. The reinforcing members 242 may be attached between at least one of the essentially vertical support assemblies 212A and 212B and the first platform 248. To provide the first platform 248 with strength sufficient to support at least one or more users, the reinforcing members 242 may be connected diagonally between at least one of the first set of the essentially vertical support assemblies 212A and 212B and the first platform 248.

At least the first platform 248 may include horizontal beams 244 that may be removably attached proximate to the upper ends 214 of the essentially vertical support assemblies 212A and 212B. The horizontal beams 244 may be spaced apart from each other to create a space between the horizontal beams 244 into which the first platform 248 may be positioned. The horizontal beams 244 may be made of any material capable of supporting at least the first platform 248, including, but not limited to steel, metal, plywood, or a combination of these materials. For example, the horizontal beams 244 may be a length of a steel “L-shaped” channel. The first platform 248 may be configured to attach to the horizontal beams 244 to span the space.

In use, the scaffold system 210, with the gap fillers 234 rotated to rest on at least the top of the first platform 248, may be moved into position adjacent to the structure 230, such as a bus. Once the scaffold system 210 is in position, the gap fillers 234 may be rotated into position to rest on the top 260 of the structure 230, thereby providing safe access to the top 260 of the structure 230.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A scaffold system comprising:

at least two essentially vertical support assemblies having an upper end and a lower end, wherein each essentially vertical support assembly includes at least two vertical support members connected by at least one horizontal member;

a platform attached proximate to the upper ends of the at least two essentially vertical support assemblies, the platform including a length and a width, wherein the vertical support assemblies are positioned to be proximate to a structure; and

one or more gap fillers movably attached adjacent to the platform along at least a portion of the platform length, wherein the one or more gap fillers are configured to extend at least a portion of the platform towards the structure.

2. The scaffold system of claim 1 further comprising:

one or more rolling assemblies attached proximate to the lower end of the at least two essentially vertical assemblies, wherein the one or more rolling assemblies are configured to enable the scaffold system to be movable.

3. The scaffold system of claim 1 wherein the at least two essentially vertical support assemblies further comprise:

a plurality of keyholes within the at least two vertical support members, wherein the plurality of keyholes are configured to enable the platform to be removably attached to the at least two essentially vertical support assemblies in a plurality of positions along a height of the at least two vertical support assemblies.

4. The scaffold system of claim 1 wherein the at least two essentially vertical support assemblies further comprise:

a plurality of horizontal members, wherein the plurality of horizontal members are configured to be attached to the at least two essentially vertical support assemblies to enable a user to access the platform.

5. The scaffold system of claim 1 further comprising:

one or more stability members, wherein the one or more stability members are configured to attach to the at least two vertical support assemblies to provide the at least two essentially vertical support assemblies with resistance to separation from each other.

6. The scaffold system of claim 1 further comprising:

one or more reinforcing members, wherein the one or more reinforcing members are attached between at least one of the at least two essentially vertical support assemblies and the platform.

7. The scaffold system of claim 1 wherein the structure is chosen from the group consisting of:

buildings;

buses;

trains;

cars;

trucks; and

airplanes.

8. The scaffold system of claim 1 wherein the platform further comprises:

horizontal beams removably attached proximate to the upper ends of the at least two essentially vertical support assemblies, wherein the horizontal beams are spaced apart from each other to create a void between the horizontal beams; and

a planar structure configured to attach to the horizontal beams to span the void.

9. A scaffold system comprising:

a first movable scaffold including: a first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies having an upper end and a lower end, wherein each essentially vertical support assembly includes at least two vertical support members connected by at least one horizontal member; a first platform attached proximate to the upper end of the first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies, the first platform including a length and a width, wherein the first set of at least two vertical support assemblies are positioned to be proximate to a structure; a first movable gate attached to the first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies;

a second movable scaffold configured to be proximate to an opposite side of the structure comprising: a second set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies having an upper end and a lower end, wherein each essentially vertical support assembly includes at least two vertical support members connected by at least one horizontal member; a second platform attached proximate to the upper end of the second set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies, the second platform including a length and a width, wherein the second set of at least two vertical support assemblies are positioned to be proximate to the structure; and a second movable gate attached to the second set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies, wherein the first movable scaffold and the second movable scaffold are configured to be positioned on opposite sides of the structure to enable access to a top of the structure, and the first movable gate and the second movable gate may be connected to each other over the top of the structure.

10. The scaffold system of claim 8 wherein at least the first movable scaffold further comprises:

one or more rolling assemblies attached proximate to the lower end of at least the first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies.

11. The scaffold system of claim 8 wherein at least the first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies further comprise:

a plurality of keyholes, wherein the plurality of keyholes are configured to enable the first platform to be removably attached to at least the first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies in a plurality of positions along a height of at least the first set of at least two vertical support assemblies.

12. The scaffold system of claim 11 wherein at least the first gate comprises:

one or more keys, wherein the one or more keys are configured to interface with the plurality of keyholes to enable the first gate to be removably attached to at least the first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies in a plurality of positions along a height of at least the first set of at least two vertical support assemblies.

13. The scaffold system of claim 8 wherein at least the first set of the at least two essentially vertical support assemblies further comprises:

a plurality of horizontal members, wherein the plurality of horizontal members are configured to be removably attached to at least the first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies to enable a user to access the platform.

14. The scaffold system of claim 8 further comprising:

one or more stability members, wherein the one or more stability members are configured to attach to at least the first set of at least two vertical support assemblies to provide at least the first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies with resistance to separation from each other.

15. The scaffold system of claim 8 further comprising:

one or more reinforcing members, wherein the one or more reinforcing members are configured to attach between at least the first set of the two essentially vertical support assemblies and the first platform.

16. The scaffold system of claim 8 wherein the structure is chosen from the group consisting of:

buildings;

buses;

trains;

cars;

trucks; and

airplanes.

17. The scaffold system of claim 8 wherein at least the first platform further comprises:

horizontal beams removably attached proximate to the upper ends of at least the first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies, wherein the horizontal beams are spaced apart from each other to create a void between the horizontal beams; and

a planar structure configured to attach to the horizontal beams to span the void.

18. A scaffold system comprising:

a first movable scaffold including: a first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies having an upper end and a lower end, wherein each essentially vertical support assembly includes at least two vertical support members connected by at least one horizontal member; a first platform attached proximate to the upper end of the first set of the at least two essentially vertical support assemblies, the first platform including a length and a width, wherein the first set of at least two vertical support assemblies are positioned to be proximate to a structure; a first movable gate attached to the first set of at least two essentially vertical support members; a first set of one or more gap fillers movably attached proximate to the first platform, wherein the first set of one or more gap fillers are configured to extend the first platform towards the structure;

a second movable scaffold configured to be proximate to an opposite side of the structure comprising: a second set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies having an upper end and a lower end, wherein each essentially vertical support assembly includes at least two vertical support members connected by at least one horizontal member; a second platform attached proximate to the upper end of the second set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies, the second platform including a length and a width, wherein the second set of at least two vertical support assemblies are positioned to be proximate to the structure; a second movable gate attached to the second set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies, wherein the first movable scaffold and the second movable scaffold are configured to be positioned on opposite sides of the structure to enable access to a top of the structure, and the first movable gate and the second movable gate may be connected to each other over the top of the structure; and a second set of one or more gap fillers movably attached proximate to the second platform, wherein the second set of one or more gap fillers are configured to extend the second platform towards the structure.

19. The scaffold system of claim 18 wherein at least the first movable scaffold further comprises:

one or more rolling assemblies attached proximate to the lower end of the first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies.

20. The scaffold system of claim 18 wherein at least the first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies further comprises:

a plurality of keyholes, wherein the plurality of keyholes are configured to enable the first platform to be removably attached to the first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies in a plurality of positions along a height of the first set of at least two vertical support assemblies.

21. The scaffold system of claim 20 wherein at least the first gate comprises:

one or more keys, wherein the one or more keys are configured to interface with the plurality of keyholes to enable the first gate to be removably attached to at least the first set of at least two essentially vertical assemblies in a plurality of positions along a height of the first set of at least two vertical support assemblies.

22. The scaffold system of claim 18 wherein at least the first movable scaffold further comprises:

a plurality of horizontal members, wherein the plurality of horizontal members are configured to be removably attached to at least the first set of at least two essentially vertical assemblies to enable a user to access the first platform.

23. The scaffold system of claim 18 further comprising:

one or more stability members, wherein the one or more stability members are configured to attach to at least the first set of at least two vertical support assemblies to provide the first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies with resistance to separation from each other.

24. The scaffold system of claim 18 wherein at least the first movable scaffold further comprises:

one or more reinforcing members, wherein the one or more reinforcing members are configured to attach between at least the first set of the two essentially vertical support assemblies and the first platform.

25. The scaffold system of claim 18 wherein the structure is chosen from the group consisting of:

buildings;

buses;

trains;

cars;

trucks; and

airplanes.

26. The scaffold system of claim 18 wherein at least the first platform further comprises:

horizontal beams removably attached proximate to the upper ends of the first set of at least two essentially vertical support assemblies, wherein the horizontal beams are spaced apart from each other to create a void between the horizontal beams; and

a planar structure configured to attach to the horizontal beams to span the void.