Scaffold Deck System With A Float Bar Support For Creating An Opening To Accommodate Obstacles
A scaffold including a pair of scaffold frames has a scaffold platform supported by the frames, which is defined by a series of planks and includes an opening. The opening is formed by a pair of transverse support members that extend between the pair of planks at a location between the scaffold frames. Partial-length scaffold planks, having first and second ends and a length less than the space between the scaffold frames, are supported by the transverse support members and occupy the space between the planks other than at the opening. The transverse support member includes spaced-apart plank engagement sections that rest on upwardly facing surfaces of the planks, and a plank end support member that extends between the plank engagement sections. A scaffolding platform system and a method of forming a scaffolding platform are also disclosed.
This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/862,235, filed Aug. 5, 2013, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONMany scaffold systems commonly include spaced-apart vertically stacked frames that are connected together by spreader bars. The frames commonly define one or more horizontal surfaces that are oriented to support planks or other structures to define a deck or a platform for supporting one or more users at a desired elevated position.
As shown in
As can be appreciated, the custom fabrication and installation of the filler member such as 18 is time consuming, inefficient and wasteful, in that the filler member 18 commonly has limited applicability to other obstruction configurations. In addition, the overlapping of the filler member 18 on top of the planks 20 results in an undesirable elevation deviation with respect to the work surface associated with the deck or platform. Therefore, there is a need for a scaffolding deck system that can be individualized to form a number of deck configurations as required to accommodate obstructions that must pass through the deck, and which generates a nearly planar platform surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a scaffolding arrangement has a pair of spaced-apart scaffold frames and a scaffold platform supported by the scaffold frames. The scaffold platform is defined by a series of side-by-side planks, and includes at least one opening. The opening is formed by at least one transverse support member that extends between and is supported by a pair of planks at a location between the scaffold frames. A partial-length scaffold plank, having first and second ends and a length less than the space between the scaffold frames, is supported by the transverse support member and occupies the space between the scaffold planks other than at the opening. In one configuration, the opening is defined between the first end of the partial-length plank and one of the scaffold frames. In another configuration, the partial-length plank is one of a pair of partial-length planks and the transverse support member is one of a pair of transverse support members. In this configuration, the opening is formed by the first end of a first one of the partial-length planks that is supported by a first one of the transverse support members, in combination with a first end of a second one of the partial-length planks that is supported by a second one of the pair of transverse support members.
Representatively, the transverse support member includes a pair of spaced-apart plank engagement sections and a plank end support member that extends between and interconnects the plank engagement sections. The plank engagement section includes an upper wall configured to engage and rest on an upwardly facing surface of one of the planks when the transverse support member is positioned between a pair of planks. The plank engagement section further includes a side wall extending downwardly from the upper wall, and the plank end support member is secured to the side wall. Each plank engagement section may further include a bottom member configured to be positioned below a downwardly facing surface of one of the planks when the transverse support member is positioned between the pair of planks.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a scaffolding platform system adapted to be positioned between a pair of spaced-apart scaffold frames includes a series of full-length planks configured to span the entire distance between the pair of scaffold frames, a series of partial-length planks, each of which has a length less than the distance between the pair of scaffold frames, and a series of transverse support members. When it is desired to form a scaffolding platform without an opening, the full-length planks are employed to fully Occupy the area between the scaffold frames to form the scaffolding platform. When it is desired to form a scaffolding platform with an opening, at least one transverse support member is engaged with a pair of spaced-apart planks such that the area between the pair of planks and adjacent the transverse support member is unoccupied. At least one selected partial-length plank is engaged with at least one of the scaffold frames and the transverse support member to occupy the space between the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at the opening. Again, in one configuration, a pair of transverse support members are engaged with the pair of spaced-apart planks such that an area between the pair of transverse support members and between the pair of planks is unoccupied. A pair of selected partial-length planks are engaged with the scaffold frames and the transverse support members to occupy the space between the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at the opening. Representatively, the partial-length planks have lengths in predetermined increments.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method of forming a scaffolding platform between a pair of spaced-apart scaffold frames includes supporting a series of full-length planks on the pair of scaffold frames, wherein each full-length plank spans the entire distance between the scaffold frames. The method further includes engaging at least one transverse support member with a pair of spaced-apart planks at a location spaced from the scaffold frames where it is desired to form an opening in the scaffolding platform such that the area adjacent the transverse support member and between the pair of planks is unoccupied. The method further includes supporting at least one partial-length plank on at least one of the scaffold frames and on the transverse support member to occupy the space between the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at the opening. In one configuration, the act of forming an opening in the scaffold platform is carried out by engaging a pair of transverse support members with the pair of spaced-apart planks such that an area between the pair of transverse support members is unoccupied, and supporting a pair of partial-length planks on the scaffold frames and the transverse support members to occupy the space between the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at the opening. The pair of partial-length planks may be selected from a series of partial-length planks of different lengths, each of which has a length less than the distance between the pair of scaffold frames. Representatively, the partial-length planks have lengths in predetermined increments. As noted previously, each transverse support member may include a pair of spaced-apart plank engagement sections and a plank end support member that extends between and interconnects the plank engagement sections, Each plank engagement section includes an upper engagement wall, and the act of engaging the transverse support member with the pair of planks is carried out by positioning the upper engagement wall of each plank engagement section on an upwardly facing surface defined by one of the pair of planks. Each plank engagement section may further include a bottom member spaced below the upper engagement wall to define a plank-receiving space therebetween, and the bottom member is positioned below a downwardly facing surface defined by one of the pair of planks. Representatively, the act of positioning the upper engagement wall of each plank engagement section on an upwardly facing surface defined by one of the pair of planks and positioning the bottom member below a downwardly facing defined by one of the pair of planks is carried out by initially positioning the transverse support member between the pair of planks such that the plank-receiving spaces of the plank engagement sections are aligned with the planks, and then rotating the transverse support member such that the planks are received within the plan-receiving spaces. In this manner, the upper engagement wall of each plank engagement section is positioned on an upwardly facing surface defined by one of the planks and the bottom member is positioned below a downwardly facing defined by the plank.
These and other features and aspects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating a representative embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.
A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which:
In describing the embodiments of the invention which are illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word connected, attached, or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe various features and advantageous details of the subject matter disclosed herein arc explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.
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In accordance with the present invention, deck system 180 includes a number of transverse intermediate support members or float bars 194, which are adapted to engage and span between a pair of spaced-apart planks in order to form one or more openings, such as shown at 96, 98, 100 that are configured to accommodate obstructions 42, 43, 44, respectively. In this manner, deck system 180 provides a generally rigid work platform that is maintained in generally close proximity to the obstructions 42, 43, 44 that extend therethrough. As will be explained, the opposite ends of each float bar 194 are shaped to span between and cooperate with a pair of spaced-apart planks to enable opening 96, 98, 100 to be formed in the deck system 180 using the less than full length planks.
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It is envisioned that deck system 180, and the float bars 194 associated therewith, can be configured to cooperate with planks having different lengths as well as being constructed of different materials and having different end cross-sectional shapes and constructions.
It should be appreciated that the various scaffolding deck systems described above and the various features associated therewith, include various features that may be more desirable to certain classes of users or intended applications than to others. The scaffold deck system 180 can be uniquely configured to tolerate obstructions in virtually any location within the deck system 180, and do so in a manner wherein the plane associated with formation of the deck is maintained in close proximity to the obstruction(s). Scaffold deck system 180 can be individualized such that the respective individual components thereof can cooperate with one another in a manner that avoids the unnecessary waste commonly associated with forming a scaffold deck to accommodate such interferences. It is envisioned that float bars and scaffold planks in accordance with those disclosed herein can be manufactured in any number of ways including being extruded, stamped, folded metal, molded synthetic materials, extruded, and/or formed from composite materials, etc. without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
It is understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth herein. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Variations and modifications are within the scope of the present invention. It is also understood that the invention disclosed herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention.
Claims
1. A scaffolding arrangement, comprising:
- a pair of spaced-apart scaffold frames; and
- a scaffold platform supported by the scaffold frames, wherein the scaffold platform is defined by a plurality of side-by-side planks, wherein the scaffold platform defines at least one opening, and wherein the opening is formed by at least one transverse support member that extends between and is supported by a pair of planks at a location between the scaffold frames, and a partial-length scaffold plank having first and second ends and a length less than the space between the scaffold frames, wherein the first end of the partial-length plank is supported by the transverse support member.
2. The scaffolding arrangement of claim 1, wherein the opening is defined between the first end of the partial-length plank and one of the scaffold frames.
3. The scaffolding arrangement of claim I, wherein the partial-length plank is one of a pair of partial-length planks and the transverse support member is one of a pair of transverse support members, wherein the opening is formed by the first end of a first one of the partial-length planks that is supported by a first one of the transverse support members, in combination with a first end of a second one of the partial-length planks that is supported by a second one of the pair of transverse support members.
4. The scaffolding arrangement of claim 1, wherein the transverse support member comprises a pair of spaced-apart plank engagement sections and a plank end support member that extends between and interconnects the plank engagement sections.
5. The scaffolding arrangement of claim 4, wherein each plank engagement section includes an upper wall configured to engage and rest on an upwardly facing surface of one of the planks when the transverse support member is positioned between a pair of planks.
6. The scaffolding arrangement of claim 5, wherein each plank engagement section further includes a side wall extending downwardly from the upper wall, wherein the plank end support member is secured to the side wall.
7. The scaffolding arrangement of claim 6, wherein each plank engagement section further includes a bottom member configured to be positioned below a downwardly facing surface of one of the planks when the transverse support member is positioned between the pair of planks.
8. A scaffolding platform system adapted to be positioned between a pair of spaced-apart scaffold frames, comprising:
- a plurality of full-length planks configured to span the entire distance between the pair of scaffold frames;
- a plurality of partial-length planks, each of which has a length less than the distance between the pair of scaffold frames; and
- a plurality of transverse support members;
- wherein when it is desired to form a scaffolding platform without an opening, the full-length planks are employed to fully occupy the area between the scaffold frames to form the scaffolding platform, and wherein when it is desired to form a scaffolding platform with an opening, at least one transverse support member is engaged with a pair of spaced-apart planks such that the area adjacent the transverse support member is unoccupied, and at least one selected partial-length plank is engaged with at least one of the scaffold frames and the transverse support member to occupy the space between the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at the opening.
9. The scaffolding platform system of claim 8, wherein a pair of transverse support members are engaged with the pair of spaced-apart planks such that an area adjacent between the pair of transverse support members is unoccupied, and a pair of selected partial-length planks are engaged with the scaffold frames and the transverse support members to occupy the space between the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at the opening.
10. The scaffolding platform system of claim 1, wherein the partial-length planks have lengths in predetermined increments.
11. The scaffolding platform system of claim 8, wherein each transverse support member comprises a pair of spaced-apart plank engagement sections and a plank end support member that extends between and interconnects the plank engagement sections.
12. The scaffolding platform system of claim 11, wherein each plank engagement section includes an upper wall configured to engage and rest on an upwardly facing surface of one of the planks when the transverse support member is positioned between a pair of planks.
13. A method of forming a scaffolding platform between a pair of spaced-apart scaffold frames, comprising the acts of
- supporting a plurality of full-length planks on the pair of scaffold frames, wherein each full-length plank spans the entire distance between the scaffold frames; and
- in a location where it is desired to form an opening in the scaffolding platform, engaging at least one transverse support member with a pair of spaced-apart planks at a location spaced from the scaffold frames, wherein the area adjacent the transverse support member is unoccupied, and supporting at least one partial-length plank on at least one of the scaffold frames and on the transverse support member to occupy the space between the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at the opening.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the act of forming an opening in the scaffold platform is carried out by engaging a pair of transverse support members with the pair of spaced-apart planks such that an area adjacent between the pair of transverse support members is unoccupied, and supporting a pair of partial-length planks on the scaffold frames and the transverse support members to occupy the space between the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at the opening.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the pair of partial-length planks are selected from a plurality of partial-length planks of different lengths, each of which has a length less than the distance between the pair of scaffold frames.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the partial-length planks have lengths in predetermined increments.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein each transverse support member comprises a pair of spaced-apart plank engagement sections and a plank end support member that extends between and interconnects the plank engagement sections, wherein each plank engagement section includes an upper engagement wall, and wherein the act of engaging the transverse support member with the pair of planks is carried out by positioning the upper engagement wall of each plank engagement section on an upwardly facing surface defined by one of the pair of planks.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein each plank engagement section further includes a bottom member spaced below the upper engagement wall to define a plank-receiving space therebetween, and further including the act of positioning the bottom member below a downwardly facing defined by one of the pair of planks.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the act of positioning the upper engagement wall of each plank engagement section on an upwardly facing surface defined by one of the pair of planks and the act of positioning the bottom member below a downwardly facing defined by one of the pair of planks is carried out by initially positioning the transverse support member between the pair of planks such that the plank-receiving spaces of the plank engagement sections are aligned with the planks, and then rotating the transverse support member such that the planks are received within the plan-receiving spaces.
20. A scaffolding deck system comprising:
- at least two full-length planks having a width and a longitudinal length that is sufficient such that opposite ends of the full-length planks can be supported by adjacent scaffold frame members;
- at least one partial-length plank having a width and a longitudinal length that is less than the longitudinal length of the full-length planks; and
- a first transverse support between the scaffold frame members, wherein the transverse support has a length that enables opposite ends of the first transverse support to overlap and be supported by spaced-apart full-length planks and to be oriented along the length of the full-length planks to support one end of the at least one partial-length plank.
21. The scaffolding deck system of claim 20 further comprising a second transverse support having opposite ends that are constructed to overlap and be supported by the spaced-apart full-length planks, wherein each transverse support is configured to support one end of the partial-length plank.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 4, 2014
Publication Date: Feb 5, 2015
Inventor: Roy Watson (Madison, SD)
Application Number: 14/450,737
International Classification: E04G 1/15 (20060101);