Abstract: A ledger truss for scaffolding has a first ledger and a second ledger, each ledger having a longitudinal axis and being of uniform generally "I" shape in cross section along its length. A clamp bracket joins the first and second ledgers end to end at a butt joint with their axes aligned. The upper end of a vertical strut is attached to the clamp bracket, and an end bracket is attached to the end of each ledger remote from the clamp bracket. At least one first tensioned tie bar joins the end bracket on the first ledger to the lower end of the vertical strut, and at least one second tensioned tie bar joins the end bracket on the second ledger to the lower end of the vertical strut.

Abstract: Improved scaffolding designed to include an integrated walk board and an integrated work board disposed above the walk board. The improved scaffolding of the present invention includes primarily a pair of end frames, a walk board, a work board, and handrail. Each end frame is configured to be common to successive scaffolding sections and includes a center post, a forward post, and a rearward post. A walk board support is mounted between the center and forward posts and work board support is mounted between the center and rearward posts at an elevation above the walk board support. Each of the walk board and work board supports is provided with a central support member on either side of which is defined a plurality of receptors configured to receive mounting studs carried by the walk board and the work board. The lower end of each post defines a receptor configured to closely receive a stud carried by the upper end of corresponding posts of a further end frame.

Abstract: A portable scaffold adapted to be utilized with a building having a vertical wall. Also included is a plurality of supports each with a generally L-shaped configuration. Each support comprises a first vertically oriented elongated side with a plurality of linearly aligned mounting holes formed therein for allowing removable coupling with a plurality of linearly aligned mounting pegs situated on the wall. A second horizontally oriented side is integrally coupled at an inboard end thereof to an upper end of the first side of the support. In use, the second sides of the supports are situated at an equivalent height. Finally, a plurality of elongated planks are adapted to be removably positioned lengthwise across the second side of each support for supporting weight thereon.

Abstract: An astronaut's work station for performing experiments or other work in space is designed for use under the conditions of open space on board space vehicles by an astronaut in a spacesuit, using a system of hardware, for instance electron beam, which it accommodates, as well as samples of materials to be worked on, located in a replaceable samples module. The work station is fastened on the outer surface of a long-term orbital space station of the MIR type, or in the cargo bay of a cargo reusable space vehicle of the Shuttle type. The work station comprises a frame containing a base with a foot rail, a hand rail with a holder, a seat with latches for locking-in the replaceable samples module, and an astronaut's sliding foot restraint which moves over the foot rail.

Abstract: An end cap system for scaffolding planks, especially for hollow core planks, is disclosed. The end cap includes an extrusion having a plank-receiving portion on one side and a rib profile on the other for slidingly receiving scaffolding hooks. The end cap permits similar parts to be used for a wide variety of plank widths and allows for replacement of damaged hooks or the exchange of hook configurations as described. In the most preferred embodiment, the hooks are fixed to the end cap, such as by a set screw, after they are slidingly located at the desired position. The end caps of the present invention may be used with either "high" or "low" hooks.

Abstract: A walk board system comprises at least first and second platform assemblies, each assembly having first and second pairs of support legs pivotally connected to the platform. At least one of said pairs of legs presents a staircase for user entry onto the platform. The legs are selectably extensible to vary the height of the platform above the underlying ground surface. The legs are pivotable to a position within the confines of the platform so as to allow for easy transport of the platform assembly between work sites. About the perimeter of each platform are a plurality of slots designed to engage a depending flange of a fastener member therein. Upon placement of the platforms in a side-by-side relationship and alignment of selected slots therebetween, insertion of a fastener within the aligned slots will maintain the platforms in selectable adjacent relationships.

Abstract: A brace is provided for providing increased deflection resistance to a primary plank wherein the brace includes a frame member having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is adapted for supported and maintaining a primary plank in a fixed position, and the lower portion is adapted for supporting and maintaining a secondary plank in a fixed position such that the secondary plank and the primary plank extend in identical directions with the secondary plank being spaced-apart from and perpendicular to the primary plank whereby increased deflection resistance is provided to the primary plank.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for facilitating vertical entry into a confined entry space such as a manhole. The apparatus includes a trailer-type base, a support frame formed on the base for supporting a hoisting device, and stabilizing posts for stabilizing the support frame. The apparatus preferably also includes a barricade mounted on the base for preventing accidental entry into an area beneath the support frame, and can include a support arm for vertically transporting a weight over an edge. The apparatus provides for convenient entry into a manhole by a worker while preventing accidental entry by a pedestrian, and also can be used for raising and/or lowering persons and/or objects over the edge of a wall, cliff, or pit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mountable work platform for use on a ladder, comprising a long plate and a short plate. The long plate and the short plate each further comprise a plurality of plates, arranged in a row and connected by a connection bar and a clamp bar, where a stable assembly is attained by protrusions of the connection bar and the clamp bar holding depressions on the plates. The connection bars of the long plate and of the short plate together embrace a step of the ladder, and the clamp bars of the long plate and of the short plate each hold another step of the ladder in a grip. The long plate and the short plate are independently usable as a table on the ladder, when the ladder is folded.

Abstract: A scaffolding plank for a framework scaffolding or a suspended scaffolding, which has its object to eliminate a clearance in all directions of the scaffolding plank and to detachably mount a stopper at the back of a hook on a lateral member with a one-touch control.There is comprised of a horizontal plank body 6, a plurality of hooks 9, 10, 11, 12 provided at both front and rear ends of the plank body, a plurality of notches 13, 14a, 14b, 15, 16a, 16b likewise provided at both front and rear ends of the plank body, and a stopper mechanism S provided below each hook to be freely moved in and out, said front hook being provided on the same axis where the rear notch is provided, said rear hook being provided on the same axis where the front notch is provided.

Abstract: A stepstool (10) is disclosed having a central planar top platform (14), four support legs (20,22,24,26) for supporting the platform, and a pair of storage receptacles (36,38) extending outward in cantilever fashion from opposite sides of the stool. The receptacles (36,38) are open at the top to accommodate receipt of tall bottles or the like, and act as counterbalancing weight with which to stabilize the stool against tipping. The stepstool receptacles hang above floor level a nominal distance so as not to interfere with level positionment of the stool upon the floor surface.

Abstract: A portable telescoping platform system. The platform system includes a plurality of telescoping poles, each pole having a removable lower bracket and a removable upper bracket. A plurality of legs extend from each telescoping pole, each leg extending in angular relation to the telescoping pole. A plurality of braces are provided with each brace extending between pairs of adjacent upper brackets. A platform is supported by and on the braces.

Abstract: A portable container device for carrying various items such as tools, instruments and photographic equipment has a flat top or cover strong enough to provide an elevated platform for a user. To raise the user even more when required, the device is provided with an extending mechanism to raise the entire container even more above a support surface. The device has at least two configurations, a compact configuration when the lifting mechanism is withdrawn and a raised configuration when the lifting mechanism is extended. The raising or lifting mechanism may take the form of a sleeve surrounding the container or extendable legs that withdraw into the container.

Abstract: A portable bridge system formed from at least a pair of substantially rectangular bridge platforms positioned in side-by-side relationship including end locking plates for locking the platforms together at the end regions thereof. The invention further includes shear plates integral with, and spaced along, a side edge of the bridge platform for engagement with an adjacent bridge platform to resist transverse shear forces between adjacent bridge platforms.

Abstract: A scaffold adapted to be used with a forklift truck. The scaffold may be rotated manually 360 degrees by a worker after being lifted by the forklift. The unit is simple in construction, inexpensive, safe and easy to use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a step up device which provides a large stable platform with a hand rail to give the user a safe method of elevation. Older and/or infirm people frequently experience limited movement of their limbs making it difficult to get into bed. To do this an elevation aid is often required. Current stools and step up devices for this purpose are widely available in hospitals but are cumbersome taking up much storage space and are difficult to transport from place to place for use by different patients. This invention provides an improved step-up device which reduces storage space and improves transportation. The present invention provides a large stable platform with a hand rail to provide the user with a safe method of elevation. The hand rail is foldable, and is positioned to provide stability to the platform. The top of the platform is designed with a non-slip surface and a non-skid material is fastened to the legs to provide further stability.

Abstract: The PLANK SUPPORT JACKET comprises an upper horizontal ledge and a lower horizontal ledge joined to a vertical wall member, each ledge extending from the vertical wall member in a direction opposite each other and means for connecting the vertical wall member to a longitudinal side surface of a plank of wood to be supported thereby such as to dispose the lower horizontal ledge adjacent the underside surface of the plank and the upper horizontal ledge in substantially axial alignment to the upper surface of the plank.

Abstract: A combination scaffold plank comprised of a metal platform having a rectangular base, side flanges extending downwardly from each side of said rectangular base and return flanges extending inwardly from the end of each side flange. At each end of said metal platform said return flanges are cut away or bent upwards, and a pair of slip resistant blocks is secured to the lower or inner surface of said metal platform. A slip resistant board is then secured to the base of each pair of slip resistant blocks such that the slip resistant board extends below the side flanges and return flanges, thereby providing the surface upon which the combination scaffold plank can rest. This surface provides sufficient friction to prevent slipping of the combination scaffold plank off of the metal scaffold frame, or the upper metal surface of another scaffold plank, on which it rests.

Abstract: To improve the stability of a scaffold board consisting of an upper sheet section and a lower waved sheet section and to reduce its weight at the same time, the lower sheet section is connected with its wave tops substantially pointwise to the upper sheet section. The resultant cavities are foamed with an expanding and curing foam, with the expanding foam squeezing the upper and lower sheet sections apart.

Abstract: The PLANK SUPPORT JACKET comprises an upper horizontal ledge and a lower horizontal ledge joined to a vertical wall member, each ledge extending from the vertical wall member in a direction opposite each other and means for connecting the vertical wall member to a longitudinal side surface of a plank of wood to be supported thereby such as to dispose the lower horizontal ledge adjacent the underside surface of the plank and the upper horizontal ledge in substantially axial alignment to the upper surface of the plank.

Abstract: A portable, manually adjustable work station (10, 60) for use on a support surface. The work station (10, 60) includes a frame assembly (12) and a platform member (18, 68). The frame assembly (12) has a base portion (14, 72) and a support portion (16, 70) extending vertically from the base portion (14, 72). The work station (10, 60) further includes a mounting assembly (30, 80) cantilever mounting the platform member (18, 68) to extend from at least one side of the support portion (16, 70) in several elevated positions relative to the base portion (14, 72). The mounting assembly (30, 80) is formed for movement between the elevated positions upon unweighting and tilting of the platform member (18, 68), and for automatic securing of the platform member (18, 68) in a selected elevated position upon rotating in the reverse direction and weighting of the platform member (18, 68).

Abstract: A collapsible ladder having vertical and horizontal ladder parts has a stepboard detachably mounted on the horizontal ladder part. The stepboard has a width which is less than or equal to the separation between uprights of the horizontal ladder part and retaining members for detachably securing the stepboard to the rungs of the horizontal ladder part.

Abstract: The present invention features a telescoping-type scaffold for use in the repair of superheater tubes of power-generating boiler systems. The telescoping-type scaffold is constructed in situ at the superheater bay of the firebox of the boiler. The telescoping scaffold is fabricated in sections to provide bridges between: (a) the access hatch at the superheater level of the firebox and the first tier of a pendant section of the superheater bay, (b) the first and second tiers of the pendant section, (c) the pendant and the platen sections of the superheater bay, and (d) the first and second tiers of the platen section.

Abstract: A safety and work platform is attachable to the top of a manhole casing during utility construction and provides for the safety of workers or persons upon the top of the casing. The platform provides for positive anchoring to the top of the casing with at least three securing points, at least one of which provides adjustability, and may include peripheral stanchions and guard rail for further protection. The interior of the casing is accessible through a an opening int he platform floor, which opening may be covered for safety when not in use. For additional safety, a belt and lanyard system may be used to secure a worker or other person to the platform. A method of use is also disclosed, with the platform first being installed upon a manhole casing and then the casing and platform lifted into position and installed together in order to preclude any persons from standing atop the casing before the platform is installed.

Abstract: The invention is a truss assembly for each plank in a scaffold platorm. It consists of a triangular center pedestal, two tension straps, a tension bar mounting plate on the pedestal and necessary bolts and nuts to secure the assembly to the underside of each plank.

Abstract: Scaffold mounting structure for mounting a longitudinally extending scaffold deck to a raised framework including a pair of scaffold deck fastening members constructed to be mounted to a scaffold deck end so as to allow a scaffold deck rung to be readily assembled and positioned proximal the scaffold deck end to enhance scaffold stability.

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

Abstract: An insulation protection system has a number of pairs of upright members between which insulation may be laid. After the installation has been installed, a crossbar is mounted between and to each pair of upright members. Support surfaces may then be mounted or placed on the crossbars, providing storage space above the insulation without damage to the insulation. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, low cost plastic may be used to provide adequate support for the support surface.

Abstract: A work station for mounting to the side of a vehicle to aid a mechainc in reaching the engine compartment comprising a platform surface, four legs movably attached to the platform so that the height of the platform is adjustable, a brace attached to the platform to space the platform away from the side of the vehicle, and mounting means for attaching the platform to the side of the vehicle so that the platform does not move during use.

Abstract: A scaffold, having a main frame including four vertical posts arranged in a rectangular array and connected at the sides of the scaffold by two side trusses that support a scaffold main platform, is further provided with an auxiliary frame that supports a plurality of vertically spaced auxiliary platforms above the main platform and parallel thereto. The auxiliary frame is located at one end of the main frame and has two parallel side members, each side member having a first clamp member formed of angle stock at one end to receive a vertical post and a second clamp member formed of angle stock at the other end to receive a side truss. The vertical post is maintained with the first clamp member by a bent, partially threaded rod that is bolted to the perpendicular webs of the first clamp member and extends about the vertical post.

Abstract: A portable utility platform unit adapted to be employed in combination with other such units to cooperatively provide a temporary support surface upon roof trusses or floor joists for workers in the building trades.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a scaffold deck of simplified construction. The scaffold deck has two parallel side rails connected at the ends by means of parallel transom members. Hook members are provided at the junction of the transom and side rail members with the fasteners for each hook member commonly securing the respective transom and side rail. The side rails at the opposed interior edges include a substrate engaging slot extending in the length of the side rails and have an edge region beyond the substrate which forms part of the top working surface of the scaffold deck. The scaffold deck advantageously uses the side rails for forming an edge region of the scaffold deck whereby the amount of substrate between the side rails is reduced thereby reducing cost and improving the weight of the scaffold deck.

Abstract: A safety cage utilized in connection with a cargo container hoisting bridle crane including a safety mechanism for securing the safety cage to the cargo container bridle. A plurality of locking pins are rotatably mounted within the roof assembly of the safety cage. Connector beams adapted for receiving the locking pins are mounted on the bridle in such a manner that when the bridle is lowered onto the top of the safety cage the locking pins are positioned within the connector beams. An activation assembly is provided by means of which the locking pins can be rotated to a locked position within the connector beams thereby securely joining together the safety cage and bridle.

Abstract: A folding scaffold unit having first and second pairs of poles each positioned perpendicular to the floor and parallel with each other, each pair of parallel poles being connected by connecting rods, scaffold boards being fixed to horizontal shafts at one ends thereof, the horizontal shaft being inserted into each pair of parallel poles and parallel with the connecting rods, the other horizontal shafts parallel with the horizontal shafts and rotatably connecting the other ends of the scaffold boards, a driving gear mounted on one of the pair of parallel poles for vertically swingably moving the scaffold boards, and gears fixed to the other horizontal shafts and having tooth flank meshing with each other.

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

Abstract: A collection of parts which can be assembled to form a cage-like structure, usable with or without a mechanics creeper, to protect a mechanic working under a vehicle; a scaffold-like device that is placeable over the engine compartment of a vehicle and which provides support portions enabling support of a mechanic over the engine compartment; and a support device which can support, among other things, large objects such as an automobile engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for securing a manbasket to the tines of a lifting fork of a forklift. A preferred embodiment comprises a tine clamp mounted to a tine socket on the manbasket. The clamp automatically applies a self-adjusting gripping force to the underside of the tine whenever the fork has elevated the manbasket and automatically releases the tine when the manbasket is resting upright on a reference surface. The tine clamp comprises a lever pivotably mounted at mid-length to the tine socket, at least one gripping cam rotatably mounted to one end of the lever, and a cam release member pivotably mounted to the opposite end of the lever. The lever is biased to keep the gripping edge surface of the cam in contact with the underside of the tine whenever the tine is in the socket and the manbasket is elevated. The cam has an outwardly spiraled profile to enable it to apply a gripping force to the tine that increases as the tine is urged more strongly out of the socket.

Abstract: A scaffold, having a main frame including four vertical posts arranged in a rectangular array and connected at the sides of the scaffold by two side trusses that support a scaffold main platform, is further provided with an auxiliary frame that supports a plurality of vertically spaced auxiliary platforms above the main platform and parallel thereto. The auxiliary frame is located at one end of the main frame and has two parallel side members, each side member having a first clamp member formed of angle stock at one end to receive a vertical post and a second clamp member formed of angle stock at the other end to receive a side truss. The vertical post is maintained with the first clamp member by a bent, partially threaded rod that is bolted to the perpendicular webs of the first clamp member and extends about the vertical post.

Abstract: An apparatus for temporary installation within a relatively large pressure veseel, especially a boiler-furnace for generating electricity, for facilitating the manual inspection and (if necessary) the repair of things within said pressure vessel. The apparatus includes a generally horizontal platform upon which workers stand, and cables for raising and lowering the platform. The platform is fabricated from relatively small construction elements, each of which has a size that permits it to be inserted through a small access opening in the pressure vessel. The elements are manually assembled within the vessel by pinning them together, using high-strength pins which engage a plurality of prepared aperture. A relatively large platform is constructed in a vertical mode, and subsequenctly rotated to its horizontal and working orientation.

Abstract: A scaffold flooring attachment clamp utilizing two identical rotably connected members to attach a cross-member of a scaffold suporting structure to a scaffold flooring. Each of the identical members includes a semi-circular jaw portion and a tab portion, with the semi-circular jaw portions being arranged so as to oppose each other, and are therefore adapted to receive and hold the cross-member of the scaffold supporting structure. The tab portion of the clamp is adapted to being bent over and affixed to the scaffold flooring such that the attachment clamp is locked in place securing the scaffold flooring to the scaffold supporting structure.

Abstract: A multiple use bed liner, loading ramps and ladder assembly for use with a pickup truck load carrying body capable of many selective arrangements to provide substantially universal use when associated with a pickup truck body. The assembly includes a rigid bed liner having a peripheral rigid frame supporting a tread plate or decking covering a substantial portion of the bottom of the pickup bed with the liner including rearwardly opening recesses to slidably receive a pair of loading ramps which can be moved from their stored position within the bed liner to an extended position to extend the length of the bed liner and pickup truck body and to an inclined position to serve as loading ramps capable of being used by various types of vehicles and also providing a walkway to facilitate access into the pickup truck body.

Abstract: The beam deflection resistance of a scaffolding plank is increased by removably positioning at least one secondary plank along the longitudinal axis of the primary plank and securing the secondary planks in position with the brace of the present invention. The brace comprises a closed frame member, having an essentially isosceles trapezoidal cross section. The brace has a first base piece, a second base piece, and two side pieces. The first base piece is essentially as long as the width of the primary plank and has its ends affixed at right angles to the first ends of the two side pieces. The second base piece is essentially as long as the thickness of at least one secondary plank and has its ends affixed to the second ends of the two side pieces.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement for coupling a guard post to a scaffold platform. The couples includes a brace for attachment to the guard post. A plug member is carried by a portion of the brace and extends perpendicular to the post. The plug includes a resilient sleeve through which extends a bolt. The bolt passes externally of the brace for external manipulation thereof. The plug member is inserted into a hollow run of the scaffold. The bolt is tightened, whereby the sleeve becomes constructed and secures itself within the rung.

Abstract: A support structure for office tables and desks is constituted of a cylindrical connecting element having a substantially horizontal axis, equipped with a plurality of lateral connectors, to some of which there are connected two or more pairs of inclined legs, diverging downwards at least in a vertical plane perpendicular to the axis of the connecting element. A plurality of support elements are connected to said legs and/or said tubular body for one or more working planes, projecting horizontally and transversely and/or oblique with respect to the axis of the connecting element. At the upper ends of the legs connector members can be provided to which there may be attached pairs of uprights carrying an upper plane and/or other members raised above the working plane.

Abstract: The scaffolding board (21) is moulded from a compound, light-hardened, duroplastic material and, in one embodiment, it comprises a box-shaped upper portion (22) provided with grooving (24), a box-shaped intermediate portion (20) provided with longitudinal ribs (30), and a lower, also box-shaped edge trim (28), all three portions being glued together.To produce the individual portions of the scaffolding board, a web of plastics material is clamped onto an air-permeable lower mould portion and filled with compressed-air, and the arched material is simultaneously heated and expanded. Subsequently, the lower mould portion is filled with vacuum, and the heated material is sucked-in and deep-drawn in order to adapt to the shape of the mould interior. Subsequently, the moulded part is exposed to a source of ultra-violet light and hence hardened. Finally, compressed-air is introduced in order to lift-out the hardened part.

Abstract: A scaffolding platform is provided which is stronger and more resistant to damage. The platform includes two longitudinally-extending parallel rails and transverse, parallel cross rails affixed at least to end portions of the longitudinal rails. Mounting hooks for mounting the platforms on scaffold frames are affixed to end portions of the longitudinal rails by fasteners which are located on both sides of one of the transverse rails for each hook, there preferably being four fasteners for each hook. One end of each of the transverse rails has a notch to straddle the body of one of the mounting hooks between its two pair of fasteners.

Abstract: A portable platform is formed of a plurality of elongated floor support members interconnected longitudinally and spaced apart laterally, the support members having a plurality of longitudinally spaced cross members, the confronting cross members being secured in alignment by interengaging coupling members and the laterally spaced floor support members being secured against lateral displacement by a plurality of elongated locking members interengaging adjacent pairs of support members. A plurality of elongated floor members are supported on the foregoing assembly and are secured together releasably along their longitudinal edges.

Abstract: A scaffolding plank is disclosed without interjacent gaps for use with a scaffolding frame. The scaffolding plank includes a support platform, a means for attaching said support platform to a horizontal bar of the scaffolding frame and a tongue member extending from an end of said platform and covering nearly one half of said bar. The tongue member is positioned so as not to interfere with the means for attaching.

Abstract: The outer support frame of a platform of collapsible scaffolding consists of a box beam surmounted by a kick plate, the upper edge of which locates in a channel in the base of the support frame of the next higher platform.