Scaffolding System

Abstract

Improvements in scaffold for providing an elevated structure for working or support. The scaffolding system includes an adjustable stabilizer that uses telescoping tubing with locking pins that fix the length of the stabilizer. An access gate provides both access to inside the elevated structure and safety to prevent a person from falling out of a scaffold opening that is secured to the frame of the scaffold. A variety of toe board brackets are configured to be installed on any standard, mid-rail or end frame of the scaffolding depending on the side or corner that is required. A double toe board that allows for a nearly infinite length of scaffolding to provide a protective barrier that is placed near the ground or walking surface of the scaffold working platform. The scaffolding system can be quickly and universally installed and with minimal or no tools in a variety of configurations.

Claims

1. A scaffolding system comprising: at least one adjustable brace; said at least one adjustable brace having an outer tube with at least one coupling end that is configured to telescope within said outer tube; said at least one adjustable brace having a plurality of holes that extend through said tube with a complementary hole in said at least one coupling end that is configured for a pin to pass therethrough said hole to fix a location of said at least one coupling end in one of at least two positions thereby setting a length of said at least one adjustable brace; an access gate; said access gate being constructed in two parts connected with a hinge thereby allowing said access gate to open and close to allow access to a working platform of a scaffold, and at least four toe board retainers; said at least four toe board retainer each having a first U retainer that is configured to at least partially engage around a vertical end frame tube; said at least four toe board retainer each having a second U retainer that is configured to at least partially engage around a horizontal tube; said at least four toe board retainers each having at least one toe board holder.

2. The scaffolding system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one adjustable brace has at least one notch and gate that are configured to secure said at least one adjustable brace onto said scaffolding system.

3. The scaffolding system according to claim 1, wherein said access gate further includes a holding mechanism that is configured to retain said two parts in a linear configuration.

4. The scaffolding system according to claim 1, wherein said holding mechanism is a rod that passes through horizontal tubes on each of said two parts.

5. The scaffolding system according to claim 1, wherein each of said at least four toe board retainers further includes a least one opening that extends therethrough that is configured to secure a toe board onto a single toe board retainer.

6. The scaffolding system according to claim 1, wherein said first U retainer is perpendicular to said second U retainer.

7. The scaffolding system according to claim 1, wherein said second U retainer includes a retention mechanism that is configured to retain vertical end frame tube.

8. The scaffolding system according to claim 7, wherein retention mechanism in said second U retainer is configured to retain vertical end frame tube within one of two separate locations within said second U retainer.

9. The scaffolding system according to claim 6, wherein at least one of said four toe board retainers includes a second toe board retainer placed parallel or perpendicular to said toe board retainer.

10. The scaffolding system according to claim 9, wherein said second toe board retainer is secured at a same height as said toe board retainer, or above said height of said toe board retainer.

11. A scaffolding system comprising: at least one adjustable brace; said at least one adjustable brace having an outer tube with at least one coupling end that is configured to telescope within said outer tube; said outer tube having a plurality of holes that extend through one outer wall of said outer tube; said inner tube having a spring-loaded pin that is configured to extend through at least one of said plurality of holes in said outer tube, therethrough said pin fixes a length of said at least one coupling end in one of at least two positions of said at least one adjustable brace; an access gate; said access gate being constructed in two parts connected with a hinge thereby allowing said access gate to open and close to allow access to a working platform of a scaffold, and at least four toe board retainers; said at least four toe board retainer each having a first retainer that is configured to at least partially engage around a vertical end frame tube; said at least four toe board retainer each having a second retainer that is configured to at least partially engage around a horizontal tube; said at least four toe board retainers each having at least one toe board holder.

12. The scaffolding system according to claim 11, wherein said at least one adjustable brace has at least one notch and gate that are configured to secure said at least one adjustable brace onto said scaffolding system.

13. The scaffolding system according to claim 11, wherein said access gate further includes a holding mechanism that is configured to retain said two parts in a linear configuration.

14. The scaffolding system according to claim 11, wherein said holding mechanism is a rod that passes through horizontal tubes on each of said two parts.

15. The scaffolding system according to claim 11, wherein each of said at least four toe board retainers further includes a least one opening that extends therethrough that is configured to secure a toe board onto a single toe board retainer.

16. The scaffolding system according to claim 11, wherein said first U retainer is perpendicular to said second U retainer.

17. The scaffolding system according to claim 11, wherein said second U retainer includes a retention mechanism that is configured to retain vertical end frame tube.

18. The scaffolding system according to claim 17, wherein retention mechanism in said second U retainer is configured to retain vertical end frame tube within one of two separate locations within said second U retainer.

19. The scaffolding system according to claim 16, wherein at least one of said four toe board retainers includes a second toe board retainer placed parallel or perpendicular to said toe board retainer.

20. The scaffolding system according to claim 19, wherein said second toe board retainer is secured at a same height as said toe board retainer, or above said height of said toe board retainer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of all the scaffolding system components.

[0016] FIG. 2 shows an adjustable cross brace used with the scaffolding system.

[0017] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a cross brace or diagonal brace.

[0018] FIG. 4 shows another preferred embodiment of an adjustable rail.

[0019] FIG. 5 shows another view of the adjustable rail from FIG. 4.

[0020] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an access gate.

[0021] FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a toe board retainer.

[0022] FIG. 7B shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a toe board retainer.

[0023] FIG. 7C shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a toe board retainer.

[0024] FIG. 7D shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a toe board retainer.

[0025] FIG. 8A shows a view of the first embodiment of the toe board retainer in use.

[0026] FIG. 8B shows a view of the second embodiment of the toe board retainer in use.

[0027] FIG. 8C shows a view of the third embodiment of the toe board retainer in use.

[0028] FIG. 8D shows a view of the fourth embodiment of the toe board retainer in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the present invention, as represented in the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention but is merely representative of various embodiments of the invention. The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout.

[0030] While this technology is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the technology and is not intended to limit the technology to the embodiments illustrated. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the technology. As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] It will be further understood that the terms comprises, comprising, includes, and/or including, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings with like reference characters.

TABLE-US-00001 Item Numbers and Description 10 scaffold 11 end frame 12 coupler 14 end frame 15 guard rail 20 brace 21 brace 22 tube 23 hole 24 flexible pin lock 24 pin 26 button 27 outer tube 27 inner tube 30 coupler end 31 transition 32 gate 33 lock 34 opening 35 notch 36 pivot 37 hole 38 L rod 39 pin 40 access gate 41 top tube 42 vertical tube 43 inner tube 44 hinge 45 middle rail 46 lower tube 47 tube 48 lower end 49 upper end 50 coupling 51 hole 52 tab 60 toe board retainer 61 toe board retainer 62 toe board retainer 63 toe board retainer 70 toe board holder 71 hole 72 bottom 74 short toe board holder 80 U retainer 81 adjustable U retainer 82 pin hole 83 pin 84 toe board 85 vertical end frame tube 86 horizontal tube 87 coupling 88 weld joint 89 horizontal side tube 91 depress 92 opening 93 slide 94 swing 95 length 96 gap 97 rotate 98 lift 99 extend

[0032] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of all the scaffolding 10 system components. This perspective view gives an overview of the scaffolding 10 system and where the elements of the invention relate to the scaffold 10. This is a single scaffold 10, but the scaffold can be extended in multiple directions to create a longer, larger, or taller scaffold 10. Scaffold 10 uses a plurality of vertical end frame 11 (or central) tubes that are connected with coupler(s) 12 to make the scaffolding taller. To prevent the scaffold from collapsing or losing the rectangular shape of the base one or more braces 21 are used across the inside diagonal of the scaffold. To retain the vertical rectangular shape one or more diagonal braces 20 are used. Because the location and position of the braces can vary, depending upon the configuration of the scaffold, the brace(s) may require different dimensional lengths.

[0033] A guard rail 15 extends horizontally around the top of the scaffold 10 to protect workers inside on the top of the scaffold 10 as they stand on a working platform 86. On one (or more) side of the top of the scaffold is an access gate 40 that allows workers to the inside of working platform 86. The access gate 40 is connected or otherwise integrated onto the end frame 11 pipes and can hinge to allow access. Around the sides of the working platform 86 is a vertical border for a toe board 84 that prevents material from falling over the side of the elevated working platform 86 and onto people or the ground under the scaffold 10. The connection of the toe board 84 to the scaffold is with brackets 61 that sit of the tubular frame members. In this example only corner brackets 61 are shown, but a variety of brackets 61 are configured for corners, straight scaffolding sections and to accommodate the width of the boards that are used to create the working platform 86. The various configurations of brackets 61 are shown and described in other figures herein.

[0034] FIG. 2 shows an adjustable cross brace 20 used with the scaffolding system. Because the end frame members of the scaffolding can be at different distances the cross brace 20 is constructed to allow for different fixed lengths. In this embodiment the cross brace 20 uses a central tube 22 with coupling end(s) 30 that telescope within the central tube 22. The position of the coupling end(s) 30 is adjustably secured in position in the central tube with removable pins 25 that pass-through hole(s) 23 through the central tube 22 and holes through the coupling end(s) 30. A flexible pin lock 24 spring is connected to one side of the removable pin 25 and flexibly extends around the other side of the central tube 22 to retain the removable pin 25 in position and prevent movement of a coupling end 30. The flexible pin lock 24 is released from the free end of the removable pin 25 and the removable pin 25 can be lifted 98 from position so the associated coupling end 30 can be extended 99 (or retracted) to another position where the removable pin 25 can be re-inserted to fix the length of the brace 20. Each coupling end 30 has a notch 35 for securing the cross brace 20 on a scaffold.

[0035] The notch 35 in the coupling end 30 is securable onto a post (not shown) in the scaffold. One end of the coupling end 30 is tubular and slides or telescopes within the central tube. There is a transition 31 in the tube so the second end of the coupling end tube 30 is flattened to accept a gate 32 that rotates over the flattened end and the notch 35. The gate rotates 97 on a pivot 36 to capture a post (not shown) within an opening 34 in gate 32. A hole 37 in gate 32 is used for a pin that locks gate 32 in a closed position on the post (not shown) to prevent accidental opening of gate 32. There is also a lock 33 hole that holds gate 32 open to allow the cross brace 20 to be easily hooked onto the post (not shown) in notch 35. The hole(s) 23 are shown placed at one-foot increments to make the distance between the notched 35 adjustable in one-foot increments. It should be understood that the minimum and maximum length between the notches 35 are limited to by the length of the tube 22 and the tube 22 can be made longer to create a longer cross brace 20 and shown and described in other figures herein.

[0036] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a cross brace 21 or diagonal brace with a longer tube 28. This tube 28 is shown with a broken section or gap 96 to signify that the area within the gap 96 can be much greater than shown to create a longer cross brace 21 for a length 95 between the notches in the coupling end(s) 30. The flexible pin lock is released from the free end of the removable pin 25 and the removable pin 25 can be lifted from position so the associated coupling end 30 can be extended (or retracted) to another position where the removable pin 25 can be re-inserted to fix the length of the brace 21. Each coupling end 30 has a notch 35 for securing the cross brace 20 on a scaffold. While increments between the hole(s) 23 are preferably placed at one-foot increments, increments as small as one-inch or more than one-foot are contemplated.

[0037] FIG. 4 shows another preferred embodiment of an adjustable rail or cross brace 20 and FIG. 5 shows another view of the adjustable rail or cross brace 21 from FIG. 4. The adjustable rail in this embodiment is configured as a telescoping tube. With an outer tube 27 and an inner tube 28 that has an outside diameter that is configured to fit within and slide in the outer tube 27. It is contemplated that the adjustable rail is configured in two sizes with the first size is adjustable from 5 feet to 5 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet to 7 feet. The other size being adjustable from 7 feet, to 7 feet, 8 feet, 8 feet, 9 feet, 9 feet to 10 feet. While these sizes are the preferred embodiment other adjustable lengths with adjustment intervals or more or less than feet.

[0038] The adjustment is by depressing button 26 such that the button is pressed below the inside diameter of the outer tube 27. The inner tube 28 can then be extended or slid 93 in or out to the desired length and the button 26 extends through the desired hole 23 to retain the length of the adjustable rail or cross brace 20/21. The outer tube 27 can be configured with an inner recess that tracks the button 26 to prevent rotation of the

[0039] Each coupling end 30 has a notch 35 for securing the cross brace 20 on a scaffold. The notch 35 in the coupling end 30 is securable onto a post (not shown) in the scaffold. One end of the coupling end 30 is tubular and slides or telescopes within the central tube. There is a transition 31 in the tube so the second end of the coupling end tube 30 is flattened to accept a gate 32 that rotates over the flattened end and the notch 35. The gate rotates 97 on a pivot 36 to capture a post (not shown) within an opening 34 in gate 32. A hole 37 in gate 32 is used for a pin that locks gate 32 in a closed position on the post (not shown) to prevent accidental opening of gate 32. There is also a lock 33 hole that holds gate 32 open to allow the cross brace 20 to be easily hooked onto the post (not shown) in notch 35. The hole(s) 23 are shown placed at foot increments to make the distance between the notched 35 adjustable in one-foot increments.

[0040] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of access gate 40. The access gate 40 is constructed (mostly) from tubular members and the outer two vertical tubes 42 have a lower end 48 that fits onto couplings that are similar to the couplings 50 inserted into the upper end 49 of the access gate 40. The inner diameter of the vertical tube 42 allows the gate to swing or pivot. This figure shows that access gate 40 is essentially constructed from two similar sections that are connected with hinges 44. Each gate section has outer vertical tubes 42 connected by a top tube 41, a middle tube 45 and a lower tube 46 that are also connected to inner tube(s) 43.

[0041] The bottom tube(s) 46 have aligned sections of tube 47 or pipe with an L rod 38 that can be slid 93 through the tube(s) 47 to prevent the access gate 40 from swinging 94 from on the hinge(s) 44. The L rod 38 operates as a holding mechanism that is configured to retain the two similar sections in a linear configuration. On the inside of the vertical tube 42 is pin 39 where the previously shown and disclosed brace 20 or 21 can be connected to provide lateral support. Extending out the upper end 49 of the vertical tube 42 is a coupling 50. The coupling has a hole 51 for a pin to pass therethrough to lock vertical movement of the access gate 40. A tab 52 extends out of the upper end of the coupling that can rotate with the access gate 40 to lock the tab 52 into scaffolding that may be inserted above and into the coupling 50.

[0042] In FIGS. 7A-7D show toe board retainers without toe boards or scaffolding for ease of viewing the toe board retainers. In FIG. 8A-8D the scaffolding, toe boards and work surface are included with the respective toe board retainers.

[0043] FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a toe board retainer 60. A toe board (not shown in this figure) is installed vertically in the opening 92 so the narrow side of a toe board rests in the bottom 72 of the toe board holder 70. When a toe board is installed, a double headed nail can be driven into the toe board through one or both holes 71 to prevent movement of the toe board. Under the toe board holder 70 is a U retainer 80 that is configured to rest over a horizontal tube on the scaffold. In the rear of the toe board retainer 60 is an elongated adjustable U retainer 81 with a plurality of pin holes 82. A vertical tube of the scaffolding fits in or along the opening of the adjustable U retainer 81. One or more pins are passed through the adjustable U retainer 81 to position the toe board retainer on the working platform. The adjustability allows for compensation of widths of material used on the working platform. While this toe board retainer 60 shows a single toe board holder 70, it can be fabricated with two toe board holders 70 as shown in FIG. 5C to accommodate an elongated run of toe boards.

[0044] FIG. 7B shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a toe board retainer 61. This configuration of the toe board retainer 60 is similar to FIG. 7A with the difference that short toe board holders 74 are used. This toe board retainer 61 is configured for use on a corner of a scaffold where the toe boards are placed at 90 degrees and must be elevated over the working platform. Toe board (not shown in this figure) are installed vertically in the short toe board holders 74 so the narrow side of a toe board rests in the bottom of the short toe board holder 74. When a toe board is installed, a double headed nail can be driven into the toe board through one or both holes 71 to prevent movement of the toe board. Under the toe board holder 70 is a U retainer 80 that is configured to rest over a horizontal tube on the scaffold. In the rear of the toe board retainer 60 is an elongated adjustable U retainer 81 with a plurality of pin holes 82. A vertical tube of the scaffolding fits in or along the opening of the adjustable U retainer 81. One or more pins are passed through the adjustable U retainer 81 to position the toe board retainer on the working platform. The adjustability allows for compensation of widths of material used on the working platform.

[0045] FIG. 7C shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a toe board retainer 62. This toe board retainer 62 is used in the middle of a scaffolding where the toe board (and working platform extends beyond both sides of the toe board retainer 62. The toe board retainer 62 is secured to the scaffold with a U retainer 80 under the toe board holder 70 that prevents vertical movement and a second U retainer 80 behind the toe board holder 70 that prevents side-to-side movement of the toe board retainer 62. When a toe board is installed, a double headed nail can be driven into the toe board through one or both holes 71 to prevent movement of the toe board. This toe board retainer 70 shows a toe board holder 70 with a second toe board retainer shown in broken lines.

[0046] FIG. 7D shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a toe board retainer 63. A toe board (not shown in this figure) is installed vertically in the opening 92 so the narrow side of a toe board rests in the bottom of the short toe board holder 70. This configuration of the toe board retainer 62 is similar to FIG. 7C with the difference that short toe board holders 74 are used. This toe board retainer 63 is configured for use on a corner of a scaffold where the toe boards are placed at 90 degrees and must be elevated over the working platform. Toe board (not shown in this figure) are installed vertically in the short toe board holders 74 so the narrow side of a toe board rests in the bottom of the short toe board holder 74. When a toe board is installed, a double headed nail can be driven into the toe board through one or both holes 71 to prevent movement of the toe board. Under the toe board holder 70 is a U retainer 80 that is configured to rest over a horizontal tube on the scaffold and a second U retainer 80 behind the toe board holder 70 that prevents side-to-side movement of the toe board retainer 62. When a toe board is installed, a double headed nail can be driven into the toe board through one or both holes 71 to prevent movement of the toe board.

[0047] While four versions and configurations are shown and described, various other configurations are contemplated to accommodate quick installation and removal of toe boards on a scaffold. The toe board retainers are fabricated from metal components that are connected with welding or the like. After fabrication, the assemblies are painted, or powder coated for corrosion and rust protection.

[0048] FIG. 8A shows a view of the first embodiment of the toe board retainer 60 in use and FIG. 8B shows a view of the second embodiment of the toe board retainer 61 in use. From these figures a vertical end frame tube 85 is shown in two different positions in the adjustable U retainer 81. The use of one or more of the pins 83 allows for placement and securing of the vertical end frame tube 85 based upon planks on the working platform that are placed onto the horizontal tube 86. The planks of the working platform are not shown in these figures for clarity. U retainer 80 is shown placed over the horizontal tube 86. Toe boards 84 are shown within the toe board holder 70 and/or short toe board holder 74.

[0049] FIG. 8C shows a view of the third embodiment of the toe board retainer 62 in use and FIG. 8D shows a view of the fourth embodiment of the toe board retainer 63 in use. In FIG. 8C two sets of toe board holders 70 are shown adjacent to each other so two toe boards 84 can be placed in a parallel relationship to extend the toe board protection. A portion of the U retainer 80 is shown on a horizontal side tube 89. Another U retainer 80 is shown on the vertical end frame tube 85. In FIG. 8D the coupling 87 between vertical end frame tubes 85 is shown in this corner toe board retainer 63 with the weld joint 88 connecting the horizontal tube 86 to the vertical end frame tube 85. The short toe board holders 74 do not extend beyond the sides of the U retainers 80. The near-side short toe board holders 74 is elevated height above the far-side short toe board holders 74 so a working platform can be placed under the near-side short toe board holders 74.

[0050] Thus, specific embodiments of a scaffolding system have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.