US20230074662A1

US20230074662A1 - Modular Scaffolds, Scaffold Kits and Methods of Use Therefor

Info

Publication number: US20230074662A1
Application number: US17/902,828
Authority: US
Inventors: Kevin Reinoso
Original assignee: Direct Scaffold Supply Lp
Current assignee: Direct Scaffold Supply LLC; Direct Scaffold Supply Lp
Priority date: 2021-09-03
Filing date: 2022-09-03
Publication date: 2023-03-09
Also published as: MX2024002749A; WO2023034624A1; CA3230930A1

Abstract

An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a first end section comprising a ladder section couple to a leg section by a horizontal extension coupling member, wherein the horizontal extension coupling member is in varying lengths to allow control over the width of the completed scaffold 10. Alternatively, the scaffold first end section may be coupled without the use of a horizontal extension coupling member. A completed scaffold may be accomplished by completing a first end section and a second end section and coupling the two with a cross-brass member that has been completed with the use of two loose brace members. Further completed scaffolds may be stacked upon each other. Planks or platforms may be utilized with the exemplary embodiments. Various kits are provided that provide for a full scaffold of varying widths. Kits may also contain additional materials such as planks, platforms, or additional horizontal extension coupling members to allow for a variety of widths of the finished scaffold.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/240,827 filed on Sep. 3, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference as if reproduced in full below.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure relates generally to the filed of scaffolds. More specifically, the disclosure is directed to adjustable or modular scaffolds and to scaffold kits.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Scaffolds are commonly used to elevate workers and materials as needed for a variety of tasks, such as construction, repair, and maintenance of structures, bridges, refineries, and the like. There are many types of scaffolds, such as suspended scaffolding and supported scaffolds, such as tube and coupler, pole, mobile, frame and brace, cuplock and the like. Generally, scaffolds are comprised of a framework support having poles, legs, or uprights to allow for elevation of one or more platforms or scaffold decks. The scaffolds have generally tubular shaped, e.g., round or square in cross section, vertical members, such as scaffold posts or poles, located at points located along the perimeter of the platforms. The sizes of the vertical members varies with each scaffold structure and may vary depending on the manufacture of the scaffold system to be used.
An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a first end section comprising a ladder section couple to a leg section by a horizontal extension coupling member, wherein the horizontal extension coupling member is in varying lengths to allow control over the width of the completed scaffold 10. Alternatively, the scaffold first end section may be coupled without the use of a horizontal extension coupling member. A completed scaffold may be accomplished by completing a first end section and a second end section and coupling the two with a cross-brass member that has been completed with the use of two loose brace members. Further completed scaffolds may be stacked upon each other. Planks or platforms may be utilized with the exemplary embodiments.
Alternative exemplary embodiments include two leg sections rather than a leg section and a ladder section, or two ladder sections rather than a leg section and a ladder section.
Various kits are provided that provide for a full scaffold of varying widths. Kits may also contain additional materials such as planks, platforms, or additional horizontal extension coupling members to allow for a variety of widths of the finished scaffold.
Methods of utilizing the subject scaffolds and kits are provided. Various embodiments of a modular scaffold and scaffold kits are provided.
Other features and advantages of the various embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the embodiments of the invention, reference is now made to the following Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment constructed scaffold.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an end section of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the constructed version of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4A top view of the cross-brace members in the collapsed position.

FIG. 4B is a front view of the cross-brace members in the non-collapsed position.

FIG. 4C is an exploded front view of the cross-brace members and the loose brace members of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4D is a front view of the coupled cross brace members with the loose brace members of FIG. 4C in the non-collapsed position.

FIG. 5A is a top view of an exemplary embodiment latching member.

FIG. 5B is a side view of the exemplary embodiment latching member of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a isometric view of an exemplary embodiment retaining member.

FIG. 5D is a top view of an alternate exemplary embodiment latching member.

FIG. 6A is a side view of an exemplary embodiment fastener.

FIG. 6B is a front view of the exemplary embodiment fastener of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is an isometric view of the clip of the exemplary embodiment fastener depicted in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D is a side view of an alternate exemplary embodiment fastener.

FIG. 7A is a side view of an exemplary embodiment spring rivet.

FIG. 7B is a side view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a rivet head.

FIG. 8A is an exploded view of an alternate exemplary embodiment end section.

FIG. 8B is a front view of the constructed end section of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is an exploded view of an additional alternate exemplary embodiment end section.

FIG. 9B is a front view of the constructed end section of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is an exploded view of a further alternate exemplary embodiment end section.

FIG. 10B is a front view of the constructed end section of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a constructed scaffold with a platform installed thereon.

FIG. 12A is a top view of an exemplary embodiment scaffold kit.

FIG. 12B is a top view of an alternate exemplary embodiment scaffold kit.

FIG. 12C is a top view of an additional alternate exemplary embodiment scaffold kit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The described exemplary and alternative exemplary embodiments of the invention are best understood by referring to the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.
Referring to FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of a fully constructed scaffold 10 is depicted. The depicted scaffold 10 in FIG. 1 is formed by combining two end sections 16, 18 as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3 utilizing two cross-brace members 60 and four loose brace members 62 as depicted in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , an exemplary scaffold end section 16 is depicted. The end section 16 is comprised of a ladder section 20 and an opposing leg section 40. The ladder section 20 is coupled to the leg section 40 by two horizontal extension coupling members 38. While two horizontal extension coupling members 38 are depicted coupling the ladder section 20 and leg section 40 in the referenced figures, the number of horizontal extension coupling members 38 may vary depending on the desire or need of the user for same under the circumstances of their use and/or the sturdiness or strength needed for the job at hand. It is within the disclosure herein to provide end sections 16, 18 with capability to accept more than two horizontal extension coupling members 38, or to accept less. It is also possible to not utilize any horizontal extension coupling members 38 but to have connectors on the ladder section 20 and corresponding connectors on the leg section 40 and connect the two directly together.
The ladder section 20 is comprised of a plurality of rungs 22 stretching across the gap 24 between vertical supports 26, 28. The ends of the rungs 22 may be curved or otherwise shaped to conform to the geometry of the exterior of the vertical supports 26, 28 to seamlessly attach thereto. The rungs 22 may be welded onto the vertical supports 26, 28 or otherwise coupled thereto either permanently or removably. The uppermost rung 22 and the lowermost rung 22 may be of a different shape than the remaining rungs 22 as the uppermost rung 22 and the lowermost rung 22 may be of the same shape and material as the vertical supports 26, 28.
Some of the rungs 22, may consist of three elongated sides. With two of the elongate sides flanking the third and being connected thereto. Wherein the three elongated sides when connected together define a space within the interior of the sides.
Some of the vertical supports 26, 28 extend past the lowest rung 22 and to the floor to support the scaffold end section 16 on the ground. It is not necessary for all of the vertical supports 26, 28 to extend to the ground. As shown, the middle vertical support 28 does not extend all the way down to the ground but ends at its connection to the lowermost rung 22. In alternative embodiments both vertical supports 26, 28 for the ladder section 20 may extend to the ground.
In some embodiments one or more of the rungs 22 may have anti-slip properties 32. A variety of anti-slip properties 32 may be utilized such as the depicted anti-slip tape 32 a positioned on the top rung 22 in the depicted embodiment or, as is depicted on the center rungs 22, protrusions 32 b extending from the rungs 22 may be utilized. The protrusions 32 b may be integrally formed along the rung 22 or may be externally placed there. The protrusions 32 b may be continuous along the surface of the rung 22 or may be discontinuous. The protrusions 32 b may form a straight line or they may not form a straight line. The anti-slip properties 32 may be uniform along all the rungs 22 of the ladder section 20 or, as is depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3 , various anti-slip properties 32 may be utilized on the subject rungs 22. Any now known or later discovered anti-slip properties 32 may be utilized on the rungs 22 by any attachment methods.
The leg section 40 is comprised of a vertical support 30 and one or more horizontal connectors 42. The vertical support 30 extends to the floor to support this side of the end section 16. Two horizontal connectors 42 are positioned along the length of the vertical support 30. The first horizontal connector 42 is positioned proximate the lower end of the vertical support 30, and the second horizontal connector 42 is positioned proximate the upper end of the vertical support 30. The number of horizontal connectors 42 depends on the number of horizontal extension coupling members 38 that will be utilized with the end section 16 as the horizontal extension coupling members 38 connect the leg section 40 through the horizontal connectors 42 to the ladder section 20. In the depicted exemplary embodiment, the horizonal connectors 42 consist of a protrusion 44 having a male connector 46 extending therefrom. The depicted protrusion 44 is tubular however any geometry may be used as long as it is compatible with the male connector 46 that is coupled with it.
The horizontal extension coupling members 38 consists of an extension member 48 having a female connecting end 50 and an opposite male connecting end 52. The male connecting end 52 comprises a coupling pin 64 extending from the extension member 48. The coupling pins 64 follow the geometry of the extension member 48 and insert inside a portion of the extension member 48. A portion of the coupling pin 64 is contained within a portion of the extension member 48 by pinching a portion of the extension member 48 into the coupling pin 64 or by any other type of fastening whether now known or later discovered.
The extension member 48 will be of varying lengths depending on the desired width of the end sections 16, 18. Exemplary embodiments showing exemplary differing lengths are included in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 10A and 10B. Various extension members 48 may be used with the same ladder section 20 and its corresponding leg section 40 to manipulate the width of the end sections 16, 18. Thereby allowing a user to have access to a variety of different sized scaffolds by just purchasing additional sized horizontal extension coupling members 38. A very small extension member 48, as depicted in FIGS. 10A and 10B, may be used to keep the width of the end sections 16, 18 small enough for the users desired purpose such as to maneuver down hallways or other tight spaces or for use as a baker’s scaffold by adding a movable platform thereto, or any other purpose.
In the depicted embodiment, the uppermost rung 22 and the lowermost rung 22 of the ladder section 20 have female connecting ends 34 located proximate its middle vertical section 28. The rungs 22 along the ladder section 20 may be of different compositions such that the top and bottom rungs 22 may be tubular to more easily accept the connector 52 of the extension member 48. The top and bottom rungs 22 may also be of any other geometry so long as the geometry of the connecting end 34 will accept the corresponding connecting end 52 of the extension member 48, or the leg section 40 when directly coupling.
To assemble the end section 16, each horizonal extension coupling member 38 is installed between the ladder section 20 and the leg section 40 by coupling the respective male and female connection ends 50, 42 and 34, 52. Fasteners 54 are then secured to each connection 50, 42 and 34, 52 to secure same.
The fasteners 54 may consist of nuts and bolts (as shown in 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B), bolts and wingnuts (as shown in FIG. 6D), snap clips (as shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C), or by any other fastening means now known or later discovered.
The depicted snap clip consists of a clip shell 90 and a rivet pin 92. The clip shell 90 is curved with an orifice 94 extending though the top, the orifice will accept a portion of the rivet pin 92. The clip shell has a wide opening 96 opposite its orifice 94. The clip shell 90 is shaped to extend around the connection locations where the extension members 48 connect to the leg section 40 and the ladder section 20. The rivet pin 92 is an elongated pin that fits in the corresponding orifices on the end section 16 with the upper end extending through the orifice 94 of the clip shell 90. The rivet pin 92 is secured to the clip shell 90 and the corresponding section of the end section 16. The rivet pin 92 keeps the clip shell 90 from having lateral movement and the various snap clips when installed fasten the ladder section 20, leg section 40, and horizontal extensions 38 together.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D, cross-brace members 60 coupled with loose brace members 62 are used to removably connect the first end section 16 to the second end section 18. The depicted cross-brace members 60 are comprised of two elongated brace members 100, 102 each having a length and each having a cross-brace connecting end 104. The two elongated brace members 100, 102 are movably connected to each other proximate each’s cross-brace connecting end 104. The elongated brace members 100, 102 may be connected by any means including by an appropriately sized rivet, nuts and bolts, or any other fastener now known or later discovered. The cross-brace members 60 are movable between a collapsible position, shown in FIG. 4A, and a non-collapsible position, shown in FIG. 4B.
The cross-brace members 60 are coupled to two loose brace members 62 in order to form the full-sized cross brace which is then used to couple the first end section 16 to the second end section 18. The loose brace members 62 each have a length and each have a cross brace connecting end 106. The depicted loose brace members 62 have a male connector pin 108 extending from each’s cross-brace connecting end 106. The cross-brace members 60 each have a female connector 110 proximate each’s cross-brace connecting end 104. The members 60, 62 are connected by inserting the male connecting pin 108 of the loose brace member 62 into its corresponding female connecting end 110 of the elongated brace member 100, 102. The connectors may be switched wherein the male connecting end may extend from the elongated brace members 100, 102 and the loose brace members 62 may have the female connecting end. This is true of all such connectors in this disclosure, the male and female connectors of all the connectors disclosed herein may be switched in a way not expressly stated and it will still fall under the disclosure hereof.
The cross-brace members 60 and the loose brace members 62 are connected utilizing an internal spring rivet 116, FIGS. 7A and 7B. The spring rivet 116 is comprised of a curved body 118 having two arms 120, 122 extending therefrom. A protrusions 124 extends from each of the arms 120, 122. The spring rivet 116 is contained inside of the male connector pin 108 on each loose brace member 62. Corresponding orifices 128 extend through the wall of the female connectors 110 in the cross-brace members 60. The protrusions 124 are pushed in to insert the male connector pin 108 into the female connector 110 until the protrusions 124 extend out of the corresponding orifices 128 to lock the loose brace members 62 and cross-brace members 60 together. They are then easily taken apart by depressing the protrusions 124 and sliding the male connector pin 108 out of the female connector 110 to remove the loose brace member 62 from the cross-brace member 60.
The depicted protrusions 124 shown in FIG. 7A are integrally formed in the arms 120, 122 of the internal spring rivet 116. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, FIG. 7B, the protrusion 124 a is a stand-alone component that is attached to the arms 120, 122 of the spring rivet 116. The protrusion may be attached by any known means. The depicted method includes inserting the connecting end 130 through an orifice in one of the arms 120, 122 of the spring rivet 116 and affixing same thereto.
This type of spring rivet or other types of pin springs or spring rivets may be used in a similar manner to connect any of the pieces discussed herein that have also been disclosed to connect through connection means such as nuts and bolts, spring clamps or otherwise. Similarly, the spring rivet 116 described here to attach the loose brace members 62 to the cross-brace members 60 may be replaced with other fastener methods, such as nuts and bolts or otherwise. In other words, the different fasteners are interchangeable as the situation allows.
As shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B, the location of the male and female connectors 50, 52 are not set in stone and can be moved from one component to another without taking away from this disclosure. For example, in the alternate exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, the extension member 48 of the horizontal extension coupling member 38 contains two male connectors 52 on each end of its length. The horizontal connectors 42 on the leg section 40 end in female connectors 56. The male connectors 52 couple to their respective female connectors 56 in order to attach the horizontal extension coupling members 38 to the leg section 40. As is shown, the male and female connectors 52, 56 can be in any configuration and still perform to couple the ladder section 20 and the leg section 40 together for use of the scaffold end 16.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D, the exterior vertical support 26 of the ladder section 20 contains one or more latching members 70. Two latching members 70 are shown on the exterior vertical support 26. The latching members 70 are utilized to connect the fully constructed cross-brace members 60, 62 to the first end section 16 and second end section 18 to connect same. One of the latching members 70 is disposed intermediate the bottom of the exterior vertical support 26 and the lowermost rung 22. The second latching member 70 is positioned intermediate the uppermost rung 22 and the next closest adjacent rung 22. The latching members 70 are attached to the exterior vertical support 26 proximate the rungs 22 and extend inward toward the interior of the ladder section, which is toward the leg section 40 once the leg section 40 is coupled to the ladder cage section 20. The uppermost latching member 70 is positioned within the gap 24 between the adjacent vertical supports 26, 28. The latching members 70 may be placed anywhere along any vertical support 26, 28, 30 so long as they are positioned in a way that they can be used to attach the fully formed cross-brace members 60, 62.
The depicted latching member 70 comprises a body 72 and a connecting head 74. The connecting head 74 may be of various shapes, two examples of varying shapes are shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5D. The connecting head 74 may be shaped to fit the geometry of the vertical support 26 it is to be attached to. The depicted connecting heads 74 of FIGS. 5A and 5B are shaped to fit along a tubular vertical support 26. The depicted connecting head 74 of FIG. 5D is shaped to fit around a more extreme curve angle in relation to the previously mentioned connecting heads 74. Any shape that allows the connecting head 74 to connect securely to the subj ect vertical support 26 may be used. The latching members 70 are attached to the vertical support 26 by any suitable means, such as welding or though threaded attachment or otherwise.
The latching member body 72 contains a slit 76 extending through a portion thereof. A retaining member 78 is movably attached to the latching member 70 at the latching member body slit 76. The retaining member 78 contains two orifices 80 extending therethrough, with the first orifice 80 a acting to receive a rivet or other means for containing the retaining member 78 onto the latching member body 72. The second orifice 80 b is shaped to allow it to accept a rivet or other connecting member therein yet still allow the retaining member 78 to freely move along the connecting member of the second orifice 80 b and within the slit 76 without allowing for spinning of the retaining member 78 around the first orifice 80 a. The second orifice 80 b retains the retaining member 78 yet still allow it to move freely between a position wherein the body of the retaining member 78 is substantially within the body of the latching member body 72 to a position wherein at least a portion of the base 82 of the retaining member 72 extends out of the body 72, via the slit 76, of the latching member 70 such that same will act to increase the outer diameter of at least a portion of the latching member body 72.
The cross-brace members 60 have end section connecting ends 112 opposite the cross-brace connecting ends 104. The end section connecting ends112 of the cross-brace members 60 have an orifice 136 extending through each. Each orifice 136 passes over the corresponding latching member 72, moving the retaining member into its non-retaining position thereby allowing the end section connecting ends 112 of the cross-brace members 60 to removably couple to the end section 16, 18. Once the orifice 136 passes over the retaining member 78, the retaining member 78 moves into its retaining position as depicted in FIG. 5B, thereby retaining the cross-brace member 60 to the respective end section 16, 18.
The same procedure is used to attach the loose brace members 62 to the respective end sections 16, 18. The loose brace members 62 have end section connecting ends 114 opposite their respective cross-brace connecting ends 106. The loose brace members 62 have orifices 138 extending through a portion of each’s end section connecting ends 114. The orifices 138 are positioned over the latching member 70, specifically over the latching member body 72 which acts on the retaining member 78 moving it into the slit 76 allowing the orifice 138 to move over and then release the retaining member 78 once the loose brace member end section connection end 114 is located intermediate the retaining member 78 and the latching member head 74. The release of the retaining member 78 increases a portion of the outer diameter of the latching member 70 such that it is then greater than the inner diameter of the orifice 138 when the retaining member 78 is in its extended position (as shown in FIG. 5B).
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 , connecting pins 142 are male type connector pins that may have a ring of material 144 around the center that abuts the top of the outer vertical supports 26, 30. The connecting pins 142 may be retaining on the vertical supports 26, 30 by any method disclosed herein, such as spring rivets, nuts and bolts, or otherwise. A second male connector 146 extends above the end section 16, 18. This second male connector 146 allows for another scaffold to be positioned on top of the first to have a stackable scaffolding system. It also allows for other items to be attached thereto such as guardrails or platforms or any other item that the end user may wish to attach.
Referring to FIG. 11A, in an alternative exemplary embodiment, a platform 152 may have platform hooks 154 that hook onto the rungs 22 of the scaffold 10. The platform 152 may be sized to the width of the ladder section 20 alone or may be sized to the full width of the end sections 16, 18.
Referring to FIGS. , 9A and 9B, an alternative exemplary embodiment is depicted containing an exterior vertical support 26 and middle vertical support 28 on the ladder section 20 and in addition to the outer vertical support 30 on the leg section 40 it also has an additional vertical support 36. This particular vertical support 36 does not extend to the ground but in an alternative embodiment it may extend to the floor. The protrusion 44 that extends from the leg section 40 is elongated to accommodate a larger leg section 40. The female connector 56 are located proximate the additional vertical support 36.
In a further alternative exemplary embodiment, the ladder section 20 may be replaced with an additional leg section 40. In a further alternative exemplary embodiment, the leg section 40 may be replaced with an additional ladder section 20.
In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the cross-brace members 60 connection with the loose brace members 62 may be a telescoping connection thereby allowing the expansion of the width of the cross-members 60, 62. In this embodiment, the cross-brace members may have additional telescoping ability intermediate the attachment point of the elongated brace members 100, 102 and the end section connecting ends 112 to allow for equal expansion of the telescoping aspect of the invention.
In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the horizontal extension coupling members 38 are capable of telescoping connection with either the ladder section 20, the leg section 40, or both sections 20, 40.
The scaffold 10 is sold in carious kits 158 wherein it is broken down and packaged in boxes 160. The exemplary kit 158 in FIG. 12A includes the components for the complete scaffold depicted in FIG. 1 . The kit 158 comprises two end section frames 16, 18, with each frame having two ladder sections 20, two leg sections 40, four horizontal extension coupling members 38, four connecting pins 142, two cross-brace members 60 in their collapsed configuration, four loose brace members 62, and the hardware 66 desired for assembly. The hardware desired for assembly includes the fasteners 54 and related items such as torque nuts, washers, nuts and bolts and heavy pipe bolts. The ladder section 20 may have varying amounts of rungs, varying geometries for the supports 26, 28, varying latching members, varying connection means, meaning female or male connectors or both 34. Varying lengths of the horizontal extension coupling member 38 and extension members 48. It may not have any extension members 48. Varying lengths of horizontal connectors 42 on the leg section 40. Varying numbers of vertical support 26, 28, 30, 36.
Alternative exemplary embodiments of the kit 158 contain more than one type of horizontal extension coupling members 38 such that there are at least two length options in the kit 1558. Alternatively, some kits 158 do not contain horizontal extension coupling members 38. Alternatively, the kit 158 may contain twice as many parts to make two or more complete scaffolds. Alternative, the kit 158 may contain a platform. Alternatively, some kits 158 will only come with one set or more of horizontal extension coupling members 38. Alternatively, some kits 158 will come with one or more sets of cross-brace members 60. The kits 158 may be broken down in any way so long as they contain at least some of the items disclosed herein. It is understood that there may be a variety of kits 158 with many unique configurations of the items disclosed herein with some having all the items necessary to make at least one complete scaffold, some having the items to make more than one complete scaffold, and still others have additional or accompanying parts to be used with an already owned scaffold.
FIG. 12B depicts an exemplary embodiment of a kit 158 with the items necessary to make a scaffold with the end section 16, 18 found in FIG. 8A.
FIG. 12C depicts an exemplary embodiment of a kit 158 with the items necessary to make a scaffold with the end section 16, 18 found in FIG. 10A.
A method of using the exemplary embodiments herein, said method include a preparing step where the chosen components disclosed herein are selected and packaged for purchase by end users. The preparing step can include the preparation of varying packages with different configurations of products includes those that would form a fully complete scaffold, those that would only provide parts of a scaffold, those that would form more than one fully competed scaffold, and any combination of the foregoing. Any number of configurations may be made so long as the configurations contain at least some of the items disclosed herein.
An acquiring step wherein a person or entity purchases or otherwise acquires the packages having any type of configuration contemplated in this disclosure. The purchasing step can include purchase by intermediaries or other third parties. The purchasing step can include a subsequent selling step and further purchasing step until the system gets in the hands of the end user. It is anticipated end users may also sell the kits 158 to other end users or intermediaries wherein it is intended that this purchasing step include such transactions.
An unpacking step may be performed before or together with the building step. When performed before the building step, the items in the purchased or gifted package will be unpacked. The items may be sorted, may be examined for damage, may be examined for completeness of parts, and/or may be moved to the location the scaffolding will be used. The original box the package arrived in may be saved for later use to store the items and/or to transport the items when needed. Alternative, the items may be placed in a different, possibly sturdier, box for storage and/or travel.
The building step includes constructing the first end section 16 by connecting the ladder section 20 with the leg section 40 by utilizing the horizontal extension coupling member 38. Part of the initial building step may include determining what size horizontal extension coupling member 38 or what size extension member 48 is needed for the task at hand. Selecting the appropriately sized horizontal extension coupling member 38/extension member 48. Installing the appropriately sized horizontal extension coupling member 38/extension member 48 between the ladder section 20 and the leg section 40. Alternatively, the installation may involve two leg sections 40 and no ladder section 20. Alternatively, the installation may involve two ladder sections 20 and no leg sections 40.
The second end section 18 is constructed following the foregoing guidance. The cross-brace members 60 and the loose brace members 62 are coupled and installed on the latching members 70 of the first end section 16 and second end section 18. Additional steps may be taken as part of this building step depending on what additional materials were received or purchased. A second scaffold 10 may be constructed as above to install on top of the previous scaffold 10 or to use independently or next to the first scaffold 10. A platform may be installed. Various planks may be installed. Guardrails may be installed. Other safety mechanisms may be installed.
Once the work is complete and it is desired to break down the items, a break down step may be utilized to disconnect the various components and break down the equipment. Alternatively, this step may include a packing step to put the items away or to move the items to another location.
A follow up step may include determining if further kits 158 are required or desired to replace broken or missing items or to expand the ability to use the items or for any other reason. An acquiring step may be performed to acquire said kits 158 or other parts. The further kits 158 or other parts may be placed with the original materials for storage or movement. Purchasing additional items such as horizontal extension coupling members 38 may be desired in order to manipulate the width of the scaffold once constructed. Additional items disclosed herein may be purchased to better utilize the products.
The depicted exemplary embodiments may be altered in a number of ways while retaining the inventive aspect, including ways not specifically disclosed herein.
Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of the words, for example “comprising” and “comprises”, means “including but not limited to”, and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.
Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.
Features and characteristics described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.
All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. In other words, the method steps have not been provided for in any particular sequential order and may be rearranged as needed or desired, with some steps repeated sequentially or at other times, during use.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

I claim:

1. A scaffold, comprising:

an end section comprising a ladder section and a leg section;

the ladder section comprising two vertical supports, each having a length and opposing ends;

a plurality of rungs extending between the two ladder section vertical supports;

the leg section comprising a vertical support having a length and two opposing ends;

two horizontal connectors extending from the leg section vertical support wherein the first horizontal connector is disposed proximate the first opposing end, and the second horizontal connector is disposed proximate the second opposing end;

two latching members couple to the first ladder section vertical support, the first latching member disposed proximate the bottom of the vertical support, and the second latching member disposed proximate the top of the vertical support; and

two latching members coupled to the leg section vertical support, the first latching member disposed proximate the bottom of the vertical support, and the second latching member disposed proximate the top of the vertical support.

2. The scaffold of claim 1, further comprising:

two horizontal extension coupling members, each having a length and opposing ends;

wherein the two horizontal extension coupling members are capable of coupling the ladder section and the leg section.

3. The scaffold of claim 2, further comprising:

Wherein the two horizontal extension coupling members are each lesser in length than the two horizontal connectors; and

a second end section;

a cross-brace member comprising two elongated brace members, each having a length and opposing ends, wherein the first opposing end of each is a cross-brace connecting end, and the second opposing end of each is an end section connecting end; and

the elongated brace members being movably connected to each other proximate each’s cross-brace connecting end.

4. The scaffold of claim 3, further comprising:

two loose brace members, each having a length and opposing ends, wherein the first opposing end of each is a cross-brace connecting end, and the second opposing end of each is an end section connecting end;

wherein each loose brace member is coupled to their respective elongated brace member of the cross-brace members proximate each members cross-brace connecting end; and

wherein each loose brace member and each respective elongated brace member of the cross-brace members is coupled to a latching member at each’s end section connecting end.

5. The scaffold of claim 4, wherein each coupling is removable.

6. A scaffold kit, comprising:

a plurality of ladder sections, each ladder section comprising a plurality of vertical supports, and a plurality of rungs extending between at least two vertical supports;

a plurality of cross-brace members, each cross-brace member being composed of two elongated brace members, each elongated brace member having a length and opposing ends, one opposing end being a cross-brace connecting end and the other opposing end being an end section connecting end;

the two elongated brace members of each cross-brace member being coupled proximate each’s cross-brace connecting end; and

a plurality of loose brace members, each loose brace member having a length and opposing ends, one opposing end being a cross-brace connecting end and the other opposing end being an end section connecting end.

7. The scaffold kit of claim 6, further comprising:

a plurality of horizontal extension coupling members;

a plurality of connecting pins; and

wherein one of the two vertical supports of the ladder section contains at least two latching members attached along its length.

8. The scaffold kit of claim 7, further comprising:

a plurality of leg sections, each leg section comprising a vertical support, wherein the vertical support has a length and opposing ends, and a plurality of horizontal connectors; and

The leg section vertical supports having a plurality of latching members attached along its length.

9. The scaffold kit of claim 8, wherein at least some of the plurality of horizontal extension coupling members are longer in length than some of the horizontal connectors.

10. The scaffold kit of claim 8, wherein there are at least eight horizontal extension coupling members.

11. A scaffold kit, comprising:

12. The scaffold kit of claim 11, further comprising:

The leg section vertical supports having two latching members attached along its length.

wherein one of the two vertical supports of the ladder section having two latching members attached along its length; and

a plurality of horizontal extension coupling members.

13. The scaffold kit of claim 12, further comprising:

a hardware kit having at least some of the hardware needed to construct a scaffold from the scaffold kit, including a plurality of snap clips; and

a plurality of connecting pins.

14. A method of building a scaffold, comprising:

an unpacking step comprising unpacking the scaffold items from the kit container;

a building step comprising constructing the end sections of the scaffold, utilizing a plurality of horizontal extension coupling members to couple the sections together;

the building step further comprising opening two cross-brace members from a collapsed position to a non-collapsed position, and coupling the cross-brace members to corresponding loose brace members to form a full sized cross-brace; and

and installing step, installing the full size cross-brace onto the end sections by attaching the free ends to latching members that are installed on the end sections.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

a preparing step wherein the scaffold kit is chosen based on the needs of the end user; and

an acquiring step comprising acquiring the chosen kit.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

the building step further comprising installing a platform on the scaffold.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

The building step further comprising choosing another plurality of horizontal extension coupling members that are a different length than the previous plurality of horizontal extension coupling members and replacing the original horizontal extension coupling members with the different length horizontal extension coupling members.

18. A scaffold kit, comprising:

wherein one of the two vertical supports of the ladder section having two latching members attached along its length;

a plurality of leg sections, each leg section comprising a vertical support, wherein the vertical support has a length and opposing ends, and a plurality of horizontal connectors;

19. The scaffold kit of claim 18, further comprising:

a first plurality of horizontal extension coupling members;

a plurality of connection pins; and

a plurality of fasteners.

20. The scaffold kit of claim 18, further comprising a second plurality of additional horizontal extension coupling members that are of a different length then the first plurality of horizontal extension coupling members.