AU2022261980A1

AU2022261980A1 - Convertible guard rail system for multifunction scaffold

Info

Publication number: AU2022261980A1
Application number: AU2022261980A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Grady Smith
Original assignee: Grady F Smith & Co Inc
Current assignee: Grady F Smith & Co Inc
Priority date: 2021-04-23
Filing date: 2022-04-21
Publication date: 2023-10-19
Also published as: WO2022226207A1; CA3215041A1

Abstract

A guard rail system for a scaffold can be configured in multiple configurations. In one configuration, two gates are pivotally mounted to opposing ends of a first side rail assembly, and are latched to a second side rail assembly. In another configuration, the gates are also pivotally mounted to opposing ends of a first side rail assembly, but the second side rail assembly is removed, and the gates are latched to support posts that replace the second side rail assembly. Removal of the second side rail assembly allows better access to a nearby worksite. Related methods are also disclosed.

Description

CONVERTIBLE GUARD RAIL SYSTEM FOR MULTIFUNCTION SCAFFOLD

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a multifunction scaffolding and, more particularly, to convertible guard rail system with removable side rail for a multifunction scaffold.

BACKGROUND

Scaffolds are commonly used in painting and other construction jobs, and traditionally allow a deck to be mounted at a desired elevation. In addition, it is common for a guard rail system to surround the deck to help safely keep a user from inadvertently falling off the deck. Thus, conventional guard rail systems typically surround the deck on all four sides (front, left, back, right), to fully peripherally enclose the deck. Typically, the left and/or right sides of such systems take the form of gates, with each gate pivotally attached to the front or back guard railings in a one-to-one relationship. In other words, each of the front or back guard railings only have one gate pivotally attached thereto. Such a conventional guard rail arrangement may be appropriate for using the scaffold in open space. However, when the scaffold is located adjacent a wall for painting the wall, the presence of the guard rail on the side facing the wall may interfere with the painting task, and require movement/alteration of the scaffold to complete proper painting of that portion of the wall. The movement/alteration of the scaffold takes additional time and labor, adding to cost.

As such, there remains a need for alternative approaches to guard rail systems for scaffolds, notably for guard rail systems that allow for easier access to nearby walls.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is generally directed to a guard rail system for a scaffold that can be configured in multiple configurations. In one configuration, two gates are pivotally mounted to opposing ends of a first side rail assembly, and are latched to a second side rail assembly. In another configuration, the gates are also pivotally mounted to opposing ends of a first side rail assembly, but the second side rail assembly is removed, and the gates are latched to support posts that replace the second side rail assembly. Removal of the second side rail assembly allows better access to a nearby worksite. In one aspect, a guard rail system for a scaffold is disclosed. The scaffold has first, second, third, and fourth guard rail mounting points located proximate corresponding corners of the scaffold. The guard rail system includes a first side rail assembly, a second side rail assembly, a first gate, a second gate, a first support post, and a second support post. The first side rail assembly is configured to mount to the first and second mounting points of the scaffold. The first side rail assembly has longitudinally opposing first and second end portions. The second side rail assembly is configured to mount to the third and fourth mounting points of the scaffold. The first support post is configured to mount to the third mounting point. The second support post is configured to mount to the fourth mounting point. The first gate is configured to be pivotally mounted to the first end portion of the first side rail assembly and: 1) latch to second side rail assembly when the second side rail assembly is mounted to the third and fourth mounting points; and 2) latch to the first support post when the first support post is mounted to the third mounting point. The second gate is configured to be pivotally mounted to the second end portion of the first side rail assembly and: 1) latch to second side rail assembly when the second side rail assembly is mounted to the third and fourth mounting points; and 2) latch to the second support post when the second support post is mounted to the fourth mounting point. In some aspects, the first side rail assembly includes a first hinge portion in the first end portion, and another first hinge portion in the second end portion. And the first gate includes a second hinge portion configured to mate with the first hinge portion in the first end portion to pivotally mount the first gate to the first side rail. And the second gate includes a second hinge portion configured to mate with the first hinge portion in the second end portion to pivotally mount the second gate to the first side rail. Optionally, the first hinge portions are hinge pins and the second hinge portions are sleeves.

In another aspect, a guard rail system for a scaffold is disclosed. The scaffold has first, second, third, and fourth guard rail mounting points located proximate corresponding corners of the scaffold. The guard rail system includes a first side rail assembly, a second side rail assembly, a first gate, a second gate, a first support post, and a second support post. The first side rail assembly is configured to mount to the first and second mounting points of the scaffold. The first side rail assembly has longitudinally opposing first and second end portions. The second side rail assembly is configured to mount to the third and fourth mounting points of the scaffold. The first gate is configured to be pivotally mounted to the first end portion of the first side rail assembly. The second gate is configured to be pivotally mounted to the second end portion of the first side rail assembly. The first support post is configured to mount to the third mounting point. The second support post is configured to mount to the fourth mounting point. The guard rail system is changeable between a four-sided configuration and an three-sided configuration. In the four-sided configuration, the guard rail system forms a closed perimeter fence and: 1 ) the first gate is pivotally mounted to the first end portion of the first side rail assembly and extends to, and is latched to, the second side rail assembly; and 2) the second gate is pivotally mounted to the second end portion of the first side rail assembly, and extends to, and is latched to, the second side rail assembly. In the three-sided configuration, the guard rail system forms a perimeter fence open on one side and: 1) the first gate is pivotally mounted to the first side rail assembly and extends to, and is latched to, the first support post; and 2) the second gate is pivotally mounted to the first side rail assembly, and extends to, and is latched to, the second support post; and 3) the second side rail assembly is detached from all of the first side rail assembly, the first gate, and the second gate. In some aspects, the first side rail assembly includes a first hinge portion in the first end portion, and another first hinge portion in the second end portion. And the first gate includes a second hinge portion configured to mate with the first hinge portion in the first end portion to pivotally mount the first gate to the first side rail. And the second gate includes a second hinge portion configured to mate with the first hinge portion in the second end portion to pivotally mount the second gate to the first side rail. Optionally, the first hinge portions are hinge pins and the second hinge portions are sleeves.

Related methods and combinations of the guard rail system and the scaffold are also disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the multifunction scaffold with two ladder frames and an adjustable height platform.

Fig. 2 illustrates one of two adjustable rail assemblies of the adjustable height platform.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a guard rail system for a multi-function scaffold with a removable side rail installed.

Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the guard rail system of Fig. 3, installed on a scaffold. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a guard rail system for a multi-function scaffold without the removable side rail.

Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the guard rail system of Fig. 4, installed on a scaffold. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective of a non-removable side rail for the guard rail system.

Fig. 6 is a perspective of an end section for the non-removable side rail with a first hinge part.

Fig. 7 is a detail view of the first hinge part for the non-removable side rail for mounting the gate.

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective of a removable side rail for the guard rail system.

Fig. 9 is a perspective of an end section for the removable side rail.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a support post used when the removable side rail is not installed.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a gate for the guard rail system.

Fig. 12 is an elevation view of a middle segment used in the side rails.

Fig. 13 is a perspective views of a catch element for joining the middle segment of the side rails with the end segments. Fig. 14 is an elevation view of a rail for the side rail assemblies.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a latch assembly.

Fig. 16 is an elevation view of the latch assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The guard rail systems 100 disclosed herein adapted for use with scaffolds, advantageously multipurpose scaffolds. As such, brief description of an exemplary multipurpose scaffold may aid in understanding the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 1 , a multipurpose scaffold is shown and indicated at 10. The multipurpose scaffold 10 comprises two ladder frames 12 and an adjustable height platform 20 supported between the two ladder frames 12. The adjustable height platform 20 can be mounted between the ladder frames 12 in two different orientations depending on a height requirement for a task. The first orientation enables the platform 20 to be adjusted to its maximum height. The second orientation enables the platform 20 to be adjusted to its minimum height. Each ladder frame 12 comprises two vertical supports 14 connected by two or more cross members 16. The vertical supports 14 and cross members 16 are preferably made of a metal tubing or other rigid tubular material. The cross members 16 are preferably welded at each end to respective ones of the vertical supports 14 so that each ladder frame 12 is a unitary structure. A series of aligned openings 18 extend through the vertical supports 14 perpendicular to the plane of the ladder frame 12 and are spaced apart at convenient intervals. As described more below, the openings 18 are engaged by a releasable locking mechanism 30 on the platform 20 to secure the platform 20 at a desired height between the ladder frames 12. Optionally, casters 50 or other ground-engaging members can be inserted into the lower ends of the vertical supports 14 and secured by a span pin 56. The caster 50 includes a stem (not shown) that inserts into the end of the vertical support 14. The stem includes an opening that aligns with the opening 18 in the vertical support 14 to allow insertion of the span pin 56 to secure the caster 50 to the vertical support 14.

The platform 20 comprises two adjustable rail assemblies 21 that extend between the ladder frames 12 and a deck 40 that is supported by the adjustable rail assemblies 21. Exemplary adjustable rail assemblies 21 are shown in Fig. 2. Each adjustable rail assembly 21 comprises a rail 22 and two guide channels 24 at opposing ends of the rail 22. A sleeve 26 for mounting a guard rail assembly 100 as hereinafter described is interposed between each end of the side rail 22 and the guide channel 24. The sleeve 26 includes an opening 28 for a span pin 34.

The rails 22 are advantageously symmetrical about a horizontal plane and configured to provide a support surface for the deck 40 of the platform 20 in both a first orientation (guide channels 24 extending down from rail 22, Fig. 2) and a second orientation (guide channels 24 extending up from rail 22) as shown in Fig. 4. The platform 20 can be used in either orientation. The rails 22 are equipped with removable locking pins 42 to hold the deck 40 down once the deck 40 is put in place. The installation of the locking pin 42 is advantageously the same in both orientations of the platform 20.

The guide channels 24 advantageously take the form of C-shaped channels and are configured to slide along the vertical supports 14 of the ladder frames 12 at each end of the scaffold 10 to adjust the height of the platform 20. Each guide channel 24 includes a releasable locking mechanism 30 for locking the platform 20 at a desired height. In one embodiment, the releasable locking mechanism 30 comprises a U-shaped locking pin 32 that engages with the aligned openings and in the guide channel 24 and vertical supports 14 respectively to lock the rail 22 at a desired height. The U-shaped locking pin 32 is biased by springs to an engaged position. To adjust the height of the platform, the locking pin 32 is pulled back to disengage the locking pin 32 from the holes 18 in the vertical supports 14. Once disengaged, the platform 20 can be adjusted in height to any desired position in the adjustment range. When the platform 20 is adjusted to the desired height, the locking pin 32 is re-engaged in the new position. In addition, span pins 34 can be inserted through holes in the guide channel 24 that align with the holes 18 in the vertical supports 14 as a fail safe. The span pins 34 secure the platform 20 at the desired height even if the releasable locking mechanism fails or disengages.

The scaffold 10 in Fig. 1 has four corners, with a sleeve 26 located proximate each corner. These sleeves 26 are for mounting the guard rail system 100 to the scaffold, and therefore may be referred to as guard rail mounting points or simply "mounting points".

Figs. 3-16 illustrate a guard rail system 100 for use with the multifunction scaffold 10. The guard rail system 100 is designed to removably mount to the scaffold 10 as described further below. The guard rail assembly 100 generally comprises two side rail assemblies 102,120, two gates 140, and two support posts 160. The first side rail assembly 102 is intended to be semi-permanent when the guard rail assembly 100 is in use. In other words, the first side rail assembly 102 is intended to remain in place while the guard rail assembly 100 is in use. The second side rail assembly 120 is designed to be removeable during use. For example, the side rail assembly 120 can be removed when the scaffold 10 is placed against a wall so that the side rail assembly 120 does not interfere with the work being done. When the second side rail assembly 120 is removed, two support posts 160 are installed in place of the side rail assembly 120, as described further below. Fig. 3 illustrates the guard rail assembly 100 assembled with both side rail assemblies 102, 120; and Fig. 3A shows the guard rail assembly 100 with both side rail assemblies 102, 120, thereby in a four-sided configuration, attached to the scaffold. Fig. 4 shows the guard rail assembly 100 with the second side rail assembly 120 removed and replaced by two support posts 160; and Fig. 4A shows the guard rail assembly 100 with the second side rail assembly 120 removed and replaced by two support posts 160, thereby in a three-sided configuration, attached to the scaffold. The first side rail assembly 102 is generally elongate and includes first and section end portions 120a, 102c, which are longitudinally opposed, and an optional center portion 102b. In some embodiments, the first side rail assembly 102 is formed as a single unit. In other embodiments, the first side rail assembly 102 is advantageously formed of multiple sections releasably joined together. Fig. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of such a first side rail assembly 102 with multiple sections releasably joined together. The first side rail assembly 102 generally comprises two vertical posts 104 at opposing ends of the side rail assembly 102, a top rail 106, a center rail 108, and a bottom rail 110. The top rail 106, center rail 108, and bottom rail 110 are each formed in three segments labeled a, b and c respectively. Thus, top rail 106 includes segments 106a, 106b, 106c; center rail includes segments 108a, 108b, 108c; and bottom rail includes segments 110a, 110b, 110c. The middle segment 106b, 108b of the top rail 106 and center rail 108 is shown in Fig. 13. The middle segment 106b, 108b includes a reduced diameter section at each end that inserts into the open end of the end segments 106a, 108a and 106c, 108c respectively. A catch element 150, shown in Fig. 14, engages with a corresponding opening in the end segments 106a, 108a and 106c, 108c to secure the segments together. The catch element 150 comprises a button 154 mounted to a spring 152 that is inserted into each end of the middle segment 106b, 108b with the button protruding from an opening 118 near the ends of the middle segment 106b. Multiple openings 118 of varying distance from the ends (e.g., in a linear or spiral series or other arrangement) may advantageously be provided in the middle segment 106b to provide some room for adjustment. The catch element 150 can be installed in one set of openings 118 a first distance from the ends of the middle segment 106b,

108b, removed and then reinstalled in a second set of openings 118 a second distance from the ends of the middle segment 106b, 108b. This ability to remove and reinstall the catch elements 150 provides a range of adjustment to compensate for the tolerances of the components.

The optional bottom rail 110 is intended to prevent items on the deck 40 of the multifunction scaffold from falling over the edge. In some embodiments, the bottom rail 110 is made from sheet metal. The middle segment 110b is designed to bolt to end segments 110a, 110c of the bottom rail 110. To provide for a range of adjustment, multiple holes can be formed in the middle segment 110b and/or end segments 110a,

110c of the bottom rail 110. Alternatively, slotted opening(s) could be formed in the middle segment 110b or end segments 110a, 110c to provide a range of adjustment to compensate for tolerances in manufacturing.

Fig. 6 shows one end portion 102a of the first side rail assembly 102. Only one end portion is shown, it being understood that the other end portion 102c is constructed in a similar manner. The end portion 102a includes a vertical post 104, an end segment 106a of the top rail 106, an end segment 108a of the center rail 108 and an end segment 110a of the bottom rail 110, all formed as a single unit. The vertical posts 104 of the end portions 102a, 102c have a mounting block 112 at the lower end thereof designed to snuggly fit into the sleeves 26 on the adjustable rail assemblies 21 of the scaffold 10.

The mounting blocks 112 are advantageously rectangular in cross-section, such as by being formed from a thirty-three millimeter square tube. The mounting blocks 112 include openings 114 that align with the opening 28 in the sleeve 26 to allow insertion of a span pin 34 to secure the side rail assembly 102 to the platform 20 of the scaffold 10.

The vertical posts 104 of the first side rail assembly 102 further include one or more first hinge parts 116 for mounting the gates 140 as hereinafter described. The first hinge parts may be male hinge parts or female hinge parts. In Figs. 5-6, the first hinge parts 116 generally comprise two L-shaped hinge pins 116 that are welded to the vertical post 104 as shown in Figs. 6-7. The hinge pins 116 are used for pivotally mounting the corresponding gate 140 to the first side rail assembly 102, described further below. The upper hinge pin 116 (closer to top rail 106) may optionally be longer than the corresponding lower hinge pin 116 to facilitate easier mounting of the corresponding gate 140. In addition, the upper hinge pin 116 may advantageously be located closer to the top rail 106 than in prior art designs, in order to better handle forces that may tend to undesirably open the gate 140.

The second side rail assembly 120 is generally elongate and includes first and section end portions 120a, 120c, which are longitudinally opposed, and an optional center portion 120b. The second side rail assembly 120 generally comprises two vertical posts 122 at opposing ends of the second side rail assembly 120, a top rail 124, a center rail 126, and a bottom rail 128. In some embodiments, the second side rail assembly 120 is formed as a single unit. In other embodiments, the second side rail assembly 120 is advantageously formed of multiple sections releasably joined together. Fig. 8 shows an exploded perspective view such a second side rail assembly 120 with multiple sections releasably joined together. In Fig. 8, the top rail 124, center rail 126, and bottom rail 128 are each formed in three segments labeled a, b and c respectively. Thus, top rail 124 includes segments 124a, 124b, 124c; center rail includes segments 126a, 126b, 126c; and bottom rail includes segments 128a, 128b, 128c. Note that middle segment 124b, 126b of the top rail 124 and center rail 126 are similar to segments 106, 108b shown in Fig. 13. Indeed, the basic design of the second side rail assembly 120 is similar to the first side rail assembly 102 except that the first hinge parts 116 (hinge pins 116) is omitted, and replaced by a suitably positioned latch post 134 (see Figs. 15-16) that forms part of a latch for latching the corresponding gate 140 in a closed position.

Fig. 9 illustrates one end portion 120a of the second side rail assembly 120.

Only one end portion is shown, it being understood that the other end portion 120c is constructed in a similar manner. The end portion 120a includes a vertical post 122, an end segment 124a of the top rail 124, an end segment 126a of the center rail 126 and an end segment 128a of the bottom rail 128, all formed as a single unit. The vertical posts 122 include mounting blocks 130 at the lower end thereof that are designed to snuggly fit into the sleeves 26 in the adjustable side rail assemblies 21 of the scaffold 10. The mounting blocks 130 include openings 132 that align with the opening 28 in the sleeve 26 to allow insertion of a span pin 34 to secure the second side rail assembly 120 to the platform 20 of the scaffold 10. As previously noted, the vertical posts 122 each include a latch post 134 that forms a first part of a latch assembly for latching the gate closed as hereinafter described.

Fig. 10 illustrates a support post 160 that is used when the second side rail assembly 120 is removed or otherwise not in use. The support post 160 comprises a rectangular tube sized to snuggly fit into the sleeve 26 in the side rail assemblies of the multifunction scaffold 10. Like the posts 122 of the second side rail assembly 120, the support post 160 includes a latch post 134 that forms a first part of a latch assembly for latching the corresponding gate 140 closed, as described further below. In addition, the support post 160 optionally includes additional threaded holes (not shown), at least one of which optionally aligns with the hole 164 in upper latch tab 162 in gate 140 (see Figs. 11 -12).

The latch posts 134 discussed above may take the form of a simple post, but advantageously take the form of a multipart latch post. Figs. 15-16 illustrate an exemplary multipart latch post 134. The latch post 134 includes a slot 136 to receive a locking member 138. The locking member 138 is secured in the slot 136 by a pivot pin 135 disposed at the outer end of the latch post 134. A second pin 137 is received in a slot 139 in the locking member 138. This arrangement allows the locking member 138 to drop down under the force of gravity and thus serve as a latch as hereinafter described.

Figs. 11-12 illustrate one of the gates 140 of the guard rail assembly 100, it being understood that the other gate 140 is similar. The gate 140 generally comprises two vertical posts 142, a top rail 144, a center rail 146, and an optional bottom rail 148. The vertical posts 142, top rail 144, center rail 146, and bottom rail 148 are formed as a single unit. One of the vertical posts 142 includes two spaced apart second hinge parts 149, which, in the illustrated embodiment take the form of cylinders 149. The cylinders 149 are sized and spaced to slide down over the hinge pins 116 on the vertical posts 104 of the first side rail assembly 102. This manner of mounting allows the gate 140 to swing inward. The other vertical post 142 includes two spaced apart latch tabs 162.

The latch tabs 162 are advantageously positioned so that they are on the inside of the corresponding portions of the second guard rail assembly 120 or support post 160 when the gate 140 is closed. Each latch tab 162 includes an opening 164 formed therein. The opening 164 in the uppermost latch tab 162 aligns with the latch post 134 on the vertical post 122 of the second side rail assembly 120. The opening 164 in the lower latch tab 162 aligns with the latch post 134 on the support post 160. Note that while the gate 140 may optionally be latched to a single latch post 134 (on second side rail assembly 120 or support post 160), thereby consuming only a single latch tab 162, the presence unused latch tab 162 advantageously aids in supporting the gate 140 against undesired outward movements. Note also that in other embodiments, two latches for each gate 140 may be used in all configurations, or a single latch at a consistent height with or without an "extra" latch tab 162.

When the gate 140 is closed, the opening 164 in the upper latch tab 162 will pass over the latch post 134 as the gate 140 is being closed. As the gate 140 is being closed, the locking member 138 on the latch post 134 is pushed upwardly by the outer periphery of the opening 164 in the latch tab 162. Once the latch tab 162 passes over the locking member 138, the locking member 138 will drop down under the force of gravity to latch the gate 140 in a closed position. The bottom tab 162 performs a similar function when the support posts 160 are used in place of the second side rail assembly 104. To open the gate, the locking member 138 needs to be lifted (e.g., with a finger) to allow the opening 164 in the latch tab 162 to pass back over the locking member 138. It should be noted that the guard rail assembly 100 is designed such that both gates 140 are pivotally mounted to the first side rail assembly 102 (towards opposing end portions 102a, 102c) and latch to the second side rail assembly 120 or support posts 160. The hinges for the gates 140 are integrated with the first side rail assembly 102 and the latches (in the form of latch posts 134) for the gates 140 are integrated with the second side rail assembly 120 and support posts 160. This arrangement allows the second side rail assembly 120 to be removed for working close to a wall. For example, a painter may remove the second side rail assembly 120 so that the rails do not interfere with the user’s work.

Note that the bottom rails 110, 128, 148 are optional, and may be omitted in any or all of the first side rail assembly 102, the second guard rail assembly 120, and/or the gates 140.

Thus, described herein is a guard rail system 100 for a scaffold. The scaffold has having first, second, third, and fourth guard rail mounting points 26 located proximate corresponding corners of the scaffold 10 (e.g., proximate the corners of the deck). The guard rail system 100 is advantageously changeable between a four-sided configuration (Fig. 3) and an three-sided configuration (Fig. 4). In the four-sided configuration, the guard rail system 100 forms a closed perimeter fence and: 1) a first gate 140 is pivotally mounted to the first side rail assembly 102 and extends to, and is latched to, the second side rail assembly 120; and 2) a second gate 140 is pivotally mounted to the first side rail assembly 102 and extends to, and is latched to, the second side rail assembly 120. In the three-sided configuration, the guard rail system 100 forms a perimeter fence open on one side (where second side rail assembly 120 has been removed) and: 1) the first gate 140 is pivotally mounted to the first side rail assembly 102 and extends to, and is latched to, a first support post 160; and 2) the second gate 140 is pivotally mounted to the first side rail assembly 102, and extends to, and is latched to, a second support post 160; and 3) the second side rail assembly 120 is detached from all of the first side rail assembly 102, the first gate 140, and the second gate 140.

Alternatively, described herein is a guard rail system 100 for a scaffold. The scaffold has having first, second, third, and fourth guard rail mounting points 26 located proximate corresponding corners of the scaffold 10 (e.g., proximate the corners of the deck). The guard rail system 100 includes a first side rail assembly 102 configured to mount to the first and second mounting points 26, and with the first side rail assembly 102 having first and second ends 102a, 102c. The second side rail assembly 120 configured to mount to the third and fourth mounting points 26. The first gate 140 is configured to be pivotally mounted to the first end portion 102a of first side rail assembly 102 and: 1) latch to second side rail assembly 120 when the second side rail assembly 120 is mounted to the third and fourth mounting points 26; and 2) latch to the first support post 160 when the first support post 160 is mounted to the third mounting point 26. Also, the second gate 140 is configured to be pivotally mounted to the second end portion 102c of the first side rail assembly 120 and: 1) latch to second side rail assembly 120 when the second side rail assembly 120 is mounted to the third and fourth mounting points 26; and 2) latch to the second support post 160 when the second support post 160 is mounted to the fourth mounting point 26.

To install the guard rail system 100 in the four-sided configuration, the first side rail assembly 102 is mounted to the scaffold 10 by inserting the mounting blocks 112 into the corresponding first and second guard rail mounting points 26 (and installing the corresponding pins for safety). Gates 140 are added to each end by inter-engaging the first hinge parts 116 of the first side rail assembly 102 with the second hinge parts 149 of the gates, to pivotally mount a gate 140 to each end portion 102a, 102c of the first side rail assembly 102. The second side rail assembly 120 is mounted to the scaffold 10 by inserting the mounting blocks 130 into the corresponding third and fourth guard rail mounting points 26 (and installing the corresponding pins for safety). The free ends of the gates 140 are then engaged with the corresponding end portions of the second side rail assembly 120 via the latch posts 134 and latch tabs 162. The guard rail system 100 may then be used. To convert the guard rail system 100 from the four-sided configuration to the three-sided configuration, the gates 140 are unlatched from the second side rail assembly 120, and the second side rail assembly 120 is removed from the third and fourth guard rail mounting points 26, and placed aside. The first and second support posts 160 are then inserted into the third and fourth guard rail mounting points 26, respectively, and secured in place. The free ends of the gates 140 are then engaged with the corresponding support posts 160 via the latch posts 134 and latch tabs 162. The guard rail system 100 may then be used. If it is desired to convert from the three-sided configuration to the four-sided configuration, the conversion process is reversed. And, if it desired to use the three-sided configuration initially, the installation process is generally as described above, but the support posts 160 are installed in the third and fourth guard rail mounting points 26 in place of the second guard rail assembly 120. As can be appreciated, the various components of the guard rail system 100, and the scaffold 10, are formed of suitable materials, such as steel or other metals, reinforced polymers, or other materials known in the art.

The present disclosure may, of course, be carried out in other ways than those specifically set forth herein without departing from essential characteristics of the disclosure. The present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A guard rail system (100) for a scaffold (10); the scaffold having first, second, third, and fourth guard rail mounting points (26) located proximate corresponding corners of the scaffold; the guard rail system comprising: a first side rail assembly (102) configured to mount to the first and second mounting points; the first side rail assembly having longitudinally opposing first and second end portions (102a, 102c); a second side rail assembly (120) configured to mount to the third and fourth mounting points; a first gate (140); a second gate (140); a first support post (160) configured to mount to the third mounting point; a second support post (160) configured to mount to the fourth mounting point; wherein the first gate is configured to be pivotally mounted to the first end portion of the first side rail assembly and: latch to second side rail assembly when the second side rail assembly is mounted to the third and fourth mounting points; and latch to the first support post when the first support post is mounted to the third mounting point; and wherein the second gate is configured to be pivotally mounted to the second end portion of the first side rail assembly and: latch to second side rail assembly when the second side rail assembly is mounted to the third and fourth mounting points; and latch to the second support post when the second support post is mounted to the fourth mounting point.

2. The guard rail system of claim 1 : wherein the first side rail assembly includes a first hinge portion (116) in the first end portion, and another first hinge portion (116) in the second end portion; wherein the first gate includes a second hinge portion (149) configured to mate with the first hinge portion in the first end portion to pivotally mount the first gate to the first side rail; wherein the second gate includes a second hinge portion (149) configured to mate with the first hinge portion in the second end portion to pivotally mount the second gate to the first side rail.

3. The guard rail system of claim 2: wherein the first hinge portions are hinge pins; wherein the second hinge portions are sleeves.

4. The guard rail system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first side rail assembly is formed of multiple sections (102a, 102b, 102c), releasably joined together.

5. The guard rail system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second side rail assembly is formed of multiple sections (120a, 120b, 120c) releasably joined together.

6. The guard rail system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first and second side rail assemblies include respective top rails (106,124), center rails (108, 126), and bottom rails (110, 128).

7. The guard rail system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second side rail, the first support post, and the second support post each include respective latch posts (134).

8. The guard rail system of claim 7, wherein the latch posts each include a locking member (138) rotatable about a pivot pin (135).

9. The guard rail system of claim 1 or claim 2: wherein the first side rail assembly is formed of multiple sections releasably joined together; wherein the second side rail assembly is formed of multiple sections releasably joined together; wherein the first gate is formed as a single unit; and wherein the second gate is formed as a single unit.

10. The guard rail system of claim 9, wherein the first and second side rail assemblies include respective top rails, center rails, and bottom rails.

11. A guard rail system (100) for a scaffold (10); the scaffold having first, second, third, and fourth guard rail mounting points (26) located proximate corresponding corners of the scaffold; the guard rail system comprising: a first side rail assembly (102) configured to mount to the first and second mounting points; the first side rail assembly having longitudinally opposing first and second end portions (102a, 102c); a second side rail assembly (120) configured to mount to the third and fourth mounting points; a first gate (140) configured to be pivotally mounted to the first end portion of the first side rail assembly; a second gate (140) configured to be pivotally mounted to the second end portion of the first side rail assembly; a first support post (160) configured to mount to the third mounting point; a second support post (160) configured to mount to the fourth mounting point; wherein the guard rail system is changeable between a four-sided configuration and an three-sided configuration; wherein, in the four-sided configuration, the guard rail system forms a closed perimeter fence and: the first gate is pivotally mounted to the first end portion of the first side rail assembly and extends to, and is latched to, the second side rail assembly; and the second gate is pivotally mounted to the second end portion of the first side rail assembly, and extends to, and is latched to, the second side rail assembly; and; wherein, in the three-sided configuration, the guard rail system forms a perimeter fence open on one side and: the first gate is pivotally mounted to the first side rail assembly and extends to, and is latched to, the first support post; the second gate is pivotally mounted to the first side rail assembly, and extends to, and is latched to, the second support post; and the second side rail assembly is detached from all of the first side rail assembly, the first gate, and the second gate.

12. The guard rail system of claim 11 : wherein the first side rail assembly includes a first hinge portion (116) in the first end portion, and another first hinge portion (116) in the second end portion; wherein the first gate includes a second hinge portion (149) configured to mate with the first hinge portion in the first end portion to pivotally mount the first gate to the first side rail; wherein the second gate includes a second hinge portion (149) configured to mate with the first hinge portion in the second end portion to pivotally mount the second gate to the first side rail.

13. The guard rail system of claim 12: wherein the first hinge portions are hinge pins; wherein the second hinge portions are sleeves.

14. The guard rail system of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the first side rail assembly is formed of multiple sections (102a, 102b, 102c) releasably joined together.

15. The guard rail system of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the second side rail assembly is formed of multiple sections (120a, 120b, 120c) releasably joined together.

16. The guard rail system of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the first and second side rail assemblies include respective top rails (106,124), center rails (108, 126), and bottom rails (110, 128).

17. The guard rail system of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the second side rail, the first support post, and the second support post each include respective latch posts (134).

18. The guard rail system of claim 17, wherein the latch posts each include a locking member (138) rotatable about a pivot pin (135).

19. The guard rail system of claim 11 or claim 12: wherein the first side rail assembly is formed of multiple sections releasably joined together; wherein the second side rail assembly is formed of multiple sections releasably joined together; wherein the first gate is formed as a single unit; and wherein the second gate is formed as a single unit.

20. The guard rail system of claim 19, wherein the first and second side rail assemblies include respective top rails, center rails, and bottom rails.