AU775612B2 - Frames and structures assembled by same - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 Tatsuo Ono

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT r r c Invention Title: Frames and structures assembled by same The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to s:- The present invention relates to structures such as prefabricated scaffoldings, shorings and support beams, as well as frames used for assembling the structures.

Generally, in a construction work or a civil engineering work, a prefabricated scaffolding for workers to walk thereon is installed opposedly to the outer side faces of a structure.

Likewise, in a construction work, a civil engineering work, or a o.

bridge building work, there is used a shoring or a support beam to support heavy objects such as floors and bridge girders during the work.

Prefabricated scaffoldings, shorings and support beams each employ frames in which support posts are assembled lengthwise and crosswise. For example, what is called PAL SUPPORT is used as a frame exclusive for shoring. The PAL SUPPORT is constituted by a frame which is triangular in front view and which comprises a single support post, a V-shaped lateral member connected sideways of the support post, and a connector provided at an outer end of the lateral member and having a hole.

Since the frames used in the above shorings, prefabricated scaffoldings and support beams are exclusive frames formed for the respective purposes, they cannot be used in common to all of the structures, O that f they' are not vrsat+l n d are thrfrenl -neono1mial.

In many cases, moreover, conventional frames are not employable as single products but are assembled by combining with other components of 1/ different structures, thus resulting in an increase in the number of components.

Besides, the work for combining discrete components is troublesome. Under the circumstances a demand exists for the development of a frame which can be assembled easily even by unskilled workers and which is superior in working efficiency and economical.

The foregoing PAL SUPPORT is advantageous in that it can be assembled lengthwise and crosswise as a single product. However, when the connector on one support post side is brought into engagement with another support post and when there later arises the necessity of removing or replacing a certain portion during work or after assembly, the vertical support posts must once be pulled out, which work is very difficult and troublesome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION S• In a first aspect, the invention is a scaffold arrangement comprising: a support post having an axial direction and a radial direction, said support post including first and second ends; a first support post connector arranged at said first end of said support post, said first support post connector including a flange welded to said support post; a second support post connector arranged at a substantially axial middle of said support post, said second support post connector including a flange welded to said support post; an end radial member extending radially from said support post, said end radial member having first and second ends, said first end of said end radial member being i connected to said first support post connector; a first lateral connector ranged on said second end of said end radial member, said first lateral connector and said first support post connector being arranged at a some axial distance from one of the ends of said support post; a diagonal member having a first and second end, said first end of said diagonal member extending from said second end of said support post in both said radial and axial directions of said support post; and a second lateral connector arranged on said second end of said diagonal member, said second lateral connector and said second end of said diagonal member being arranged at a substantially same axial distance from one of the ends of said support post as said second support post connector.

In a second aspect, the invention is a unitary frame body arrangement comprising: a plurality of frame bodies connected together, each frame body including: a support post with first and second ends, said first end of said support post including a spigot portion connectable to a second end of an axially adjacent one of said plurality of frame bodies; a first support connector comprising a flange welded to a middle of the support post; a second support connector comprising a flange welded to an upper portion of the support post; a lateral member comprising a frame secured to a side portion of the support post, and connectors comprising metallic pieces mounted at an outer end of the frame at vertical positions corresponding to the flanges respectively, said frame being composed of a horizontal member whose base end is connected to said flange at said upper portion, a vertical member which is integrally connected to an end portion of the horizontal member, and a diagonal member integrally connected to a lower end of the vertical member and to a lower portion of the support post, whereby a trapezoidal frame in front view is formed by said support post and said frame, said connectors of .said lateral members being connected to said flanges of a radially adjacent one of said plurality of frame bodies; and a walkway connected to said plurality of frame bodies, said frame bodies said frame bodies forming a balustrade for said walkway.

In a third aspect, the invention is a unitary frame body arrangement comprising: *a plurality of frame bodies connected together, each frame body including: a support post with first and second ends, said first end of said support post including a spigot portion connectable to a second end of an axially adjacent one of 25 said plurality of frame bodies; a first support connector, a second support connector and a third support connector each comprising flanges welded to a middle of the support post, an upper portion thereof and a lower portion thereof, respectively; a lateral member comprising a V-shaped frame whose base end is secured to a side portion of the support post through the upper flange and the lower flange; lateral connectors comprising metallic pieces mounted at, an outer end of the frame at vertical positions corresponding to the flanges respectively, said lateral connectors being connected to said flanges of a radially adjacent one of said plurality of frame bodies; a reinforcing member comprising a horizontal frame laid between a middle portion of the frame and the middle flange of the support post; and diagonal members comprising a pair of upper and lower frames laid between the middle portion of the V-shaped frame and the upper and lower flanges; and a walkway connected to said plurality of frame bodies, said frame bodies forming a balustrade for said walkway.

In a fourth aspect, the invention is a unitary frame body arrangement comprising: a plurality of frame bodies connected together, each frame body including: a support post with first and second ends, said first end of said support post including a spigot portion connectable to a second end of an axially adjacent one of said plurality of frame bodies; a first support connector comprising a middle flange welded to a middle of the support post; :a second support connector comprising an upper flange welded to an upper portion of the support post; a first lateral member comprising a horizontal member whose base end is secured to the upper flange; So. a second lateral member comprising a horizontal member whose base end is secured to the middle; lateral connectors comprising metallic pieces mounted at outer ends of the horizontal members at vertical positions corresponding to the upper flange and the middle flange, respectively, said lateral connectors being connected to said flanges of a radially adjacent one of said plurality of frame bodies; braces comprising diagonal members laid in a diagonal direction between each of the horizontal members and a side portion of the support post; and a walkway connected to said plurality of frame bodies, said frame bodies forming a balustrade for said walkway.

It is therefore an advantage of at least one embodiment of the present invention in that a frame is provided which has versatility, is superior in assembling performance, is easy to be assembled and disassembled, is easy to handle, and is not restricted by its storage place. It is a further advantage of at least one embodiment of the present invention that a structure such as a prefabricated scaffolding, shoring, or support beam, is provided which uses the frame, and is therefore not restricted in its assembling performance and is superior in both economy and safety.

The prefabricated scaffolding according to the present invention may be constituted by combining a plurality of the above frames lengthwise and crosswise.

Likewise the shoring according to the present invention may be constituted by combining a plurality of the above frames lengthwise and crosswise.

*o .9 15 Likewise, the support beam according to the present invention may be o constituted by combining a plurality of the above frames lengthwise and crosswise.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS S-20 FIG. I is a front view of a frame according to an embodiment of the present 9 invention; 2 is a front view of a frame according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a front view of a frame according to still another embodiment of the o: 25 present invention; FIG. 4 is a front view of a frame according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a front view of a frame according to a further embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 14 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; 0 FIG. 15 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 16 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further FIG. 17 is a front view of a frame according to a still further

C

embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 18 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 19 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 20 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 21 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; 1 o FIG. 22 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 23 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 24 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 25 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 26 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; o FIG. 27 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 28 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 29 is a front view of a frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further fram acconrding to a still fiurther frame according to a still further embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 30 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 31 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 32 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 33 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 34 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 35 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 36 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 37 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 38 is a front view of a embodiment of the present invention; frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further frame according to a still further FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a frame according to a still further embodiment of the present invention; A'TA. AA%. -CL CL 1A...U j..L-r 1 a. -a FIG. 40 is a perspective view ofl a ilframe according toU a stLll further embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a frame according to a still further embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 42 is a front view of support posts for a frame according to a still further embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. 43(A) and are each a front view of support posts for a frame according to a still further embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 44 is a front view of support posts for a frame according to a still further embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 45 is a front view of support posts for a frame according to a still further embodiment of the present invention; 10 FIG. 46 is a front view of support posts for a frame according to a still further embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 47 is an exploded perspective view of a frame according to a still further embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 48 is an exploded perspective view of a frame according to a still 15 further embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 49 is a front view of a frame according to a still further embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 50 is a front view of a frame according to a still further embodiment of the present invention; 120 FIG. 51 is a perspective view of support posts for a frame according to a still further embodiment of the present invention; FTG, 59. is a persnPective viPw nf fa rame accordin ton a still further embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 53 is an enlarged front view of an upper end portion of a support post; FIGS. 54(A) and are a plan view and a front view in vertical section, respectively, showing an example of a flange which serves as a connector support member; FIGS. 55(A) and are a plan view and a front view in vertical section, respectively, showing another example of a flange; FIGS. 56(A) and are a plan view and a front view in vertical section, respectively, showing still another example of a flange; FIG. 57 is a perspective view showing yet another example of a o• .e.

10 flange; FIG. 58 is an enlarged front view showing a state in which a flange S'has been mounted on a support post; FIG. 59 is an enlarged plan view showing an example of a clamp which serves as a connector; Is FIG. 60 is a partially enlarged perspective view of a prefabricated scaffolding assembled by using frames in accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 61 is an exploded perspective view of the prefabricated scaffolding shown in FIG. 0 FIG. 62 is an exploded perspective view showing an arranged state of frames in a prefabricated scaffolding assembled by using frames in accordance with a still further embodiment of thp nreent invpntin;- FIGS. 63(A), and are a plan view, a front view and a side view, respectively, of a prefabricated scaffolding assembled by using frames in accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 64 is a perspective view of a prefabricated scaffolding assembled by using frames in accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention; SFIG. 65 is a perspective view of a prefabricated scaffolding assembled by using frames in accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 66 is a front view of a shoring assembled by using frames in accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention; IFIGS. 67(A) and are a front view and a side view, respectively, of a shoring according to a still further embodiment of the present invention; .FIGS. 68(A) and are a front view and a side view, respectively, of a shoring according to a still further embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. 69(A) and are a front view and a side view, respectively, of a shoring according to a still further embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. 70(A) and are a front view and a side view, respectively, of a support beam assembled by using frames in accordance with a still further o embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. 71(A) and are a front view and a side view, respectively, of a support beam according to a still further embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 72 is a front view of a suDDort beam aconrding tn ,till fiirt.hr embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 73 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the support beam shown in FIG. FIGS. 74(A) and are perspective views of balustrades each mounted at an end portion of a prefabricated scaffolding; FIGS. 75(A) and are front views of reinforcing support posts each standing up at an end portion of a prefabricated scaffolding; FIG. 76 is a perspective view showing another example of a connector used in the present invention; FIG. 77 is a perspective view showing an example of a horizontal member used as a lateral member in the present invention; "I FIG. 78 is a perspective view showing another example of a

S.

h...,orizontal member; ~FIG. 79 is a perspective view showing an example of a reinforcing frame mounted between frames; FIG. 80 is a perspective view showing another example of a 15 reinforcing frame;

S..

FIG. 81 is a perspective view showing still another example of a reinforcing frame;

S..

FIG. 82 is a perspective view showing yet another example of a reinforcing frame; and oO FIG. 83 is a front view showing a further example of a reinforcing frame.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinunder with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In FIGS. 1 to 58 there are illustrated frames and reinforcing support posts embodying the present invention.

In FIGS. 60 to 65 there are illustrated prefabricated scaffoldings assembled by using any of the above frames in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

In FIGS. 66 to 69 there are illustrated shorings assembled by using any of the above frames in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

10 In FIGS. 70 to 73 there are illustrated support beams assembled by using any of the above frames in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

In FIGS. 74 to 82 there are illustrated support posts, balustrades and reinforcing frames which are used in assembling prefabricated scaffoldings, shorings or support beams.

To get an understanding of how to utilize frames according to the present invention, description will first be directed to the prefabricated scaffoldings shown in FIGS. 60 to 62.

The prefabricated scaffoldings shown in FIGS.60, 61 and 62, which 2o 0 scaffoldings are indicated at A, use the frame shown in FIG.41. This frame comprises two support posts 1, 1 and a horizontal member 4 or 4b connected rotatablv or detachr.hl to ne suppnnort. nn.t 1 A more detailed description will be given below.

As shown in FIGS. 60 and 61, in the prefabricated scaffolding A shown therein, a plurality of frames 3 are disposed upright in the lateral direction and at two rows in front and in the rear, the frames 3 each comprising two parallel, upright support posts 1, 1, a balustrade 2' mounted laterally between the support posts 1, 1 and a horizontal member 4 as a lateral member secured to one support post. The opposed front and rear support posts 1, 1 are detachably interconnected through the horizontal member 4 as a lateral member secured to one support post 1, while the support posts 1, 1 adjacent to each other in the lateral direction are interconnected through two horizontal balustrades 2a as lateral members 10 secured detachably to the right-hand support post 1 in FIG. 60. Further, one or plural scaffolding boards 5 are disposed in series in the lateral direction between the front and rear frames 3, 3, and both end portions of each scaffolding board are detachably engaged through engaging portions 6 with the horizontal members 4 corresponding to the said end portions. On 1. the outer periphery of each support post 1 are mounted perforated flanges 7 as first and second connector support members at upper, intermediate and lower positions.

The balustrade 2' comprises two horizontal members which are an upper horizontal member mounted detachably between the upper flanges 7, 7 and a lower horizontal member mounted between adjacent support posts 1, 1, provided the balustrade 2' may be constituted by only the upper or the loweTr hrnnl- memh'-.

Likewise, horizontal members 4 mounted between the front and rear support posts 1, 1 are detachably connected at both ends thereof respectively to the upper, intermediate and lower flanges 7, provided there may be only one horizontal member or may be two upper and lower horizontal members as shown in the figures.

Although the balustrades 2a are connected to the support posts 1, 1 through flanges 7 as connector support members, there may be used other connector support members such as, for example, pins.

Scaffolding boards 5 are arranged in series in the lateral direction and plural such boards are arranged in the front and rear direction, provided a single board may be used in the front and rear direction if the board is wide 0 in the same direction.

~At both ends of each scaffolding boards are formed engaging portions 6 of C- or L-shaped section. Through the engaging portions 6 the scaffolding board 5 is connected detachably to the intermediate or lower horizontal members 4. In the scaffolding boards 5, 5 adjacent to each other in the I lateral direction, the right-hand engaging portion 6 of the left-hand scaffolding board 5 and the left-hand engaging portion 6 of the right-hand S scaffolding board 5 are formed in an alternate manner.

Frames 3, 3 adjacent to each other in the lateral direction are connected together through the balustrade 2a mounted detachably between AO the upper flanges 7, 7. The balustrade 2a comprises two upper and lower horizontal members, right and left vertical support rods connected to end portions of the two horizontal members. ndrl hiflrcated mrntall, pnince 12 as connectors provided at both ends of each horizontal member. The two horizontal members may be substituted by a single horizontal member.

Further, one or plural baseboards 8 are disposed upright and in series laterally on each of both front and rear sides of the scaffolding boards End portions of each baseboard 8 are connected to holes of the flanges 7 detachably through pins.

At each of both right and left ends of the prefabricated scaffolding A is disposed a baseboard 9 upright in the front and rear direction, which is connected in the same manner as above.

The following method is adopted for disposing the prefabricated scaffolding A in an opposed relation to a structure B such as a building. A large number of frames 3 are arranged upright laterally in two front and rear rows. In this case, frames 3 adjacent to each other in the lateral direction are connected together through the balustrade 2a secured detachably to one support post 1, while frames 3, 3 opposed to each other in the front and rear direction are connected together through the horizontal 99::9 members 4 secured to one support post 1. In this way there is formed a scaffolding frame which is in the shape of rectangular parallelepiped in plan, in which are then mounted scaffolding boards 5 at intermediate positions to complete the scaffolding board.

It is optional whether the front and rear frames 3, 3 are to be go arranged at symmetric positions or arranged in an alternate fashion. In the latter case, it is the balustrade 2a that is opposed on the rear side to the front frame 3, and a horizontal member is mounted hptwppn ithfa ,-ha support post 1 of the front frame 3 and the left-hand support post 1 of the rear frame 3.

The support posts 1 may be raised directly on the ground.

Alternatively, support posts may be raised on the ground through jacks and the support posts 1 which constitute each frame 3 may be detachably inserted respectively into the upper ends of the support rods.

S The support posts may be arranged one by one, or a set of two support rods connected through a horizontal support bar may be raised on the ground through jacks. Further, a plurality of frames 3 may be mounted vertically in plural stages. In this case, as shown in FIG. 53, the upper support post 1 is inserted into an upper-end hole of the lower support post 1 g I0 through a spigot portion la.

FIG. 62 schematically illustrates a prefabricated scaffolding according to another embodiment of the present invention. This prefabricated scaffolding, indicated at A, has been assembled by using, for example, such a frame as shown in FIG. 3 or 9. More specifically, a frame 15 3a comprises one support post 1 and a balustrade 2 as a lateral member mounted laterally to the support post 1. Plural such frames 3a are laterally arranged upright in two front and rear rows. Front and rear support posts 1, 1 opposed to each other are interconnected detachably through the same horizontal members 4 as in FIG. 60, and support posts 1, 1 adjacent to each -O other laterally are interconnected through the balustrade 2 of one support post 1 and a metallic piece 13 as a connector. Further, one or plural boardo 5 a latittily arranged in series between the front and rear frames 3, 3, and both end portions of each scaffolding board 5 are engaged detachably with the associated horizontal members 4.

At the leftmost end position of the prefabricated scaffolding A is raised such one support post 1A as shown in FIG. 75, or as illustrated in FIG.

62, the same frame as the frame 3 in FIG. 60 is raised on the ground.

In the case where one frame 3a comprising a single support post 1 and the balustrade 2 mounted at the upper portion of the support post 1 is to be connected to another like frame 3a, an end portion of the balustrade 2 is connected detachably to the support post of the frame 3a adjacent laterally to the one frame. The balustrade 2 comprises one or two parallel horizontal members, and one end of the balustrade 2 is connected to the support post 1 10 through a flange 7 or by welding or through a pin or the like. At the opposite end of the balustrade 2 is formed a metallic piece 13 as a connector, which is connected to a flange 7 on the other adjacent support post 1 side.

Other structural points and assembling method are the same as in FIG. 1S Now, frames embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 58.

The frames shown in FIGS. 1 to 18 belong to the same group and are common to one another in that one or plural horizontal members as lateral members are disposed horizontally with respect to one support post. The O frames 3 in question each comprise one support post 1, a flange 7 as a first connector support member provided at an intermediate position of the sppo-It pot, a ,ae as a secouu onector support member provided at an upper position of the support post 1, a horizontal member as a lateral member connected to the intermediate or the upper flange 7, and a metallic piece 13 as a connector disposed at an outer end of the horizontal member in a corresponding relation to the associated flange 7.

The frame 3 shown in FIG.1 comprises a support post 1, flanges 7, 7 provided at intermediate and upper positions, respectively, of the support post 1, a horizontal member 2a connected at a base end thereof to the intermediate flange 7, and a metallic piece 13 provided at an outer end of the horizontal member 2a, the metallic piece 13 comprising a bifurcated shoe and a wedge. At an upper end of the support post 1 is formed a spigot portion la of a small diameter. When support posts 1 are connected 10 together vertically, the spigot portion la of the lower support post 1 is inserted into a lower end of the upper support post 1. The spigot portion la may be formed at the lower end of each support post 1.

In the frame 3 shown in FIG. 2, a base end of a horizontal member 2 as a lateral member, which serves also as a balustrade, is connected to a S* flange 7 provided at an upper position of a support post 1. Other constructional points are the same as in the frame of FIG. 1.

In the frame of FIG. 3, two upper and lower horizontal members 2, 2 are connected respectively to an upper flange 7 and an outer surface of a support post 1, a horizontal baseboard 8 is connected to an intermediate flange 7, the two horizontal members 2, 2 and the baseboard 8 are connected together at their outer ends through a vertical support rod, a metallic piece 13 is provided at the outer end of the unnper hnri7rntal mombro2,- oAd A p 8a is provided at the outer end of the baseboard 8.

In the frame of FIG. 4, a base end of a horizontal member L3 as a lateral member is connected to an intermediate flange 7, a metallic piece 13 is provided at an outer end of the horizontal member L3, and two upper and lower diagonal members 2b, 2b as lateral members are mounted between outer surfaces at upper and lower positions of a support post 1 and the outer end of the horizontal member L3.

In the frame of FIG. 5, a U-shaped lateral member comprising a horizontal member 2 and an L-shaped member 2e is connected to a support post 1. To be more specific, base ends of the horizontal member 2 and the L-shaped member 2e are connected respectively to an upper flange 7 and an )0 outer surface of the support post 1, and a metallic piece 13 is provided at an outer end of the horizontal member 2.

In the frame of FIG. 6, in combination with the frame of FIG. 3, reinforcing diagonal members 22, 22 are mounted in X shape in plan.

In the frame of FIG. 7, which is a modification of the frame shown in FIG. 2, a reinforcing diagonal member 19 is mounted between the intermediate flange 7 and the outer end of the horizontal member 2.

In the frame of FIG. 8, in combination with the frame of FIG. 7, a horizontal reinforcing member H12 is mounted between the support post 1 and a diagonal member 2d." In the frame of FIG. 9, horizontal members 2a, 2a as lateral members, which serve also as balustrades, are connected at their base ends t on nnupper flange 7 and an intermediate flange 7, r. .l and metallic pieces 13, 13 are provided respectively at outer ends of the horizontal members 2a, 2a.

In the frame of FIG. 10, in combination with the frame of FIG. 9, a horizontal reinforcing member 2f for reinforcing the horizontal members 2a, 2a and a vertical support rod 2g are used as additional components.

In the frame of FIG. 11, indicated at 3A, two upper and lower flanges S7, 7 and an intermediate flange 7 are formed on a support post 1, horizontal members 2a, 2al as lateral members are respectively connected at their base ends to the flanges 7, outer ends of the horizontal members are connected together through a vertical support rod, and metallic pieces 13, 13 associated with the flanges 7 are provided respectively at the outer ends of the 1O horizontal members 2a, 2al.

In the frame of FIG. 12, which is a modification of the frame shown in FIG. 8, a base end of a horizontal member H6 is connected to the intermediate flange 7, and a diagonal member 2d is mounted between the base end of the horizontal member H6 and an outer end of an upper S horizontal member 2c.

In the frame of FIG. 13, which is a modification of the frame shown in FIG. 12, a diagonal member 2d and a vertical support rod 2g are mounted between upper and lower horizontal members 2c, H11 which are connected respectively to the upper and lower flanges 7, 7.

In the frame of FIG. 14, in combination with the frame of FIG. 9, an X-shaped reinforcing member H4 is mounted as an additional component between upper and lower horizontal members 2c, 2c.

In the frame of FIG. 15, which is a modification of the frame shown in FIG. 10, a reinforcing diagonal member 2n is mounted between the outer end of the lower horizontal member 2a and the lower end of the support post In the frame of FIG. 16, which is a modification of the frame shown in FIG. 15, a diagonal member 2i, instead of the horizontal member 2f, is mounted between the two horizontal members 2a, 2a.

The frame of FIG. 17 is a combination of the frames shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. Horizontal members 2a, L3 and diagonal members 2b, 2b are connected as lateral members to the support post 1.

Se'In the frame of FIG. 18, which is a modification of the frame shown in FIG. 14, three, upper, intermediate and lower horizontal members 2c, Hll, H12 are connected to the support post 1, and X-shaped reinforcing members H4 are mounted respectively between the horizontal members 2c and Hll and between the horizontal members Hll and H12.

The frame of FIG. 19 comprises three, upper, intermediate and lower I horizontal members L4, L3, L5, a support rod 2g which connects the horizontal members with one another, and diagonal members 2b.

The frames shown in FIGS. 20 to 23 belong to the same group. Each of these frames basically comprises a support post 1 and a V-shaped frame connected thereto as a lateral member. Other constructional points are the same as in the frame of FIG. 1.

The frame of FIG. 20, indicated at 3B, comprises a support post 1, flanges 7, 7 provided JACVly at uLJpper andU illlntermediaUl positions of the support post 1, a V-shaped frame 2b as a lateral member connected at base ends thereof to upper and lower outer surface portions of the support post 1, and a metallic piece 13 as a connector provided at an outer end of the frame 2b correspondingly to the intermediate flange 7. The frame 3B, when seen from the front side, is in the shape of a triangle or an isosceles triangle.

The frame of FIG. 21 is substantially the same as the frame of FIG.

20. A V-shaped frame 2b is adjusted in its length through expansion mechanisms 2bl, and hinges 0 and P are provided at base ends and an outer end, respectively, of the frame 2b.

f..n In the frame of FIG. 22, in combination with the frame of FIG. 20, a horizontal member 2a is connected to the support post 1 through the upper flange 7.

In the frame of FIG. 23, which is a modification of the frame shown in FIG. 20, a U-shaped lateral member comprising a horizontal member 2a and a reinforcing frame 2a2 is connected to both the upper flange 7 and the outer surface of the support post 1.

The frames shown in FIGS. 24 to 29 belong to the same group and are common to one another in that each basically comprises a support post 1 and a V-shaped frame as a lateral member connected to the support post 1, the support post 1 and the V-shaped frame conjointly forming a right-angled triangle. Other structural points are the same as in the frame of FIG. 1.

In the frame of FIG. 24, indicated at 3C, two sets of upper and lower V-shaped frames each comprising a horizontal member 2K and a diagonal member 2L are cnnnPrtd at their base ,d +o pe- ng 7, 7 v pP anu ,uw tr 1aiiges 7 and an outer surface of a support post 1.

The frame of FIG. 25, indicated at 3C, is the simplest frame, which forms a right-angled triangle as a whole. More specifically, the frame in question comprises a support post 1, flanges 7, 7 provided respectively at upper and intermediate positions of the support post 1, a V-shaped horizontal member 2c connected at base ends thereof to the upper flange 7 and a lower outer surface portion of the support post 1, and a metallic piece 13 as a connector provided at an outer end of the horizontal member 2c correspondingly to the upper flange 7.

In the frame of FIG. 26, in combination with the frame of FIG. 25, a horizontal reinforcing member Hi1 is mounted between the intermediate flange and a diagonal member 2c.

'In the frame of FIG. 27, in combination with the frame of FIG. 25, a U-shaped reinforcing member HU is connected to all of the intermediate flange 7, an upper outer surface portion of the support post 1 and a diagonal member 2c.

15 In the frame of FIG. 28, in combination with the frame of FIG. 25, a reinforcing horizontal member H8 is connected to both the intermediate flange 7 and the diagonal member 2c, and a metallic piece 13 is provided at an outer end of the horizontal member H8.

In the frame of FIG. 29, in combination with the frame of FIG. 28, another horizontal member H9 is mounted between the support post 1 and the diagonal member 2c and in parallel with the horizontal member H8.

In the frame nf FIG. 30, Rwhich is a modifcation of the frame f FIG.

a reinforcing frame H10 is connected between the outer end of the horizontal member 2c and the lower flange 7, the reinforcing frame being in an inverted L shape in front view.

The frames shown in FIGS. 31 to 38, which belong to the same group, are basically common to one another in that the whole of each frame is in a trapezoidal or rectangular shape in front view.

FIG. 31 shows a frame 3A of a simple structure which is in a basic trapezoidal shape in front view. Its basic structure is the same as that of the frame shown in FIG. 1. The frame of FIG. 31 comprises a support post 1, flanges 7 provided at intermediate and upper positions of the support post 1, a frame 2A connected at base ends thereof to both the upper flange 7 and an $0oo 10 lower outer surface portion of the support post 1, and metallic pieces 13, 13 provided at outer ends of the frame 2A correspondingly to the flanges 7, 7.

The frame 2A is an integrally molded frame consisting of a horizontal member P, a vertical member Q and a diagonal member R. The support post 1 and the frame 2A form a trapezoidal shape in front view.

o 15 In the frame of FIG. 32, in combination with the frame of FIG. 31, one reinforcing horizontal member 2A1 is mounted between the support post 1 and the vertical member Q.

Likewise, in the frame of FIG. 33, in combination with the frame of FIG. 31, two reinforcing horizontal'members 2A1, 2A2 are provided as ,2 additional components.

In the frame of FIG. 34, which is substantially the same as the frame of FIG. 33, a base end of the lower horizontal member 2A9. i Qn onected to t intermediate flange 7.

In the frame of FIG. 35, in combination with the frame of FIG. 34, a reinforcing diagonal member 2A3 is mounted between an upper position of the support post 1 and an intermediate position of the frame 2A.

In the frame of FIG. 36, base ends of horizontal members 2a, 2a are connected respectively to upper and lower flanges 7, 7, outer ends of the horizontal members 2a, 2a are connected together through a vertical support rod, and a metallic piece 13 is provided at a vertically central position of the support rod correspondingly to the intermediate flange 7.

In the frames of FIGS. 37 and 38, a reinforcing horizontal member and one or two diagonal members are added to the frame of FIG. 36.

,0 The frames shown in FIGS. 39 to 41, which belong to another group, are common in that a horizontal member as a lateral member is connected to a flange provided at an intermediate position of a support post 1, the horizontal member extending in a direction different from the direction of an S"upper horizontal member. Other structural points are the same as in the 1S frame of FIG. 1.

The frame of FIG. 39 comprises a support post 1, flanges 7, 7 provided respectively at intermediate and upper positions of the support post oo00 1, a horizontal member 2 as a lateral member connected at a base end thereof to the upper flange 7, a reinforcing member 2e mounted between an outer position of the horizontal member 2 and an upper outer surface portion of the support post 1, another horizontal member 4a as a lateral member connected to the intermediate flange 7 in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal member 2, and metallic pieces 13, 13 provided respectively at outer ends of the horizontal members 2 and 4a.

The frame of FIG. 40, which has already been explained in connection with the prefabricated scaffolding of FIG. 69, comprises two support posts 1, 1, a balustrade 2' mounted between the support posts 1,1, a horizontal member 4b as a lateral member connected to an intermediate flange 7 on one support post 1, and a metallic piece 15 provided at an outer end of the horizontal member 4b.

In the frame of FIG. 41, which is a modification of the frame of FIG.

39, a pipe-like socket 14 is rotatably fitted on the support post 1 in close proximity to the intermediate flange 7, a horizontal member 4a is mounted 10 to the socket 14, and a metallic piece 14a is provided at an outer end of the horizontal member 4a.

Frame support posts shown in FIGS. 42 to 46 belong to the same group and are common to one another in that two support posts 1, 1 stand 0 ;upright in parallel with each other. Though not shown, a lateral member is 15 connected to an upper or lower flange 7 of one support post 1. As the case may be, these support posts are each used alone at an end portion of a prefabricated scaffolding without using any lateral member.

The frame of FIG. 42 comprises two parallel support posts 1, 1 and a balustrade 2' mounted between upper flanges 7, 7 of the support posts 1, 1.

aO A lateral member is connected detachably to one or both of upper and lower flanges 7, 7.

n the frame of FG. 43A), in combination withe frame of IGr 42, another balustrade 2' is mounted between the support posts 1, 1. Likewise, in the frame of FIG. 43(B), in combination with the frame of FIG. 43(A), a

I,

diagonal member is mounted between the support posts 1, 1. Likewise, in the frame of FIG. 44, in combination with the frame of FIG. 43(A), a baseboard 8 is mounted between intermediate flanges 7, 7. Likewise, in the frame of FIG. 45, in combination with the frame of FIG. 44, a corrugated reinforcing member 35 is mounted between one balustrade 2' and the baseboard 8.

In the frame of FIG. 46, in combination with the frame of FIG. 42, an X-shaped reinforcing brace 26 is mounted between the support posts 1, 1.

:The frames shown in FIGS. 47 and 48 belong to the same group and h0 are common to each other in that a lateral member is connected detachably .to a support post.

To be more specific, the frame of FIG. 47 comprises a support post 1 provided with two upper and lower flanges 7, 7 and a unitized lateral member X, the lateral member X comprising two horizontal members 2, 2 as I balustrades, one baseboard 8 and one diagonal member 23. Base ends of the lateral member X are connected to the flanges 7, 7 on the support post 1 detachably through metallic pieces 13 and 8a which are provided o respectively at an outer end of one horizontal member 2 and an outer end of the baseboard 8.

2O In the frame of FIG. 48, like the frame of FIG. 47, a unitized lateral member Y is constituted by two horizontal members 2, 2 as balustrades and a3 V-shapedo reinforcingr membr 24 cnctedI C~C to te hourizotlal il~utmers ,2, x %'UJLJ L L'U 1UL ZU11L and the lateral member Y is connected to flanges 7, 7 on the support post 1 detachably through metallic pieces 13 and 25 which are provided respectively at an outer end of one horizontal member 2 and an outer end of the reinforcing member 24.

The frames shown in FIGS. 49 and 50 belong to the same group and are common to each other in that lateral members are provided respectively on both sides of a support post.

The frame of FIG. 49 comprises a support post 1, flanges 7, 7 provided respectively at upper and intermediate positions of the support post 1, V-shaped frames 2D, 2D as lateral members disposed on both sides of the support post 1, a metallic piece 13 as a connector provided at an outer end of one V-shaped frame 2D correspondingly to the intermediate flange 7, and a metallic piece 13a as a third connector support member provided at an outer end of the other V-shaped frame 2D correspondingly to the metallic piece 13.

Extending centrally of the V-shaped frames 2D is a reinforcing 5 horizontal member M which is connected to the intermediate flange 7.

In the frame of FIG. 50, two support posts 1, 1 are connected together through two intermediate horizontal members Q, a frame 2F as a lateral member comprising horizontal members and a vertical member is connected to one support post 1, and another frame 2F of the same shape as the one frame is connected to the other support post 1. Further, metallic pieces 13 are provided at outer ends of one frame 2F, while metallic pieces 13a corre-pnding to the Met ,l aic jpiees '13 and each constituted by a horizontal plate are provided at outer ends of the other frame 2F.

FIG. 51 shows a still further example of a frame, which comprises two support posts 1, 1, two balustrades 2, 2 mounted between the two support posts 1, 1, two flanges mounted on one support post, and metallic pieces 13, 13 provided at side positions of the other support post 1 correspondingly to the flanges 7, 7.

In the frame of FIG. 52, a V-shaped frame 2b as a lateral member is connected to a support post 1, another V-shaped frame L4 is connected to the support post 1 in a direction perpendicular to the V-shaped frame 2b, and metallic pieces 13 are provided respectively at outer ends of the frames 2b S. and L4.

0 FIG. 53 shows an upper portion of a support post 1. At an upper end of the support post 1 is formed a spigot portion la of a small diameter for insertion into another support post.

FIGS. 54 to 58 show examples of flanges.

A flange 7 shown in FIGS. 54(A) and comprises a central disc 7a and an annular hook 7b formed along the outer periphery of the disc 7a.

Through a central hole the flange 7 is fitted and fixed onto a support post 1.

A flange 7 shown in FIGS. 55(A) and comprises a disc 7a and eight retaining holes 7c formed in the circumferential direction of the disc 7a.

A flange 7 shown in FIGS. 56(A) and comprises a body 7d and ear portions formed in the body 7d in four directions spacedly at intervals of degrees, and retaining holes 7g formed respectively in the ear portions 7e.

A flange 7 shown in FIG. 57 compriJises sockets 7f of a U-lshape section formed on the outer periphery of a support post 1 spacedly in four directions at intervals of 90 degrees. Base ends of the sockets 7f are welded at W to the support post 1.

A flange 7 shown in FIG. 58 is rotatable while being held between two upper and lower support rings 123, 123 fixed onto the outer periphery of a support post 1, whereby a lateral member connected to the flange 7 is also made rotatable in any direction.

FIG. 59 shows a further example of a lateral member and a connector.

In this example, a clamp K is provided at an outer end of a horizontal member 2a. The clamp K as a connector comprises two clamp pieces K1 and "K2 and a bolt BT for clamping the clamp pieces. Through the clamp K there (O is made connection to another support post or the like.

FIGS. 63(A) and show a scaffolding frame assembled using a S'frame embodying the present invention.

The frame used is the frame 3C shown in FIG. 25 and plural such frames 3C are assembled in both vertical and lateral directions. In the 15 vertical direction, upper and lower support posts 1, 1 are connected together, while frames 3C, 3C adjacent in the lateral direction are connected together by connecting the metallic piece 13 at an outer end of the frame member 2C 595*5S in one support post 1 to the upper flange 7 of the other support post 1. For example, in the case where the outer surface of a building under construction is curved and a scaffolding frame Z is to be assembled along the said outer surface, the mounting angle of the metallic piece 13 in one frame member 2C relative to the flango. 7 is~ hn Shcnaffldn boards 125 along the scaffolding frame Z thus assembled. In this case, the frame members 2C not only are used as balustrades but also function as reinforcing *0 0 8000 S. 0 *0 braces in a diagonal direction.

FIG. 64 shows a prefabricated scaffolding assembled by using the frame shown in FIG. 32. This is substantially the same as the prefabricated scaffolding shown in FIG. 60 which has already been referred to.

More specifically, such frames 3A as shown in FIG. 32 are assembled lengthwise and crosswise to form two rows of front and rear frames X, Y and scaffolding boards 5 are arranged laterally between the front and rear frames.

1 0 A large number of frames 3A are laterally connected together, for example, by connecting the support post 1 of the right-hand frame to the metallic pieces 13, 13 of the left-hand frame. On the other hand, vertically arranged frames 3A are connected together by inserting the upper end of a lower support post 1 into the lower end of an upper support post 1. This 15' connection is effected by using such a spigot portion la as shown in FIG. 53.

Between the two rows of front and rear frames X, Y are mounted horizontal members to reinforce the frames, and end portions of each scaffolding board 5 are hooked to adjacent horizontal members to mount the scaffolding board.

?0 Between the left ends of the two rows of front and rear frames X, Y are mounted the above horizontal members and balustrades 50 and so are betwo A the t rght 0 ends oft ItheiajULe.

According to the present invention, in installing a prefabricated scaffolding around a building under construction, first an appropriate width 0r0 @0 00 0 0050 0* 00 0

'S

0 of each scaffolding board 5 is determined, then such scaffolding boards having the thus-determined width are installed through frames 3A', 3A' matching the width of each scaffolding board at corners of the building under construction, and thereafter other frames 3A, 3A are made laterally contiguous to the frames 3A', 3A' to constitute an L-shaped scaffolding. As a result, the strength of the prefabricated scaffolding as a whole is improved against lateral loads because it is assembled in L shape.

.In this embodiment, each frame 3A' matching the width of each scaffolding board 5 at each corner is shorter in lateral size than each frame 3A, as shown in the figure.

When the frames 3A are arranged continuously in the lateral direction, an adjustment of length may be made in conformity to the width of a side face of the building under construction.

The following points are to be noted in connection with the above prefabricated scaffolding. The frames X and Y can be formed easily by assembling a large number of frames 3A lengthwise and crosswise. Besides, when after the frames X and Y have been formed by assembling frames 3A at a lower stage, the same frames 3A are to be assembled one by one on the soassembled lower frames, workers get on scaffolding boards 5 located at the lower stage and in this case balustrades are sure to be formed on the scaffolding boards 5 by means of horizontal members P and 2A1. That is, the assembling work can h done safly without using a lif rop. Furthr, j Vvlbiluut ubing a hie rope. Further, after completion of the prefabricated scaffolding, diagonal members

R

function as reinforcing braces.

FIG. 65 shows a prefabricated scaffolding which has been constructed by assembling the frame of FIG. 40 lengthwise and crosswise.

This is also substantially the same as the prefabricated scaffolding shown in More specifically, frames X and Y are arranged at two rows in front and in the rear, and scaffolding boards 5 are mounted between the frames X and Y so as to be contiguous to one another in the lateral direction. Further, between end portions of the frames X and Y are mounted a balustrade 50 and a large-sized reinforcing member 51.

e In arranging the frames X and Y in the lateral direction, right and 10 left support posts 1, 1 adjacent to each other are connected together through connectors for connecting the respective flanges 7, 7, while support posts 1, 1 S. adjacent to each other in the vertical direction are connected together through a spigot portion la in the same manner as above.

The frames X and Y arranged at two rows in front and in the rear are connected together through horizontal members 4b, 4b secured to the support posts 1, and end portions of the scaffolding boards 5 are hooked to the horizontal members 4b, 4b. Also in this case, the front and rear frames X, Y can be formed easily by assembling a large number of frames 3 in both vertical and transverse directions. Moreover, even when frames 3 are 2o assembled one by one at an upper stage, a worker can get on a lower scaffolding board 5 while balustrades 2' are sure to be formed, and thus the wnrk en ha r-nr;pr1 n, o nlv, FIG. 66 illustrates a structure assembled as scaffolding or shoring, which uses a frame 3C closely similar to the frame of FIG. 19 for example.

More specifically, a large number of jacks J are disposed upright on the ground and are interconnected and reinforced by connecting members J1.

Standard frames N are connected onto the jacks J and a plurality of frames 3C according to the present invention are connected horizontally and Svertically onto the frames N. Further, a plurality of upper frames N are connected onto the frames 3C stepwise or horizontally and upper jacks J2 are mounted onto the upper frames N so as to be adjustable in height. The jacks J2 each comprise a bearer portion 130, a screw rod connected to the underside of the bearer portion 130, a flange 133 threadedly engaged with an intermediate part of the screw rod in a movable manner, and a nut and handle 132 threadedly engaged with a lower part of the screw rod. The screw rod is threadedly connected to a support post through the nut and handle 132. The reason why the upper frames N are assembled stepwise is because the outer surface of a building S under construction is inclined.

Support rods M capable of expansion and retraction are used for the frames N located at the upper end. The support rods M are each connected at both ends thereof to the flanges 133 of jacks J2. Thus, jacks J and J2 are used and flanges 133 are mounted on end portion sides of the screw rods 131, further, the connecting member J1 or the support rod M is connected cO between the flanges 133, so that it is possible to cope with a local load. Also in this case, the frames 3C each function as both balustrade and brace.

FIGS. 67(A) and illustrate a fi Pd tye shnr;iy of -a hp in plan formed by assembling, for example, such a frame as shown in FIG. 17 in a plural number in front-rear, right-left and up-down directions. In the same figures, frames adjacent to each other in the lateral direction are connected together through the metallic pieces of the left-hand frame and the flanges 7 on the support post 1 of the right-hand frame, and in this way a large number of frames are assembled successively in the lateral direction.

Support posts 1, 1 adjacent to each other in the vertical direction are connected together by fitting the lower end of the upper support post onto the upper end of the lower support post 1.

The upper end of the shoring in question bears the building S through jacks J, bearer portions 130 and sleepers 52 as is the case with the 10 shoring of FIG. 66.

FIGS. 68(A) and illustrate a movable type shoring of a square shape in plan formed by assembling the same frames as above in front-rear, right-left and up-down directions. In the lower portion of the shoring are mounted frames 53 and casters 54 so that the shoring can be moved up to a desired position. Other structural points are the same as in the shoring of FIG. 67.

FIGS. 69(A) and illustrate a shoring formed by assembling the same frames as above. This shoring comprises four blocks Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4.

Each block comprises a large number of frames assembled vertically, and 2o likewise frames are assembled on the front, rear and right, left sides to form a square shape in cross section. Then, the thus-assembled front, rear and right, left separate blocks Z1 72; 74 are raised upright and connected together using horizontal members 55 to constitute a shoring in the shape of a square tower as a whole. How to connect adjacent frames laterally and vertically is the same as the connecting methods for the shorings illustrated in FIGS. 67 and 68. The building under construction is supported through jacks J, sleepers 52 and support members 56 in the same manner as above.

FIGS. 70(A) and illustrate a one-stage type support beam assembled by using the frame 3B shown in FIG. 20. A large number of such frames 3B are assembled together to constitute a triangular truss.

FIGS. 71(A) and illustrate a two-stage type support beam formed by connecting the same frames 3B as above in the lateral direction and also connecting them vertically in two stages. A large number of such frames 3B o O are used to constitute a square truss.

FIG. 72 illustrates a support beam according to a still further embodiment of the present invention, which beam is formed in a chevron shape as a whole by using an auxiliary member 57 at a corner in contrast with the support beam of FIG. 70 which is horizontal as a whole. Other structural points are the same as in the support beam of FIG. FIG.73 is a three-dimensional diagram of the support beam shown in FIG. 70. In the same figure, the support frames 3B are assembled in a three-dimensional form. To be more specific, support beam frames T each assembled by connecting frames 3B in the lateral direction are arranged at two rows in front and in the rear and are connected with each other through horizontal members 58 connected to flanges 7. Where required, scaffolding UUaru U u '~il'u-rlUcing boards are connected through their end-hooks onto the front and rear frames T with use of support posts 1. Other structural points are the same as in the support beam of FIG. FIGS. 74 to 82 illustrate reinforcing members for use in prefabricated scaffoldings, shorings and support beams according to the present invention.

More specifically, FIG. 74(A) illustrates a balustrade 50, as described previously in connection with the prefabricated scaffolding of FIG. 64. The balustrade 50 comprises a horizontal member, a U-shaped reinforcing member, and metallic pieces 13 provided at both ends of the horizontal member.

FIG. 74(B) illustrates another balustrade 50, which comprises three Q horizontal members, two vertical members each for connecting end portions of the horizontal members with one another, and four metallic pieces 13 provided at both ends of the upper and lower horizontal members. How to use this balustrade 50 is the same as that for the balustrade 50 of FIG.

74(A).

FIG. 75(A) illustrates a reinforcing or auxiliary support post 1A, with flanges 7, 7 being provided at intermediate and upper positions of the support post 1A. For example, in the prefabricated scaffolding A shown in FIG. 60, if the use of frame 3 results in the lateral size becoming too large, the support post 1A is used reinforcementwise at an end portion of the .o scaffolding A instead of the frame 3. FIG. 75(B) also illustrates a reinforcing or auxiliary support post 1A, with a plurality of metallic pieces 13 Ling attac eLu to a side face of the support post 1A. The support post 1A is positioned along frames and connected to the frames through the metallic pieces 13.

FIG. 76 illustrates a connector which is used in an auxiliary manner.

For example, in the prefabricated scaffolding shown in FIG. 65, the connector in question is used for connecting flanges 7, 7 of adjacent right and left supports 1, 1 with each other. This connector comprises shoes 59, 59 Sand wedges 60, 60 for insertion into holes formed in the shoes. Further, the shoes 59, 59 are fitted in perforated flanges 7, 7 and in this state the wedges 60 are inserted into the holes of the shoes 59, 59 and of the flanges 7, 7.

FIGS. 77 and 78 illustrate horizontal members or reinforcing members as lateral members. The horizontal member shown in FIG.77 is a :O 10 fixed type which comprises a pipe 60 and metallic pieces 13, 13 provided at both ends of the pipe 60. The metallic pieces 13, 13 are connected detachably to support post flanges 7, 7. The horizontal member shown in FIG. 78 is constituted by a pipe 60A capable of expansion and retraction, *which pipe comprises an outer tube and an inner tube, with metallic pieces 13, 13 being provided at both ends of the pipe FIGS. 79 to 82 illustrate r -shaped auxiliary members for the connection of support posts, which auxiliary members are each mounted between adjacent support posts, for example, in such a prefabricated scaffolding as shown in FIG. 65 or in a shoring. The auxiliary member 2o shown in FIG. 79 comprises a horizontal pipe 61, metallic pieces 13, 13 provided at both ends of the pipe 61, two support legs 62, 62 suspended from e, portions Of the pipe, and metallic pieces 13, 13 provided on side faces of the lower ends of the support legs 62, 62. This auxiliary member is disposed between support posts 1, 1 of adjacent frames and the upper and lower metallic pieces 13 are connected to the support posts.

In the auxiliary member shown in FIG. 80, which is substantially the same as the auxiliary member shown in FIG. 79, the upper ends of support legs 62, 62 are connected to the pipe 61 rotatably and detachably. In the auxiliary member shown in FIG. 81, which is a modification of the auxiliary member shown in FIG. 79, the support legs 62 are made longer, additional metallic pieces 13 are provided at intermediate positions of the support legs, and the upper ends of the support legs 62, 62 are connected to the underside of the pipe 61 detachably through pins and brackets.

0 The auxiliary member shown in FIG. 82, which is substantially the same as the auxiliary members shown in FIGS .79 and 81, comprises a beam 63 as a strong horizontal member which serves also as a support beam, two support legs 62, 62 suspended from the underside of the beam 63, metallic pieces 13, 13 provided at both ends of the beam 63, and metallic pieces 13, 13 provided at intermediate and lower positions of each support leg 62. In the case where a prefabricated scaffolding or shoring is large-sized and the spacing between adjacent support posts 1, 1 is large, the auxiliary member in question is connected between the adjacent support posts through the metallic pieces 13. In this case, a large space is formed below the beam 63, which space permits workers and vehicles to pass therethrough.

FIG. 83 illustrates a still further example of a horizontal member or reinforcing member as a Iateral member, which comprises two or more horizontal or diagonal members 2H, 2H, a metallic piece 13 hinged to base ends of the horizontal or diagonal members 2H, and metallic pieces 13, 13 provided at the opposite ends of the horizontal or diagonal members. Thus, the lateral member in question can be connected to a support post 1 not only horizontally but also obliquely.

The following effects are attained by the present invention.

Since the frames defined in the claims are each provided with a support post, first and second connector support members provided on the support post, a lateral member, and a connector provided on the lateral member, a plurality of such frames can be assembled through those components in both vertical and lateral directions at a time or can be attached to another structure in a simple manner, thus permitting easy assembly of structures of various patterns. In other words, it is not necessary to provide various frames for various structures, and thus the claimed frames are superior in both versatility and assembling performance.

On the support post are mounted a lateral member and a connector at an outer end of the lateral member, so it is not necessary to take the trouble to provide a connecting member for the support post. Besides, even after the assembly of support posts, any of the support posts can be removed for replacement by removing the connector. Moreover, by connecting the lateral member to the associated support post itself or selectively to the first ;O or the second connector support member, frames can be coupled together at the same height or at different heights in accordance with the mounted position of each lateral member Since the first connector support member is mounted at an intermediate position of the support post, it is possible to connect the support post and a reinforcing frame to the said connector support member and hence possible to prevent buckling of the support post. Besides, since the first and second connector support members are mounted at an intermediate position and an upper or lower position of the support post, it is possible to assemble a scaffold at a height conforming to the height of the selected first or second connector support member. Particularly, when a scaffolding board is mounted through the first connector support member located at an intermediate position, it is possible to dispose the scaffolding board above the ::balustrade.

v10 Further, since a lateral member is secured to each support post, when a prefabricated scaffolding, a shoring, or a support beam, is assembled using frames comprising such support posts and lateral members, the lateral members each serve as both a connecting member and a reinforcing brace, so it is not necessary to use braces.

4O

Claims (12)

1. A scaffold arrangement comprising: a support post having an axial direction and a radial direction, said support post including first and second ends; a first support post connector arranged at said first end of said support post, said first support post connector including a flange welded to said support post; a second support post connector arranged at a substantially axial middle of said support post, said second support post connector including a flange welded to said support post; an end radial member extending radially from said support post, said end radial member having first and second ends, said first end of said end radial member being connected to said first support post connector; a first lateral connector ranged on said second end of said end radial member, said first lateral connector and said first support post connector being arranged at a 15 some axial distance from one of the ends of said support post; :a diagonal member having a first and second end, said first end of said diagonal member extending from said second end of said support post in both said radial and axial directions of said support post; and second lateral connector arranged on said second end of said diagonal member, said second lateral connector and said second end of said diagonal member being arranged at a substantially same axial distance from one of the ends of said support post as said second support post connector.

2. A scaffold arrangement in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: *a lateral post extending from said second end of said diagonal member to said second end of said end radial member, said support post, said end radial member, said diagonal member, and said lateral post being arranged in substantially a same plane.

3. A scaffold arrangement in accordance with claim 2, further comprising: another radial member extending from said support post to said lateral post; and still another radial member extending from said support post to said lateral post.

4. A scaffold arrangement in accordance with claim 2, wherein: said diagonal member is rigidly connected to said support post; said lateral post is rigidly connected to said diagonal member and said end radial member; said support post, said end radial member, said diagonal members, said lateral post and all of said connectors form a fire body, a plurality of said frame bodies are provided and are connected together; and said first and second support post connectors of one said frame body being connected to said first and second lateral connectors of another said frame body respectively. A scaffold arrangement in accordance with claim 4, further comprising: a walkway connected to said plurality of frame bodies, said end radial members and portions of said support posts of said frame bodies forming a balustrade for said walkway.

6. A scaffold arrangement in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: a middle radial member extending from said second support post connector to said second end of said diagonal member.

7. A scaffold arrangement in accordance with claim 6, further comprising: a lateral post extending from said second end of said diagonal member to said second end of said end radial member, said support post, said end radial member, said middle radial member, said diagonal member, and said lateral post being arranged in 15 substantially a same plane.

8. A scaffold arrangement in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: another diagonal member having a first end and a second end, said first end of said another diagonal member being connected to said support post, said another diagonal member extending both axially and radially from said support post to said second end of said diagonal member.

9. A scaffold arrangement in accordance with claim 8, wherein: said first end of said another diagonal member is connected to said support post on a side diametrically opposite a connection of said diagonal member to said support o post. 25 10. A scaffold arrangement in accordance with claim 8, further comprising: a middle radial member extending from said second support post connector to said second end of said diagonal member.

11. A scaffold arrangement in accordance with claim 8, further comprising: a lateral post extending from said second end of said diagonal member to said second end of said end radial members, said support post, said end radial member, said middle radial member, said diagonal member, and said lateral post being arranged in substantially a same plane.

12. A scaffold arrangement in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: another support post connector arranged at said second end of said support post; another end radial member extending radially from said another support post connector, said another end radial member having fist and second ends, said first end of said another end radial member being connected to said another support post connector; a lateral post extending from said second end of said end radial member to said second end of said another end radial member; a middle radial member extending from said second support post connector to said second end of said diagonal member; and another, diagonal member having a first end and a second end, said first end of said another diagonal member being connected to said support post, said another diagonal member extending both axially and radially from said support post to said second end of said diagonal member.

13. A scaffold arrangement in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said first lateral connector is of a connector type connectable to a flange of a first support post connector of an adjacent one of said scaffold arrangements. 15 14. A scaffold arrangement in accordance with claim 13, wherein: o. ~another radial member extends from said support post to said lateral post; *said second lateral connector and said second support post connector are arranged at a same axial position of said support post; said type of connector interlocks with said flange of said first support post 20 connector; said type of connector includes pieces for clamping onto said flange of said first support post connector; ~said flange of said first support post connector is connectable to a plurality of S."connectors of said connector type; said second lateral connector is of said connector type and is connectable to said flange of said second support post connector; said type of connector interlocks with said flange of said second support post connector; said type of connector includes pieces for clamping onto said flange of said second support post connector; and said flange of said second support post connector is connectable to a plurality of connectors of said connector type. A unitary frame body arrangement comprising: a plurality of frame bodies connected together, each frame body including: a support post with first and second ends, said first end of said support post including a spigot portion connectable to a second end of an axially adjacent one of said plurality of frame bodies; a first support connector comprising a flange welded to a middle of the support post; a second support connector comprising a flange welded to an upper portion of the support post; a lateral member comprising a frame secured to a side portion of the support post, and connectors comprising metallic pieces mounted at an outer end of the frame at vertical positions corresponding to the flanges respectively, said frame being composed of a horizontal member whose base end is connected to said flange at said upper portion, a vertical member which is integrally connected to an end portion of the horizontal member, and a diagonal member integrally connected to a lower end of the vertical member and to a lower portion of the support post, whereby a trapezoidal frame in front view is formed by said support post and said frame, said connectors of *said lateral members being connected to said flanges of a radially adjacent one of said plurality of frame bodies; and a walkway connected to said plurality of frame bodies, said frame bodies forming a balustrade for said walkway. 20 16. A unitary frame body arrangement according to claim 15, wherein at least one horizontal reinforcing members are integrally laid between the support post and the

99.. vertical member. 17. A unitary frame body arrangement according to claim 15, wherein a horizontal reinforcing member is integrally laid between the support post and the vertical member, 9999 ooo 25 and another horizontal reinforcing member is integrally laid between the flange welded to the middle of the support post and the vertical member. 18. A unitary frame body arrangement according to claim 15, wherein a horizontal reinforcing member is integrally laid between the flange welded to the middle of the support post and the vertical member, and a diagonal member for reinforcement is laid between the horizontal reinforcing member anal the horizontal member. 19. A unitary frame body arrangement comprising: a plurality of frame bodies connected together, each frame body including: a support post with first and second ends, said first end of said support post including a spigot portion connectable to a second end of an axially adjacent one of said plurality of frame bodies; a first support connector, a second support connector and a third support connector each comprising flanges welded to a middle of the support post, an upper portion thereof and a lower portion thereof, respectively; a lateral member comprising a V-shaped frame whose base end is secured to a side portion of the support post through the upper flange and the lower flange; lateral connectors comprising metallic pieces mounted at, an outer end of the frame at vertical positions corresponding to the flanges respectively, said lateral connectors being connected to said flanges of a radially adjacent one of said plurality of frame bodies; a reinforcing member comprising a horizontal frame laid between a middle portion of the frame and the middle flange of the support post; and diagonal members comprising a pair of upper and lower frames laid between the middle portion of the V-shaped frame and the upper and lower flanges; and a walkway connected to said plurality of frame bodies, said frame bodies .i 15 forming a balustrade for said walkway. A unitary frame body arrangement comprising: a plurality of frame bodies connected together, each frame body including: :a support post with first and second ends, said first end of said support post including a spigot portion connectable to a second end of an axially adjacent one of said plurality of frame bodies; a first support connector comprising a middle flange welded to a middle of the support post; oo. a second support connector comprising an upper flange welded to an upper portion of the support post; 25 a first lateral member comprising a horizontal member whose base end is secured to the upper flange; a second lateral member comprising a horizontal member whose base end is secured to the middle; lateral connectors comprising metallic pieces mounted at outer ends of the horizontal members at vertical positions corresponding to the upper flange and the middle flange, respectively, said lateral connectors being connected to said flanges of a radially adjacent one of said plurality of frame bodies; braces comprising diagonal members laid in a diagonal direction between each of the horizontal members and a side portion of the support post; and a walkway connected to said plurality of frame bodies, said frame bodies forming a balustrade for said walkway. 21. A scaffold arrangement according to claim 1, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 22. A unitary frame body according to claim 15, 19 or 20, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this first day of June 2004 Tatsuo Ono Patent Attorneys for the Applicant: F B RICE CO *4* 4 t S