Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
  • E04G3/00—Scaffolds essentially supported by building constructions, e.g. adjustable in height
  • E04G3/28—Mobile scaffolds; Scaffolds with mobile platforms
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
  • E01D—CONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGES, ELEVATED ROADWAYS OR VIADUCTS; ASSEMBLY OF BRIDGES
  • E01D19/00—Structural or constructional details of bridges
  • E01D19/10—Railings; Protectors against smoke or gases, e.g. of locomotives; Maintenance travellers; Fastening of pipes or cables to bridges
  • E01D19/106—Movable inspection or maintenance platforms, e.g. travelling scaffolding or vehicles specially designed to provide access to the undersides of bridges
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B5/00—Floors; Floor construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted therefor
  • E04B5/02—Load-carrying floor structures formed substantially of prefabricated units
  • E04B5/10—Load-carrying floor structures formed substantially of prefabricated units with metal beams or girders, e.g. with steel lattice girders
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B5/00—Floors; Floor construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted therefor
  • E04B5/02—Load-carrying floor structures formed substantially of prefabricated units
  • E04B5/14—Load-carrying floor structures formed substantially of prefabricated units with beams or girders laid in two directions
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
  • E04C3/00—Structural elongated elements designed for load-supporting
  • E04C3/02—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces
  • E04C3/04—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal
  • E04C3/08—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal with apertured web, e.g. with a web consisting of bar-like components; Honeycomb girders
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
  • E04G1/00—Scaffolds primarily resting on the ground
  • E04G1/34—Scaffold constructions able to be folded in prismatic or flat parts or able to be turned down
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
  • E04G21/00—Preparing, conveying, or working-up building materials or building elements in situ; Other devices or measures for constructional work
  • E04G21/24—Safety or protective measures preventing damage to building parts or finishing work during construction
  • E04G21/30—Safety or protective measures preventing damage to building parts or finishing work during construction against mechanical damage or dirt, e.g. guard covers of stairs
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
  • E04G3/00—Scaffolds essentially supported by building constructions, e.g. adjustable in height
  • E04G3/22—Scaffolds essentially supported by building constructions, e.g. adjustable in height supported by roofs or ceilings
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
  • E04G3/00—Scaffolds essentially supported by building constructions, e.g. adjustable in height
  • E04G3/28—Mobile scaffolds; Scaffolds with mobile platforms
  • E04G3/30—Mobile scaffolds; Scaffolds with mobile platforms suspended by flexible supporting elements, e.g. cables
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
  • E04G5/00—Component parts or accessories for scaffolds
  • E04G5/16—Struts or stiffening rods, e.g. diagonal rods
  • E04G5/165—Lintel for scaffoldings
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
  • E04G7/00—Connections between parts of the scaffold
  • E04G7/02—Connections between parts of the scaffold with separate coupling elements
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
  • E04C3/00—Structural elongated elements designed for load-supporting
  • E04C3/02—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces
  • E04C3/04—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal
  • E04C2003/0486—Truss like structures composed of separate truss elements
  • E04C2003/0491—Truss like structures composed of separate truss elements the truss elements being located in one single surface or in several parallel surfaces
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
  • E04G3/00—Scaffolds essentially supported by building constructions, e.g. adjustable in height
  • E04G3/28—Mobile scaffolds; Scaffolds with mobile platforms
  • E04G2003/283—Mobile scaffolds; Scaffolds with mobile platforms mobile horizontally
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
  • E04G3/00—Scaffolds essentially supported by building constructions, e.g. adjustable in height
  • E04G3/28—Mobile scaffolds; Scaffolds with mobile platforms
  • E04G2003/286—Mobile scaffolds; Scaffolds with mobile platforms mobile vertically
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
  • E04G21/00—Preparing, conveying, or working-up building materials or building elements in situ; Other devices or measures for constructional work
  • E04G21/24—Safety or protective measures preventing damage to building parts or finishing work during construction
  • E04G2021/248—Tarpaulins specially adapted therefor

Definitions

• This disclosure relates to access systems, and particularly to systems designed to access undersurfaces and side surfaces of large stationary structures. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a monorail system which is used in combination with a scaffold structure and from which a further scaffold structure may be suspended and moved, relative to a structure being accessed, vertically and parallel with the monorail track.
• Suspended scaffolding is known and may be used in certain instances to access such side surfaces and undersurfaces. Suspended scaffolding comes with its own difficulties. For example, it may not be practical or possible to suspend scaffolding in a location from which workers are able to access the necessary surface. The length of a surface may also be a limiting factor. If the structure being accessed spans a great length, the amount of suspended scaffolding may require multiple rounds of assembly/disassembly to complete the entire job. Further, and particularly with arched structures, the suspended scaffolding may need to have multiple levels resulting in further complexity and time in assembly/disassembly.
• Monorail assemblies are for example known from WO 2010/080939 A1 , ES 2 192 475 B1 , EP 1 186 713 A1 , GB 2 267 472 A or CN 104 846 739 B .
• the present invention provides a monorail assembly as defined in the claims.
• the terms “section” and/or “unit” can be used interchangeably.
• adjacent sections or units of a scaffold system may share one or more components, e.g., two adjacent sections of a scaffold system may have a common corner or share a framework member.
• FIG. 1A is a side schematic view of a plurality, specifically three, monorail systems 700 employed with respect to a structure 90.
• a scaffold system 100 containing a plurality of monorail assemblies 600 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure
• FIG. 1B is a detailed view of callout 1B of FIG. 1A .
• structure 90 Shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is structure 90, which in the present embodiment is an arched bridge, but in further embodiments may be any structure to be accessed.
• Each arch 91 of the bridge includes 3 distinct surfaces - two side surfaces 91a, 91b (not shown) and a lower (under) surface 91c.
• the monorail assemblies 600 are used to suspend further scaffold systems 800.
• suspended from the monorail assemblies 600 is a total of three scaffold systems - one to access each of the three surfaces 91a, 91b and 91c.
• a scaffold system is suspended from a single monorail assembly 600 on either side of the bridge 90. That is, each of the scaffold systems used to access the side surfaces 91a, 91b is suspended from a single monorail assembly 600.
• the scaffold system used to access the underside surface 91c is suspended from two monorail assemblies 600 such that the scaffold system spans the width of the underside surface 91c and is supported on both ends.
• each monorail assembly (or monorail assemblies) 600, the scaffold system to which the monorail assembly (or assemblies) is (are) attached 100, and the scaffold system suspended from the monorail assembly (or assemblies) form a monorail system 700.
• Each monorail system 700 is operatively connected to a generator 720 to provide power to the monorail system 700.
• the generators 720 provide power to accomplish movement of the scaffold system 700 both along the monorail assembly (or assemblies) and vertically.
• bracket plates 606 are used.
• the bracket plates 606 are positioned on either side of the frame member and secured together using a plurality of bolts 615 and nuts 616.
• first portion 652 When properly in position, the first portion 652 is against the understand of one of the flanges 632 of the monorail beam 630 with spacer 654 flush against the flange 632 of the monorail beam 630. Itwill be appreciate that spacer 655 will be likewise flush against the flange of a second adjacent monorail beam when the monorail beam 630 is connected to an adjacent monorail beam.
• a third spacer 656 is provided as a separate component on the side of the monorail beam 630 opposite the first portion 652.
• Each of the spacers 654, 655, 656 includes at least one opening 660, 667 and 668, respectively, therethrough which is configured to receive a bolt 670.
• the spacers 654, 655, 656 extend the width of the first portion 652 and raise the height of the first portion 652.
• the spacer plate 657 and safety plate clamp 658 then clamp around the upper flanges 632 of the monorail beam 630 to lock the joining bracket assembly 650 in position on the monorail beam 630.
• the spacer plate 657 is a generally planar, rectangular structure having an opening 663 through the ends which, when positioned with respect to a first portion 651, are coaxial with the at least one opening 660 and 668 of the spacer 654 and spacer 656, respectively.
• FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate an end stop 680.
• End stop 680 has a structure very similar to the joining bracket assembly 650 and indeed reuses a number of components.
• the end stop 680 includes a side plate 681, a spacer plate 687 and a safety plate clamp 688 having structures substantially the same as side plate 651, a spacer plate 657 and a safety plate clamp 658.
• the difference is that the joining bracket assembly 650 is secured to a portion of a monorail beam 630 while the end stop 680 itself includes a stop portion 690 which is essentially a portion of monorail beam 630' having a terminal plate 691 to stop further travel of a structure along the monorail beam 630'.
• FIGS. 7A-7F illustrate assembly steps for an exemplary monorail assembly 600.
• a scaffold system 100 is in position with joist brackets 605a, 605b positioned opposite one another on opposing framework pieces.
• a monorail beam 630 is being lowered into positon, such as by a crane.
• FIG. 7C once the monorail beam 630 is in position, with the lower wall 607 between the flange extension 672 and the flanges 632 of the monorail beam, bolts 670 secure the monorail beam 630to the joist bracket 605 and therefore scaffold frame member 30.
• the monorail beam 630 is connected in the same manner to both joist brackets 605a and 605b.
• an end stop 680 is secured to the end of the final monorail beam 630 using the same method to secure adjacent monorail beams 630 to one another.
• FIGS. 8A-8C show the connection between a scaffold system 100 and monorail assembly 600 in further detail.
• the joist brackets 605 are shown secured to scaffold frame members 30 spanning two panel points 710 each.
• the second midwalls 609 of the plates 606 rests on the lower chord 33 of the scaffold frame members 30.
• the individual monorail beams 630 are connected to one another using joining bracket assembly 650.
• adjacent monorail beams 630 are secured to one another by two joining bracket assembly 650 arranged as mirror images of one another. That is, for a given monorail beam joint, a first joining bracket assembly 650 is positioned with respect to the monorail beams 630 with its side plate 651 against a first side of the central member 631. A second joining bracket assembly 650 is positioned with respect to the monorail beams 630 with its side plate 651 against the other side of the central member 631. As a result, the side plates 651 share a common set of bolts 661 and pins 741.
• the monorail assembly 600 is shown secured to an exemplary scaffold system which includes scaffold frame members 30 which have upper and lower chords 32, 33.
• FIGS. 9-34C further describe an exemplary scaffold system which includes such scaffold frame members which is a suspended, articulating scaffold system.
• the monorail assembly 600 may be secured to any style scaffold system, more preferably any style suspended scaffold system.
• FIG. 9 illustrates an interconnection structure 10 for a suspended, articulating scaffold system.
• the interconnection structure 10 is configured so that, when attached to a scaffold frame member 30 (see FIG. 13 ), allows for articulation of both the interconnection structure 10 and the scaffold frame member 30.
• An interconnection structure is any structure which connects one or more joist or other elongated structural member, such as a node, hinge, pivot, post, column, center, shaft, spindle, or the like.
• the interconnection structure 10 includes a top element 11 and a bottom element 12 spaced at distal ends of a middle section 15.
• the top element 11 and bottom element 12 may be substantially planar in configuration, as well as, being parallel to each other.
• the top element 11 and bottom element 12, in the embodiment shown, are octagonal in plan. In other embodiments, the top element 11 and bottom element 12 can have other shapes, such as square, polygonal, circular, etc.
• the middle section 15 may be a cylindrical section wherein a longitudinal axis of the middle section 15 is normal to the planes of the top element 11 and bottom element 12. In the embodiment shown, the middle section 15 is a right circular cylinder. However, in alternative embodiments, the middle section 15 can have different shape, such as any prism having a polygonal face. In FIG. 9 , a lower portion of the middle section 15 is removed for clarity purposes to show that the middle section 15 is hollow.
• the plurality of openings 13, 14, extending through both the top element 11 and bottom element 12, respectively.
• the plurality of openings 13 e.g., 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, 13F, 13G, 13H
• the plurality of openings 14 are similarly spaced on the bottom element 12 so that respective openings (e.g., 13A and 14A) are coaxial.
• a center opening 16 receives a suspension connector 80 (see e.g., FIGS. 29-33 ). In other embodiments, the center opening 16 receives a vertical support member 75 (see e.g., FIG. 29 ).
• the center opening 16 may be generally cruciform in configuration due to its center opening area 19 with four slots 17 (e.g., 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D) extending therefrom. Transverse to each of the four slots 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, and interconnected thereto, are a series of cross slots 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, whose utility will be apparent as discussed below.
• a second reinforcing plate 20 is added to the underside of the top element 11 wherein openings on the reinforcing plate 20 correspond to the center opening 16 configuration and all the ancillary openings thereto (17, 18, 19).
• a handle 22 is optionally added to the side of the middle section 15.
• FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 show the top, side, and bottom view of the same embodiment of the interconnection structure 10 depicted in FIG. 2 .
• FIG. 5 shows inter alia a bottom opening 23 on the bottom element 12.
• the bottom opening 23 receives a vertical support member (see e.g., FIG. 29 ).
• the bottom face of the reinforcing plate 20 can be seen within the bottom opening 23.
• Attached to the reinforcing plate 20 and the interior face of the middle section 15 are a plurality of gussets 25 that provide added support to the interconnection structure 10.
• FIG. 13 depicts a top perspective view of the interconnection between a single interconnection structure 10 and a single scaffold frame member 30, while FIGS. 14A and 14B shows an exploded close-up view, and a regular perspective close-up view, respectively, of a typical connection detail between the interconnection structure 10 and scaffold frame member 30.
• a scaffold frame member 30 is referred to as a joist 30.
• the joist 30 includes an upper element 32 and a bottom element 33. Interspersed between elements 32, 33 are a plurality of diagonal support members 38. Each element 32, 33 is made of two L-shaped pieces of angle iron 39A, 39B. Elements 32, 33 typically may be identical in construction, with the exception being upper element 32 includes connector holes 54A, 54B at its midspan (See e.g., Figs. 16A, 16B ).
• the joist 30 includes a first end 31A and a second end 31B. At either end 31A, 31B of both the upper element 32 and bottom element 33 extends an upper connecting flange 35 and a lower connecting flange 36. Through both upper and lower connection flanges 35, 36 are connecting holes 37.
• each upper connecting flange 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D there are four upper connecting flanges 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D; four lower connecting flanges 36A, 36B, 36C, 36D.
• at a first end 31A, extending from the upper element 32 is an upper connection flange 3 5A and lower connection flange 36A, with a connecting hole 37A therethrough.
• at the second end 3 1B of the upper element 32 extends an upper connection flange 35B and lower connection flange 36B, with a connecting hole 37B therethrough.
• at the first end 31A of the lower element 33 extends an upper connection flange 35D and lower connection flange 36D.
• Through these connection flanges 35D, 36D are a connecting hole 37D.
• At the second end 31B of the joist 30 extending from the lower element 33 is an upper connection flange 35C and lower connection flange 36C with a connecting hole 37C therethrough.
• each of the connector holes 37A, 37B, 37C, 37D are additional locking holes 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D also located on the connection flanges 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D.
• a pin 40 may be placed through the connecting holes 37 any two corresponding top and bottom openings 13, 14 of the interconnection structure 10.
• the joist 30 can be connected in a virtually limitless number of ways, and angles, to the interconnection structure 10.
• a pin 40 may be placed in through an upper connection flange 35A; through an opening 13A; through a lower connection flange 36A (all of the first end 31A of the upper element 32); through an upper connection flange 35D; through an opening 14A; and, then through the lower connection flange 36D.
• the pin 40 further threads through connecting holes 37A and 37D.
• the pin 40 includes two roll pins 42 at its upper end.
• the lower of the two roll pins 42 acts as a stop, thereby preventing the pin 40 from slipping all the way through the joist 30 and interconnection structure 10.
• the upper roll pin 42 acts as a finger hold to allow easy purchase and removal of the pin 40 from the joist 30 and interconnection structure 10.
• Rotational arrow R 1 show the rotation of the joist 30, while rotational arrow R 2 shows the rotation of the interconnection structure 10.
• free rotation is restricted when a section or unit of a modular space frame support system is assembled and ready for use.
• free rotation is restricted by at least one of: i) an additional (second) pin thatis to be located proximate a perimeter of the at least one interconnection structure; and ii) at least a portion of a work platform when the platform is positioned with respect to the interconnection structures and joists in an extended position.
• a second optional locking pin 40B may be added through the locking holes 360A, 360C, 360C, 360D at the end of joist 30 in order to lock the joist 30 to prevent articulation, if so desired.
• the locking pin 40B abuts a groove 24 on the interconnection structure 10. The grooves are situated on both the top element 11 and bottom element 12.
• the locking pin 40B can include additional two roll pins 42 as does the pin 40.
• a joist is any elongate structural member adapted for bearing or supporting a load, such as a bar joist, truss, shaped-steel (i.e., I-beam, C-beam, etc.), or the like.
• the joist 30 in the figures may commonly be called a bar joist, or open-web beam or joist.
• the joist 30 could also be made of shaped steel (e.g., wide flange elements, narrow flange members, etc.), or other suitable shapes and materials.
• FIG. 15 depicts a single section or unit 115 of a modular space frame support system 100 made using interconnection structures 10 and joists 30. Note that four interconnection structures 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D are interconnected with four joists 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D.
• FIG. 15 shows the single frame unit 115 that is square in plan. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art, that other shapes and configurations can be made. By varying the lengths of joists 30, for example, other shapes can be made. For example, a frame unit 115 that is rectangular can be constructed. Also, by attaching joists 30 to various openings 13, 14 of the interconnection structure 10, various angles at which the joists 30 interconnect with the interconnection structure 10 can be achieved.
• a frame unit 115 that is triangular in plan (not shown) may be constructed.
• any shape and size frame unit 115, and resulting modular space frame support system 100 and work platform systems 200 may be constructed.
• different shape, size, and configuration of frame sections or units 115 can be joined and abutted with each other, so that the modular space frame support system design, and work platform system design, is virtually completely customizable. This adaptability of the modular space frame support system 100 provides a convenient way to gain access to virtually any shape work area required in construction.
• Figs. 16A, 16B, and 16C depict various views, and close-up views of the interconnection between a middle support deck joist 52 and the joist 30.
• the middle support deck joist 52 provides added support to support platforms 50 (see e.g., FIG. 17 ) and may span between two joists 30.
• a pin 53 which communicates with a corresponding hole 54 on the upper portion of the joist 30.
• FIG. 16B depicts an exploded view of the interconnection, wherein pin 53 will go in hole 54A. In this manner, movement (both lateral and axial) of the middle support deck joist 52 is minimized.
• FIG. 17 shows the embodiment of single frame section or unit 115 from FIG. 15 wherein a platform 50A has been placed on the single frame unit 115 thus transforming the single frame unit 115 into a single unit of a work platform system 200.
• the platform 50A rests, in this embodiment, on the middle support deckjoist 52A and on the joists 30A, 30B, 30D.
• the edges of the platform 50A may rest on the top of the middle support deck joist 52 and the angle iron 39A, 39B on the top of the applicable joists 30A, 30B, 30D.
• the configuration of the top of the middle support deck joist 52 and the angle iron 39A, 39B is such that vertical and horizontal movement of the platform 50A is avoided.
• the work platform 50 typically is sized to be a 4" x 8' piece of material.
• the work platform 50A may include a wood panel 51A, for example.
• Suitable work platform 50 may be made from metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.), wood, plastic, composite, or other suitable materials.
• the work platform 50 may be made of items that are solid, corrugated, grated, smooth, or other suitable configurations.
• the work platform 50 may be wood sheeting, plywood, roof decking material, metal on a frame, grating, steel sheeting, and the like.
• FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C show various close-up views of an additional, optional feature that can be used with a modular space frame support system 100 to form a work platform system 200.
• a deck retainer plate 60 may be placed over the spacing between the multiple work platforms 50.
• the deck retainer plate 60 may include a plurality of holes 62 so that a plurality of deck retainer bolts 61 may adhere the deck retainer plate 60 to the joist 30.
• the deck retainer plate 60 is one way in which to secure work platforms 50 to the modular space frame support system 100.
• FIGS. 20 and 21 depict, there is virtually no limit as to the size and shape of the modular space frame support system 100 and work platform system 200 that can be made in accordance with the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 20 and 21 show top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of one large rectangular embodiment of a single level of modular space frame support system 100 with work platforms 50 in place to make a work platform system 200.
• the modular space frame support system and resulting work platform system allows for a worker, or workers, to add on additional sections of a modular space frame support system 100 (and, ultimately, work platform system 200) while this worker(s) is physically on an existing installed portion or unit of a modular space frame support system and/or work platform system. That is the worker(s) can extend, relocate, or remove a portion of a work platform system 200 and/or modular space frame support system 100 with only the need of hand tools. No mechanical tools, hoists, cranes, or other equipment is required to add to, subtract from, or relocate the modular space frame support system 100. This advantage, thus, offers savings in labor, time, and equipment.
• FIGS. 22 through 26 depict the gradual articulation of just one section or unit of a single section or unit 115 of a modular space frame support system 100, when made using interconnection structures 10 and joists 30, into place.
• This can be readily accomplished by one, or two, workers by simply placing sequentially an additional joist 30D off of an existing interconnection structure 10A. Then a "new" interconnection structure 10D is connected to the first joist 30D. A second additional joist 30E is connected to the interconnection structure 30D. Further, another interconnection structure 10E and joist 30F are connected so that the final joist 30F is connected back to an existing interconnection structure 10B.
• a worker(s) can install a new section or unit of a modular space frame support system (e.g., made up of "new" interconnection structures 10D, 10E and “new” joists 30D, 30E, 30F) off of an existing section of a modular space frame support system (e.g., made up of inter alia hubs 10Q, 10B, 10C and joists 30A, 30B).
• the worker(s) can install new, or relocate, sections or units of the modular space frame support system 100 while the worker remains on existing sections of work platform 50. That is, additional lift equipment, machinery is not required to install, relocate, or remove the additional units or sections of a modular space frame support system when made using interconnection structures 10 and joists 30.
• the installing worker(s) need not extend beyond the existing installed frame unit 115 or, they need only extend barely beyond the installed frame unit 115.
• the installer(s) can be on the existing work platforms 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D when relocating, or installing, the next section(s) of the modular space frame support system 100.
• Figs. 23 through 25 clearly show via the motion arrows "M", that by a combination of rotation of the new joists 30D, 30E, 30F and new interconnection structures 10D, 10E, that the new section or unit 115 of the modular space frame support system 100 is able to move and rotate into its final requisite location. That is, units of the modular space frame support system 100 articulate into place. Further, the articulation can be initiated and stopped (and even reversed) by an installer(s) while the installer(s) remains on the pre-existing frame units and/or work platform systems. Although not shown, additional supplemental devices to aid in the articulation (e.g., motors, hand tools, mechanical tools, hydraulics, etc.) can be used.
• additional supplemental devices to aid in the articulation e.g., motors, hand tools, mechanical tools, hydraulics, etc.
• FIG. 26 shows a new section or units 115 of a modular space frame support system 100 articulated into place, prior to the installation of support platform(s) 50 and any other pieces, as discussed herein.
• the removal of a portion of the modular space frame support system 100 can essentially be done by reversing the aforementioned steps.
• each individual section or unit 115 of the modular space frame support system 100 (and, ultimately, work platform support system 200) described with reference to FIGS. 15-26 are square, that is, each individual section or unit 115 is made of four interconnection structures 10 and four joists 30, as mentioned above, in some embodiments the individual units 115 of the modular space frame support system 100 may take different geometries and shapes.
• FIGS. 27A, 27B, 27C, and 27D show various embodiments of a joist 30 and interconnection structure 10 configuration.
• FIG. 27D shows a "standard" length joist 30A (e.g., 8 foot nominal length) with two interconnection structures 10A, 10B.
• FIG. 27C shows two joists 30A, 30B of equal length connected to interconnection structures 10A, 10B, 10C.
• the joists 30A, 30B in FIG. 27C being half the length, each of the length of the joist 30A in FIG. 20D, may be termed a "3/6 unit” in that they are half the length of the aforementioned "6/6unit".
• two unequal length joists 30A, 30B are depicted in FIG. 27B , and can be termed a "2/6 unit” and a "4/6 unit", respectively.
• At least one of the joists is to be connected with at least one of the interconnection structures using a pin to provide free rotation of the at least one joist with respect to the at least one interconnection structure about the pin.
• the free rotation is restricted by at least one of: i) an additional pin that is to be located proximate a perimeter of the at least one interconnection structure; and ii) at least a portion of a work platform when the platform is positioned with respect to the interconnection structures and the joists in the final position.
• FIGS. 28A and 28B depict the plan view of just two embodiments of the invention.
• the work platform support system 100 is capable of various horizontal alignments.
• FIG. 28A shows 8 footlength joists 30 interconnected with a plurality of hubs 10. Due to spacing between the pin 40 and hub 10, some flexibility is provided in the system 100 so that the system 1 00 can be curved, or "racked", in the horizontal direction. This can help allow the system 100 to be installed around structures.
• FIG. 28B depicts a system100 that is angled. For example, the joists 30C connected to hub 10C, can be shorter than joists 30B connected to hub 10B.
• each hub 10 does not necessarily require a suspension connector 80 to be connected to the structure 90.
• the chain 80 and slot 17A are sized and configured so that upon proper placement of the keeper pin 200 with in the transverse slot 18A, the chain 80 is effectively locked to the hub 10 and is unable to slip, vertically or horizontally, from its position in 17A This locking system effectively fixes the hub 10 to the chain 80
• a zip tie 201 may be placed between a hole 202 in the chain retainer pin 200 and an adjacent link in the chain 80. This further provides a visual aid to the installer to ensure that the chain retainer pin 200 has been installed.
• An alternative device for connecting a suspension connector 80 to the work platform support system 1 00 is an auxiliary suspender mounting bracket 300.
• the auxiliary mounting bracket 300 is typically used when a particular hub 10 cannot be accessed for connection with a suspension connector 80.
• one embodiment of the auxiliary suspender mounting bracket 300 includes two opposing and parallel flanges 303. Spanning the flanges 303 is an interconnecting tube 304 and a base plate 302. Through the base plate 302 are a plurality amounting holes 305.
• the auxiliary suspender mounting bracket 300 can be used in lieu of, or in addition to, the hub 10 for a suspension point.
• the bracket 300 allows a suspension connector 80 to be connected to the system 100 at locations other than a hub 10.
• FIG. 33 depicts a scenario that may typically be encountered when installing a work platform system 120. Note that FIG. 33 is not drawn to scale.
• One or more obstructions 95A may be located on the underside of the structure 90, or between the structure 90 and the work platform system 120 These obstruction(s) 95A may be man-made, or natural.
• the obstructions 95A may be concrete beams, box-beams, inadequately sized framework, ductwork, lighting, finished surfaces, and the like.
• the obstructions 95A are such that a particular hub 10B is not practical, or possible, as a connecting point for the system 120 to a suspension connector 80.
• one or more auxiliary suspender mounting brackets 300 may be attached to a joist 30.
• High strength bolts may be passed through the mounting holes 305 and then through holes on an upper element 32 and connected to bolts below the upper element 32. (See for similar connection detail the connection of plate 60 in FIG. 19B ).
• the suspension connector 80 e.g., chain
• the suspension connector 80 may be connected, via a beam clamp 82, to a beam 92 that is on the underside of the structure 90
• a bracket 300 can be attached to a joist 30 adjacent to hub 10B, thereby allowing a suspension connector 80 to get proper attachment to a nearby beam 92.
• the angle, ⁇ , between the suspension connector 80 and vertical, denoted by V. allows for the suspension connector 80 to be either non-vertical, or slightly off of vertical.
• FIGS. 34A , 34B , and 34C show elevation views of various embodiments wherein the vertical flexibility of the present invention is apparent.
• FIG. 34A shows a portion of a work platform system 120 suspended from the non-flat underside of a structure 90 (e.g., arched bridge).
• the suspension connector 80 and other connection details are not shown for ease of illustration.
• This allows the system 120 for example, to parallel, or "mirror", the underside of a curved, arched bridge.
• FIG. 34C shows another configuration of the present invention is the capability to install the system 120 in a multi-level configuration.
• a vertical structure 99 e.g., bridge pier
• at least two systems 120A, 120B may be installed.
• suspension connector 80 can, again, be of suitable length so as to pass from hubs 10A on the upper system 120 on to, and also connect up to, the hubs 10B on the lower system 120. In this manner, multiple levels of system 120 may be installed in a vertical orientation
• a further scaffold system 800 is shown in use as a monorail car which is moveably attached to the monorail assemblies 600, and the further scaffold system is a suspension scaffold system.
• FIG. 35 illustrates an exemplary suspension scaffold system.
• the monorail car 800 may be made of any form of scaffolding system, and preferably any form of suspended scaffold system, including a suspended articulating scaffold system as described above.
• a "further scaffold system, "second scaffold system,” and “monorail car” may be used interchangeably herein.
• the suspension scaffold system 800 has a platform 810 formed from a frame 815 which supports flooring 820.
• a series of braced railing members at least partially surround the platform.
• the scaffold systems 100, 800 used in combination with monorail assemblies of the present disclosure may include further additional components.
• railings, toe boards, tarps, sheets, gates, ladders, doors/doorways, wheels, bumpers, and other accessories may be used in combination with any scaffold system disclosed herein.
• Each monorail system 700 includes a first scaffold system 100, a monorail assembly 600 connected to the first scaffold system 100, and a monorail car 800 made of a second scaffold system.
• a first monorail system 700a includes a single monorail assembly 600a connected to the scaffold system 100a with a single monorail car 800a positioned on the outside of the structure 90.
• a second monorail system 700b is located on the opposite side of the structure 90 and includes a single monorail assembly 600b connected to the scaffold system 100b with a single monorail car 800b positioned outside the structure 90.
• a third monorail system 700c includes two monorail assemblies 600c, 600d connected to scaffold system 100a and 100b , respectively, with a single monorail car 800c extending under the structure 90 with a first end of the monorail car 800c operatively coupled with the first monorail assembly 600c and a second end of the monorail car 800c operatively coupled with the second monorail assembly 600d.
• Generators 720 located on the structure 90 or otherwise apart from the monorail systems 700 provide powerto the monorail cars 800 to effectuate their movement both along the respective monorail(s) and vertically.
• the monorail systems 700a, 700b, 700c will now be explained in further detail.
• FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view taken from A-A of FIG. 1A and illustrates the third monorail system 700c.
• two scaffold systems 100a, 100b are provided.
• Each scaffold system 100a, 100b is shown as a suspended articulating scaffold system as described above and made of a plurality of interconnection structures 10 and joists 30.
• the scaffold systems 100a, 100b are connected to the structure both from above so as to be suspended from the structure 90 and at the side closest to the structure 90.
• FIG. 39 is a detailed view of callout 2 of FIG. 37 and shows the connection of the scaffold system 100 to the structure 90 above.
• a concrete anchor 830 such as a threaded rod, is inserted into the underside of the structure 90.
• a rotating suspension point such as that described in co-pending application [to be filed in before filing] receives the chain 835 which connects to the interconnection structure 10 or other portion of the scaffold system 100, as described in detail above with respect to FIGS. 29-32D .
• FIG. 40 is a detailed view of callout 3 of FIG. 37 and illustrates such an exemplary connection.
• FIGS. 41 and 42 illustrate exemplary connections between the scaffold systems 100a, 100b to the side of the structure 90.
• an adjustable tube 872 having a foot 873 at its end may be used to push against the structure 90 and prevent movement of the scaffold system 100 towards the structure 90.
• the adjustable tube 872 is secured to an interconnection structure 10 of the scaffold system 100.
• a chain 876 may be connected to the interconnection structure 10 and wrapped around a portion of the structure 90 such as a column or post.
• the monorail car 800 spans the width of the underside of the structure 90 to permit access to the undersurface 91c.
• the monorail car 800 is made of suspension scaffolding as described above.
• a hoist motor 801 At either end of the monorail car 800 is a hoist motor 801 to effectuate movement of the monorail car800 in a vertical direction, thatis, up and down in relation to the structure.
• FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view taken from C-C of FIG. 44 and illustrates the mechanisms which permit movement of the monorail car 800c both along the monorail beams 630 and vertically in further detail.
• Such a structure and/or device includes a plurality of wheels which engage the lower flanges 632 of the monorail beam 630.
• the movement of the structures and/or devices along that monorail beam 630 is control and actuated using power from the one or more generators 720.
• two trolley structures 727, 728 are provided on each monorail assembly.
• One of the trolley structures 728 is passive and just facilitates travel along the monorail beam 630.
• the other of the trolley structures 727 is active, that is, has power and is connected to controls, to facilitate movement of the monorail car 800c along the monorail beams 630.
• Each monorail system 700a, 700b includes a monorail car 800a, 800b. While the embodiment shown in FIG. 37 includes a single monorail car 800c connected to two monorail assemblies, the monorail cars 800a, 800b shown in FIG. 38 are each connected to just a single monorail assembly at two points. Like monorail car 800c, the monorail cars 800a, 800b are made of suspension scaffolding as described above. At either end of the monorail cars 800a, 800b is a hoist motor 801 to effectuate movement of the respective monorail car 800a, 800b in a vertical direction, that is, up and down in relation to the structure.
• Such a structure and/or device includes a plurality of wheels which engage the lower flanges 632 of the monorail beam 630.
• the movement of the structures and/or devices along that monorail beam 630 is control and actuated using power from the one ormore generators 720.
• two trolley structures 727, 728 are provided.
• One of the trolley structures 728 is passive and just facilitates travel along the monorail beam 630.
• the other of the trolley structures 727 is active, that is, has power and is connected to controls, to facilitate movement of the monorail car 800a along the monorail beams 630.
• a first scaffold system is assembled and suspended from the structure to be accessed.
• a monorail assembly is attached to the first scaffold system as needed to permit access to the structure.
• a monorail car is then built of a second scaffold system and suspended from the monorail assembly using at least one powered trolley to permit lateral movement of the monorail car parallel with the monorail beams.
• the monorail car also includes at least one hoist which permits vertical movement of the monorail car.
• the first scaffold system is a suspended articulating scaffold system.
• a suspended articulating scaffold system as disclosed herein, itis possible to assemble the first scaffold system in the air off of an existing structure, such as detailed with reference to FIGS. 22-26 .
• the first scaffold system is also secured and suspended from the structure as described with further reference to FIGS. 29-33 and 39-42 .
• the monorail assembly or assemblies are attached to the first scaffold system.
• the location of the monorail beams must be determined in orderto position the joist brackets in the appropriate locations.
• the joist brackets are then secured to the first scaffold system, and specifically, in embodiments in which the first scaffold system is a suspended articulating scaffold system, to the joists of the first scaffold system, as described with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C .
• Monorail beams (which are fitted with joining bracket assembly s) are secured to each other and the first scaffold system using the joining bracket assembly s and joist brackets, as described with reference to FIGS. 5A-5E and 7A-7F .
• An end stop is put on both terminal ends of the monorail assembly in accordance with the description provided with respect to FIGS. 6A-7F .
• a monorail car is assembled using a second scaffold system, such as, for example, a suspension scaffold as described herein.
• the monorail car is suspended from the monorail beam using at least one power trolley, and preferably at least one power trolley and one passive trolley.
• two monorail assemblies with a single monorail car.
• two first scaffold systems are assembled at a distance away from one another with a plurality of scaffold frame members, or joists, in each system being parallel to one another. If scaffold frame members, or joists, in one of the first scaffold systems are not parallel with scaffold frame members, or joists, in the other of the first scaffold system, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to create two parallel monorail assemblies.
• a monorail car is assembled as described above, and secured to both first scaffold systems using at least one power trolley and at least one passive trolley with each first scaffold system.

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• 2020
  • 2020-07-31 KR KR1020227006650A patent/KR102834466B1/ko active Active
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