MODULAR PLATFORM/SCAFFOLDING

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to platforms such as may be erected below a bridge deck for cleaning, painting, or other maintenance work thereon. As used herein and in the claims, the term "platform" is meant to include other forms of scaffolding.

[0002] Art which may be of interest to the present invention includes U.S. patents 302,102; 748,962; 1,658,670; 1,810,579; 1,819,031; 1,896,746; 2,303,428; 2,740,873; 2,744,590; 2,882,099; 2,903,282; 2,987,148; 2,994,402; 3,144,105; 3,389,929; 3,420,011; 3,425,179; 3,635,509; 3,703,307; 3,727,362; 3,888,371; 4,042,991; 4,073,025; 4,234,055; 4,244,152; 4,253,548; 4,475,841; 4,566,245; 4,574,535; 4,660,680; 4,685,535; 4,815,563; 4,967,875; 5,061,001; 5,203,428; 5,214,899; 5,274,980; 5,409,082; 5,617,931 (discloses modular scaffolding utilizing aluminum side trusses); 5,660,017; 5,704,169; 5,771,655; 5,771,665; 5,785,148; 6,205,739; 6,217,344; 6,223,482; 6,357,549; 6,675,546; 6,799,658; 6,918,152; 7,325,796; 7,478,449; 7,614,511; 7,748,681; D364,531, and U.S. patent application publications 2002/0053179; 2003/0010740; 2003/0155319; 2004/0128942; 2005/0077107; and 2007/0196164.

[0003] Inventor, Lambros Apostolopoulos, has for many years provided, for use by workmen under bridge decks, platforms which comprises a plurality of cables strung between bridge piers or the like and paneling laid cross-wise of the cables and attached thereto. The cables are supported along their lengths by vertical cables attached to the paneling attachment structure and to overlying structural portions of the bridge. These platforms, which have served the industry well over many years, are described more specifically in Inventor's (Lambros Apostolopoulos) U.S. patents 5,730,248; 5,921,346; 6,003,634; 6,135,240; 6,138,793; 6,227,331; 6,264,002;
6,302,237; 6,386,319; and 6,523,644.

[0004] A modular trussed platform is described in Australian patent 774316 (based on Australian application AU 200138987), which utilizes cluster posts between which truss units are attached, which allows the trusses to span in both longitudinal and transverse directions. Each cluster post has 4 circumferentially spaced slots for receiving end edges of the truss units. The truss units are attached to the cluster posts by lock pins. It is stated on page 7 thereof that each section can be cantilevered prior to hanging. Fig. 7 thereof shows a structure suspended by suspension wire attached to cluster posts or trusses. Fig. 9 thereof shows cluster posts extending below the trusses to support a deck from below. Such a system requires cranes or the like to move the trusses into position for attachment, which is cumbersome and expensive.

[0005] U.S. patent application publication 2005/0217936, published October 6, 2005 (and PCT application publication WO2005096725, published October 20, 2005, is believed to correspond and be cumulative thereto), discloses a work platform wherein a plurality of joists, such as trusses, are pivotally attached to a plurality of hubs. The trusses have upper and lower flanges with corresponding apertures in both flanges. The apertures are aligned along the longitudinal axis of the joist. The hubs have cylindrical middle sections and upper and lower planar elements with circumferentially spaced holes therein for connecting the joists. Pins are received in the holes and in apertures in the joists for connecting the joists to the hubs so that the joists articulate. The articulation permits the joist to swing from a side-to-side position and to a end-to-end position. Depending on the number of used pins, the position of the joist can be fixed. A hub can attach several joists in different directions, but a joist may only be attached to a maximum of two hubs, one in each end of the joist. Hubs are suspended from a bridge or other structure by cables or chains. Erection of the structure requires the workers to hold the heavy joists adjacent the edges of previously installed platform segments, apply the pins, then push the articulated heavy joists into position. Such a process is very dangerous due to the chances of slipping and falling. In addition, there is difficulty with such a truss structure in building around obstacles and in tight areas.

[0006] It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a modular platform/scaffolding structure which can be erected and dismantled easily and safely and quickly, without the use of cranes or other heavy equipment.

[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide such a modular structure which has the flexibility in erecting to allow building easily around obstacles and in tight areas.

[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a modular structure wherein each of the individual components can be easily manipulated and attached and unattached by a single person.

[0009] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide such a modular structure which has a generally flat walking surface.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a modular structure which is rugged and reliable and strong and has minimal height (vertical dimension).

[0011] In order to provide such a modular platform/scaffolding structure, in accordance with the present invention, frame beams have apertures spaced in their flanges (along each side) over their lengths to receive pins for swingably receiving the ends of deck support beams thereby to allow flexibility in locating the deck support beams along the lengths of the frame beams. Further in accordance with the present invention, the ends of two frame beams are connected by pins received in end ones of the frame beam apertures and in a first connector, in a manner allowing one frame beam to be substantially side-by-side with the other frame beam while being connected and then allowing it to be swung into a position wherein the frame beams are co-axial and then rigidly secured in that position by pins received in the other end apertures (on respectively opposite sides of the respective frame beam flanges) and in a second connector.

[0012] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment(s) thereof when read in conjunction with the appended drawings wherein the same reference numerals denote the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] 

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a platform which embodies, shown schematically attached to a bridge.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view illustrating the attachment of the ends of two frame beams of the platform.

FIG. 3 is a section view taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pin for the attachment of the frame beams.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view illustrating the attachment of a deck support beam to one of the frame beams.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view illustrating the attachment of one edge of a deck member to a deck support beam.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged detail view of the attachment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a partial plan view of the attachment of FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 9 is an edge view showing the attachment of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a partial plan view of the attachment of the opposite edge of the deck member of FIGS. 6 to 9 to another deck support beam.

FIG. 11 is a view similar to that of FIG. 9 showing the attachment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a shackle for attachment of the platform to the bridge and illustrating its attachment to a frame beam.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the mount for the shackle.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of various components of the platform.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged detail view, partly in section, illustrating a seal inserted between edges of attached frame beams.

FIG. 16 is a generally schematic view of a hand rail attached to the platform.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a frame beam.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the frame beam.

FIG. 19 is an end view of the frame beam.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of a deck support beam with attachment members attached at the ends thereof.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the deck support beam and attachment members.

FIG. 22 is an end view of the deck support beam and attachment members.

FIG. 23 is a side view of a frame beam connector.

FIG. 24 is a plan view of the frame beam connector.

FIG. 25 is an end view of the frame beam connector.

FIG. 26 is a sectional view of a frame beam connector showing the pin received in an aperture thereof and in the corresponding frame beam apertures.

FIGS. 27 and 28 are schematic views of a portion of the platform in successive stages of assembly.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment(s)

[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown generally at 20 a portion of a modular platform which may be used, for example, for work such as cleaning or painting to be conducted on a bridge a portion of which is illustrated at 22. The platform 20 includes a group of pluralities of interconnected frame beams 24 extending cross-wise of the bridge 22 and deck support beams 26 extending length-wise of the bridge 22 between frame beams 24, it being understood that, alternatively, the frame beams may extend length-wise of the bridge 22 and the deck support beams may extend width-wise of the bridge 22. Vertical cables or chains 28 (only one shown) or the like connect the frame beams 24 to the overhanging bridge structure 22 for support of the platform 20. The cables 28 are connected to shackles 29 which are in turn attached to the frame beams 24, as shown in FIG. 12. As long as sufficient support is provided, it is of course not necessary that every single frame beam 24 be connected to the bridge structure 22 by a cable 28, and, as seen in FIG. 1, a single frame beam 24 may be supported by two or more cables 28. Instead of being supported by hanging from cables, it should be understood that platform 20 may be supported from below, for example, by columns on which some or all of the frame beams 24 are supported, or may otherwise be suitably supported. The platform 20 may of course be used for other purposes such as for scaffolding. Paneling, illustrated at 30, such as, for example, plywood flooring is laid across the deck support beams 26 and secured thereto as is discussed in greater detail hereinafter or in other ways commonly known to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, to complete the platform 20. FIG. 1 shows two groups of frame beams 24 each group having two frame beams 24 shown connected end-to-end co-axially, as illustrated by their having a common longitudinal axis, illustrated at 25. It should be understood that the platform 20 may have any number of groups of frame beams 24 and any number of frame beams 24 in each group, for example, the number of groups may be determined by the bridge length or portion thereof to be spanned, and the number of frame beams 24 in each group determined by the bridge width or portion thereof to be spanned. For purposes of clarity of illustration, three deck panels 30 are shown covering a portion of the platform portion 20 of FIG. 1, it being understood that three other deck panels 30 would cover the other portion thereof. Each of the deck panels 30 is shown to be laid to extend between and be connected to two deck support beams 26, as hereinafter discussed in greater detail, and to overlie, centrally thereof, another deck support beam 26, it being understood that various other deck panel layouts are envisioned, for example, the number of deck panels may vary and they may overlie none or a greater number of deck support beams 26.

[0015] Each beam 24 and 26 is composed of aluminum or other suitable light-weight strong material and is suitably short so that its weight is such (less than about 50 pounds) that it can be easily and quickly manipulated and connected and unconnected by a single person. For example, each of the frame beams 24 may be about 8 to 10 feet long, and each of the deck support beams 26 may be about 12 feet long. The deck support beams 26 have a smaller depth for reasons discussed hereinafter. The frame and deck support beams 24 and 26 respectively may be, for example, I-beams having sizes 1-6 and 1-4 respectively, i.e., depths, along their central webs, of 6 and 4 inches respectively, with the result that the deck support beams 26 can be inserted between the flanges of the frame beams 24, as discussed hereinafter. Each of the plywood panels 30 may, for example, be composed of treated fire resistant plywood and be 4 feet by 8 feet and have a thickness of about 3/4 inch, so that, weighing, for example, less than about 50 pounds, it may be easily and quickly manipulated and connected and disconnected by a single person. The short aluminum beams 24 and 26 are, for example, lighter than the plywood panels 30, so that each of the platform components has a weight (less than about 50 pounds) such that it can be easily and quickly manipulated and connected and disconnected by a single person, thus reducing the amount of required manpower for erecting and disassembling the platform 20.

[0016] Each of the frame beams 24 comprises upper and lower flanges 32 and 34 respectively connected by a central vertical web 36. A quantity of spaced apertures, illustrated at 38, which may, for example, have a diameter of about 11/16 inch, are provided along and adjacent each edge of the upper and lower flanges 32 and 34 respectively. In order to maximize flexibility for positioning of the deck support beams 26 and shackles 29 along the lengths of the frame beams 24 respectively, the apertures 38 are preferably spaced closely together, preferably in equal increments. For example, the apertures 38 may be spaced about 12 inches (on centers) apart, as illustrated at 39, with end apertures, illustrated at 40, (on centers) being spaced, for example, about 3 ½ inches from the frame beam edge and about 2 3/8 inches from the adjacent set of apertures 38. As seen in FIG. 2, when attached, there is a gap, illustrated at 41, between the edges of the frame beams 24, this gap 41 being, for example, about 1/4 inch.

[0017] As seen in FIG. 5, the deck support beams 26, which also have upper and lower flanges 42 and 44 respectively connected by a central vertical web 46, are suitably attached to the frame beams 24 such as, for example, by aluminum blocks 48 each having a central aperture 50 (FIG. 14) extending vertically entirely therethrough, as described in greater detail hereinafter.

[0018] Each group of frame beams 24 comprises a plurality of frame beams 24 connected end-to-end co-axially to extend the width of the bridge 22 or otherwise desired distance, with additional groups of frame beams 24 laid parallel thereto along the bridge length or otherwise desired distance (with the deck support beams 26 inserted between and attached at their ends to respective frame beams 24 to extend normal or perpendicular thereto).

[0019] As seen in FIGS. 2 to 4 and 23 to 28, a pair of end-to-end co-axial frame beams 24 are connected by a pair of connectors 52, which may, for example, be blocks composed of extruded aluminum or other suitable material and having a pair of spaced apertures 54, whose spacing is such as to allow them to be aligned with the apertures 40 adjacent the ends of the respective frame beams 24, leaving the gap 41. When the pair of frame beams 24 is in the rigidly attached end-to-end co-axial relationship to maintain the co-axial relation, as seen in FIG. 28, the pair of connectors 52 span the ends of the flanges 32 and 34 respectively on the respective flange sides. The connection to each frame beam 24 is by means of a pin 56 which is received in the respective upper and lower flange apertures 40 and in the respective connector aperture 54, which may, for example, have a diameter of about 5/8 inch, as discussed in greater detail hereinafter. The pin 56 may be composed, for example, of suitably hardened steel or stainless steel and have an upper cap portion 58 to rest on top of the upper flange 32 and a lower tapered or pointed end 60 for ease of insertion.

[0020] In order to install a frame beam 24 to a previously installed frame beam 24, the frame beam 24 to be installed may be held in a substantially side-by-side relation relative to the previously installed frame beam 24, as illustrated in FIG. 27, and one of the connectors 52 attached by insertion of the pins 56 respectively. The frame beam 24 to be installed is then swung (about the off-center attachment of the pins 56) around, as illustrated at 57 in FIG. 27, to position it in the desired end-to-end co-axial relation with the previously installed frame beam 24, as illustrated in FIG. 28, and the second connector 52 attached by insertion of the pins 56 respectively.

[0021] The beams 24 and 26 may be provided in different lengths to allow flexibility in construction, but the beams 24 are otherwise desirably identical and the beams 26 are otherwise desirably identical and the connectors 48 are desirably identical to allow minimization of the types of parts needed for erecting the modular platform. Likewise, the first and second connectors 52 and the pins 56 are desirably identical.

[0022] As seen in FIG. 5, a deck support beam 26 is attached to a frame beam 24 by means of block 48. The block 48 may advantageously be formed by machining an extruded block 52 to form therefrom a portion 62 containing one of the apertures 54 and two spaced flanges 64 (only one seen in FIG. 5) extending laterally therefrom. Each of the flanges 64 is sized height-wise to fit between the deck support beam flanges 42 and 44 and is shown to have three aligned triangularly-spaced apertures, illustrated at 66, which also align with apertures (not shown) in the respective end of the deck support beam web 46 wherein the web 46 is sandwiched between the flanges 64, and bolts 68 are inserted in the apertures 66 and the deck support beam web apertures respectively and nuts (not shown) suitably applied to rigidly secure the machined block 62 to the respective end of the deck support beam 26.

[0023] With the block 62 thusly rigidly attached, the block portion 62 is received between the flanges 32 and 34 with its aperture 54 aligned with the apertures 38 and a pin 56 inserted within the respective flange apertures 38 and the block aperture 54, similarly as the pins 56 attach the extruded blocks 52 to the ends of two frame beams 24 to connect them together, as discussed in greater detail herein. During such attachment, the deck support beam 26 may desirably be held next to or alongside the frame beam 24, i.e., in a substantially side-by-side relation, as illustrated in FIG. 28, then swung into position, as illustrated at 59 in FIG. 28, after the pin 56 has been inserted, to the position shown in FIG. 1 wherein deck support beam 26 is normal or perpendicular to the respective frame beam 24. The ends of the flanges 42 and 44 are suitably chamfered, as illustrated at 67, for example, over a distance of about 6 inches, to narrow ends 70 to prevent interference with the corresponding frame beam 24. The close spacing of the frame beam apertures 38 allows flexibility for positioning of the deck support beams 26 generally anywhere there along, including flexibility for erecting around obstacles and in tight areas.

[0024] The attachment of a second frame beam 24 to the other ends of deck support beams 26 previously attached to a first frame beam 24 may be with the deck support beams 26 rotated or swung into a position adjacent (substantially side-by-side with) the first frame beam 24, then the assembly rotated out into position for attachment of the second frame beam 24 in end-to-end co-axial relation with a previously attached frame beam 24. Thus, the frame beams 24 and the deck support beams 26 may desirably be attached in either order, allowing flexibility for erection.

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 11, opposite ends of each flooring panel 30 is suitably attached to extruded aluminum (or other suitable material) elongate members 72 which are in turn attached to respective deck support beams 26, as described hereinafter. Thus, each of the members 72 has an upper slot, illustrated at 76, extending into one side thereof and defined by a thin upper lip 78 and in which is frictionally or snugly received the respective edge portion of the respective flooring panel 30. A notch, illustrated at 74, is formed in the other side lower corner of the member 72 in which is receivable the respective one side of the upper flange 42.

[0026] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the member 72 as applied to one panel edge and the means for its attachment to the respective deck support beam 26, and FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the member 72 as applied to the opposite panel edge and the means for its attachment to the respective deck support beam 26.

[0027] Referring first to FIGS. 8 and 9, a pair of spaced plates 75 (near the ends of the member 72) are suitably attached such as by screws or bolts or welding (not shown) to the lower surface of the member 72, the plates 75 extending inwardly to overlap the notch 74 and form therewith a slot, illustrated at 77, in which the respective facing side or half of the upper flange 42 is received for the purpose of securing the one side of the panel 30.

[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, a suitably spring-loaded locking mechanism 86 having a protrudable bolt or tongue 88 is suitably attached such as by screws or bolts (not shown) to the lower surface of the member 72, centrally thereof, the bolt 88 when protruding extending inwardly to overlap the notch 74 and form therewith a slot, illustrated at 77, in which the respective facing side or half of the upper flange 42 is received for the purpose of securing the other side of the panel 30. The locking mechanism 86 and bolt 88 are similar to mechanisms and bolts found on many doors to cause a door to automatically lock when pulled closed. Thus, the bolt 88 is adapted to be pushed into the locking mechanism 86, which is spring-loaded to bias the bolt 88 to the outward position shown in FIG. 11. The bolt 88 lower surface is suitably shaped to cause the bolt 88 to be pushed inwardly of the locking mechanism 86 when force is applied to it from above against the upper flange 42. The spring-loaded mechanism 86 forces the bolt 88 outwardly into the position shown in FIG. 11 once the upper flange 42 is cleared. The principles of construction of such a locking mechanism 86 and bolt 88 are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0029] In order to attach a deck panel 30 between two deck support beam 26, the connectors 72 are applied to the opposite panel edges and may be suitably glued thereto, the two connectors 72 for one edge having the members 75 attached and the connector 72 for the other edge having the locking mechanism 86 and bolt 88 attached. The panel 30 is positioned so that the flange 42 is received in the slot 77 formed by the member 75. Then, with the bolt 88 lying above the flange 42 for the other deck support beam 26, downward force is applied, causing the bolt 88 to retract into the locking mechanism 86 so that the flange 42 can be received in the slot 77 formed by the bolt 88. Then, the spring force of the locking mechanism 86 forces the bolt 88 back outwardly to again form the slot 77 with the flange 42 securely received therein. Once in place, the panels 30 make the platform portion rigid.

[0030] As seen best in FIGS. 9 and 11, the lower surface of the slot 76 is even with or slightly higher than the surface formed by the notch 74 which rests on top of the deck support beam flange 42 which allows the panels 30 to be positioned height-wise to clear other deck support beams 26, as desired. Thus, as seen in FIG. 1, a deck support beams 26 may be positioned centrally under the three panels 30 for added support thereof as well as making erection easier. As also seen in FIGS. 9 and 11, the lip 78 can be formed to be very thin, such as, for example, 1/8 inch, so that a substantially even or almost flush walking surface may desirably be achieved.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, an extruded block 90 of aluminum or other suitable material is provided to attach each shackle 29 (for example, a 3/4 inch shackle) to a frame beam 24. The block 90 is formed to have two apertures, illustrated at 92, extending vertically therethrough and spaced to be alignable with a pair of inner and outer apertures 38 on the frame beams 24. The block 90 is attached by suitable means such as, for example, a pair of bolts 94 (for example, 5/8 inch bolts) received in the apertures 92 and 38 respectively and nuts 96 applied to the bolts 94 to rigidly secure the block 90. A slot, illustrated at 98, is suitably formed in the lower surface of the block 90. When attached to the respective frame beam 24, it forms therewith an opening in which is receivable a fastener member 100 for attaching the shackle 29 to the frame beam 24.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 15, an elastomeric seal member or self-sealing rubber seal 102 has a central portion 104 which is received within the gap 41 between adjacent flanges 32 of frame beams 24 respectively and terminates in an enlarged lower portion 106 which is receivable below and engages the lower surfaces of the flanges 32 so that it is securely held within the gap 41. The seal 102 extends over the entire length of the gap 41. The upper end of the central portion 104 terminates in a cap portion 108 which is sized to cover the caps 58 of the pins 56 to protect and secure them against dislodgement. The elastomeric material is such as to allow the portion 106 to be compressible to be passed through the gap 41 then expand to secure the seal 102 against dislodgement. During disassembly, the portion 106 can then be compressed again by application of suitable pulling force for passage through the gap 41 and removal of the seal 102. Similar seals may be provided in other gaps in the platform such as, for example, in gaps between panels 30.

[0033] At the ends of a group of frame beams 24, the apertures 40 are not needed for attachment of another frame beam. Referring to FIG. 16, there is shown schematically the attachment of an elongate vertical railing post 110 at one of these ends for a hand rail for perimeter protection, the hooks 112 being for the running of cables or lines between posts 110. The post 110 may be attached in any suitable way, for example, by supporting locking mechanisms which contain bolts or tongues or pins, illustrated at 111, which are suitably caused to lockingly pop into the apertures 40 in a manner commonly known to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0034] It is important to prevent metal-on-metal rubbing contact during needed rotation where the pins 56 are used to join members. Referring to FIG. 26, wherein a pin 56 is shown received in apertures 40 and 54 of a frame beam 24 and connector 52 respectively, four identical washers or grommets 114 composed of Teflon polymer are received to prevent such contact. Each of the washers 114 has a tubular portion 116 and a flat portion 118 extending laterally and radially outwardly from one end thereof. At the upper end, the flat portions 118 of two washers 114 are received between the upper end surface of the connector 52 and the lower surface of the lower flange 32, the tubular portion of the upper of the two upper washers 114 extends upwardly and is received between the pin 56 and the wall of the aperture 40, and the tubular portion of the lower of the two upper washers 114 extends downwardly and is received between the pin 56 and the wall of the aperture 54. The two lower washers 114 are similarly positioned, as shown in FIG. 26. The provision of the washers 114 leaves a gap, illustrated at 120, over most of the height of the aperture 54 between the ends, illustrated at 122, of the lower of the upper washers 114 and the upper of the lower washers 114. As a result, there is virtually no rubbing contact between metal components, the pins 56 desirably touching only Teflon material. The washers 114 are sized so that the tubular portion 116 of the upper one of the washers 114 has a terminal upper end portion 126 which extends slightly above the upper flange 32, for example, about 1/16 inch, so as to prevent rubbing contact with the flange 32 by the pin cap 58. These washers 114 may be glued in place. These washers are not depicted in FIG. 14. Similar washers of Teflon polymer are used similarly in connecting the deck support beams 26 to the frame beams 24. The washers 114 may be made of other suitable polymer or other materials which provide reduced friction contact for easier movements while preventing undesirable metal-to-metal contact.

[0035] Regulations in some countries may require the handling of a component by two persons if its weight exceeds, for example, 55 pounds. In accordance with the present invention, in order that two persons not be required (by government regulation or otherwise) to handle any component so as to reduce the amount of manpower needed to erect the platform 20, each of the components is sized and made of a material so that it weighs less than about 50 pounds. Thus, the heaviest of the components in the platform 20 as described herein, which is a plywood panel 30, is sized to weigh less than 50 pounds, and the remaining components are sized and made of a material to also weigh less than 50 pounds. As discussed herein, aluminum is the material of which most of the components is made, aluminum having a density of about 0.1 pounds per cubic inch, as compared to steel having a density of about 0.28 pounds per cubic inch. Thus, the substantially lesser density of aluminum desirably allows the achievement of the component weight of less than 50 pounds for all components of the platform 20.

[0036] Thus, in accordance with the present invention, the light-weight components of the modular platform 20, allowing one person to be able to carry the heaviest component, may be connected together easily and safely and quickly without the need for cranes or other heavy equipment and while allowing flexibility for erecting around obstacles and in tight areas. Most of the major parts (including the frame beams 24, the deck support beams 26, frame beam connector blocks 52, and shackle blocks) are advantageously extruded from aluminum or other suitable light-weight material, and the deck support beam connector blocks 48 advantageously machined from the frame beam connector blocks 52, thus desirably providing ease of manufacture with little or no welding, thereby further allowing more uniform preciseness for ease of assembly.

[0037] It should be understood that, while the present invention has been described in detail herein, the invention can be embodied otherwise without departing from the principles thereof, and such other embodiments are meant to come within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A platform (20) composed of a combination of parts including frame beams (24), blocks (52), and pins (56) which can be assembled and disassembled to erect and dismantle the platform (20), wherein said frame beams (24) each has an upper flange (32) and a lower flange (34) and said frame beams (24) lie in an end-to-end relation whereby an end portion of one of said frame beams (24) is adjacent an end portion of an other of said frame beams (24), wherein a pair of said blocks (52) are each removably received between said upper (32) and lower flanges (34) of both said end portion of said one frame beam (24) and said end portion of said other frame beam (24) for connecting said frame beams (24) in the end-to-end relation, each of said blocks (52) having a pair of bores (54), each of said frame beam end portions having a pair of apertures (40) in said upper flange (32) and a pair of apertures (40) in said lower flange (34), a first of said pins (56) removably received in one of said pair of bores (54) in each of said blocks (52) and in corresponding ones of said apertures (40) in said upper and lower flanges (32, 34) of said one frame beam (24), a second of said pins (56) removably received in an other of said pair of bores (54) in each of said blocks (52) and in corresponding ones of said apertures (40) in said upper and lower flanges (32, 34) of said other frame beam (24) thereby connecting said pair of blocks (52) to said one and said other frame beams (24), whereby, when only one of said blocks (52) connects said one and said other frame beams (24), said other frame beam (24) is swingable relative to said one frame beam (24) from a position in which said one and said other frame beams (24) are substantially side-by-side to the end-to-end position and whereby said one and said other frame beams (24) are retainable in the end-to-end position when said one and said other frame beams (24) are connected with both of said pair of blocks (52).

2. A platform (20) according to claim 1 wherein the combination of parts further comprises a plurality of deck support beams (26), a plurality of deck support beam connector members (48) for connecting said deck support beams (26) to said frame beams (24) to extend normal thereto, each said frame beam (24) having a plurality of apertures (38) equally spaced over a length thereof for receiving pins (56) for attaching said deck support beam connector members (48) thereto to thereby allow attachment of said deck support beam connector members (48) at various locations over the length of said respective frame beam (24).

3. A platform (20) according to claim 1 wherein the combination of parts further comprises a plurality of deck support beams (26) for interconnecting said frame beams (24), a plurality of panels (30), a first plurality of panel connectors (72) for connecting edges of said panels (30) to said deck support beams (26), and a second plurality of panel connectors (72) for connecting edges of said panels (30) to said deck support beams (26), each of said first and second panel connectors (72) having a first slot (76) for receiving an edge portion of one of said panels (30), each of said first panel connectors (72) having a second slot (77) for receiving a flange (42, 44) of one of said deck support beams (26), and each of said second panel connectors (72) having a third slot (77) for receiving a flange (42, 44) of one of said deck support beams (26) wherein said second panel connector (72) includes a spring-loaded bolt (88) which partially defines said third slot (77) and which is movable to allow an edge portion of said respective panel (30) to be received in said third slot and which is biased to maintain said respective panel edge portion in said third slot.

4. The combination of parts of claim 1 for constructing a platform (20) comprising a plurality of frame beams (24), a plurality of blocks (52) for connecting said frame beams (24) in an end-to-end relation, said frame beams (24) and said blocks (52) are adapted for connecting to each end of said frame beams (24) a pair of said blocks (52) such that one of said pair of said blocks (52) is connectable to a pair of said frame beams (24) when said pair of said frame beams (24) are disposed substantially in a side-by-side relation and, while said one of said pair of said blocks (52) is connected to said pair of said frame beams (24), one of said pair of said frame beams (24) is swingable into a co-axial relation relative to an other of said pair of said frame beams (24), and such that an other of said pair of said blocks (52) is connectable to said pair of said frame beams (24) when said pair of said frame beams (24) is in the co-axial relation to maintain said pair of said frame beams (24) in the co-axial relation, wherein said frame beams (24) are I-beams having a pair of flanges (32, 34) connected by a web (36), wherein said blocks (52) are are sized to be received between said flanges (32, 34), each of said blocks (52) has a pair of bores (54) extending therethrough, said flanges (32, 34) having apertures (40) therein on both sides of said web (36) and adjacent each end of said respective frame beam (24), wherein said bores (54) are spaced to be alignable respectively with said flange apertures (40) on one side of said web (36) in one end portion of one of said frame beams (24) and with said flange apertures (40) on one side of said web (36) in one end portion of an other of said frame beams (24) when said other frame beam (24) is laid generally end-to-end with said one frame beam (24), and the combination further comprising pins (56) removably receivable in said bores (54) and said respective apertures (40) for connecting said frame blocks (52) to said frame beams (24).

5. A combination according to claim 4 wherein said apertures (40) are spaced from said respective ends of said respective frame beams (24) a distance which allows a gap (41) between said respective frame beams (24) when connected in the co-axial relation, the combination further comprising a plurality of elastomeric members (102) insertable in the gaps (41) to plug the gaps (41) respectively and having cap portions (108) sized to cover said pins (56) respectively.

6. A combination according to claim 4 wherein each of the parts weighs less than about 50 pounds.

7. A combination according to claim 4 further comprising a plurality of deck support beams (26) each for extending between and connecting a pair of parallel ones of said frame beams (24), and a plurality of deck support beam connector members (48) for connecting said deck support beams (26) to said frame beams (24) in a manner to allow one of said deck support beams (26) to be connected to a one of said frame beams (24) while said one of said deck support beams (26) is in a substantially side-by-side relation with said a one of said frame beams (24) and to allow said one of said deck support beams (26) while connected to said a one of said frame beams (24) to be rotated into a position normal to said a one of said frame beams (24).

8. A combination according to claim 7 wherein said pins (56) are sized for also connecting said deck support beam connector members (48) to said deck support beams (26) respectively.

9. A combination according to claim 4 further comprising a plurality of identical non-metallic bearing members (114) each having a cylindrical portion (116) for receiving said respective pin (56) and a flat portion (118) for engaging a respective surface of any of said frame beam connector members (52), said frame beams (24), said deck support beam connector members (48), and said deck support beams (26) for preventing metal-to-metal contact by said pins (56).

10. A combination according to claim 7 wherein each of said flanges (32, 34) of each said frame beam (24) has a plurality of apertures (38) spaced along the length thereof respectively and wherein each said deck support beam connector member (48) comprises a first portion sized to be received between said flanges (32, 34) and having a bore (50) extending therethrough, the combination further comprising a plurality of pins (56) receivable in said plurality of apertures (38) and said bore (50) respectively to permit rotatable movement of said deck support beam connector members (48) about said pins (56) respectively.

11. A combination according to claim 7 wherein each of said frame beams (24) and each of said deck support beams (26) is composed of aluminum.

12. A method of erecting a platform as claimed in claim 1, comprising the steps of:

(a) inserting a first of a plurality of blocks (52) between upper and lower flanges (32, 34) in an end portion of each of both of a pair of frame beams (24), inserting a first pin (56) in a first bore (54) in the first block (52) and in apertures (40) in the upper and lower flanges (32, 34) of a first of the pair of frame beams (24), and inserting a second pin (56) in a second bore (54) in the first block (52) and in apertures (40) in the upper and lower flanges (32, 34) of a second of the pair of frame beams (24) thereby connecting the pair of frame beams (24), while the pair of frame beams (24) are in substantially a side-by-side relation;

(b) swinging the second of the pair of frame beams (24) relative to the first of the pair of frame beams (24) to a co-axial position of the pair of frame beams (24) relative to each other; and

(c) inserting a second of the blocks (52) between the upper and lower flanges (32, 34) in the end portion of each of both of the pair of frame beams (24) while the pair of frame beams (24) are in the co-axial position, inserting a third pin (56) in a bore in the second block (52) and in other apertures (40) in the upper and lower flanges (32, 34) of the first of the pair of frame beams (24), and inserting a fourth pin (56) in an other bore (54) in the second block (52) and in other apertures (40) in the upper and lower flanges (32, 34) of the second of the pair of frame beams (24) thereby to maintain the pair of frame beams (24) in the co-axial position.

13. A method according to claim 12 further comprising connecting a deck support beam (26) to one of the frame beams (24) while the deck support beam (26) is in substantially a side-by-side relation therewith; swinging the deck support beam (26) to a position normal to the one of the frame beams (24); and connecting the deck support beam (26) to an other of the frame beams (24).

14. A method according to claim 12 further comprising inserting a portion of a block (52) to which a deck support beam (26) is attached between the upper and lower flanges (32, 34) of one of the frame beams (24) intermediate ends thereof while the deck support beam (26) is in substantially a side-by-side relation therewith; inserting a fifth pin (56) in a first bore (54) in the deck support beam block (52) and in corresponding apertures (40) in the upper and lower flanges (32, 34) of the one frame beam (24); swinging the deck support beam (26) to a position normal to the one frame beam (24); and connecting the deck support beam (26) to an other of the frame beams (24).

15. A method according to claim 12 further comprising selecting the frame beams (24), blocks, and pins (56) to each weigh less than about 50 pounds.

Ansprüche

1. Plattform (20), bestehend aus einer Kombination von Teilen, einschließlich Rahmenträger (24), Blöcke (52) und Stifte (56), die dazu montiert und demontiert werden können, um die Plattform (20) auf- und abzubauen, wobei die Rahmenträger (24) jeweils einen oberen Gurt (32) und einen unteren Gurt (34) aufweisen und die Rahmenträger (24) Ende an Ende angeordnet sind, wodurch ein Endabschnitt eines der Rahmenträger (24) neben einem Endabschnitt eines anderen der Rahmenträger (24) liegt, wobei ein Paar der Blöcke (52) jeweils zwischen dem oberen (32) und unteren (34) Gurt sowohl des Endabschnitts des einen Rahmenträgers (24) als auch des Endabschnitts des anderen Rahmenträgers (24) entfernbar aufgenommen wird, um die Rahmenträger (24) Ende an Ende zu verbinden, wobei jeder der Blöcke (52) ein Paar Bohrlöcher (54) aufweist, wobei jeder der Endabschnitte der Rahmenträger ein Paar Öffnungen (40) im oberen Gurt (32) und ein Paar Öffnungen (40) im unteren Gurt (34) aufweist, wobei ein erster der Stifte (56) in einem des Paars Bohrlöcher (54) in jedem der Blöcke (52) sowie in den entsprechenden Öffnungen (40) im oberen und unteren Gurt (32, 34) des einen Rahmenträgers (24) entfernbar aufgenommen wird, wobei ein zweiter der Stifte (56) in einem anderen des Paars Bohrlöcher (54) in jedem der Blöcke (52) sowie in den entsprechenden Öffnungen (40) im oberen und unteren Gurt (32, 34) des anderen Rahmenträgers (24) entfernbar aufgenommen wird, wodurch das Paar Blöcke (52) mit dem einen und dem anderen Rahmenträger (24) verbunden wird, wodurch, wenn nur einer der Blöcke (52) den einen und den anderen Rahmenträger (24) verbindet, der andere Rahmenträger (24) relativ zu dem einen Rahmenträger (24) schwingbar ist, und zwar aus einer Position, in welcher sich der eine und der andere Rahmenträger (24) im Wesentlichen Seite an Seite zu der Ende-an-Ende-Position verhalten, und wodurch der eine und der andere Rahmenträger (24) in der Ende-an-Ende-Position gehalten werden können, wenn der eine und der andere Rahmenträger (24) mit beiden des Paars Blöcke (52) verbunden sind.

2. Plattform (20) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Kombination von Teilen ferner eine Vielzahl von Deckstützbalken (26) umfasst, eine Vielzahl von Deckstützbalken-Verbindungselementen (48) zum Verbinden der Deckstützbalken (26) mit den Rahmenträgern (24), damit sie senkrecht zu diesen verlaufen, wobei jeder Rahmenträger (24) eine Vielzahl von Öffnungen (38) aufweist, die zur Aufnahme von Stiften (56) gleichmäßig über eine Länge desselben beabstandet sind, um die Deckstützbalken-Verbindungselemente (48) daran zu befestigen, was die Befestigung der Deckstützbalken-Verbindungselemente (48) an verschiedenen Stellen über die Länge des jeweiligen Rahmenträgers (24) ermöglicht.

3. Plattform (20) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Kombination von Teilen ferner eine Vielzahl von Deckstützbalken (26) zur Querverbindung der Rahmenträger (24), eine Vielzahl von Platten (30), eine erste Vielzahl von Plattenverbindern (72) zum Verbinden von Rändern der Platten (30) mit den Deckstützbalken (26) und eine zweite Vielzahl von Plattenverbindern (72) zum Verbinden von Rändern der Platten (30) mit den Deckstützbalken (26) umfasst, wobei die ersten und zweiten Plattenverbinder (72) einen ersten Schlitz (76) aufweisen, um einen Randabschnitt einer der Platten (30) aufzunehmen, wobei jeder der ersten Plattenverbinder (72) einen zweiten Schlitz (77) aufweist, um einen Gurt (42, 44) eines der Deckstützbalken (26) aufzunehmen, und wobei jeder der zweiten Plattenverbinder (72) einen dritten Schlitz (77) aufweist, um einen Gurt (42, 44) eines der Deckstützbalken (26) aufzunehmen, wobei der zweite Plattenverbinder (72) einen federbelasteten Bolzen (88) umfasst, der teilweise den dritten Schlitz (77) definiert, und der bewegbar ist, um es einem Randabschnitt der jeweiligen Platte (30) zu ermöglichen, in dem dritten Schlitz aufgenommen zu werden, und der vorgespannt ist, um den jeweiligen Plattenrandabschnitt im dritten Schlitz zu halten.

4. Kombination von Teilen aus Anspruch 1 zum Errichten einer Plattform (20), Folgendes umfassend: eine Vielzahl von Rahmenträgern (24), eine Vielzahl von Blöcken (52) zum Verbinden der Rahmenträger (24), sodass diese Ende an Ende angeordnet sind, wobei die Rahmenträger (24) und die Blöcke (52) so ausgestaltet sind, dass sie ein Paar der Blöcke (52) mit jedem Ende der Rahmenträger (24) derart verbinden, dass einer des Paars der Blöcke (52) mit einem Paar der Rahmenträger (24) verbindbar ist, wenn sich das Paar der Rahmenträger (24) im Wesentlichen Seite an Seite befindet, und, während der eine des Paars der Blöcke (52) mit dem Paar der Rahmenträger (24) verbunden ist, wobei einer des Paars der Rahmenträger (24) relativ zu einem anderen des Paars der Rahmenträger (24) in ein koaxiales Verhältnis dazu schwingbar ist, und zwar derart, dass ein anderer des Paars der Blöcke (52) mit dem Paar der Rahmenträger (24) verbindbar ist, wenn sich das Paar der Rahmenträger (24) in dem koaxialen Verhältnis befindet, um das Paar der Rahmenträger (24) in dem koaxialen Verhältnis zu halten, wobei die Rahmenträger (24) I-Träger mit einem Paar Gurte (32, 34) sind, die durch einen Steg (36) verbunden sind, wobei die Blöcke (52) so bemessen sind, dass sie zwischen den Gurten (32, 34) aufgenommen werden können, wobei jeder der Blöcke (52) ein Paar Bohrlöcher (54) aufweist, die sich dadurch erstrecken, wobei die Gurte (32, 34) Öffnungen (40) darin auf beiden Seiten des Stegs (36) sowie neben jedem Ende des jeweiligen Rahmenträgers (24) aufweisen, wobei die Bohrlöcher (54) so beabstandet sind, dass sie sich jeweils auf die Gurtöffnungen (40) auf einer Seite des Stegs (36) in einem Endabschnitt eines der Rahmenträgers (24) sowie auf die Gurtöffnungen (40) auf einer Seite des Stegs (36) in einem Endabschnitt eines anderen Rahmenträgers (24) ausrichten lassen, wenn der andere Rahmenträger (24) allgemein Ende an Ende mit dem einen Rahmenträger (24) angeordnet ist, und wobei die Kombination ferner Stifte (56) umfasst, die in den Borlöchern (54) und den jeweiligen Öffnungen (40) entfernbar aufgenommen werden können, um die Rahmenblöcke (52) mit den Rahmenträgern (24) zu verbinden.

5. Kombination nach Anspruch 4, wobei die Öffnungen (40) von den jeweiligen Enden der jeweiligen Rahmenträger (24) in einem Abstand beabstandet sind, der einen Zwischenraum(41) zwischen den jeweiligen Rahmenträgern (24) ermöglicht, wenn diese in dem koaxialen Verhältnis verbunden sind, wobei die Kombination ferner eine Vielzahl von Elastomerelementen (102) umfasst, die sich in die Zwischenräume (41) einfügen lassen, um jeweils die Zwischenräume (41) zu füllen, und Kappenabschnitte (108) aufweisen, die so bemessen sind, dass sie jeweils die Stifte (56) abdecken.

6. Kombination nach Anspruch 4, wobei jedes der Teile weniger als circa 50 Pfund bzw. 22,68 kg wiegt.

7. Kombination nach Anspruch 4, ferner eine Vielzahl von Deckstützbalken (26) umfassend, die sich jeweils zwischen einem Paar paralleler Rahmenträger (24) erstrecken und diese verbinden, und eine Vielzahl von Deckstützbalken-Verbindungselemente (48) zum Verbinden der Deckstützbalken (26) mit den Rahmenträgern (24), auf eine Art und Weise, dass einer der Deckstützbalken (26) mit einem der Rahmenträger (24) verbunden werden kann, während einer der Deckstützbalken (26) im Wesentlichen Seite an Seite mit einem der Rahmenträger (24) angeordnet ist, und um es dem einen der Deckstützbalken (26) zu ermöglichen, in eine Position gedreht zu werden, die senkrecht zu einem der Rahmenträger (24) ist, während er mit dem einen der Rahmenträger (24) verbunden ist.

8. Kombination nach Anspruch 7, wobei die Stifte (56) so bemessen sind, dass sie jeweils auch die Deckstützbalken-Verbindungselemente (48) mit den Deckstützbalken (26) verbinden.

9. Kombination nach Anspruch 4, ferner eine Vielzahl von identischen nichtmetallischen Lagerelementen (114) umfassend, die jeweils einen zylinderförmigen Abschnitt (116), um den jeweiligen Stift (56) aufzunehmen, sowie einen flachen Abschnitt (118) aufweisen, um eine jeweilige Oberfläche eines beliebigen der Rahmenträger-Verbindungselemente (52), der Rahmenträger (24), der Deckstützbalken-Verbindungselemente (48) und der Deckstützbalken (26) zu greifen, um einen Metall-an-Metall-Kontakt durch die Stifte (56) zu vermeiden.

10. Kombination nach Anspruch 7, wobei jeder der Gurte (32, 34) des jeweiligen Rahmenträgers (24) eine Vielzahl von Öffnungen (38) aufweist, die jeweils entlang dessen Länge beabstandet sind, und wobei jedes Deckstützbalken-Verbindungselement (48) einen ersten Abschnitt umfasst, der dazu bemessen ist, zwischen den Gurten (32, 34) aufgenommen zu werden, und ein Bohrloch (50) aufweist, das sich dadurch erstreckt, wobei die Kombination ferner eine Vielzahl von Stiften (56) umfasst, die in der Vielzahl von Öffnungen (38) und dem Bohrloch (50) jeweils aufgenommen werden können, um jeweils eine drehbare Bewegung der Deckstützbalken-Verbindungselemente (48) um die Stifte (56) zu ermöglichen.

11. Kombination nach Anspruch 7, wobei jeder der Rahmenträger (24) und jeder der Deckstützbalken (26) aus Aluminium besteht.

12. Verfahren zum Errichten einer Plattform nach Anspruch 1, die folgenden Schritte umfassend:

(a) Einfügen eines ersten einer Vielzahl von Blöcken (52) zwischen dem oberen und unteren Gurt (32, 34) in einem Endabschnitt jedes der beiden eines Paars Rahmenträger (24), Einfügen eines ersten Stifts (56) in ein erstes Bohrloch (54) im ersten Block (52) und in Öffnungen (40) im oberen und unteren Gurt (32, 34) eines ersten des Paars Rahmenträger (24), und Einfügen eines zweiten Stifts (56) in ein zweites Bohrloch (54) im ersten Block (52) und in Öffnungen (40) im oberen und unteren Gurt (32, 34) eines zweiten des Paars Rahmenträger (24), wodurch das Paar Rahmenträger (24) verbunden wird, während das Paar Rahmenträger (24) im Wesentlichen Seite an Seite angeordnet ist;

(b) Schwingen des zweiten des Paars Rahmenträger (24) relativ zum ersten des Paars Rahmenträger (24) in eine koaxiale Position des Paars Rahmenträgers (24) relativ zueinander; und

(c) Einfügen eines zweiten der Blöcke (52) zwischen den oberen und unteren Gurt (32, 34) im Endabschnitt jedes der beiden des Paars Rahmenträger (24), während sich das Paar Rahmenträger (24) in der koaxialen Position befindet, Einfügen eines dritten Stifts (56) in ein Bohrloch im zweiten Block (52) und in andere Öffnungen (40) im oberen und unteren Gurt (32, 34) des ersten des Paars Rahmenträger (24), und Einfügen eines vierten Stifts (56) in ein anderes Bohrloch (54) im zweiten Block (52) und in andere Öffnungen (40) im oberen und unteren Gurt (32, 34) des zweiten des Paars Rahmenträger (24), wodurch das Paar Rahmenträger (24) in der koaxialen Position gehalten wird.

13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12, ferner umfassend das Verbinden eines Deckstützbalkens (26) mit einem der Rahmenträger (24), während der Deckstützbalken (26) im Wesentlichen Seite an Seite dazu angeordnet ist; Schwingen des Deckstützbalkens (26) in eine Position, die senkrecht zu dem einen der Rahmenträger (24) verläuft; und Verbinden des Deckstützbalkens (26) mit einem anderen der Rahmenträger (24).

14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12, ferner umfassend das Einfügen eines Abschnitts eines Blocks (52), an dem ein Deckstützbalken (26) befestigt ist, und zwar zwischen dem oberen und unteren Gurt (32, 34) eines der Endabschnitte der Rahmenträger (24), während sich der Deckstützbalken (26) im Wesentlichen Seite an Seite damit befindet; Einfügen eines fünften Stifts (56) in ein erstes Bohrloch (54) im Deckstützbalkenblock (52) und in entsprechende Öffnungen (40) im oberen und unteren Gurt (32, 34) des einen Rahmenträgers (24); Schwingen des Deckstützbalkens (26) in eine Position, die senkrecht zu dem einen Rahmenträger verläuft (24); und Verbinden des Deckstützbalkens (26) mit einem anderen der Rahmenträger (24).

15. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12, ferner das Auswählen von Rahmenträgern (24), Blöcken und Stiften (56) umfassend, sodass jedes der Teile weniger als circa 50 Pfund bzw. 22,68 kg wiegt.

Revendications

1. Plateforme (20) composée d'une combinaison de parties comprenant des étais (24), des blocs (52) et des goupilles (56) qui peuvent être montés et démontés pour ériger ou démonter la plateforme (20), dans lequel lesdits étais (24) comportent chacun une bride supérieure (32) et une bride inférieure (34) et lesdits étais (24) sont allongés dans une relation extrémité à extrémité, moyennant quoi une partie terminale de l'un desdits étais (24) est adjacente à une partie terminale d'un autre desdits étais (24), dans lequel une paire desdits blocs (52) sont chacune reçue de façon détachable entre lesdites brides supérieure (32) et inférieure (34) des deux de ladite partie terminale dudit un étai (24) et ladite partie terminale dudit autre étai (24) pour relier lesdits étais (24) dans une relation extrémité à extrémité, chacun desdits blocs (52) ayant une paire de trous (54), chacune desdites parties terminales de l'étai ayant une paire d'ouvertures (40) dans ladite bride supérieure (32) et une paire d'ouvertures (40) dans ladite bride inférieure (34), une première desdites goupilles (56) reçue de façon détachable dans l'un de ladite paire de trous (54) dans chacun desdits blocs (52) et dans les unes correspondantes desdites ouvertures (40) dans lesdites brides supérieure et inférieure (32, 34) dudit un étai (24), une deuxième desdites goupilles (56) reçue de façon détachable dans un autre de ladite paire de trous (54) dans chacun desdits blocs (52) et dans les unes correspondantes desdites ouvertures (40) dans lesdites brides supérieure et inférieure (32, 34) dudit autre étai (24) reliant ainsi ladite paire de blocs (52) audit un et audit autre étais (24), moyennant quoi, lorsque seulement un desdits blocs (52) relie ledit un et ledit autre étais (24), ledit autre étai (24) est basculable par rapport audit un étai (24) d'une position dans laquelle ledit un et ledit autre étais (24) sont sensiblement côte à côte par rapport à la position extrémité à extrémité et moyennant quoi ledit un et ledit autre étais (24) peuvent être retenus dans la position extrémité à extrémité, lorsque le dit un et ledit autre étais (24) sont reliés avec les deux de ladite paire de blocs (52).

2. Plateforme (20) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la combinaison des parties comprend également une pluralité de barrots de pont de support (26), une pluralité d'éléments de connexion de barrots de pont de support (48) pour connecter lesdits barrots de pont de support (26) auxdits étais (24) pour se prolonger perpendiculairement à ceux-ci, chacun dudit étai (24) ayant une pluralité d'ouvertures (38) espacées de façon égale sur une longueur de celui-ci pour recevoir des goupilles (56) pour fixer lesdits éléments de connexion de barrots de pont de support (48) à ceux-ci pour ainsi permettre la fixation desdits éléments de connexion de barrots de pont de support (48) à divers emplacements sur la longueur desdits étais respectifs (24).

3. Plateforme (20) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la combinaison des parties comprend également une pluralité de barrots de pont de support (26) pour interconnecter lesdits étais (24), une pluralité de panneaux (30), une première pluralité de connecteurs de panneaux (72) pour connecter les bords desdits panneaux (30) auxdits barrots de pont de support (26), et une seconde pluralité de connecteurs de panneaux (72) pour connecter les bords desdits panneaux (30) auxdits barrots de pont de support (26), chacun desdits premiers et seconds connecteurs de panneaux (72) ayant une première fente (76) pour recevoir une partie de bord de l'un desdits panneaux (30), chacun dudit premier connecteur de panneau (72) ayant une deuxième fente (77) pour recevoir une bride (42, 44) de l'un desdits barrots de pont de support (26), et chacun dudit second connecteur de panneau (72) ayant une troisième fente (77) pour recevoir une bride (42, 44) de l'un desdits barrots de pont de support (26) dans lequel ledit second connecteur de panneaux (72) comprend un pêne à ressort (88) qui définit partiellement une troisième fente (77) et qui est déplaçable pour permettre une partie de bord dudit panneau respectif (30) d'être reçu dans ladite troisième fente et qui est sollicitée pour maintenir ladite partie de bord de panneau respective dans ladite troisième fente.

4. Combinaison des parties de la revendication 1, pour la construction d'une plateforme (20) comprenant une pluralité d'étais (24), une pluralité de blocs (52) pour connecter lesdits étais (24) dans une relation d'extrémité à extrémité, lesdits étais (24) et lesdits blocs de bâti (52) sont conçus pour connecter à chaque extrémité desdits étais (24) une paire desdits blocs (52) de sorte qu'une de ladite paire de blocs (52) est connectable à une paire desdits étais (24) lorsque ladite paire desdits étais (24) est placée sensiblement dans une relation côte à côte et, lorsque ladite une de ladite paire desdits blocs (52) est connectée à ladite paire desdits étais (24), l'une de ladite paire desdits étais (24) peut être basculée dans une relation coaxiale par rapport à une autre de ladite paire desdits étais (24), et de sorte qu'une autre de ladite paire desdits blocs (52) est connectable à ladite paire desdits étais (24) lorsque ladite paire desdits étais (24) est dans une relation coaxiale pour maintenir ladite paire desdits étais (24) dans une relation coaxiale, dans lequel lesdits étais (24) sont des poutres en I ayant une paire de brides (32, 34) connectée par une traverse (36), dans lequel lesdits blocs (52) sont dimensionnés pour être reçus entre lesdites brides (32, 34), chacun desdits blocs (52) comporte une paire de trou (54) se prolongeant à travers ceux-ci, lesdites brides (32, 34) ayant des ouvertures (40) dans celles-ci sur les deux côtés de ladite traverse (36) et adjacentes à chaque extrémité dudit étai respectif (24), dans lequel lesdits trous (54) sont espacés pour être alignables respectivement avec lesdites ouvertures de brides (40) sur un côté de ladite traverse (36) dans une partie d'extrémité de l'un desdits étais (24) et avec lesdites ouvertures de bride (40) sur un côté de ladite traverse (36) dans une partie terminale d'un autre desdits étais (24) lorsque ledit autre étai (24) est posé généralement extrémité à extrémité avec ledit un étai (24), et la combinaison comprenant également des goupilles (56) recevables de façon détachable dans lesdits trous (54) et lesdites ouvertures respectives (40) pour connecter lesdits blocs de bâti (52) auxdits étais (24).

5. Combinaison selon la revendication 4, dans laquelle lesdites ouvertures (40) sont espacées desdites extrémités respectives desdits étais respectifs (24) d'une distance qui permet un espace (41) entre lesdits étais respectifs (24) lorsqu'ils sont connectés dans une relation coaxiale, la combinaison comprenant également une pluralité d'éléments élastomère (102) insérables dans les espaces (41) pour boucher les espaces (41) respectivement et ayant des parties de coiffe (108) dimensionnées pour recouvrir lesdites goupilles (56) respectivement.

6. Combinaison selon la revendication 4, dans laquelle chacune des parties pèse moins de 50 livres (22,68 kg).

7. Combinaison selon la revendication 4, comprenant également une pluralité de barrots de pont de support (26) chacun pour prolonger entre et pour connecter une paire des barrots parallèles desdits étais (24), et une pluralité d'éléments de connexion de barrots de pont de support (48) pour la connexion desdits barrots de pont de support (26) auxdits étais (24) d'une façon à permettre la connexion d'un desdits barrots de pont de support (26) à l'un desdits étais (24) lorsque ledit un desdits barrots de pont de support (26) est dans une relation sensiblement côte à côte avec ledit un desdits étais (24) et pour permettre audit un desdits barrots de pont de support (26) pendant qu'il est connecté à ledit un desdits étais (24) d'être pivoté dans une position perpendiculaire à ledit un desdits étais (24).

8. Combinaison selon la revendication 7, dans laquelle lesdites goupilles (56) sont dimensionnées pour également connecter lesdits éléments de connexion du barrot de pont de support (48) audits barrots de pont de support (26) respectivement.

9. Combinaison selon la revendication 4, comprenant également une pluralité d'éléments de support non métalliques identiques (114) chacun ayant une partie cylindrique (116) pour recevoir ladite goupille respective (56) et une partie plate (118) pour entrer en prise avec une surface respective de l'un quelconque des éléments de connexion de l'étai (52), lesdits étais (24), lesdits éléments de connexion de barrots de pont de support (48), et lesdits barrots de pont de support (26) afin d'empêcher un contact métal sur métal par lesdites goupilles (56).

10. Combinaison selon la revendication 7, dans laquelle chacune desdites brides (32, 34) de chacun dudit étai (24) a une pluralité d'ouvertures (38) espacées le long de la longueur de celui-ci respectivement et dans laquelle chacun dudit élément de connexion de barrot de pont de support (48) comprend une première partie dimensionnée pour être reçue entre lesdites brides (32, 34) et ayant un trou (50) se prolongeant à travers celles-ci, la combinaison comprenant également une pluralité de goupilles (56) recevables dans ladite pluralité d'ouvertures (38) et dudit trou (50) respectivement pour permettre un mouvement rotatif desdits éléments de connexion de barrots de pont de support (48) autour desdites goupilles (56) respectivement.

11. Combinaison selon la revendication 7, dans laquelle chacun desdits étais (24) et chacun desdits barrots de pont de support (26) sont composés d'aluminium.

12. Procédé pour ériger une plateforme telle que revendiquée dans la revendication 1, comprenant les étapes suivantes :

(a) l'insertion d'une première pluralité de blocs (52) entre des brides supérieure et inférieure (32, 34) dans une partie terminale de chacun des deux d'une paire d'étais (24), l'insertion d'une première goupille (56) dans un premier trou (54) dans le premier bloc (52) et dans des ouvertures (40) dans les brides supérieure et inférieure (32, 34) d'un premier de la paire des étais (24), et l'insertion d'une deuxième goupille (56) dans un deuxième trou (54) dans le premier bloc (52) et dans les ouvertures (40) dans les brides supérieure et inférieure (32, 34) d'un second de la paire des étais (24) connectant ainsi la paire d'étais (24), lorsque la paire d'étais (24) est dans une relation sensiblement côte à côte ;

(b) le basculement du deuxième de la paire d'étais (24) relativement au premier de la paire d'étais (24) vers une position coaxiale de la paire d'étais (24) relativement l'un à l'autre ; et

(c) l'insertion d'un deuxième des blocs (52) entre les brides supérieure et inférieure (32,34) dans la partie terminale de chacun des deux de la paire d'étais (24) lorsque la paire d'étais (24) est dans une position coaxiale, l'insertion d'une troisième goupille (56) dans un trou dans le deuxième bloc (52) et dans d'autres ouvertures (40) dans les brides supérieure et inférieure (32, 34) du premier de la paire d'étais (24), et l'insertion d'une quatrième goupille (56) dans un autre trou (54) dans le deuxième bloc (52) et dans d'autres ouvertures (40) dans les brides supérieure et inférieure (32, 34) de la deuxième paire d'étais (24) pour ainsi maintenir la paire d'étais (24) dans une position coaxiale.

13. Procédé selon la revendication 12, comprenant également la connexion d'un barrot de pont de support (26) à l'un des étais (24) lorsque le barrot de pont de support (26) est dans une relation sensiblement côte à côte avec celui-ci ; le basculement du barrot de pont de support (26) vers une position perpendiculaire à l'un des étais (24) ; et la connexion du barrot de pont de support (26) à un autre des étais (24).

14. Procédé selon la revendication 12, comprenant également l'insertion d'une partie d'un bloc (52) auquel est fixé un barrot de pont de support (26) entre les brides supérieure et inférieure (32, 34) de l'un des étais (24) les extrémités intermédiaires de ceux-ci lorsque le barrot de pont de support (26) est dans une relation sensiblement côte à côte avec celui-ci ; l'insertion d'une cinquième goupille (56) dans un premier trou (54) dans le bloc de barrot de pont de support (52) et dans les ouvertures correspondantes (40) dans les brides supérieure et inférieure (32, 34) de l'étai (24) ; le basculement du barrot de pont de support (26) vers une position perpendiculaire à l'étai (24) ; et la connexion du barrot de pont de support (26) à un autre des étais (24).

15. Procédé selon la revendication 12, comprenant également la sélection des étais (24), des blocs et des goupilles (56) pour que chacun pèse moins de 50 livres (22,68 kg).

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