KIT FOR ERECTING A PLATFORM

Abstract

A kit for erecting a platform. The kit comprises a plurality of quad-chord trusses. Each truss is attachable to others of the truss by eyelets on the ends of the chords. When the chords are spaced horizontally, the eyelet apertures are vertical for receiving pins, which allows a single pin to be inserted in eyelet apertures on one side of the truss so that one truss is swingable horizontally into position for rigid attachment end-to-end by inserting another pin in eyelet apertures on the other side of the truss. Each truss comprises a plurality of connector members for attachment to the trusses along their lengths. The kit further comprises a plurality of cross beams having connector members at their ends to mate with and attach to the truss connector members, and a plurality of tie-up mechanisms attachable to the trusses and to which a a supporting line from an overhead structure is attachable. The cross beams have overhangs at their ends for overhanging the upper ones of the chords to allow ease of movement along the chords and attachment. A track lies between the chords of each truss to allow movement of bolts along the track into position for insertion into decking apertures for attachment of the decking. The trusses may be foldable for transport and storage.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a kit of items, including trusses, for erecting platforms such as may be erected below a bridge deck or other structures for cleaning, painting, or other maintenance work thereon, or for any other suitable purpose. As used herein and in the claims, the term “platform” is also meant to include scaffolding. While disclosed herein as being used for platforms and other scaffolding, it should be understood that trusses may also be used for other purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior art platforms include those disclosed in Applicant's U.S. Pat. Nos. 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.

A modular trussed platform is described in Australian patent 774316 which utilizes cluster posts between which truss units are attached, which allows the trusses to span in both longitudinal and transverse directions.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,779,599 and 7,941,986 disclose a work platform wherein a plurality of joists, such as trusses, are pivotally attached to a plurality of hubs. The platform is supported from an overhead structure by chains which attach to the hubs or alternatively to brackets which are attached to the joists adjacent the hubs. See FIGS. 23 to 28C and col. 10, line 61 to col. 12, last line, of the aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 7,779,599. Attachment to a hub undesirably limits the locations of where the cables can be attached, and the attachment of the brackets is undesirably time consuming and may undesirably not provide as much strength as may be desired.

The aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 7,779,599 also discloses a railing standard which is attached to a hub by means of flanges which are fastened to the hub. See FIGS. 21A to 22C and col. 10, lines 26 to 60, thereof. Also, flanges or plates, applied to the bottoms of standards, have conventionally had holes for receiving studs attached to the joists and nuts applied to connect the standards to the joists. Again, such means for attaching railing standards is undesirably time consuming and undesirably limits where the standards can be located.

Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 8,123,001 discloses a modular platform/scaffolding which does not utilize underlying cables but instead relies on the use of, for example, cables attaching the platform to an upper structure or supports from below for supporting the platform. See FIGS. 1 and 12 and col. 3, lines 43 to 47, and col. 7, lines 30 to 44, thereof wherein it is disclosed that supporting cables are connected to shackles which are in turn attached to blocks which are bolted to frame beams. Again, this is undesirably time consuming and undesirably limits one to attaching the cables where the holes are provided in the frame beams for attachment of the blocks.

A quad-chord truss is one which has four elongate members or chords which extend longitudinally of the truss, with bracing or the like connecting the chords to form a rigid unitary framework, i.e., the truss. Examples of quad-chord trusses are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,711,131, 6,026,626, and 7,028,442.

All patents and published patent applications disclosed herein are incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to improve the load capacity of a modular platform without an increase in weight, in certain embodiments.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a quad-chord truss which is foldable for storage and transport yet is deployable for building a platform, in certain embodiments.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide for fast and easy installation of a platform with low installation fatigue of the workers, in certain embodiments.

It is another 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 necessity of cranes or other heavy equipment, in certain embodiments.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a modular structure which has the flexibility in erecting to allow building around obstacles and in tight areas, in certain embodiments.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a modular structure wherein some or all of the individual components can be manipulated and attached and unattached by a single person, in certain embodiments.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a modular structure wherein the floor is sealed easily, in certain embodiments.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide for the laying of flooring without the need for a complete box (a frame all the way around) so that workers can “build as they go,” in certain embodiments.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a modular structure wherein there are a small number of types of structural members so that support points are not specific, i.e., if structural members are removed, integrity is not sacrificed because new structural members can be added where needed, in certain embodiments.

With reference to the corresponding parts, portions, or surfaces of the disclosed embodiments, merely for the purposes of illustration and not by way of limitation, in accordance with certain aspects/embodiments of the present invention, a truss is provided wherein a track is disposed between two spaced chords and extending longitudinally thereof. Bolts are insertable into the track and movable along the length thereof so that they can be easily and quickly aligned with holes in the decking for attachment of the decking to the truss.

A quad-chord truss is provided which is foldable so that it takes up less space for storage and transport yet is deployable for building. The truss comprises a first and a second pair of chords with webbing rigidly attaching the first pair of chords and webbing rigidly attaching the second pair of chords, and two or more spaced members interconnect the first pair of chords with the second pair of chords in a manner to effect folding of said chords between a first position wherein said first pair of chords is rigidly spread apart from said second pair of chords for use in a platform and a second position wherein said first pair of chords is folded next to said second pair of chords for transport and storage thereof. A quad-chord truss may be used as a frame member in a platform to provide increased load capacity.

A platform and kit therefor are provided which include quad-chord trusses joined end-to-end and beams joined between parallel quad-chord trusses utilizing aligned passages in mating connector members for the trusses and the beams in which pins are inserted.

The platform and kit further comprise sturdy and reliable tie-down mechanisms detachably attachable to the trusses. A line attached to an overhead structure is attachable thereto for supporting the platform.

The platform and kit further comprise reliable and easy and quick to install perimeter railing.

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partly schematic, of a portion of a platform which illustrates a first embodiment (24a) of frame beams having a first or concave embodiment of connector members and a first embodiment (26a) of cross beams having mating connector members (70a) in accordance with the present invention, in the process of being built and with a portion of flooring partially cut away for ease of illustration.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view, partly exploded, of one of the frame beams therefor in an unfolded condition for use in the platform.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to that of FIG. 2 of the frame beam in a folded condition for storage and transport.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of vertical alignment between upper and lower axes of rotation for folding the frame beam and applies to both the first and a second embodiment (24a and 24b respectively with connector members 70a and 70b respectively) of the frame beam.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration similar to that of FIG. 4, illustrating the rotation of each of vertical pairs of chords of the frame beam about vertical axes into the compact form illustrated and as illustrated in FIG. 3 with the chords spaced close together, only the upper chords illustrated in FIG. 5 for purposes of clarity, it being understood that the lower chords are similarly rotated into the same compact form, and this illustration applies to both the first and a second embodiments (with connector members 70a and 70b respectively) of the frame beam.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a mechanism for self-locking of the positions of the chords into a position for use of the frame beam for erecting a platform and is applicable to both the first and a second embodiments (with connector members 70a and 70b respectively) of the frame beam.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration similar to that of FIG. 6 illustrating the use of the mechanism for self-locking of the positions of the chords.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one of the cross beams (first embodiment 26a thereof) therefor.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views, with FIG. 10 enlarged and with chord and brace portions removed in FIG. 10 for purposes of clarity, illustrating the connecting of the cross beam to the frame beam (first embodiments thereof with first embodiments of the connector members 70a and 180a).

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of one of the frame beams in accordance with the second embodiment 24b (having a second or convex embodiment of the connector member 70b) of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of one of the cross beams in accordance with the second embodiment 26b thereof and illustrating its attachment to the frame beam (second embodiment 24b thereof having the convex embodiment of the connector member 70b) of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating the connecting of two of the frame beams (either of the first and second embodiments thereof) at a desired angle relative to each other.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the cross beam (second embodiment 24b thereof) of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the cross beam (second embodiment 24b thereof) of FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the cross beam (second embodiment 26b thereof) of FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the cross beam (second embodiment 26b thereof) of FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the frame beam (second embodiment 24b thereof having the convex embodiment of the connector member 70b) of FIG. 11.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of the frame beam (second embodiment 24b thereof having the convex embodiment of the connector member 70b) of FIG. 11.

FIGS. 20 to 23 are sequential schematic illustrations of the process of erecting a platform in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of one way of connecting the frame beams.

FIG. 25 is a partial perspective view of a platform utilizing non-foldable quad-chord trusses and having tracks for attachment of decking in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a partial plan view of the platform of FIG. 25.

FIGS. 27 and 28 are enlarged close-up views sequentially illustrating the attachment of the decking for the platform of FIG. 25.

FIG. 29 is an enlarged close-up view of a portion of a foldable quad-chord truss similar to that illustrated in FIG. 11, with a track similar to the track of FIGS. 25 to 28 attached, illustrated unfolded for use.

FIG. 30 is a view similar to that of FIG. 29 with the truss illustrated folded for storage or transport.

FIG. 31 is an end view of the track of FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrating a fastener for connecting the track to the connector members in FIGS. 29 and 30.

FIGS. 32 and 33 are a partial perspective view and an enlarged close-up view respectively of the platform of FIGS. 25 to 28, illustrating the attachment of vertical scaffolding members to trusses thereof.

FIG. 34 is a partial perspective view of one of the non-foldable trusses illustrated in FIGS. 25 to 28, illustrating a tie-up mechanism attached thereto.

FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of the tie-up mechanism.

FIGS. 36 and 37 are partial perspective views of two embodiments respectively of railings, illustrated attached to railing posts, for a platform having quad-chord trusses.

FIG. 38 is a partial enlarged close-up perspective view of a clamp attached to a quad-chord truss and a railing post of FIGS. 36 and 37 attached thereto.

FIG. 39 is an exploded elevation view of the clamp and railing post combination of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is an end view of one of the non-foldable quad-chord trusses and the track thereof of FIG. 25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

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 a structural member of which is illustrated at 22 and sectioned for ease of illustration. The platform 20 may also be used for any other suitable purpose such as for scaffolding.

Referring to FIG. 1, the platform 20 includes a plurality of interconnected frame beams or trusses 24 (a first embodiment 24a thereof) extending length-wise of the bridge 22. For example, FIG. 1 shows three groups of frame beams 24a with the frame beams 24a in each group being connected end-to-end and with the frame beams in each group being generally parallel to the frame beams in each of the other groups.

The platform further includes cross beams or trusses 26 (a first embodiment 26a thereof) which are provided to mate therewith as hereinafter discussed and which extend width-wise of the bridge 22 each between and connecting a pair of generally parallel frame beams 24a. It should be understood that hereinafter discussed mating beams of the second embodiments 24b and 26b thereof may be substituted therefor as suitable and appropriate. It should of course be understood that, alternatively, the frame beams may extend width-wise of the bridge 22 and the cross beams may extend length-wise of the bridge 22 (and of course in other directions, as may be desired and suitable) and it being further understood that frame beams in a particular platform may extend both length-wise and width-wise and that cross beams may extend between any adjacent pair of frame beams, as desired and suitable for a particular platform or other scaffolding design.

For example, the frame beam 24′ may be swung over from the position shown and attached to frame beam 24″ (assuming its length permitted such), as apparent from FIG. 24.

More specifically, FIG. 1 shows three groups of parallel frame beams 24 with each group shown connected end-to-end co-axially, as illustrated by their having a common longitudinal axis, illustrated at 25. However, the frame beams 24 in a group need not all be co-axial and a frame beam may be joined at an angle to an other frame beam, as discussed hereinafter with respect to FIG. 13 as well as FIG. 24.

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 width or portion thereof to be spanned, and the number of frame beams 24 in each group determined by the bridge length or portion thereof to be spanned.

The frame beams 24 are desirably, but need not be, all identical, and the cross beams 26 are also desirably, but need not be, all identical to thereby desirably minimize the number of types of platform construction parts in inventory.

Vertical cables or chains, illustrated schematically at 28, or the like, connect the beams or trusses 24 and 26 to the overhanging bridge or other structure 22 for support of the platform 20.

The cables 28 are suitably connected at ends thereof to the bridge structure 22 as indicated at 29. The cables 28 are also connected at their other ends via shackles (not shown) at 21 to eye-bolts (not shown) which are in turn attached to the trusses 24 and 26, as discussed hereinafter, or via other suitable means commonly known to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. As long as sufficient support is provided, it is of course not necessary that every single truss 24 and 26 be connected to the bridge structure 22 by a cable 28, and a single truss 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 trusses 24 and 26 are supported, or may otherwise be suitably supported.

Flooring or decking, illustrated at 30, such as, for example, corrugated aluminum or other metal sheets or sheets made of other suitable material, is laid across the beams 24 and 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. Each of the deck sheets 30 is shown to be laid to extend between and overlie frame beams 24 on both sides respectively and also overlies adjacent cross beams 26 as may be appropriate and be connected thereto and to each other, and thus, preferably, their side edges 33 overlap as illustrated by the dashed lines at 31.

Similarly and preferably, their end edges 35 overlie the respective cross beams 26 and also overlap. It should be understood that various other deck panel layouts are envisioned, for example, the number of deck panels may vary and they may span between and overlie a greater number of cross beams 26 and/or a greater number of frame beams 24. While the decking 30 may be composed of planks, flat sheets, or any other suitable material, corrugated sheets for the decking 30 are especially preferred because the end and side edges 35 and 33 respectively may be easily overlapped to achieve a suitable seal without the requirement of additional hardware therefor.

Moreover, in certain embodiments, corrugated sheets are also provided to desirably achieve an excellent weight to capacity ratio. Importantly, the corrugated panels 30 are also provided to lock the assembly rigidly into place, as discussed in greater detail hereinafter, whereby a complete box (trusses on all four sides) is not required to begin laying flooring, i.e., a panel may be laid adjacent where a beam is to be attached or may be temporarily laid as suitable to install a beam, as seen in FIG. 20 and discussed hereinafter. This allows a workman to stand on a temporarily laid portion of flooring to connect frame beams 24 and/or connect a cross beam 26 to complete the “box” and/or to permit the workmen to “build as you go.” However, other suitable flooring may instead be used, such as, for example, plywood flooring, such as used in the platform of Applicant's aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 8,123,001.

Each truss 24 and 26 (all embodiments thereof disclosed herein) is composed of a suitable steel to achieve high load capacity but may be composed of another suitable material such as, for example, aluminum or other suitable light-weight strong material.

While disclosed herein as being used in platforms and other scaffolding, it should be understood that the uses of the trusses (as well as trusses 26) should not be considered as being limited to platforms and other scaffolding, but they may be used for any other suitable purpose.

While the present invention should not be considered as being limited to any particular size and weight of the trusses 24 and 26 and decking panels, it is nevertheless preferred that they be sufficiently short and/or of light weight to allow handling conveniently by two people working as a team, even more preferably by one person. A country's or state's regulations may require that the weight of a truss be less than 110 pounds for handling by two people acting as a team and less than 55 pounds for handling by one person, and the lengths thereof are desirably such as to allow easy and quick manipulation thereof (for connecting and dis-connecting) by two persons acting as a team, more preferably, by one person.

Accordingly, it is preferred that the weight of a truss be less than about 110 pounds, more preferably, less than about 55 pounds, with the length of each truss being such as to achieve such minimum weight as well as to allow such easy and quick manipulation. For example, each of the frame beams 24 may have a length, illustrated at 72 in FIGS. 1 and 19, of about 7½ feet and a width and height, illustrated at 74 and 75 respectively, of about 10 inches each.

Similarly, each corrugated panel has a weight which is preferably less than about 55 pounds, with its size being adequate for handling easily and conveniently by one or two people and desirable such as to overlap a pair of adjacent frame beams 24 and a pair of adjacent cross beams 26 to provide stability. The examples provided here and elsewhere in this specification are for exemplary purposes only and not for purposes of limitation.

The frame beams 24 need not have the same width and height, for example, as seen in FIGS. 18 and 19, the height 74 is, for example, about 10 inches while the width 75 is, for example, about 6 inches.

For example, each of the cross beams 26 may have a length, illustrated at 132 in FIGS. 1 and 17, of, for example, about 5½ feet and a height and width, illustrated at 134 and 136 respectively in the first embodiment of FIG. 10 of, for example, about 10 inches and about 1 inch respectively. The width 136 in this single-chord embodiment 26a of the cross beam (i.e., an embodiment wherein the cross beam has a single upper chord and a single lower chord, as opposed to a double-chord embodiment wherein the cross beam has two upper chords and two lower chords) is seen to be equal to about the diameter of the upper chord or tube. The double-chord embodiment of the cross beam 26b of FIGS. 16 and 17 has a pair of upper such tubes and a pair of lower such tubes thereby to provide increased strength, whereby its width would of course be equal to the diameter of each tube plus the spacing between the tubes. For example, the height and width, illustrated at 134 and 136 respectively in the double-chord embodiment 26b, of a cross beam of FIGS. 16 and 17 are, for example, about 10 inches and about 3 inches respectively. Using the process of assembly as more specifically discussed hereinafter, each of the platform components can be suitably sized to have a weight (preferably about 110 pounds or less, more preferably about 55 pounds or less, as discussed above) such that it can be easily and quickly manipulated and connected and disconnected by two persons, preferably by a single person, thus reducing the amount of required manpower for erecting and disassembling the platform 20. Moreover, this permits fast installation with minimal worker fatigue.

Referring to FIG. 2, in order to increase or maximize truss capacity (amount of load it can support) with minimal increase in weight, the frame members 24 are preferably quad-chord trusses, i.e., a truss comprising four generally parallel chords or elongate members, illustrated at 40, each extending longitudinally over the length of the truss, and rigidly connected together by braces or webbing, illustrated at 42 and, in accordance with the present invention, two or more other members 70 spaced apart and whose additional purpose will be described in more detail hereinafter, but the means for rigidly connecting the chords together should not be considered as being limited thereto. To provide the desired strength and weight, each chord 40 is tubular (a hollow tube having an outer diameter of, for example, about 1 inch and a wall thickness of, for example, about 1/16 inch) but may, if desired, be solid rods or otherwise suitably shaped.

For the purposes of this specification and the claims, a truss is defined as a framework of chords interconnected by webbing such as girders or struts or bars or other members and having rigidity when in use for supporting a roof, bridge, floor or deck of a platform, or other structure. A truss may also be referred to herein and in the claims as a beam. While it is important that, while in use supporting a structure, a truss have the necessary rigidity, which may be sufficient by virtue of its interconnection with other trusses and/or flooring or the like, a truss in accordance with the present invention may be characterized in that it may be folded into a compact form for storage and transport, as hereinafter discussed with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, and still be defined as a truss. For the purposes of this specification and the claims, a chord is defined as a principal elongate member of a truss and which extends longitudinally over the length of the truss. For the purposes of this specification and the claims, a “quad-chord truss” (or just “quad-chord”) is defined as a truss which has four chords.

In order to reduce the space taken up by the quad-chord truss 24 during storage or stowage and transport, in accordance with the present invention, it is assembled to provide the necessary rigidity, as seen in FIG. 2, when in use supporting a structure yet is collapsible or foldable into a compact form, as seen in FIG. 3, for storage or stowage and transport.

Thus, the truss 24 has two pairs of chords 40a and 40b wherein the two chords of each pair of chords is permanently rigidly connected by webbing 42 in the form of a plurality of struts or braces extending diagonally between the respective chords and welded or otherwise suitably permanently attached thereto. By the term “permanently,” as used herein and in the claims with respect to a pair of chords, is meant an attachment such as by welding of struts or braces between the pair of chords in a manner which causes the relationship between the pair of chords to remain rigid and without any means for relative movement there between.

Each pair of chords 40a and 40b and the webbing 42 interconnecting the respective pair is referred to herein as a chord pair 41a and 41b. Thus, the two chords 40a of chord pair 41a are permanently connected by webbing 42, and, likewise, the two chords 40b of chord pair 41b are permanently connected by webbing 42, but the chords 40a are not connected to chords 40b by such webbing 42 or otherwise permanently connected (although they are connected by other means as discussed hereinafter).

As best seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, at each end of a truss 24 (both 24a and 24b), the ends of the chords of each chord pair 41a and 41b are rigidly connected by an elongate plate 46 which has a width slightly greater than the respective chord diameter and which is welded or otherwise suitably rigidly connected to the respective chord ends.

In order to provide increased strengthening and to more rigidly secure the plates 46, a cross-sectionally rectangular (or otherwise suitably shaped) bar 112 extends between and is welded or otherwise suitably attached to the respective end portions of the respective chords 40 as well as to the respective plate 46 (for each of the chord pairs 41a and 41b respectively) and to an end of a respective webbing member 42. At or adjacent the upper end of one plate 46a is welded or otherwise suitably rigidly attached thereto a yoke 48 having a pair of vertically spaced ears 50 connected by an integral cross portion 51 and extending longitudinally outwardly therefrom and having rounded outer edges 49 and in which ears there are aligned apertures 52. At or adjacent the lower end of the same plate 46a is welded or otherwise suitably rigidly attached thereto a flange 54 (which has an integrally connected increased width cross portion 55 attached to the plate 46a) extending longitudinally outwardly therefrom and having an aperture 56. The width of flange 54 is desirably about twice the width of an ear 50 for commonly known strength of materials purposes. The three apertures 52 and 56 are in alignment. The other plate 46b also has a similar yoke 48 and a similar flange 54, but the yoke 48 on this other plate 46b is at or adjacent the lower end thereof and the flange 54 on this other plate is at or adjacent the upper end thereof. In order to connect one truss to another, a flange 54 of one truss is received in a yoke 48 of another truss at the upper ends of the respective truss plates 46 and a flange 54 of the other truss is received in a yoke 48 of the one truss at the lower ends of the same truss plates 46, and a pin, illustrated at 58 (FIGS. 1 and 12), is received (with use of a hammer if necessary), as illustrated at 59, in the respective three apertures or eyelets 52 and 56. It should be understood that only a single eyelet may be associated with each chord, or a pair or more of eyelets may be associated with each chord. The pin 58 is cylindrical to permit the needed rotation of a frame truss 24 during erection (attachment to another frame truss).

FIG. 1 shows truss 24′ in the process of being rotated relative to an end of truss 24′″, as indicated at 23. This alternate positioning of the yokes 48 and flanges 54 permits interchangeability of frame trusses so that all of the frame trusses 24 may desirably be identical, which advantageously reduces the number of types of parts in inventory.

Of course, if desired, inventory may comprise trusses 24 and/or trusses 26 of more than one length. As can be seen by the orientation of trusses 24′″ and 24″″ in FIG. 1, a pair of trusses 24 may be positioned in an end-to-end relationship wherein they extend in the same longitudinal direction (by attachment of chord pair 41a of one to chord pair 41b of the other and by attachment of chord pair 41b of the one to chord pair 41a of the other) or they may be attached to extend perpendicular to each other (by attachment of chord pair 41a of one to chord pair 41b of the other, as seen by the relationship of trusses 24′ and 24′″ in FIG. 1, and chord pair 41b of the one 24′ may then be attached to a different truss, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 24).

Referring to FIG. 13, if it is desired to orient a pair of trusses 24′ and 24′″ in the built platform 20 at an angle to each other, such as the angle illustrated at 23, one set of chords 40a and 40b of the two trusses 24′ and 24′″ respectively are connected directly to each other by pin 58a and the other set of chords 40a and 40b of the two trusses 24′ and 24′″ respectively are connected to an adapter member 27 (or pair of upper and lower adapter members) which has a pair of spaced apertures for alignment with the respective apertures in the trusses 24′ and 24′″, and two pins 58b inserted in the adapter apertures and the truss apertures aligned therewith respectively, thereby to fix the positions of the trusses 24′ and 24′″ at the angle 23 relative to each other. The angle 23 is related to the distance between the adapter apertures, which is determined in accordance with principles commonly known to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains to achieve the desired angle 23.

The members 70 are spaced longitudinally of and attached to all four chords 40 in a manner, as discussed hereinafter, to allow folding of the truss 24 into a compact shape, as illustrated in FIG. 3, for stowage and transport, and to provide the desired rigidity in the unfolded shape of FIG. 2 when incorporated into the platform 20. For example and without being limiting of the invention, a truss 24 may have a length, illustrated at 72 (FIG. 1), of about 7½ feet and a width as well as height, illustrated at 74 and 75 (FIG. 1), of about 10 inches (the truss 24 thus preferably, but not required, having a generally square cross-section to suitably allow interchangeability of the trusses 24), and 3 members 70 spaced over the length of the truss 24, with one of the members 70 midway of the truss length 72 and each of the other members 70 positioned about ⅔ of the distance from the middle member 70 to the respective end of the truss 24, with the result that for end-to-end co-axially connected trusses 24, the members 70 are spaced apart one from another about 2½ feet. As will be discussed hereinafter, these members 70 are also provided to serve as a means for attachment of the cross beams 26 and may thus be referred to herein and in the claims as connector members. While not every connector member 70 need have attached thereto a cross beam 26, the smaller the distance between members 70, the better the options are for placement of the cross beams 26 as desired or needed (which, for the embodiment being described, desirably allows the option of placement of cross beams 26 as close together as every 2½ feet, if desired). Thus, while there should be at least two spaced connector members 70 for a truss 24 to provide stability, the number and spacing (the spacing may if desired differ from one pair of trusses 24 to another) may vary in accordance with requirements of the particular platform being built or otherwise as desired.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 9, and 10, a preferred connector member or bracket 70a has a single vertical plate 170 which has an intermediate arcuately-shaped concave recess, illustrated at 172, on each side thereof. This connector member 70a may accordingly be referred to herein and in the claims as a concave connector or concave connector member.

Chords may be connected to the connector members so that they may be swiveled relative to the connector members between the open and closed positions of FIGS. 2 and 3 respectively. In this regard, an angle iron portion may be provided wherein one flat portion thereof may be welded to the respective chord and the other flat portion normal thereto used to provide a swivel connection between this other flat portion and the connector member. Accordingly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, in order to provide the swivel connection, welded or integral therewith or otherwise suitably attached to each of the upper and lower edges of the vertical plate 170 are a pair of horizontally spaced plates 174 which are each swivelly connected to one flat portion 171 of an angle iron portion or bracket 176 by a fastener 92, the other flat portion 173 (normal to flat portion 171) of the angle iron portion 176 in turn welded or otherwise suitably attached to the respective chord 40. In accordance with the present invention, the bracket 176 thus advantageously serves to effect relative rotational movement or swiveling of the chords relative to the connector members 70 for movements of the chords between the folded and unfolded conditions, as discussed in greater detail hereinafter with respect to FIGS. 4 to 7, for storage and transport and for use in a platform respectively.

To the side of the fastener 92 in the bracket 176 is a self-locking mechanism 102 which will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

On each side, inwardly of the swivel fastener 92 and self-locking mechanism 102 as well as inwardly of the respective chords 40 are a pair of upper and lower square or otherwise suitably shaped vertical tubes 178 each of which extends at one end through the respective plate 174 and chamfered at its other end adjacent the recess 172 to conform to the arcuate shape of the recess 172. The passages of the tubes 178 are aligned.

Centrally between the plates 174 in each of the upper and lower edges of the plate 170 is an elongate vertical slot 181 in which is received and welded or otherwise rigidly connected a threaded tube 155 for receiving a threaded stud similar to stud 157 (FIG. 16) for attachment of the decking 30 as will be discussed hereinafter or alternately for receiving an eye-bolt to which a support cable 28 (FIG. 1) may be attached at 21.

Each cross truss 26a comprises a single upper chord 40 and a single lower chord 40 rigidly held together by webbing bars 138 and by brackets 150, which are similar to the hereinafter discussed brackets 150 for truss 26b and which are spaced intermediate the ends of the truss 26a. The plates 151 thereof are welded or otherwise suitably rigidly attached directly to the bottom of the upper chord, along with the end of a webbing bar 138, and top of the lower chord, as seen in FIGS. 8 to 10.

Welded or otherwise suitably rigidly attached directly to the bottom of the upper chord, along with the end of a webbing bar 138, and to the top of the lower chord at each end of the truss 26a is a connector member 180a whose end edge is formed to have a convexity, illustrated at 177 (FIGS. 8 and 9), to mate with the concave curvature 172 of the connector member 70a. The connector member 180a thus comprises a pair of parallel plates 179 each having the convex curvature 177 and sandwiching a vertical square (in cross section) tube 184 (FIG. 8).

The ends of the tube 184 are flush with the arcuate edges 177. The convex shape 177 is complementary to the concave shape of the recess or concavity 172 of the connector bracket 70a for frame truss 24a, and the tube 184 is positioned as a result of the convex shape 177 outwardly of the respective ends of the cross beam chords 40 and is further positioned to easily be positioned between and aligned with the upper and lower square tubes 178 when the protruding curved edge 177 engages and is flush complementarity with the concave recess 172.

Each of the aligned square tubes 178 and 184 is sized to receive (with use of a hammer if necessary) a square (in cross section) pin, illustrated at 84 (FIG. 10), as illustrated at 86, for rigidly connecting the cross truss 26a so that it is not rotatable relative to the frame truss 24a. Thus, what is important is that the shape of the tubes 178 and 184 and pins 84 be similarly non-circular or such that the truss 26a is desirably non-rotatable.

If desired, the pin 84 may be cylindrical or otherwise suitably shaped (with the tubes 178 and 184 being desirably similarly shaped) to thereby desirably reduce the number of types of pins in inventory, i.e., pins 58 and 84 may accordingly be identical.

The pin 84 is provided with an enlarged head 85 to restrain its movement downwardly, and the provision of decking 30 over the pin 84 will advantageously act to prevent inadvertent disengagement of the pin 84 from the tubes 178 and 184. Thus, the pin 84 need not otherwise be secured although it can be if desired.

Each connector member 70b (in the alternative embodiment thereof shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 18, and 19) is shown to include two spaced plates 76 (FIG. 11) which have generally rectangular intermediate portions 77 which jut out from the plane, illustrated at 80, defined by the outer limits of the chords 40 on each side of the truss 24, i.e., located out-bound of the respective chords 40.

Hence, this embodiment may be referred to herein and in the claims as the convex connector or convex connector member and will be described in greater detail hereinafter. A concave connector member 70a having the recess 172 (FIG. 10) of the first embodiment thereof is considered preferred in that it was found to make installation of the corresponding mating cross beam (which must normally be fitted at each end to a frame beam connector) much easier.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 as well as FIGS. 2, 3, 9, and 10, the fastener 92 attaches the horizontal portion 171 of the angle iron portion 176 to the respective plate 174 in a manner which allows rotation of the horizontal portion 171 in a horizontal plane, illustrated at 94 (FIG. 9) and as illustrated at 100 (FIG. 4). The vertical portion 173 (FIG. 9) of the respective angle iron portion 176 is welded or otherwise suitably rigidly attached to an inner surface portion of the respective chord 40.

Thus, in accordance with the present invention, the angle iron portions 176 are provided as a means for effecting of swiveling movement of the chords 40 relative to the connector members 70, by thus providing brackets 176 with flat portions 173 welded or otherwise rigidly attached to the chords, whereby flat portions 171 normal to the flat portions 173 provide a base for attaching the respective connector members 70 for the desired swivel movement, illustrated at 100 (FIG. 4), about the axes 98 of the bolts 92. Accordingly, the bolts 92 or other suitable fasteners should be loose enough to allow such rotation yet firm enough to allow the self-locking hereinafter discussed and so that nuts attached to the fasteners do not inadvertently come loose. Suitable such fasteners may be selected using principles commonly known to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

While it is contemplated by the present invention that the fastener tightness/looseness be set so that there is no need to adjust them for folding and unfolding of the trusses 24, if desired, the bolts 92 may be tightened after such self-locking then loosened again for folding of the trusses 24 for storage/stowage and transport, but this may not be required if the fasteners are set to a looseness/tightness that both allows the desired rotation and suitable allows the self-locking.

In order for the pair of chords 40a to be suitably swiveled in unison relative to the respective connector members 70, i.e., about the bolt axes, in accordance with the present invention, it was found to be very important that the bolts 92 for the pair of chords 40a be in alignment, i.e., that the respective vertically upper and lower bolts 92 have the same vertical axis 98a (FIG. 4). Likewise, in order for the pair of chords 40b to be suitably rotatable or swiveled in unison relative to the respective connector members 70, it is important that the bolts 92 for the pair of chords 40b be in alignment, i.e., that the respective vertically upper and lower bolts 92 have the same vertical axis 98b (FIG. 4). The angle iron portions 176 and accordingly the chords 40a rigidly attached thereto are rotatable, as illustrated at 100a, about the vertical axis 98a, i.e., the aligned axes of bolts 92 (while not drawn to appear thus for purposes of ease of illustration in FIG. 4, it should be understood that one of the bolts 92 should be considered to be vertically in alignment with or directly above the other, i.e., have the same vertical axis 98a for the pair of chords 40a).

Independently and at the same time, the angle iron portions 176 and accordingly the chords 40b rigidly attached thereto are rotatable, as illustrated at 100b, about the vertical axis 98b, i.e., the axes of bolts 92 (it again being understood that one of the bolts 92 is vertically in alignment with or directly above the other). Thus, the vertically aligned bolts 92 for each side (i.e., each pair of chords 40a and 40b) may be said to provide a hinge effect, wherein it is important that each pair of bolts be vertically aligned, i.e., have the same vertical axis 98a for one side and 98b for the other side. Such rotation is provided to advantageously effect swiveling movement of the chord pairs 40a and 40b into (and out of) a relatively close relationship, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, to achieve the desired compactness for stowage and transport.

As seen in FIG. 4, the rotation 100a for the pair of chords 40a is shown to be counter-clockwise while the rotation 100b for the pair of chords 40b is shown to be counter-clockwise, i.e., the rotation for one pair of chords is opposite to the rotation for the other pair of chords. To achieve such opposite rotation, the bolts 92 for one pair of chords 40a are positioned toward one end of the respective angle iron portions 176 to achieve the counter-clockwise movement while the bolts 92 for the other pair of chords 40b are positioned toward the other end of the respective angle iron portions 176 to achieve the clockwise movement.

As previously discussed, adjacent one edge of each bracket 176 is a fastener 92 about which the bracket 176 (with a corresponding chord rigidly attached) rotates as illustrated at 100 to fold the truss 24 into the compact form illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 for stowage and transport. When it is desired to use a truss 24 for connecting to another truss 24 for erecting a platform 20, it is considered desirable to snap or self-lock the truss 24 back into the position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 for such use.

The self-locking mechanism 102 is provided to snap or self-lock the truss 24 back in such a position. In accordance therewith, an aperture, illustrated at 103 in FIGS. 5 and 7, is provided in each bracket 176 adjacent the edge thereof which is opposite the edge which the respective fastener 92 is adjacent. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a ball bearing or other suitably domed member 104 (which is suitably beveled so that it does not act as a stop) is suitably positioned to suitably protrude above the plate 174 by suitable means such as, for example, a stud 106 tightly received in an aperture, illustrated at 110, in plate 174, with a suitable lock nut 108, wherein the domed member is suitably positioned on the end of the stud 106 to slightly protrude a desirable distance above plate 174 to achieve the desired self-locking, in accordance with principles commonly known to those of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

In order to unfold a folded truss 24 (as in FIGS. 3 and 5) for erection into a platform 20, the brackets 176 and accordingly the chords 40 rigidly attached thereto are rotated to bring them from the position in FIGS. 3 and 5 back into the position of FIG. 2 for use, at which time the domed members 104 engage the apertures 103 respectively to self-lock the brackets into the position illustrated in FIG. 7, i.e., offering resistance to the removal of the domed members 104 from the apertures respectively. This amount of resistance is desirably adjusted so that the positions of the brackets 176 are maintained during use of the trusses 24 to erect a platform 20, and with some moderate force as may be predetermined this resistance can be overcome to once again fold the trusses for stowage and transport. The amount of this resistance can be selected/adjusted (including positioning of the domed member, i.e., the selection of how far above the plate 174 it protrudes, for example, about 1/16 to ⅛ inch) using principles commonly known to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. It should be understood that other means for alternatively or additionally locking the truss 24 in the unfolded condition may be provided, such as described hereinafter with respect to plate 60 (FIG. 11).

While it is considered to be desirable, no locking feature (such as the plate 60 or as described above with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7) need be provided, reliance being had on the interconnection to other trusses 24 and 26 and to flooring 30 to achieve the needed rigidity. Thus, the self-locking feature 102 is not contained in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, and the fasteners 92 in the embodiment of FIG. 11 (while still aligned vertically) are illustrated to be centrally located in the brackets 176 thereof. Therefore, while preferred and may be added to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the self-locking and/or more positive locking features are not considered critical to the present invention.

In order to insure rigidity of the truss 24 during erection and use in the platform 20 or other structure (against, for example, inadvertent failure of the self-locking feature), in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plate 60 (FIGS. 11 and 12) is provided at one or both ends of the truss 24. While not shown in the concave connector embodiment of the frame truss 24a of FIGS. 8 and 10, a similar plate 60 similarly attached as discussed hereinafter, may optionally be provided in the embodiment thereof and is preferred.

The plate 60 is suitably hinged to the inner edge of a plate 46 (in FIG. 12, shown as plate 46b) at 113 so that it may hingedly rotate inwardly to a position where it lies between the chord pairs 41a and 41b when the truss 24 is in the folded condition during storage and transport. For example, upper and lower plates (not shown) may be welded or otherwise suitably rigidly attached to the back of plate 60 to extend outwardly beyond the respective edges respectively of plate 60 and hingedly engage the respective member 46a (with a suitable hinge, not shown, which is suitably provided with a gap or gaps to be sufficiently loose to allow suitable vertical movement for the purpose as discussed hereinafter), whereby the respective edges (upper and lower) of plate 60 at 114 may desirably be flush with the corresponding inner edge of the respective plate 46 when the truss 24 is in the unfolded condition of FIGS. 11 and 12. The hinged plate 60 is tucked suitably between the chord pairs 41a and 41b so that it is secured with nowhere to go when the truss 24 is folded shut or closed into the position for storage or transport. The plates 60 as well as members 70 have lightening cut-outs 118. On the opposite side of the plate 60, similar upper and lower plates, illustrated at 61, may be welded or otherwise suitably rigidly attached to the back of plate 60 to extend outwardly beyond the respective edges respectively of plate 60.

Welded or otherwise suitably rigidly connected to the outer faces of plates 61 are a pair of vertically spaced projections 120 each terminating in an enlarged portion or button 122 (or in which the button 122 is otherwise suitably adjacent the end thereof), the button 122 being integral with the respective projection 120 or suitably rigidly attached thereto. The spacing between the button 122 and the respective plate 61 is approximately equal to the combined thickness of the respective plates 46 and 112. Vertically spaced in the respective plate (46b in FIG. 11) and in the respective plate 112 and adjacent the inner vertical edges thereof are a pair of vertically oblong aligned openings or slots 124 which are too narrow over a substantial portion or portions 128 of their heights to receive the buttons 122 but which are wide enough over their height to receive the narrower projections 120 on which the enlarged buttons 122 are contained. Each opening 124 has an enlarged portion 126 sized for receiving the respective button 122. The enlarged portion 126 is preferably intermediate the vertically upper and lower ends of the opening 124, thus providing narrow slot portions 128 both above and below respectively the enlarged slot portion 126. Thus, when the truss 24 is unfolded for erection of a platform 20 and self-locked as illustrated in FIG. 7 (if it has such a self-locking mechanism 102), it may be easily and quickly more rigidly so disposed by swinging the plate 60 (after it is freed of any restraints, if any) in a direction opposite the direction 116 so that the buttons 122 are received in and clear the enlarged intermediate opening portions 126 respectively, after which the plate 60 may be pushed downwardly (hammered downwardly if necessary), as allowed by the above-described gap or gaps providing some play or looseness in the hinge which allow such vertical movement, to position the buttons 122 along lower narrow portions 128 of the openings 124 respectively to thereby rigidly interconnect the chord pairs 41a and 41b thus rigidly locking the truss 24 in the unfolded position for erecting a platform. It should be noted that the side edges of the plate 60 in this unfolded condition are accordingly disposed flush with the respective edges of plates 46 thereby aiding in preventing inadvertent folding of the truss 24. When it is time to fold the truss 24 for storage and transport, the plate 60 may just as easily be unattached to the respective plate 46b by pushing (with use of a hammer if necessary) the plate 60 vertically (with the truss 24 turned vertically upside-down as desirable) so that the buttons 122 are moved into align with the enlarged slot portions 126 respectively and then disengaged from the slots 124 respectively and the plate 60 swung away from the respective plate 46b, as illustrated at 116. The position of the enlarged slot portion 122 intermediate the respective slot 124 desirably allows interchangeability between upper and lower sides for attachment of the plate 60, i.e., the truss 24 as seen in FIGS. 11 and 12 may be turned upside down for attachment/detachment of the plate 60 and, either way, the plate 60 can be driven or pushed downwardly to achieve its rigid attachment or detachment.

It should be understood that other suitable means for providing such a rigid detachable attachment other than by plate 60 may be provided, for example, the plates 46a and 46b may each be double plated, providing slots along their resulting vertical inner edges for vertically receiving a suitable plate. Such other means are meant to come within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

However, it should also be understood that the truss may not contain such a mechanism at all, with reliance on the self-locking mechanism 102 of FIGS. 6 and 7 and/or by the locking afforded by the interconnected trusses and laid decking to provide the desired or needed truss rigidity.

Referring to the convex connector embodiment of FIGS. 11, 12, 18, and 19, a vertical square (in cross-section) tube 82 is received between each pair of outer portions 77 of spaced plates 76 and is welded or otherwise suitably attached to the respective pair of plates 76. Each square tube 82 is sized to receive (with use of a hammer if necessary) a square (in cross section) pin, illustrated at 84 (FIG. 12), as illustrated at 86, for rigidly connecting a cross truss 26 so that it is not rotatable, similarly as discussed for the concave connector. Thus, what is important is that the shape of the tubes 82 and pins 84 be similarly non-circular or such that the truss 26 is desirably non-rotatable relative to the truss 24 (unless it is desired that the truss 26 in fact be rotatable for the purposes of a particular platform).

Welded or otherwise suitably rigidly attached to the respective plates 76 to span the respective plates 76 and positioned to underlie the respective chord 40 is a plate 88. The flat horizontal portion 171 of an angle iron (L-shaped) portion 176 or other suitably shaped bracket is attached to the respective plate 88 by suitable means such as, for example, a bolt 92.

A threaded tube 155 for a stud for attaching the decking 30 or an eye-bolt for attaching a support cable is provided in the upper cut-out 181 (not shown in FIG. 11) and may also be provided in the lower cut-out 181.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 14 to 17, in the second embodiment thereof (which may be called a “double-chord cross truss” as compared to the “single-chord cross-truss” first embodiment of FIGS. 8 to 10), the cross truss 26b comprises two upper chords 130a and 130c and two lower chords 130b and 130d, all being identical tubular chords similar to chords 40 but perhaps of a different length as desired. For example, each chord 130 (which extends over the length of the truss 26b) has a length, illustrated at 132 in FIG. 17, of approximately 5½ feet. For example, truss 26b may have a height, illustrated at 134 in FIG. 16, of approximately 10 inches and a width, illustrated at 136 in FIG. 17, of approximately 4 inches.

Each pair of vertically spaced chords (the first pair being 130a and 130b and the second pair being 130c and 130d) are rigidly attached by diagonal elongate struts or bars 138 welded or otherwise suitably rigidly attached to horizontal portions of angle iron portions 140 (as appropriate) which are in turn welded or otherwise suitably rigidly attached to the respective chords 130. At each end, a pair of spaced plates 142 comprising a connector member 180b to mate with connector member 70b extend vertically between the respective end portions of the chords 130 and are also welded or otherwise suitably rigidly attached to vertical portions of respective ones of the angle iron portions 140 respectively. The intermediate portions of the plates 142 are generally rectangularly recessed, as indicated at 144, each to receive or mate with the respective protruding intermediate rectangular portion 77 of the convex connector member 70b of frame truss 24b, as seen in FIG. 12, leaving portions 145 above and below the recessed intermediate portion 144.

Square tubes 148 are sandwiched between and welded or otherwise suitably rigidly attached to the upper plate portions 145 and to the lower plate portions 145. The square tubes 148 are sized similarly as square tube 82 (FIG. 11) and are positioned so that, for attachment of the truss 26b to truss 24b, the square tubes 82 and 148 may be aligned for insertion of the square pin 84 (FIG. 12). The upper and lower outer edges of the plates 142 are suitably notched, as illustrated at 146 in FIG. 16, to suitably provide clearance of the respective lower frame beam chord 40, as seen in FIG. 12. A similar (in cross section) square tube 152 (spaced inwardly from upper and lower square tubes 148) or more than one thereof or other suitable strengthening member or members is disposed between the plates 142 (including between the intermediate portions thereof) and extends over the entire height of the plates 142 and is similarly welded or otherwise suitably rigidly attached thereto to provide suitable rigidity and strength. An inverted generally U-shaped member 149 is welded or otherwise suitably rigidly attached at each end of the truss 26b to the ends of the upper chords 130a and 130c for the purpose of overhanging the respective chord 40 of the respective truss 24b to make it easier to hold the truss 26b in position for insertion of the pin 84 as well as to provide additional strength and stability to the platform 20.

Spaced between the ends of the truss 26b are one or more brackets or cross-braces 150 comprising a pair of plates 151 (which have intermediate cut-outs, illustrated at 153, on each side thereof) which sandwich there between a pair of longitudinally spaced square (in cross section) tubes 154, similar to tubes 152, all welded or otherwise suitably rigidly connected together and to the chords 130 respectively for strengthening of the truss 26. For example, truss 26b is shown to have two such brackets 150 equally spaced over its length.

The brackets 150 include a threaded tube 155 welded or otherwise suitably rigidly attached in cut-outs 159 in and between the upper as well as in and between the lower end portions of the plates 151 (between the square tubes 154) and in which is threadedly receivable a stud 157.

Studs 157 (whether received in threaded tubes 155 or otherwise provided in any of the embodiments of the present invention) are receivable in a hole, illustrated at 160 (FIG. 1), in the decking 30 for the purposes of securing the decking and clipped such as by a plate having a hole in which the stud is received and a nut applied or by a suitably sized nut applied to the stud. The hole 160 may be oblong so that it may be easier to receive the studs 157 in the decking, or it may be circular with a diameter just sufficient to receive the stud 157 so as to provide a more rigid fit, or it may be otherwise suitably shaped. Alternately and as needed, the stud 157 may be removed and replaced with an eye-bolt to which a support cable 28 may be suitably attached.

In order to position a cross truss 26b for attachment to the respective connector brackets 70b at its ends respectively, the truss 26b is positioned with the overhangs 149 received on the respective upper chords 40 respectively, then easily slid along the chords so that its connector members 180 engage the mating convex connector members 70b with the square tubes 82 and 148 aligned and the square pin 84, with enlarged head 85, inserted therein. The thereafter securing of the decking 30 in place over the pin 84 is provided to securely hold the pin 84 in place.

In order to position a cross truss 26a (first embodiment) for attachment of its connector members to the respective mating concave connector members 70 at its ends respectively, the truss 26a is held to the sides of the brackets 70 then moved sideways to effect engagement of the convex protruding portions at the ends respectively with the respective recesses 172 and with the square tubes 178 and 184 in alignment. If desired, the truss 26a may be provided at each end with an overhang, similar to overhang 149, to make such positioning easier. The square pin 84, with enlarged head 85, is then inserted in the aligned tubes 178 and 184. The thereafter securing of the decking 30 in place over the pin 84 is provided to securely hold the pin 84 in place.

Referring to FIGS. 20 to 23, after an initial platform portion suitable for workers to stand on is prepared and dropped into place, the remainder of the platform 20 may be quickly and easily erected as follows.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, a cross truss 26 may, as needed to provide adequate support of the workers, be attached to the frame trusses 24 adjacent the ends thereof by attachment to the connectors 70 closest to the end. A section of the decking 30 is then applied (temporarily, if appropriate) to overlap each of the frame trusses 24 as well as the adjacent cross truss 26 to provide stability as well as overlap adjacent sections of decking 30. The decking 30 is secured in place by suitably positioned studs 157 received in decking apertures 160 and held by nuts applied to the studs 157 or by plates in apertures of which the studs are received and nuts applied or by other suitable means. The studs 157 may be positioned to extend upwardly from upper chords, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, or positioned to be threadedly received in threaded tubes 155 of connector members, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 10, and 12 (not illustrated but could be applied in FIG. 11), or otherwise suitably positioned. As needed, the studs may be replaced by eye-bolts to which the cables 28 are attached for supporting the platform 20, or the cables 28 may be otherwise suitably attached.

With the previously discussed light weight of the frame beams 24 as well as the cross beams 26, a worker or couple of workers can easily hold the first frame truss 24 to be attached generally parallel and close to the edge of the decking 30 (a position of the first frame truss 24 which is provided so that it can be easily held for attachment). The respective apertures 52 and 56 on one side 44 of each of the trusses 24 being attached are aligned and a cylindrical pin 58a inserted in the aligned apertures. This allows rotation easily of the first frame truss 24 being attached, and the first frame truss 24 is then rotated, as illustrated at 190, about the pin 58a to the position illustrated in FIG. 21.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, the respective apertures 52 and 56 on the other side 45 of each of the trusses 24 are aligned and another cylindrical pin 58b is inserted in the aligned apertures to achieve the desired end-to-end relationship of the now rigidly attached frame trusses 24. If the frame trusses 24 are sufficiently short, i.e., substantially shorter than the cross trusses 26, then a second frame truss 24 may be similarly rigidly attached on the other side of the edge of the decking 30 to lie parallel and longitudinally aligned with the first frame truss 24, as illustrated in FIG. 23, and cross trusses and decking attached as previously discussed thereby providing an additional segment of the platform 20. However, if the frame trusses 24 are longer than the distance between them or longer than the cross trusses 26, as illustrated in FIG. 20, then the attached first frame truss 24 must be moved out of the way to allow the attachment of the second frame truss 24 to the other side. In order to do this, the first pin 58a is now removed, allowing rotation of the attached truss 24 about pin 58b, as illustrated at 192, to the position thereof illustrated in FIG. 22.

Referring to FIG. 22, the second frame truss 24 to be attached may, similarly as done for the first frame truss 24, be easily held generally parallel and close to the edge of the decking 30, as now allowed by the first frame truss 24 having been rotated out of the way. The respective apertures 52 and 56 on one side 38 of each of the trusses 24 being attached are aligned and a third cylindrical pin 58c inserted in the aligned apertures. This allows rotation easily of this second frame truss 24 being attached, and this second frame truss 24 is then rotated, as illustrated at 194, about the pin 58c to the position illustrated in FIG. 23.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, the respective apertures 52 and 56 on the other side 46 of each of the second frame truss 24 and the truss 24 to which it is being attached are aligned and a fourth cylindrical pin 58d is inserted in the aligned apertures to achieve the desired rigid end-to-end relationship of the second frame truss 24 and the frame truss 24 to which it is now attached. The first frame truss 24 may now be similarly rigidly attached to lie parallel to the second frame truss 24 and longitudinally aligned with the frame truss 24 to which it is accordingly attached, as illustrated in FIG. 23, by rotating the first frame truss 24, as illustrated at 196, aligning the respective apertures and re-inserting the pin 58a into the respective apertures 52 and 56, resulting in the new first and second frame trusses 24 having been laid to the platform section of FIG. 20.

Additional cross trusses 26 and decking 30 may now be attached as previously discussed thereby providing an additional segment of the platform 20.

Additional decking sections may of course be similarly laid. As necessary, decking 30 may be temporarily laid so that one of its edges is adjacent the location where a cross truss 26 is to be attached, to provide space for the workers adjacent where they are working to attach the cross truss 26.

Following similar principles as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 20 to 23, variations of the frame may be laid, such as illustrated generally at 200 in FIG. 24, wherein four frame trusses 24 are attached at a common juncture 202. If desired, the direction taken by the laid frame trusses may be changed by use of the adapters 27 (FIG. 13), wherein the angle 23 for each adapter would desirably be the same in order to maintain a parallel relationship between frame trusses 24. It is of course to be understood that the trusses 24 and 26 may be laid in other ways which incorporate the principles of the present invention, and such other ways are meant to come within the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

As is apparent from the at least two different embodiments (concave and convex) of the connector member disclosed herein for the frame truss 24 and the mating embodiments of the connector member for the cross truss 26, and the at least two different embodiments (single-chord and double-chord) of the cross truss 26, the present invention may take various additional forms. For example, either of the pairs of mating connector members may be adapted, in accordance with principles commonly known to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, for use with either of the respective cross trusses disclosed herein. Thus, for example, a double-chord cross truss (i.e., having two upper chords and two lower chords) may be provided with a connector member which mates with a concave connector member for use where additional strength of the cross trusses is desired.

The alignable eyelets 52 and 56 are provided to allow the quad-chord trusses 24 to be releasable secured end-to-end. Likewise, the mating connector members 70 and 180 for the quad-chord trusses 24 and the cross beams 26 respectively are provided to allow the cross beams 26 to be releasable secured to the quad-chord trusses 24. Thus, the releasable securing of the quad-chord trusses 24 to each other and to the cross beams 26 and the resulting non-permanent connections of the quad-chord trusses 24 and cross beams 26 is provided so that the platform 20 can be quickly and easily erected and dismantled over and over again.

Referring to FIGS. 25 to 28, there is shown generally at 300 a platform with decking 30 overlying and attached (as hereinafter described) to a pair of quad-chord trusses 302 each having two spaced inner and outer upper chords 304 and 306 respectively and two spaced inner and outer lower chords 308 and 310 respectively which are spaced from the upper chords, wherein the four chords define four corners of the truss 302. Diagonally extending webbing or braces or connector bars 312 rigidly connect, such as by welding, the inner chords 304 and 308 and also rigidly connect, such as by welding, the outer chords 306 and 310 (with vertical bars 316 rigidly connecting, such as by welding, the ends of the inner chords and the ends of the outer chords at each end of the truss). Cross-wise extending webbing or braces or connector bars 314 rigidly connect, such as by welding, the upper chords 304 and 306 and also rigidly connect, such as by welding, the lower chords 308 and 310 (including at each end of the truss), thus providing a rigid truss which is seen to be non-foldable. A generally square or otherwise suitably shaped plate 318 is welded or otherwise suitably attached to each end of each chord of each truss. Each end of each truss 302 is provided with four eyelets 52 and 56 corresponding to the four chords 304, 306, 308, and 310 as seen, the eyelets being in yokes 48 and flanges 54, similarly as otherwise provided in previously described trusses, which are welded or otherwise suitably attached to the plates 318.

The decking 30 is preferably corrugated sheet metal or other suitable corrugated sheet, having alternately floors 344 and raised portions 346, with risers 348 there between, with a sheet preferably terminating in floors 344, since it will be floors that are attached to the trusses. It should be understood that decking 30 will preferably overlap decking for a portion of platform to one side of the platform portion shown in FIG. 25 so that both pieces of decking, as so overlapped, will be attached to the same truss, as illustrated at 31 in FIG. 1, to thereby achieve suitable sealing. Similarly pieces of decking along a pair of trusses will preferably also be overlapped. Holes one of which is illustrated at 350 are provided in the floors 344 for attachment of the decking to the trusses.

It may be difficult to line up studs in the trusses with holes in the decking for attachment of the decking. In order to more easily attach the decking 30, in accordance with the present invention, a track or rail 320 is attached to each truss 302 to lie intermediate the upper chords 304 and 306 to extend longitudinally along the length thereof. The track 320 is shaped as best seen in FIG. 31 (but for this embodiment without the attached bolt shown there) from sheet metal or other suitable sheet and includes a bottom portion 322 which is welded or otherwise suitably attached to the cross bars 314. The track is folded so that a pair of side walls 324 extending upwardly from the bottom wall, and a pair of upper walls 326 extend toward each other from the side walls 324 respectively and have a pair of terminal edges 328 (which may be curved as shown) respectively which are spaced from each other to define an elongate slot, illustrated at 330, extending longitudinally of the track and a channel, illustrated at 332, between the upper, lower, and side walls.

A plurality of pairs of aligned notches, illustrated at 334, are provided in the terminal edges 328 which pairs of aligned notches 334 are spaced longitudinally of the track 320. For example, the pairs of aligned notches 334 may be spaced about every foot or two or less than the typical reach of a worker's arm. FIG. 27 shows an upside down bolt 340 having a head 338 which is received in the track channel 332 so that it is movable or slidable along the length of the track 320. As best seen in FIG. 27, the bolt head 338 may be inserted into the channel 332 and removed therefrom via any of the pairs of aligned notches 334.

The bolt 340 has a threaded shank 342 which protrudes upwardly through the slot 330. Still referring to FIG. 27, in order to more easily attach the decking 30, a worker may desirably insert a bolt head 338 through a convenient pair of aligned notches 334 and slide the bolt 340 along the track 320 until the appropriate hole 350 is reached at which time the threaded shank 342 is easily inserted into the hole 350 and a nut 352 applied and suitably tightened, as illustrated in FIG. 28. When it is time to detach the decking, after the nut is removed and the bolt removed from the decking hole, the bolt is simply slid along the track until it can be removed through a pair of aligned notches 334. In order for the panels of decking 30 to be periodically attached along the lengths of the trusses (as well as the tracks 320), it is apparent that the panels of decking 30 must overlie the trusses and tracks 320. As best seen in FIG. 25, the panel of decking 30 extends between the trusses 302 of adjacent lines of trusses, with its edge portions, illustrated at 301, overlying, throughout their lengths respectively, the trusses 302 and tracks 320 of the adjacent lines of trusses respectively.

It should be noted that it is not necessary that the trusses 302 be quad-chord trusses for the track 320 to be utilized. Thus, it is readily apparent in FIG. 28 that if a truss comprised only two chords such as chords 304 and 306 interconnected by webbing 314, that would be sufficient for providing a track 320.

The track 320 may also be applied to a foldable quad-chord truss such as either of the trusses 24a or 24b shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 respectively. Referring to FIGS. 29 and 30, there is shown truss 24b in unfolded and folded positions respectively with the track 320 attached. Thus, the track 320 is laid midway between upper ones of chords 40a and 40b and extends longitudinally thereof and is attached to connector members 70b.

The track cannot be welded to connector members 70b since, during the folding and unfolding process, there must be some relative rotation or movement between each connector member 70b and the track 320. In order to allow such relative movement, referring to FIG. 31, the head 352 of a bolt 354 is welded or otherwise suitably attached centrally of the bottom of the of the bottom portion 322 of the track 320 so that the threaded shank 356 extends downwardly therefrom. The track 320 may be attached during the manufacturing process and need not be attached and detached in the field. The connector member 70b (or 70a) is formed to have a wall portion 356 having an aperture, illustrated at 358, through which the threaded shank 356 is inserted, and by the worker reaching underneath, a nut 360 is applied to the threaded shank 356 and tightened in a manner which allows relative rotation between the track 320 and the connector member during folding and unfolding of the truss. For example, the bolt threads 362 may be shortened so that the nut 360 when tightened cannot tighten against the wall 356 but instead leave a small gap, illustrated at 364. It is desirable that this gap 364 be minimized so that there is a minimum of play between the track and the connector member while still allowing the necessary relative rotation.

As seen in FIG. 26, by fastening the decking 30 to the trusses 302 at four locations, i.e., the positions of decking holes 350, the trusses 302 may be said to be squared or stabilized to allow workers to continue the work of laying and attaching decking 30. The first two holes 350 are adjacent the ends of the trusses 302 where a worker may make the attachment while on previously laid decking. The next two holes 350 are at a distance, illustrated at 366, which is preferably within reach of the worker while on the previously laid decking. Thus, the distance 366 is preferably about 1 to 2 feet. After the portion of decking 30 shown in FIG. 26 is laid, the trusses 302 should be stable enough to continue laying and attaching decking along the lengths of the trusses 302, with the trusses getting more and more stable as more and more decking is laid and attached. The use of the track advantageously aids in lining up the bolts 340 with the holes 350.

Referring to FIGS. 32 and 33, the space between the yokes and flanges 48 and 54 respectively containing the eyelets of the spaced chords may desirably be filled with a vertical scaffolding members such as illustrated at 368. Thus, after a pair of trusses are partially attached by the insertion of pin 58 in the aligned eyelets of two trusses on one side, the vertical member 368 may then be inserted into the space, illustrated at 370, then the yokes and flanges 48 and 54 respectively on the other side closed around the vertical member 368, the eyelets brought into alignment, and another pin 58 inserted in the eyelets on the other side, completely enclosing the vertical member 368. Spaced upper and lower cups 372 and 374 respectively, which are welded or otherwise suitably attached to the vertical member 368, are provided to fix or anchor the position of the vertical member 368 vertically. Thus, after the trusses are attached on both sides with the vertical member there between, the vertical member will drop by gravity until the upper cup 372 comes into contact with the attached trusses and is then further restrained from downward movement.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, tie-ups 28 are cables or the like which suspend the platform 20 from an overhead bridge structure 22 or the like and thus must reliably lift great weight. In order to provide a more positive and reliable and stronger attachment of the cable to a truss 302 and wherein the cable may desirably be located substantially anywhere along the length of the truss, in accordance with the present invention, a two-part weldment or clamp, illustrated generally at 380, is composed of first and second clamping members 382 and 384 respectively. The first clamping member 382 has an upper horizontal upper plate 386 to which a vertical plate 388 having an eyelet 390 is welded and reinforced by plates 392 welded thereto and to the plate 386. The eyelet 390 receives a shackle 394 to which cable or tie-up is attached.

The first clamping member 382 also has a pair of spaced lower plates or fingers 396. The lower plates 396 are spaced from the upper plate so that upper chords 304 and 306 of the truss 302 are receivable there between. The lower plates 396 are spaced so that a member or brace or webbing 312 attaching a lower chord 310 to an upper chord 306 of the truss 302 is receivable there between, thus to prevent sliding movement of the clamp 380 along the truss 302.

The second clamping member 384 includes a pair of horizontal spaced upper plates or fingers 398 for overlying and engaging the upper plate 386 of said first clamping member 382. It is envisioned that it may be considerable desirable to provide a single upper plate 386 rather than two. The second clamping member 384 further includes a pair of lower spaced plates 400 (one shown) for underlying and engaging the lower spaced plates 396 respectively of the first clamping member 382. The lower plates 400 of the second clamping member 384 are spaced so that a member or brace or webbing 312 attaching an upper chord 304 to a lower chord 398 of the truss 302 is receivable there between, thus to further prevent sliding movement of the clamp 380 along the truss 302. The lower plates 400 of the second clamping member 384 are spaced from the upper plates 398 so that upper chord 304 of the truss 302 is receivable there between.

The plates 386, 396, 398, and 400 contain apertures, illustrated at 402, 404, 406, and 408 respectively. To fix or install the clamp 380 onto the truss 302, the first clamping member 382 is positioned as illustrated in FIG. 34 with the upper chords 304 and 306 as well as the rail 320 sandwiched between the upper and lower plates 386 and 396 respectively and with webbing 312 between the lower plates 396. The second clamping member 384 is then positioned as illustrated in FIG. 34 with the upper chord 304 sandwiched between the upper and lower plates 398 and 400 respectively and with webbing 312 between the lower plates 400. The two clamping members 382 and 384 are brought together as shown in FIG. 34 so that the apertures 402, 404, 406, and 408 on one side are in alignment and so that the apertures 402, 404, 406, and 408 on the other side are in alignment. A pin 410 is then inserted in the four aligned apertures on the one side, and another pin 410 is inserted in the four aligned apertures on the other side, thereby providing a clamp which is easily and securely attachable to and detachable from the truss 302 and which allows firm and reliable means for attachment of the cable 28.

Referring to FIGS. 36 and 37, there are illustrated railing posts 500 spaced along edges or perimeter of the platform 20 and two embodiments of railings 502 and 504 respectively suitably attached to pairs of adjacent posts 500. The railings 502 are planar frames which are shown to comprise a pair of upper and lower beams 506, end beams 508, and diagonal beams 510 attached between the upper and lower beams 506. The railings 502 are shown to have conventional clamps 512 on their ends which detachably clampingly engage cups 514 welded or otherwise suitably attached to the posts 500. Railing 504 comprises two (or other suitable number) of vertically spaced lines or cables 515 and suitably detachably attached at their ends to the respective railing post 500, which advantageously does not require any precision in positioning the posts 500. Apertures 526 are provided for attachment of clamps to which the lines 515 may be attached.

Toe boards 517 are sealingly provided adjacent the decking 30 along the perimeter thereof to prevent debris and tools from falling off the edges of the decking. The railing may have tarps sealingly applied especially to seal against escape of sand due to sand blasting. The toe boards 517 are attached to the railing posts 500 as by brackets 522 and 524. A railing post 500 is shown enlarged in FIG. 39. To seal the area between the adjacent ends of toe boards 517 especially against the escape of sand blasting material, the railing posts 500 have plates 516 welded or otherwise suitably attached thereto which plates have triangular bottoms 518 which engage and complement corrugations in the decking 30, thereby sealing, preferably with use of a gasket material, the area between adjacent toe boards 517.

Referring to FIGS. 38 and 39, in order to provide a more reliable and stronger and quicker and easier attachment of the railings, in accordance with the present invention, railing post 500 is attached to a clamp 530 as described hereinafter, and the clamp 530 is detachably attached to the truss 302 as also hereinafter described. The clamp 530 has a longer first member 532 and a shorter second member 534. Both members 532 and 534 are complementarily shaped, preferably square tubular, with the longer member 532 telescopingly received withing the shorter member 534 so that the longer member 532 extends out both ends of the shorter member 534. The shorter member 534 is movable up and down on the longer member 532 and also has means hereinafter described for restraining such movement.

Welded or otherwise suitably attached (as strengthened by additional welded plate 531) to the bottom end of the longer member 532 is a claw 536, which comprises a plate which extends from the longer member 532 and which is bent at about 90 degrees to define a portion 538 which extends upwardly. As seen in FIG. 38, the claw 536 grabs and nests the outer lower chord 308 of the quad-chord truss 302. The claw portion 538 has a groove 542 intermediate its sides and extending inwardly from its terminal edge so that it is split into a pair of fingers 540. These fingers 540 receive between them a respective bracing or webbing member 314 connecting the lower chords 308 and 310 thereby fixing the clamp position and preventing the instability of sliding movements of the clamp along the chord 308.

Welded or otherwise suitably attached to the second clamping member 534, preferably near its upper end, is a second claw 544 for grasping the upper outer chord 304 of the truss 302. The claw 544 is preferably suitably formed as a pair of spaced individual fingers 546 for receiving an upper brace or webbing member 314 between so as to prevent slippage of the clamp along the upper outer chord 304. Preferably at least one of the clamping members has such fingers for receiving a brace or webbing member 314.

The second clamping member 534 is movable along the first clamping member 532 between (1) a first position illustrated in FIG. 39 wherein the clamp 530 is not attached to the truss 302 since the distance between the claws 536 and 544 is too great, and (2) a second position illustrated in FIG. 38 wherein the clamp 530 is attached to the truss 302. Such attachment to the truss 302 is effected beginning with the second clamping member 534 in the first position. With the second clamping member 534 in the first position, the clamp 530 is positioned with the first claw 536 positioned under and engaging the lower outer chord 308 and with a bracing member 314 received between the first claw fingers 540. The second clamping member 534 is then moved downwardly along the first clamping member 532 until its fingers 546 engage the upper outer chord 304 and with a bracing member 314 received between the fingers 546. The second clamping member 534 is locked in this second position as hereinafter described thus clamping the clamp 530 to the truss 302.

To lock the second clamping member 534 in the second position, the first clamping member 532 has at least one but preferably two conventional spring-loaded buttons 550 (one shown) mounted in apertures (not shown) in opposite walls thereof (or diametrically opposite if the clamping members are cylindrical in shape). The buttons 550 are biased to pop outwardly as seen in FIG. 38. The first clamping member 532 has apertures, illustrated at 552, in opposite walls thereof (or diametrically opposite if the clamping members are cylindrical in shape). To move the second clamping member 534 from the second to the first position, the buttons 550 are pressed inwardly against the spring force until the apertures 552 can be cleared, at which time the second clamping member 534 can be pulled upwardly to the first position with the biased buttons 550 rubbing against the walls of the second clamping member 534. Friction of the buttons 550 biased against the walls of the second clamping member 534 will hold it in the first position until it is used to clamp to a truss. The second clamping member 534 is easily moved along the first clamping member against the friction to the second or clamping position. At the first position, the buttons 550 re-engage the apertures 552 thereby locking the second clamping member 534 in the second position thereby clamping the clamp 530 in the second position wherein it is firmly locked in position.

A first stop 556 is welded or otherwise suitably attached to a wall of the first clamping member 532 in a position to prevent movement of the second clamping member 534 downwardly beyond the second position. A second stop 558 is attached to a wall of the first clamping member 532 in a position to prevent movement of the second clamping member 534 upwardly beyond the first position. The second stop 558 is preferably threadedly or otherwise removably attached to the first clamping member 532 so as to allow the second clamping member 534 to be removed from the first clamping member 532 such as for maintenance purposes.

In at least one but preferably in each of two opposed walls of the first clamping member 532 (or diagonally opposed if the clamping members are cylindrical in shape) and in the upper end portion of the first clamping member 532 (above the second stop 558) is a spring biased button 560 mounted in an aperture, the buttons 560 being similar to the buttons 550. The mounting post 500 has in its end portion an aperture or apertures, illustrated at 562, in its wall or walls for receiving the button or buttons 560 for quickly and easily attaching and locking the post 500 in position and for detaching the post 500. Thus, to attach the post 500, with the buttons 560 pressed inwardly, the lower end portion of the post 500 is slipped beyond the buttons 560. The post 500 is then moved further downwardly until the buttons 560 are received in apertures 562 thus easily and quickly locking the post 500 securely in position. To detach the post 500, the buttons 560 are pressed inward so that the apertures 562 are cleared, then the post 500 easily and quickly pulled further upwardly to detach it.

The track 320 is advantageously provided to allow the laying of decking easily and quickly by allowing alignment of bolts with the decking holes. The decking may advantageously be laid without the need for a complete box (a frame all the way around) so that workers can “build as they go.” Thus, as seen in FIG. 26, by attaching decking 30 at the edges then at two other positions at an arm's length away, as seen at 350, the decking is thus attached at these four points thereby squaring the trusses so that they are stably parallel to, along with the added stability provided by the use of quad-chord trusses, provide the stability for workers to proceed further with attaching decking as well as attaching beams across the trusses as they go (without the need to first complete the box, i.e., without the need to apply additional cross beams at or near the ends of the parallel trusses or decking to the ends of the trusses). Since a typical person's arm has a length between about 2 and 3 feet, the term “arm's length,” as used herein and in the claims, is defined as a distance of less than 3 feet. Thus, at least one pair of the decking apertures 350 have a spacing 366 (FIG. 26) along each decking edge for squaring the trusses of less than 3 feet. Thus, with the worker or workers supported on the piece of decking shown in FIG. 26, additional decking may be attached at another arm's length away thereby continuing to square the trusses, and this process continued until the trusses are completely covered with the decking.

The quad-chord trusses may advantageously be foldable for storage and transport and unfoldable for erection of a platform. The kit may also advantageously include sturdy and reliable tie-up mechanisms and reliable and easy and quick to install perimeter railing.

It should thus 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 kit for erecting a platform, the kit comprising: a plurality of quad-chord trusses, each of said quad-chord trusses comprising a pair of upper spaced chords and a pair of lower spaced chords wherein said pair of upper spaced chords are spaced from said pair of lower spaced chords, said each of said quad-chord trusses having at least one first connector member intermediate its length and attached to both of said upper chords and both of said lower chords, said quad-chord trusses further comprising means including eyelets on ends respectively of said spaced chords for releasably rigidly securing said quad-chord trusses end-to-end, each of said quad-chord trusses further comprising means for swinging one of a pair of said quad-chord trusses horizontally relative to another of said pair of quad-chord trusses into position for releasably rigidly securing thereof end-to-end, said means for swinging and said means for rigidly securing including apertures in said eyelets which extend vertically for receiving pins in respectively aligned ones of said apertures, whereby a pin is receivable in said aligned ones of said apertures respectively of only one of said upper chords and only one of said lower chords on a respective end of each of said pair of quad-chord trusses to be attached end-to-end, thereby allowing swinging of one of said pair of quad-chord trusses relative to an other of said pair of quad-chord trusses into position of alignment of said apertures of the other of said upper chords and the other of said lower chords on the respective ends of said pair of quad-chord trusses for receiving a second pin for rigid attachment of said pair of quad-chord trusses end-to-end, and;a plurality of cross beams each having second connector members on its ends respectively which are releasably securable to said at least one first connector member on each of two parallel ones of said quad-chord trusses respectively, wherein said at least one first connector member has at least one first passage, each of said second connector members has at least one second passage, and said at least one first passage and said at least one second passage are alignable for receiving a pin, whereby to attach each of said cross beams to a pair of parallel ones of said quad-chord trusses.

2. A kit according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said cross beams further has at least one upper chord and at least one lower chord and further has means for supporting and sliding said at least one cross beam into position for attachment to said respective quad-chord truss, wherein said means for supporting and sliding includes a member on each end of said upper chord of said cross beam which is shaped to overhang one of said upper chords of said respective quad-chord truss.

3. A kit according to claim 1 further comprising a plurality of tie-up mechanisms for clamping to said quad-chord trusses for attachment of a line from an overhead structure for supporting the platform, each of said tie-up mechanisms including first and second clamping members which are attachable with pins for clampingly engaging said upper pair of chords and an eyelet on one of said clamping members for receiving and securing the line from the overhead structure.

4. A kit according to claim 3 wherein at least one of said cross beams further has at least one upper chord and at least one lower chord and further has means for supporting and sliding said at least one cross beam into position for attachment to said respective quad-chord truss, wherein said means for supporting and sliding includes a member on each end of said upper chord of said cross beam which is shaped to overhang one of said upper chords of said respective quad-chord truss.

5. A kit according to claim 1 wherein said upper chords comprise first and second chords and said lower chords comprise third and fourth chords which are below said first and second chords respectively, wherein, at each end of the truss, one of said eyelets is on an end of each of said first and fourth chords, and two of said eyelets are on an end of each of said second and third chords and are spaced to alignably receive said one eyelet on an end of a chord of another of the truss.

6. A kit according to claim 1 wherein each said quad-chord truss includes: webbing attaching said upper pair of spaced chords to each other;means for attaching decking to said each said quad-chord truss, said means for attaching decking including a track disposed between said upper pair of spaced chords and extending longitudinally thereof, said track comprising a sheet which is formed to have a bottom wall which is attached to said webbing, a pair of side walls extending upwardly from said bottom wall, and a pair of upper walls extending toward each other from said side walls respectively and having a pair of terminal edges respectively which are spaced from each other to define an elongate slot extending longitudinally of said track and a channel between said upper, lower, and side walls, and a plurality of pairs of aligned notches in said terminal edges which pairs of aligned notches are spaced longitudinally of said track means; anddecking having apertures therein for receiving bolts for attaching said decking to said each said quad-chord truss wherein each bolt has a head which is receivable through one of said pairs of aligned notches into said channel to slide along said channel and further having a threaded shank which is receivable in said slot for movement along said slot as said head is moved along said channel, wherein, with said head in said channel, said threaded shank is receivable in one of said apertures in said decking, whereby nuts may be applied for threadedly engaging said shanks after they are received in said apertures in said decking as said decking is applied over said quad-chord trusses,whereby said track is attachable to said each said quad-chord truss such that said decking overlies said track and said each said quad-chord truss.

7. A kit according to claim 6 wherein at least one of said cross beams further has at least one upper chord and at least one lower chord and further has means for supporting and sliding said at least one cross beam into position for attachment to said respective quad-chord truss, wherein said means for supporting and sliding includes a member on each end of said upper chord of said cross beam which is shaped to overhang said respective upper chord of said truss.

8. A kit according to claim 6 further comprising a plurality of tie-up mechanisms for clamping to said quad-chord trusses for attachment of a line from an overhead structure for supporting the platform, each of said tie-up mechanisms including first and second clamping members which are attachable with pins for clampingly engaging said upper pair of chords and an eyelet on one of said clamping members for receiving and securing the line from the overhead structure.

9. A kit according to claim 8 wherein at least one of said cross beams further has at least one upper chord and at least one lower chord and further has means for supporting and sliding said at least one cross beam into position for attachment to said respective quad-chord truss, wherein said means for supporting and sliding includes a member on each end of said upper chord of said cross beam which is shaped to overhang said respective upper chord of said truss.

10. A kit according to claim 1 wherein said upper chords comprise first and second chords and said lower chords comprise third and fourth chords which are below said first and second chords respectively, said each of said trusses further including a plurality of braces extending between and rigidly attaching said first and third chords, a plurality of braces extending between and rigidly attaching said second and fourth chords,at least two of said at least one first connector member spaced longitudinally of said each of said trusses and interconnecting said first, second, third, and fourth chords, andmeans for attaching decking to the trusses, said means for attaching decking including a track disposed between said first and second chords and extending longitudinally thereof, said track comprising a sheet which is formed to have a bottom wall which is attached to said first connector members, a pair of side walls extending upwardly from said bottom wall, and a pair of upper walls extending toward each other from said side walls respectively and having a pair of terminal edges respectively which are spaced from each other to define an elongate slot extending longitudinally of said track and a channel between said upper, lower, and side walls, and a plurality of pairs of aligned notches in said terminal edges which pairs of aligned notches are spaced longitudinally of said track,wherein said bottom wall of said track is disposed midway between said first and second chords and attached to said first connector members in a manner which allows relative rotational movement between said track and each of said first connector members as the truss is folded and unfolded, the kit further comprisingdecking having apertures therein for receiving bolts for attaching said decking to said trusses wherein each bolt has a head which is receivable through one of said pairs of aligned notches into said channel to slide along said channel and further having a threaded shank which is receivable in said slot for movement along said slot as the head is moved along said channel, wherein, with the head in said channel, the threaded shank is receivable in one of said apertures in said decking, whereby nuts may be applied for threadedly engaging the shanks after they are received in said apertures in said decking as said decking is applied to the trusses,whereby said track is attachable to said each said quad-chord truss such that said decking overlies said track and said each said quad-chord truss.

11. A kit according to claim 10 wherein said first and second passages each have a similar non-circular shape for receiving a pin having a similar non-circular shape, whereby the cross beam is non-rotatable about the pin.

12. A kit according to claim 10 further comprising for each of said first connector members a bracket rigidly attached to each of said respective chords and a fastener swivelly attaching said respective first connector member to said respective bracket, wherein said fasteners for each of said first and third chords and for each of said second and fourth chords are aligned so that said first and third chords have the same swiveling axis and so that said second and fourth chords have the same swiveling axis.

13. A kit according to claim 12 further comprising means for locking each said truss in said first position, wherein said means for locking comprises a member having a protruding portion on one of said bracket and said respective first connector member and an aperture on the other of said bracket and said respective first connector member which is engageable by said protruding portion whereby force is required for disengaging said protruding portion from said aperture.

14. A kit according to claim 1 further comprising a plurality of tie-up mechanisms for clamping to said quad-chord trusses for attachment of a line from an overhead structure for supporting the platform, each of said tie-up mechanisms including first and second clamping members, said first clamping member including an upper plate and a pair of spaced lower plates, said lower plates spaced from said upper plate so that said upper pair of spaced chords of said respective quad-chord truss are receivable there between, said lower plates spaced so that bracing attaching a respective one of said upper spaced chords to a respective one of said lower spaced chords is receivable there between,said second clamping member including at least one upper plate for engaging said upper plate of said first clamping member and further including a pair of lower spaced plates for engaging said lower spaced plates respectively of said first clamping member, said lower plates of said second clamping member spaced so that bracing attaching an other of said upper spaced chords of said respective quad-chord truss to an other of said lower spaced chords of said respective quad-chord truss is receivable there between, said lower plates of said second clamping member spaced from said at least one upper plate so that a respective one of said upper spaced chords of said respective quad-chord truss are receivable there between,apertures in said plates of said clamping members which are alignable to receive pins for clamping said tie-up mechanisms to said quad-chord trusses respectively, andan eyelet on said first clamping member for receiving the line.

15. A kit according to claim 1 further comprising a railing for attachment to the platform along a perimeter thereof, the railing comprising a plurality of clamps each including first and second tubular clamping members, a plurality of railing posts attachable to said clamps, and a plurality of rails extendible between and attachable to said railing posts, said first clamping member being longer than said second clamping member and received within said second clamping member and having on one end thereof a first claw for grasping an outer one of said lower spaced chords of a respective one of said quad-chord trusses, and said first clamping member having on an other end thereof means for attaching one of said railing posts thereto,said second clamping member having on one end thereof a second claw for grasping an outer one of said upper spaced chords of said respective one of said quad-chord trusses and being movable along the length of said first clamping member between a first position wherein said clamp is unclamped from said respective one of said quad-chord trusses and a second position clampingly engaging said outer one of said upper spaced chords and said outer one of said lower spaced chords, and means for locking said clamp in said second position.

16. A kit according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said quad-chord trusses comprises first webbing rigidly attaching said chords of a first pair thereof, second webbing rigidly attaching said chords of a second pair thereof which is spaced from said first pair, at least two of said at least one first connector member spaced longitudinally of said at least one quad-chord truss and interconnecting said first pair of spaced chords with said second pair of spaced chords in a manner to effect folding of said first pair and said second pair of spaced chords between a first position wherein said first pair of spaced chords is spread apart from said second pair of spaced chords for use in a platform and a second position wherein said first pair of spaced chords is folded next to said second pair of spaced chords for transport and storage thereof.

17. A kit for erecting a platform, the kit comprising: a plurality of quad-chord trusses, each of said quad-chord trusses comprising a pair of upper spaced chords and a pair of lower spaced chords wherein said pair of upper spaced chords are spaced from said pair of lower spaced chords, said each of said quad-chord trusses having at least one connector member intermediate its length and attached to both of said upper chords and both of said lower chords, wherein said at least one connector member has at least one first passage, said quad-chord trusses further comprising means including eyelets on ends respectively of said spaced chords for releasably rigidly securing said quad-chord trusses end-to-end, each of said quad-chord trusses further comprising means for swinging one of said quad-chord trusses horizontally relative to another of said quad-chord trusses into position for releasably securing thereof end-to-end, said means for swinging and said means for releasably rigidly securing including apertures in said eyelets which extend vertically for receiving pins in respectively aligned ones of said apertures whereby a pin is receivable in said aligned ones of said apertures respectively of only one of said upper chords and only one of said lower chords of each of two of said quad-chord trusses to be attached end-to-end, thereby allowing swinging of one of said two quad-chord trusses relative to an other of said two quad-chord trusses to be attached into a position of alignment of said apertures of the other of said upper chords and the other of said lower chords on the respective ends of said two quad-chord trusses for receiving a second pin for rigid attachment of said two quad-chord trusses to be attached end-to-end; anda plurality of cross beams each having means adjacent its ends for releasably securing its ends to said connector members of a respective pair of parallel ones of the quad-chord trusses respectively, wherein said means for releasably securing includes at least one second passage which is alignable with said at least one first passage for receiving a pin, whereby to attach said each of said cross beams to said respective pair of parallel ones of said quad-chord trusses.

18. A kit according to claim 17 wherein at least one of said cross beams further has at least one upper chord and at least one lower chord and further has means for supporting and sliding said at least one cross beam into position for attachment to said respective quad-chord truss, wherein said means for supporting and sliding includes a member on each end of said upper chord of said cross beam which is shaped to overhang one of said upper chords of said respective quad-chord truss.

19. A kit according to claim 17 further comprising a plurality of tie-up mechanisms for clamping to said quad-chord trusses for attachment of a line from an overhead structure for supporting the platform, each of said tie-up mechanisms including first and second clamping members which are attachable with pins for clampingly engaging said upper pair of chords and an eyelet on one of said clamping members for receiving and securing the line from the overhead structure.

20. A kit according to claim 17 wherein each said quad-chord truss includes: means for attaching decking to said each said quad-chord truss, said means for attaching decking including a track comprising a sheet which is formed to have a bottom wall which is attached to the truss, a pair of side walls extending upwardly from said bottom wall, and a pair of upper walls extending toward each other from said side walls respectively and having a pair of terminal edges respectively which are spaced from each other to define an elongate slot extending longitudinally of said each said quad-chord truss and a channel between said upper, lower, and side walls, and a plurality of pairs of aligned notches in said terminal edges which pairs of aligned notches are spaced longitudinally of said track; anddecking having apertures therein for receiving bolts for attaching said decking to said trusses, wherein each bolt has a head which is receivable through one of said pairs of aligned notches into said channel to slide along said channel and further having a threaded shank which is receivable in said slot for movement along said slot as said head is moved along said channel, wherein, with said head in said channel, said threaded shank is receivable in one of said apertures in said decking, whereby nuts may be applied for threadedly engaging said shanks after they are received in said apertures in said decking as said decking is applied over said quad-chord trusses,whereby said track is attachable to said each of said quad-chord trusses such that said decking overlies said track and said each of said quad-chord trusses.