TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to providing scaffolding panels for attachment to scaffolding. In particular, this invention relates to providing single panels that span the entire space between horizontal members of a scaffold.
BACKGROUND
Scaffolding is used during construction of buildings to allow workers access to elevated portions of walls for masonry, glazing, painting, and similar activities. Conventionally, the scaffolding includes vertical members that are typically steel pipes having a 1.25″ outer diameter and horizontal members of the same diameter attached between the vertical members by means known in the art. Planks of wood are laid to span the distance between horizontal members and planks are laid side-by-side to cover the distance between vertical members in order to provide a walking and standing surface for workers on the scaffolds. Various metal planks have been developed which also lay side-by-side and span the distance. Planks are heavy, unwieldy, and wood is increasingly expensive.
Therefore, a need exists for a panel that spans a scaffolding frame between horizontal members ad vertical members, and that is lightweight, durable, strong, secure, and can be made in various sizes and shapes for special purpose scaffolding. Particularly, a need exists for a moldable plastic panel that can be easily secured to horizontal scaffold members.
OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
A primary object and feature of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems and fulfill the above-mentioned needs.
Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide a system that provides various panel designs for spanning various sections of scaffolding.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a system that includes panels that are lightweight and strong.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a system that includes panels that are easily secured to scaffolding.
It is an additional primary object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive and handy. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A system including various floor panels for spanning scaffolding sections with a single, lightweight molded plastic panel having beveled trapezoidal complementary male and female ends on each floor panel. The panels snap fit onto scaffolding members. Kick panels, safety gate panels, corner panels, and cross panels are also disclosed, but do not define the limits of the kinds of panels comprehended by the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and
FIG. 1 is a front low perspective view illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of the scaffolding panel system, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view illustrating the first exemplary embodiment of a floor panel of the scaffolding panel system of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view illustrating the first exemplary embodiment of the floor panel of FIG. 2 of the scaffolding panel system of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of a floor panel of the scaffolding panel system of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a top plan partial x-ray view illustrating the second exemplary embodiment of the floor panel of FIG. 4 of the scaffolding panel system of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a top plan view illustrating the second exemplary embodiment of the floor panel of
FIG. 4 of the scaffolding panel system of FIG. 1, defining cross-sections AA′ and BB′, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view through cross section AA′ of FIG. 6 illustrating the second exemplary embodiment of the floor panel of the scaffolding panel system of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view through cross section BB′ of FIG. 6 illustrating the second exemplary embodiment of the floor panel of the scaffolding panel system of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a side elevation view illustrating the second exemplary embodiment of the floor panel of FIG. 4 of the scaffolding panel system of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a side elevation view illustrating a third exemplary embodiment of a floor panel of the scaffolding panel system of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a side elevation view illustrating a fourth exemplary embodiment of a floor panel of the scaffolding panel system of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a side elevation view illustrating a fifth exemplary embodiment of a floor panel of the scaffolding panel system of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a side elevation view illustrating a sixth exemplary embodiment of a floor panel of the scaffolding panel system of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a top plan view illustrating a seventh exemplary embodiment of a floor panel of the scaffolding panel system of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 14 is a top plan view illustrating an eighth exemplary embodiment of a floor panel of the scaffolding panel system of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a front low perspective view illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of the scaffolding panel system 100, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Vertical scaffold members 101 (one of four labeled) are connected by horizontal scaffold members 103 (one of six labeled) to form a scaffold section. A first floor panel 102 has a male end 106 and a complimentary female end 104, each of which snap fits onto opposing horizontal scaffold members 103. First floor panel 102 has snap fittings 108 (one of four labeled) for diagonal supports, such as diagonal supports 122 (one of four labeled). First floor panel 102 is shown with a flat underside, but this is not a limitation of the invention. First floor panels 102 can be arrayed in sequence across any number of aligned sequential scaffold sections to create flooring of any desired length. As with other panels 110, 120, 130, 140, 200, 400, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, and 1400, discussed below, first floor panel 102 is preferably made of molded plastic. In various other embodiments, other materials may be used. For example, and without limitation, aluminum, composites, and steel may be used.
Safety gate panel 110 has two female ends 112, as extending by connecting in sequence in that direction is not generally required. However, the opening of the female end 112 is wide enough to accept a leg of the female end 112, so extension in offset sequence could be accomplished in a special case. The safety gate panel 110 is generally used to prevent falls off an end on a scaffold section. Safety gate 110 connects to the scaffolding by means of snap fit receivers 114 (one of four labeled) receiving a portion of a vertical scaffolding member 101, as shown. Snap fit receivers 114 are preferably molded into the plastic safety gate panel when it is made. In various other embodiments, other materials and methods may be used to meet the functional and cost requirements.
Second floor panel 120 has a male end 126 and a complimentary female end 124, identical to male end 106 and female end 104 of panel 102. The underside 127 of second floor panel 120 features crisscrossing ridges for improved strength and rigidity. Second floor panel 120 has snap fittings 128 (one of four labeled) for diagonal coupling diagonal supports 122 that connect between vertical scaffolding members 101 and second floor panel 120. Second floor panels 120 can be arrayed in sequence across any number of aligned sequential scaffold sections to create flooring of any desired length.
Kick panel 130 has a male end 136 and a complimentary female end 134 each of which snap fits to vertical scaffolding members 101 in a manner similar to safety gate panel 110. Kick panels 130 can be arrayed in sequence across any number of aligned sequential scaffold sections to create kick paneling of any desired length.
Third floor panel 140 is similar to first and second floor panels 102 and 120, but features a skid resistant grid of shallow ridges on the top surface 142. Third floor panel 140 has a male end 146 and a complimentary female end 144. Third floor panels 140 can be arrayed in sequence across any number of aligned sequential scaffold sections to create flooring of any desired length.
FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of a floor panel 200 of the scaffolding panel system 100 of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. At the male end 206, the illustration reveals three snap fittings 208, 210, and 212 for receiving and retaining horizontal scaffolding member 103. Male end 206 has a trapezoidal shaped extension and a bevel 236 that runs angularly along the entire male end 206. The bevel 236 assists in installing panels 200 in sequence. At the male end 206, the illustration reveals three snap fittings 208, 210, and 212 for receiving and retaining horizontal scaffolding member 103. The number of snap firings 208, 210, and 212 above one is not a limitation of the invention. The narrowness of the gap between sides of each of the snap fittings 208, 210, and 212 is exaggerated for purposes of illustration. Various structural ribs 226 support the snap fittings 208, 210, and 212 within the male end 206. The invention is not limited to the pattern of structural ribs 226 shown.
Beams, such as C-beams 214, 224, 220, and 216 and T-beam 222 support the central portion of the floor panel 200 (See FIG. 7A for cross sectional detail). Sections 218 of crisscrossing ridges provide additional support between the beams 214, 216, 220, 222, and 224. The particular type of beams 214, 216, 220, 222, and 224 used is not a limitation of the invention, but the ability to mold them as one piece with the remainder of the floor panel 200 is preferred.
The female end 204 includes a trapezoidal cavity and first and second legs 238 and 240. Each leg 238 and 240 includes two snap fittings 228 and 230, and 232 and 234, respectively. The number of snap fittings 228, 230, 232, and 234 above two in the female end is not a limitation of the invention. Various structural ribs 242 are illustrated. The pattern of structural ribs shown is not a limitation of the invention.
FIG. 3 is a top plan view illustrating the first exemplary embodiment of the floor panel of FIG. 2 of the scaffolding panel system of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The female end 204 has a bevel 306 that is at a complimentary angle to the bevel 236 of the male end 206. The top surface 302 has a pattern of diamond-shaped dimples 304 to increase traction on the surface of the panel. In various additional embodiments, various other traction enhancements may be used.
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view illustrating a third exemplary embodiment of a floor panel 400 of the scaffolding panel system 100 of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Grill sections 402 and 404 are perforated with a plurality of holes 406 to provide floor panel 400. The grill sections 402 and 404 may be placed near the working wall side of the scaffolding or away there from. In a particular embodiment, a floor panel 400 may have one, three or four grill sections. Opening 428 in the side of beam 214 accommodates snap fitting horizontal scaffolding member 103.
FIG. 5 is a top plan partial x-ray view illustrating the third exemplary embodiment of the floor panel 400 of FIG. 4 of the scaffolding panel system 100 of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the middle section, perforations 406 may act as dimples 502 when over the top of a beam 214, 216, 220, 222, or 224 and may be part 504 of the crisscross supports when over sections 218, as shown. Top surface portion 506 is integral with the remainder of the floor panel 400.
FIG. 6 is a top left perspective view illustrating the third exemplary embodiment of the floor panel 400 of FIG. 4 of the scaffolding panel system 100 of FIG. 1, defining cross-sections AA′ and BB′, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The bevel 614 at the female end 604 has openings 610 and 612 to accommodate horizontal scaffolding member 103. Exterior opening 608 in the side of C-beam 216 also accommodates horizontal scaffolding member 103. Male end 606 has a complimentary trapezoidal shape and bevel in relation to the female end 604.
FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view through cross section AA′ of FIG. 6 illustrating the third exemplary embodiment of the floor panel 400 of the scaffolding panel system 100 of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Snap fitting 710 is shown to have narrow sides for flexibility in receiving horizontal scaffolding member 103. Male end 606 bevel 736 is complementary to female end bevel 614.
FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view through cross section BB′ of FIG. 6 illustrating the third exemplary embodiment of the floor panel 400 of the scaffolding panel system 100 of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Cross sections of beams 214, 216, 220, 222, and 224 are shown and crisscross support sections 218 are also seen in cross section. Beams 214, 216, 220, 222, and 224 are of one piece with the floor panel 400, as is surface 506 and crisscross ridge support sections 218. Various other cross sectional shapes for beams 214, 216, 220, 222, and 224 may be used in various embodiments, consistent with being molded as one piece with the floor panel 400. Exterior side 702 of C-beam 216 and exterior side 704 of C-beam 214 are identified in the drawing. Beams 214, 216, 220, 222, and 224 may be used to assist in routing wiring for tool power and lighting.
FIG. 8 is a side elevation view illustrating the third exemplary embodiment of the floor panel 400 of FIG. 4 of the scaffolding panel system 100 of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Diagonal support snap fittings 128 extend downward from floor panel 400.
FIG. 9 is a side elevation view illustrating a fourth exemplary embodiment of a floor panel 900 of the scaffolding panel system 100 of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Diagonal support snap fittings 928 are integral to the outer beam side 902 to make the panels easier to stack when not in use.
FIG. 10 is a side elevation view illustrating a fifth exemplary embodiment of a floor panel 1000 of the scaffolding panel system 100 of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The opening 1010 in side beam 1002 for receiving horizontal scaffolding member 103 is semi-circular, and so has no snap fit feature. Semi-annular magnet 1004 assists in attaching floor panel 1000 to the horizontal scaffolding member 103. In an additional embodiment, magnets and snap fit may operate together. The shape and position of magnet 1004 is not a limitation of the invention.
FIG. 11 is a side elevation view illustrating a sixth exemplary embodiment of a floor panel 1100 of the scaffolding panel system 100 of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Snap fitting 1110 in side beam 1102 of floor panel 1100 is more than semicircular by an angle a on each side. For very high strength plastics, a may be quite small, such as two or three degrees. The greater the flexibility of the plastic floor panel 1100, the larger a can be, but the support to users provided by floor panel 1100 will decrease with increased flexibility of the plastic. Edges 1104 are rounded to assist in operating the snap fitting 1110.
FIG. 12 is a side elevation view illustrating a seventh exemplary embodiment of a floor panel 1200 of the scaffolding panel system 100 of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In advanced molding techniques, plastics of different types can be co- molded together. Where the snap fitting 1210 is a co-molded plastic with a higher flexibility than supporting structure 1202, larger angular 13 engagement of the horizontal scaffolding member 103 is possible. Edges 1204 are rounded to assist in operating the snap fitting 1210.
FIG. 13 is a top plan view illustrating a seventh exemplary embodiment of a floor panel 1300 of the scaffolding panel system 100 of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Floor panel 1300 is for a corner of a building, and includes two half turns 1312 and 1314 to align to scaffolding on first and second building sides that form the corner. Floor panel 1300 is illustrated with female ends 1304 and 1308 on the ends and male ends 1306 and 1310 on the sides. The surface 1302 may be smooth, as shown, or have various textures to enhance traction. In various other embodiments, other arrangements of male and female ends 1306 and 1310, and 1304 and 1308, respectively, may be used. In a particular embodiment, side ends may be omitted.
FIG. 14 is a top plan view illustrating an eighth exemplary embodiment of a floor panel 1400 of the scaffolding panel system 100 of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Floor panel 1400 includes four legs 1402 (one of four labeled) in a cross configuration. Each leg has a female end 1404 (one of four labeled) for coupling to floor panels 102, 130, 140, 200, 400, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, or 1300. In various embodiments, male ends may be substituted for any or all of the female ends 1404.
In addition to molded-in traction enhancements, it is anticipated that coatings may be applied for traction enhancement, acoustic dampening, UV protection, or other purposes. Various embodiments may include, as part of the coupling mechanism using male and female trapezoidal ends, electrical connections between panels for communications, power, or for integral lighting from the panels themselves.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the above specification.
Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions.
Patent Application
20170159303
