SUPPORT APPARATUS FOR USE WITH AN ELONGATE STRUCTURE

Abstract

Embodiments of the innovation relate to a support apparatus for use with an elongate structure, such as a chimney. In one arrangement, the support apparatus includes a base configured to extend along both sides of a pitched roof surface, a set of vertical supports secured to the base and configured to be secured to the chimney, and a set of platforms connected to the set of vertical supports and configured to at least partially extend about the perimeter of the chimney. Each platform of the set of platforms is connected to a corresponding adjacent platform of the set of platforms.

Description

BACKGROUND

Construction workers can be required to access building structures, such as chimney structures, located in difficult-to-access locations, such as pitched roofs. In order to safely access these building structures for construction or repair, the workers typically utilize a variety of types of support systems to support themselves on the pitched roof surface.

For example, in order to access a house chimney for repair, a worker can utilize a conventional pipe staging or scaffolding system that includes tube-based scaffolding that extends around the outer perimeter of a chimney. Typically, the base of the scaffolding is secured to the house roof using fasteners, such as nails. The scaffolding carries a set of planks that also extend about the outer perimeter of the chimney. The planks allow the worker to walk about the chimney on a horizontal surface to access and repair all portions of the chimney.

SUMMARY

Conventional staging systems suffer from a variety of deficiencies. For example, while the conventional pipe staging system provides the construction worker with a walking surface surrounding the chimney, the base of staging system is directly secured to the roof using nails or other fasteners. These fasteners can damage the structural integrity of the roof which can lead to water or other fluids to leaking into the house once the staging system has been removed. Further, the fasteners provide a relatively minimal level of support for the staging. In certain cases, with such a minimal level of fixation to the roof, the staging can shift or sway as the workers walk along the scaffolding planks. This can lead to the worker feeling relatively unsafe during a chimney repair.

By contrast to conventional roof support systems, embodiments of the present innovation relate to a support apparatus for use with an elongate structure, such as a chimney. In one arrangement, the support apparatus includes a base configured to extend along both sides of a pitched roof surface, a set of vertical supports secured to the base and configured to be secured to the chimney, and a set of platforms connected to the set of vertical supports and configured to at least partially extend about the perimeter of the chimney. With this arrangement, because the base extends substantially along the length of both sides of the roof surface, the base is configured to distribute the weight of the support apparatus and the workers along a relatively large surface area of the pitched roof surfaces. Accordingly, the base effectively secures the base to the pitched roof surface without relying on external fasteners, thereby minimizing damage to the roof. Additionally, with the vertical supports secured between the base and the platforms, and with the platforms secured to each other, the support apparatus provides a substantially stable, horizontal walking surface for the construction workers during chimney construction or repair. This configuration minimizes the risk of injury to the worker and allows the worker to safely handle their tools during the construction or repair, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to the structure or injury to workers on the ground as caused by dropped tools.

In one arrangement, a support apparatus comprises a first base portion having a first base portion element configured to be disposed on a first roof portion and a second base portion element configured to be disposed on a second roof portion and a second base portion having a first base portion element configured to be disposed on the first roof portion and a second base portion element configured to be disposed on the second roof portion. The support apparatus comprises a first set of vertical supports connected to the first base portion and a second set of vertical supports connected to the second base portion, each of the first set of vertical supports and the second set of vertical supports extending along a direction that is substantially parallel to an elongate structure. The support apparatus comprises a set of platforms connected to the first set of vertical supports and to the second set of vertical supports, the set of platforms configured to at least partially surround the elongate structure. Each platform of the set of platforms connected to a corresponding, adjacent platform of the set of platforms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the innovation, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments of the innovation.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a support apparatus, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 2A illustrates a first perspective view of the support apparatus of FIG. 1 mounted to an elongate structure, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 2B illustrates a second perspective view of the support apparatus of FIG. 1 mounted to an elongate structure, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 3 illustrates a ridge spanning device of the support apparatus of FIG. 1, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 4 illustrates an interlocking foot element of FIG. 1, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 5A illustrates a cross beam of the support apparatus of FIG. 1, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 5B illustrates an end of the cross beam of FIG. 5A, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 6A illustrates a placement tool of the support apparatus of FIG. 1, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 6B illustrates a clamp member of the placement tool of FIG. 6A, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 7 illustrates the use of the placement tool of FIG. 6A with the cross beams of FIG. 5A, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 8A illustrates a locking mechanism configured to secure adjacent support platforms to each other, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 8B illustrates securing of a support platform of the support apparatus of FIG. 1 to a cross beam, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 9A illustrates a side view of the locking mechanism associated with the support platforms of the support apparatus of FIG. 8 as disposed in an unlocked position, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 9B illustrates a top view of receptacle elements of the locking mechanism as defined by the filler platform, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 9C illustrates a side view of the locking mechanism associated with the support platforms of the support apparatus of FIG. 8 as disposed in a locked position, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 10 illustrates a stand-off for a ladder, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 11 illustrates a view of a support apparatus configured for use with a non-centered chimney.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present innovation relate to a support apparatus for use with an elongate structure, such as a chimney. In one arrangement, the support apparatus includes a base configured to extend along both sides of a pitched roof surface, a set of vertical supports secured to the base and configured to be secured to the chimney, and a set of platforms connected to the set of vertical supports, as well as to each other, and configured to at least partially extend about the perimeter of the chimney.

FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B illustrate a perspective view of a support apparatus 10, according to one arrangement. The support apparatus 10 is configured to provide a secure, substantially horizontal working surface for a construction worker during the construction or repair of an elongate structure, such as a chimney 17. In the arrangement illustrated, the support apparatus 10 includes a base 12, a set of vertical supports 14 connected to the base 12, and a set of support platforms 16 connected to the vertical supports 14. While these components of the support apparatus 10 can be manufactured from a variety of materials, in one arrangement, the base 12, a vertical supports, and support platforms 16 are manufactured from an aluminum material or other sturdy lightweight material.

The base 12 is configured to distribute the weight of the support apparatus 10 along a relatively large area in order to provide the support apparatus 10 with a relatively high level of stability. For example, the base 12 can include a first base portion 18 disposed in proximity to a first side portion of a chimney 17 and a second base portion 20 disposed in proximity to a second side portion of a chimney 17.

Each of the first and second base portions 18, 20 can include base portion elements that extend along a length relative to the chimney 17, such as along the length of a roof 15. For example, with additional reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first base portion 18 includes a first base portion element 22 disposed on a first roof portion 30 and a second base portion element 24 disposed on a second, opposing roof portion 32. Additionally, the second base portion 20 includes a first base portion element 26 disposed on the first roof portion 30 and a second base portion element 28 disposed on the second roof portion 32. The base portion elements 22, 24, 26, 28 are configured to rest on the respective roof portions 30, 32 at a corresponding roof pitch. For example, the first base portion elements 22, 26 are disposed on the first roof portion 30 at an angle 34 (FIG. 1) which corresponds to the roof pitch angle 38 of the first roof portion 30 (FIG. 2A) and the second base portion elements 24, 28 are disposed on the second roof portion 32 at an angle 36 (FIG. 1) which corresponds to the roof pitch angle 40 (FIG. 2A) of the second roof portion 32.

With the base 12 having first and second base portion elements 22, 24, 26, 28 disposed on either side of pitched roof 15, the base portion elements 22, 24, 26, 28 are configured to distribute the weight of the support apparatus 10 along the surface area of the roof 15. The base 12, therefore is configured to balance any loads applied to the roof 15 via the support apparatus 10, including the weight of the support apparatus 10 itself and the shifting weight of any workers utilizing the support apparatus 10. Accordingly, the configuration of the base 12 allows the weight of the support apparatus 10 to secure the support apparatus 10 to the roof 15 without requiring additional fixation components. For example, with the configuration of the base 12, an operator is not required to mechanically affix the support apparatus 10 to a roof in a destructive manner, such as by using nails or screws.

The first and second base portion elements 22, 24, 26, 28 can be configured in a variety of ways. For example, each of the first and second base portion elements 22, 24, 26, 28 can be configured as a ladder of other grid-like structure having a series of rungs. In use, such a configuration allows a worker to scale the roof 15 to access the platforms 16 surrounding the chimney 17.

In one arrangement, with particular reference to the second base portion 20 in FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B for clarity, the first and second base portion elements 26, 28 are connected together to enhance the structural integrity of the support apparatus 10. While the first and second base portion elements 26, 28 can be connected together in a variety of ways, in one arrangement, the base portion elements 26, 28 are joined together by a ridge spanning device 42.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the ridge spanning device 42 includes a first platform 44, a second platform 46, and a connecting element 48, such as a pair of hinged connecting elements 48-1, 48-2, which connects the first and second platforms 44, 46. Each platform 44, 66 includes a corresponding mat portion 50, 52, such as made from a rubber material. Each mat portion 50, 52 is configured to minimize lateral movement between the base portion elements 22, 24, 26, 28 and to protect the roof 15 from potential damage caused by the base portion elements 22, 24, 26, 28.

Each platform 44, 46 also includes a respective base portion securing mechanism 55, 57 having a corresponding holding element 54, 56 and locking element 58, 60. In one arrangement, each holding element 54, 56 is configured to receive a rung of the corresponding base portion element 26, 28 while each locking element 58, 60 is configured to secure the corresponding rung to the platform 44, 46. For example, each locking element 58, 60 can be configured as a spring loaded member that snaps over a rung to secure each corresponding base portion element 26, 28 within the holding element 54, 56 and to the ridge spanning device 42.

The connecting element 48 of the ridge spanning device 42 can be configured in a variety of geometries. For example, each connecting element 48 can be configured as having a curved or arched geometry extending from an apex location 62 (e.g., a hinged apex location 62) to platform connection locations 64, 66. With this geometry, and with reference to FIG. 2, when the base 12 is disposed on the roof 15, the curved geometry of the connecting element 48 spans the apex 68 of the roof 15 while minimizing contact and damage to the roof in the apex location.

Returning to FIG. 1, the set of vertical supports 14 are configured to secure the platforms 16 to the base 12 and are configured to secure the support apparatus 10 to the chimney 17. While any number of vertical supports 14 can be utilized as part of the support apparatus 10, in one arrangement, the set of vertical supports 14 includes a first set of vertical supports which includes a first support 70 and a second support 72 connected to the first base portion 18 and a second set of vertical supports which includes a third support 74 and a fourth support 76 connected to the second base portion 20 disposed between the base 12 and the chimney 17. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, each of the first set of vertical supports and the second set of vertical supports extend along a direction that is substantially parallel to an elongate structure, such as the chimney 17.

In one arrangement, each of the vertical supports 70, 72, 74, 76 are adjustably connected to the base 12 by a corresponding foot element 78, 80, 82, 84 disposed at a first end of the vertical supports 70, 72, 74, 76. For example, foot elements 78 and 80 define a first set of foot elements that are configured to secure corresponding vertical supports 70 and 72 of the first set of vertical supports to the first base portion 18 and foot elements 82 and 84 define a second set of foot elements configured to secure corresponding vertical supports 74 and 76 of the second set of vertical supports to the second base portion 20. As an example, and with reference to FIG. 4, the foot element 78 is described below. Each of the remaining foot elements 80, 82, 84 can have a similar configuration.

In the example shown, the foot element 78 includes a base engagement portion 86 configured to adjustably secure the vertical support 78 to the base 12. In one arrangement, the base engagement portion 86 includes a first sleeve 88 and a second sleeve 90 configured to capture adjacent rungs 97, 99 on the corresponding base portion element 26. In such an arrangement, when the first and second sleeves 88, 90 engage the rungs 97, 99, the base engagement portion 86 secures the interlocking foot element 78 as well as the vertical support 70 to the base 12. Further, the configuration of the first and second sleeves 88, 90 allows a user to adjust a position of the foot element 78 along axis 101 relative to the base portion element 26 or ladder in order to dispose the vertical supports about chimneys 17 having differently sized cross-sectional areas.

In one arrangement, the vertical support 70 couples to the interlocking foot element 78 via an adjustable mounting support 92. For example, the adjustable mounting support 92 includes a support portion 94 configured to receive the first end of the vertical support 70. The support portion 94 is rotatably coupled to the base engagement portion 86 to allow an assembler to rotatably adjust 96 the position of the vertical support 70 relative to the chimney 17. The support portion 94 is also linearly coupled to the to the base engagement portion 86 to allow an assembler to linearly adjust 98 the position of the vertical support 70 relative to the chimney 17.

In one arrangement, the set of vertical supports 14 are configured to be connected to the support platforms 16 via a set of cross beams 200, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Each cross beam 200 includes a cross beam body 202 having first and second support fixtures 204, 206 disposed at either end of the cross beam body 202. As best illustrated in FIG. 5B, and taking the first support fixture 204 as an example, the first support fixture 204 has a horizontal support surface 208 configured to support an end of a first or second primary platform 140, 142 (as shown in FIG. 1). The support fixture 204 also includes a vertical support coupling mechanism 210 configured to support, and secure to, a corresponding vertical support of the set of vertical supports 14. For example, with reference to FIG. 5B, each vertical support 70, 72, 74, 76 can be inserted into an aperture 212 defined by each corresponding support fixture 204, 206 and locked into place with a corresponding locking mechanism 214, such as a pin.

In order to align the cross beams 200 as substantially square with the chimney 17, an assembler can utilize a placement tool system 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7. In one arrangement, the placement tool system 100 includes a pair of placement tools 102, 104 disposed on opposing sides of the chimney 17 and a pair of interconnection members 106, 108 which couple the placement tools 102, 104 to each other.

With collective reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, and taking placement tool 102 as an example, the placement tool 102 includes first and second clamp members 110, 112 slidably disposed along the length of base member 114. In use, an assembler positions padded standoff members 124, 126 of the first and second clamp members 110, 112 against the chimney 17. The standoff members 124, 126 are configured to support the placement tool 102 relative to the chimney 17 and are configured to protect the chimney 17 from potential damage caused by the placement tool 102. The assembler laterally adjusts the relative positioning of the first and second clamp members 110, 112 along axis 105 such that associated grasping elements 116, 118 capture and generate a lateral, though relatively slight, load on the chimney 17. In one arrangement, the assembler can utilize a load adjustment mechanism 119 to adjust (e.g., increase) the lateral load generated by the grasping elements 116, 118 on the chimney 17.

After generating the lateral load, the assembler can connect the first and second clamp members 110, 112 to the base member 114 using corresponding first and second locking assemblies 120, 122 to limit or prevent lateral translation of the first and second clamp members 124, 126 relative to the base member 114. The assembler then further squares the placement tools 102, 104 using the pair of interconnection members 106, 108 as shown in FIG. 6A. With the placement tool system 100 substantially square to the chimney, the assembler can place cross beams 200 into the holders 121, 123 of the placement tool system 100, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 8A, the set of support platforms 16 are configured to provide workers with a substantially horizontal working and walking surface relative to the chimney 17. In one arrangement, the set of platforms 16 include first and second primary, or spanner, platforms 140, 142 and first and second secondary, or filler, platforms 144, 146. In order to provide the worker with a relatively safe and sturdy walking surface, the opposing first and second ends of adjacent platforms 140, 142, 144, 146 are configured to connect with each other and are configured to connect to the set of cross beams 200.

In one arrangement, the set of support platforms 16 are connected to the cross beams 200, via first and second support fixtures 204, 206 associated with the cross beams 200. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8B the first spanner platform 140 is secured to the second support fixture 206 of a cross beam 200 via a locking mechanism 205. While the locking mechanism 204 can be configured in a variety of ways, in one arrangement the locking mechanism 205 is configured as a pin inserted into a set of aligned apertures defined by the both the first spanner platform 140 and the second support fixture 206. With reference to FIG. 1, such a locking mechanism 205 can be applied to all four corners of the support apparatus 10 to secure the spanner platforms 140, 142 both to the cross beams 200 and to the vertical supports 14.

In one arrangement, the set of support platforms 16 are further secured to the set of vertical supports 14 with corner brackets 150 as illustrated in FIG. 8A. For example, the corner brackets 150 can be configured as angled supports that extend between the first and second filler platforms 144, 146 and the corresponding first, second, third, and fourth supports 70, 72, 74, 76 and between the first and second primary platforms 140, 142 and the corresponding first, second, third, and fourth supports 70, 72, 74, 76, as indicated in FIG. 1.

In one arrangement, each end of the spanner platforms 140, 142 and each end of the corresponding filler platforms 144, 146 are configured with a locking system to secure abutting platforms together. For example, FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate a locking system 250 divided between a first end of the spanner platform 140 and an opposing second end of the filler platform 144. In the example illustrated, the locking system 250 includes a latch element 252 hingedly coupled to the spanner platform 140 and one or more receptacle elements 254 defined by the filler platform 144. The spanner platform 140 further defines an opening or groove 256 configured to receive the receptacle elements. The filler platform 144 include a base 258 configured to support the end of the spanner platform 140.

In use, an assembler aligns the opposing ends of the platforms 140, 144 and rotates the latch 252 about hinge 260 and along direction 261, such as by pulling on handle 262. With such positioning of the latch 252, the assembler moves the filler platform 144 toward the spanner platform 140 along direction 264 to insert the receptacle elements 254 into the groove 256 and such that the base 258 supports the end of the spanner platform 140. The assembler then releases the latch 252 such that an engagement portion 266 enters an opening 268 defined by the receptacle elements 254. This engagement locks the platforms 140, 144 together, as shown in FIG. 9C. When performed for both pairs of spanner platforms 140, 142 and filler platforms 144, 146, the platforms are locked together which provides a relatively secure walking surface. Further, with reference to FIG. 1, the locking process maintains the walking surfaces of the platforms 140, 142, 144, 146 substantially within the same plane, which minimizes the risk of a worker tripping.

The support apparatus 10 is configured to provide a substantially safe and solid walking surface for a user. For example, because the base 12 extends substantially along the length of both sides of the roof surface, the base 12 is configured to distribute the weight of the support apparatus and the workers along a relatively large surface area of the pitched roof surfaces. Accordingly, the configuration of the base 12 effectively secures the base 12 to the pitched roof surface without relying on external fasteners, thereby minimizing damage to the roof. Additionally, with the vertical supports 70, 72, 74, 76 secured between the base 12 and the platforms 140, 142, 144, 146, and with the platforms 140, 142, 144, 146 secured to each other, the support apparatus provides a substantially stable, horizontal walking surface for the construction workers during chimney construction or repair. This configuration minimizes the risk of injury to the worker and allows the worker to safely handle their tools during the construction or repair, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to the structure or injury to workers on the ground as caused by dropped tools.

In one arrangement, the support apparatus 10 forms part of a support apparatus system 200. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the assembly of the support apparatus in conjunction with the support apparatus system.

Initially, as shown in FIG. 2B, the support apparatus system 200 starts at the ground level with a leveling platform 300 disposed at the landing area. The leveling platform 300 includes a location for the base or feet of the lift ladders to lock onto. As shown, an assembler can secure a lift landing pad 302 to the leveling platform 300 to extend the platform 300.

Next, an assembler secures a set of lift ladders 304 to the locking location of the leveling platform 300. In one arrangement, as illustrated in FIG. 10, each lift ladder 304-1, 304-2 can include a stand-off device 306 attached near a top end of the lift ladder 304-1, 304-2 to hold the lift ladder 304-1, 304-2 away from the gutters and roof edge. The stand-off device is positionable between a retracted position, as shown in FIG. 10 and an extended position (not shown).

Returning to FIG. 2B, the assembler can pin a lift frame 308 between the pair of lift ladders 304-1, 304-2. For example, the assembler locks the lift frame 308 to the lift ladders 304-1, 304-2 by disposing a set of rods through the rungs of the lift ladders. In one arrangement, lock chain rods (not shown) with lock chains slide through the rungs of the ladders just under the eve and fasten together to lock the lift frame to the house. In one arrangement, the assembler can install a boom arm and pulley 310 to the lift frame. In one arrangement, the boom arm and pulley 310 extend above the landing platform. While not shown, the assembler can install a heavy duty canvas tarp between the lift ladders 304-1, 304-2 from top to bottom to create a safety chute to protect the siding or windows behind it from any debris that may fall from the roof.

The assembler can install a landing platform 312, such as placed on the roof above the eve. The landing platform 312 extends across a portion of the roof 30 in a substantially level manner (e.g., perpendicular to a horizontal reference), which allows the platform to receive equipment.

Next, the assembler disposes at least one egress ladder 314 on the roof. In one arrangement, multiple egress ladders can be disposed about the chimney and connected together using pipes placed through the rungs of the ladders to allow the assembler to walk around the chimney.

Next, the assembler places ridge spanning device 42 on both sides of the chimney 17. The assembler then locks base portion elements 12, such as 8′ sections of ladders, to the ridge spanning devices 42. Next, the assembler clamps placement tools 102, 104 (e.g., the chimney clamp system) to the sides of the chimney. As indicated in FIG. 7, the assembler utilizes the placement tools 102, 104 to hold a set of cross beams 200 substantially square to the chimney 17. As indicated above, the cross beams 200 are configured to connect to the vertical supports and to the set of platforms. As indicated in FIG. 4 adjustable base feet elements 78 are locked to the spanner ladders and aligned to accept corresponding vertical supports 70, 72, 74, 76 (e.g., staging poles). The assembler aligns the cross beams 200 above the base feet elements 78 and slides a vertical support 70, 72, 74, 76 through the beam 200 to the corresponding adjustable base feet elements 78. The assembler can then adjust all four vertical supports 70, 72, 74, 76 to be square with the chimney 17. In one arrangement, the vertical supports 70, 72, 74, 76 define holes every 1″ top to bottom for locking the cross beams 200 in place about an inch above the placement tools.

Next, the assembler locks the first and second primary platforms and the first and second locking platforms to each other to create a substantially square and level work platform around the four sides of the chimney. The assembler then lock corner braces 15 between the platforms and the vertical supports, as indicated in FIG. 8A. With the corner braces 150 in place, the support apparatus 200 can securely support a user's weight.

As indicated in FIG. 2B, an assembler can attach additional vertical supports to the support apparatus to accept additional hardware, such as a work table 320 and a safety railing 322 to surround the work area. The safety railing 322 can also be utilized as an attachment location for safety nets which can extend under the work area to catch anything dropped (e.g., tools, roof debris, bricks, etc.). Also, the assembler can wrap a small chain around the chimney 17 below a damaged area to be repaired and can hang heavy duty rubble bags around the perimeter to catch any heavy pieces of brick or mortar that might fall.

While various embodiments of the innovation have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the innovation as defined by the appended claims.

For example, the above description relates to the support apparatus 10 as being used with an elongate structure, such as a chimney 17. Such description is by way of example only. In one arrangement, the support apparatus 10 can be utilized with a variety of structures, including towers and steeples.

As indicated above, the support apparatus is shown as being utilized with a centrally-located chimney (i.e., central relative to the apex of a pitched roof). Such indication is by way of example only. In one arrangement, the support apparatus can be utilized with an offset chimney (i.e., offset from the apex of the pitched roof), as illustrated in FIG. 11. In one arrangement, the support apparatus can also be utilized with an end mounted chimney (not shown).

Claims

1. A support apparatus, comprising: a first base portion having a first base portion element configured to be disposed on a first roof portion and a second base portion element configured to be disposed on a second roof portion;a second base portion having a first base portion element configured to be disposed on the first roof portion and a second base portion element configured to be disposed on the second roof portion;a first set of vertical supports connected to the first base portion and a second set of vertical supports connected to the second base portion, each of the first set of vertical supports and the second set of vertical supports extending along a direction that is substantially parallel to an elongate structure; anda set of platforms connected to the first set of vertical supports and to the second set of vertical supports, the set of platforms configured to at least partially surround the elongate structure, and each platform of the set of platforms connected to an adjacent platform of the set of platforms.

2. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the set of platforms comprises a first platform, a second platform, a third platform, and a fourth platform; a first end of the first platform connected to a second end of the second platform;a first end of the second platform connected to a second end of the third platform;a first end of the third platform connected to a second end of the fourth platform; anda first end of the fourth platform connected to a second end of the first platform.

3. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the set of platforms comprises a first platform, a second platform, and a third platform; a first end of the first platform connected to a second end of the second platform; anda first end of the second platform connected to a second end of the third platform.

4. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first base portion and the second base portion comprises a ridge spanning device, the ridge spanning device having: a first platform connected to the first base portion element;a second platform connected to the second base portion element; andat least one connecting element connecting the first platform and the second platform, the at least one connecting element configured to span a roof apex.

5. The support apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one connecting element comprises a first hinged connecting element and a second hinged connecting element, each of the first hinged connecting element and the second hinged connecting element defining an arched geometry extending from an apex location a first platform connection location associated with the first platform and a second platform connection location associated with the second platform.

6. The support apparatus of claim 4, wherein the ridge spanning device comprises at least one securing mechanism configured to connect at least one of the first base portion element and the second base portion element to the ridge spanning device.

7. The support apparatus of claim 1, comprising a first set of foot elements connected to the first base portion and a second set of foot elements connected to the second base portion, each foot element of the first set of foot elements configured to secure corresponding vertical supports of the first set of vertical supports to the first base portion and each foot element of the second set of foot elements configured to secure corresponding vertical supports of the second set of vertical supports to the second base portion.

8. The support apparatus of claim 7, wherein: each foot element of the first set of foot elements comprises a base engagement portion configured to adjustably secure the corresponding vertical element to the base; andeach foot element of the second set of foot elements comprises a base engagement portion configured to adjustably secure the corresponding vertical element to the base.

9. The support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a locking system configured to couple a first end of a first platform with a second end of a second, adjacently disposed platform.

10. The support apparatus of claim 9, wherein the locking system comprises: a latch element hingedly coupled to the first end of the first platform and a first opening defined by the first end of the first platform; anda receptacle element disposed at the second end of the second platform, the receptacle element configured to be disposed within the opening defined by the first end of the first platform and the receptacle element defining an opening configured to receive an engagement portion of the latch element.

11. The support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first cross beam connected to a first vertical support of the first set of vertical supports and connected to a first vertical support of the second set of vertical supports; anda second cross beam connected to a second vertical support of the first set of vertical supports and connected to a second vertical support of the second set of vertical supports;the first cross beam and the second cross beam configured to connect the set of platforms to the first set of vertical supports and to the second set of vertical supports.

12. A support system, comprising: a support apparatus, comprising: a first base portion having a first base portion element configured to be disposed on a first roof portion and a second base portion element configured to be disposed on a second roof portion,a second base portion having a first base portion element configured to be disposed on the first roof portion and a second base portion element configured to be disposed on the second roof portion,a first set of vertical supports configured to be connected to the first base portion and a second set of vertical supports configured to be connected to the second base portion, each of the first set of vertical supports and the second set of vertical supports extending along a direction that is substantially parallel to an elongate structure,a set of cross beams, comprising: a first cross beam configured to be connected to a first vertical support of the first set of vertical supports and connected to a first vertical support of the second set of vertical supports,a second cross beam configured to be connected to a second vertical support of the first set of vertical supports and configured to be connected to a second vertical support of the second set of vertical supports, anda set of platforms configured to be connected to the first set of vertical supports and to the second set of vertical supports via the set of cross beams, the set of platforms configured to at least partially surround the elongate structure, and each platform of the set of platforms configured to be connected to an adjacent platform of the set of platforms; anda placement tool system configured to align the cross beams as substantially square with the elongate structure, comprising:a first placement tool and a second placement tool configured to be disposed on opposing sides of an elongate structure and configured to support the first cross beam and the second cross beam, anda first interconnection member and a second interconnection member configured to be disposed on opposing sides of an elongate structure and configured to connect the first placement tool and the second placement tool.

13. The support system of claim 12, wherein at least one of the first base portion and the second base portion comprises a ridge spanning device, the ridge spanning device having: a first platform configured to be connected to the first base portion element;a second platform configured to be connected to the second base portion element; andat least one connecting element configured to connect the first platform and the second platform, the at least one connecting element configured to span a roof apex.

14. The support system of claim 13, wherein the at least one connecting element comprises a first hinged connecting element and a second hinged connecting element, each of the first hinged connecting element and the second hinged connecting element defining an arched geometry extending from an apex location a first platform connection location associated with the first platform and a second platform connection location associated with the second platform.

15. The support system of claim 13, wherein the ridge spanning device comprises at least one securing mechanism configured to connect at least one of the first base portion element and the second base portion element to the ridge spanning device.

16. The support system of claim 12, comprising a first set of foot elements connected to the first base portion and a second set of foot elements connected to the second base portion, each foot element of the first set of foot elements configured to secure corresponding vertical supports of the first set of vertical supports to the first base portion and each foot element of the second set of foot elements configured to secure corresponding vertical supports of the second set of vertical supports to the second base portion.

17. The support system of claim 16, wherein: each foot element of the first set of foot elements comprises a base engagement portion configured to adjustably secure the corresponding vertical element to the base; andeach foot element of the second set of foot elements comprises a base engagement portion configured to adjustably secure the corresponding vertical element to the base.

18. The support system of claim 12, further comprising a locking system configured to couple a first end of a first platform with a second end of a second, adjacently disposed platform.

19. The support system of claim 18, wherein the locking system comprises: a latch element hingedly coupled to the first end of the first platform and a first opening defined by the first end of the first platform; anda receptacle element disposed at the second end of the second platform, the receptacle element configured to be disposed within the opening defined by the first end of the first platform and the receptacle element defining an opening configured to receive an engagement portion of the latch element.