Patent ID: 6354402
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: E04G

Abstract:
A method of securing scaffolding material in place and against theft, comprising the steps of:erecting a first level of scaffolding including: (a) a set of front vertical pipes; (b) a set of rear vertical pipes; said vertical pipes having a predetermined OD and ID; (c) a set of front-to-rear extending horizontal pipes extending between said front and rear vertical pipes; (d) a first transverse set of pipes intercoupling said front vertical pipes; (e) a second transverse set of pipes intercoupling said rear vertical pipes; (f) a plurality of planks mounted on said set of horizontal pipes; (g) circular guide coupling members having an OD slightly less than the ID of said vertical pipes, extending into the upper end of said vertical pipes and extending for a short distance above the end of said vertical pipes; forming a plurality of hold down members formed of material having a substantially constant thickness and width, with downwardly offset ends, said ends having holes there through slightly larger than the OD of said coupling members and less than the OD of said vertical pipes; placing said hold down members over and in engagement with said planks with the holes at the ends of said hold down members extending around and mating with the upwardly extending coupling members; and erecting a second level of scaffolding above said first level of scaffolding, with the vertical pipes of said second level of scaffolding extending over said coupling members, and bearing down on said ends of said hold down members; whereby said planks are held in place by said hold down members, and said hold down members provide increased front-to-rear mechanical strength to the scaffolding.