A multi-point suspended scaffold utilizes a pair of spaced scaffold frames, each of which is provided with suspension cables which support the scaffold from outrigger beams of a building. The two scaffold frames are connected to each other by wire mesh trusses. These wire mesh trusses incorporate guard rails, toeboards, and an object retaining mesh. Upper and lower cross braces are also secured between adjacent ones of the scaffold frames. The cooperation of the wire mesh trusses, the cross bracing and the use of secured footboards provides a suspended scaffold that is structurally rigid while being easily assembled and disassembled.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed generally to a multi-point suspended scaffold. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a suspended scaffold having wire mesh trusses. Most particularly, the present invention is directed to a suspended scaffold including vertical frame members, wire mesh trusses and horizontal cross bracing. The multi-point suspended scaffold includes pairs of spaced suspension pick-up points. The scaffold is intended for use primarily on high-rise buildings. The frames, wire mesh trusses and horizontal cross braces provide a scaffold with sufficient structural integrity and redundancy necessary for safety in the event of a failure of one or more of the suspending cables. The wire mesh trusses can be provided with integrated guard rails and toeboards that are required by statute. The scaffold provides two decks at a main level and one deck at a lower working level.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The construction and maintenance of multi-story buildings, such as high-rise office and residential buildings is accomplished, in part, through the use of multi-point suspended scaffolds. Such buildings are provided, typically along their upper roof edge, with a plurality of spaced cantilever or outrigger beams. These beams are pivotable, about a suitable pivot axis at the building edge, or are slidable into a cantilever position in which the beams extend out from the walls of the building. These beams are typically spaced apart at a uniform distance and are usable to support the suspended scaffolds which are used by masons, glaziers, window washers and similar building repair and maintenance personnel.

Scaffolds are suspended by cables from the cantilever outrigger beams and are movable vertically with respect to the walls of the building or other structures by winches. These winches are attached to the frame of the scaffolds and may be manually operated or may be powered by electricity or the like. In use, the winches are operated to raise or lower the scaffold to the appropriate work level.

One or more workmen will use the scaffold assembly as a work platform from which to perform the masonry work required in the construction of the building, the installation of window walls that may be utilized in the building construction, the application of metal fascia pieces, the installation of caulking and similar tasks. It is imperative that the scaffolds be provided with sufficient structural rigidity and strength to insure that the scaffold will not collapse under load and will not fall apart in the event of, for example, one of the cables failing or slipping on its associated winch. Various government codes and regulations have dictated that a scaffold be able to meet certain safety standards with respect to strength, durability and failure resistance.

In prior scaffolds, the structures have been complex and cumbersome. A large number of components have had to be assembled to form the resulting scaffold. Since the typical scaffold is assembled at a point of use, used over a finite period of time, and is then disassembled and taken to a new point of use, the assembly and disassembly times that are required are of importance. In prior scaffolds, the use of a large number of individual components has required a substantial amount of time to accomplish the assembly and disassembly of the scaffolds. The expenditure of such a large amount of time is costly.

Since each scaffold is typically suspended at a distance above the ground and must support the weight of one or more workmen and their equipment and supplies, the scaffold must have sufficient structural strength and rigidity to accomplish this task. In prior systems, this has tended to result in the use of large, strong components which also have a great deal of weight. This weight of the scaffold itself is a component of the overall weight that can be supported from the cantilever outrigger beams by the suspending cables. The greater the weight of the scaffold itself, the less payload, in the form of men, equipment and supplies that can be supported by the scaffold. The use of these heavy scaffold components, while providing the needed structural rigidity and strength, also reduces the weight of the workmen and supplies that each scaffold can carry. In addition, a heavy scaffold structure requires more labor to assemble, disassemble and transport. The prior scaffolds have thus been expensive to put together, to take apart, and to transport.

In the unlikely event of the failure of one or more of the suspension cables, the scaffold being supported by these cables must retain its structural integrity. It may tilt or drop at the point where the supporting cable has slipped or broken, but it cannot fail structurally. The scaffold must remain assembled at all times. In the past, this has again given rise to scaffold structures which have required a number of braces. While the use of such an arrangement of a plurality of braces has insured that the scaffold will maintain its structural integrity, it has also added to both the complexity and the weight of the resultant scaffold. As noted above, since virtually all scaffolds are assembled on a particular job site, used for a finite length of time at that job site and then taken apart and transported to another job site, the use of a large number of braces and reinforcing rods has added to the time needed for assembly and take down and has also added substantial weight to the scaffolds.

Various government regulations require that all scaffolds have certain features which are intended to aid in maintaining the safety of the workers who are using the scaffold. One of these requirements is the provision of toeboards that are used to prevent the toes or feet of the workmen from extending out past the working surface of the scaffold. This is important in the prevention of injuries. Another is the provision of guard rails at specified locations. Mesh is also typically required to prevent the likelihood of objects falling off the scaffold. However, the provision of these government-mandated toeboards, guard rails and retention mesh has required the installation of additional elements in the assembly of each scaffold. In the prior scaffolds, the sole purpose of the toeboard was to act as a guard for the feet of the workers. Guard rails were also thought of as being only for protection. The same was true with respect to retention mesh or netting. No thought was given to the possible use of these toeboards, guard rails and mesh as structural components of the scaffold. The result again has been an unduly complex structure that is time-consuming to assemble and to take apart and that is heavy and cumbersome to transport between job sites.

Prior scaffold assemblies have tended to be heavy, cumbersome structures that are labor intensive to assemble and to disassemble. They have used components that provide structural rigidity at the expense of reduced weight. While they have been safe and have complied with the applicable government rules and have met the necessary standards, they have not done so using a structure that is lightweight, and structurally uncomplicated. The multi-point suspended scaffold in accordance with the present invention, as will be set forth subsequently, overcomes these limitations of the prior art and is a substantial advance in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-point suspended scaffold.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a scaffold that uses spaced tubular metal frames joined by wire mesh trusses.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a multi-point suspended scaffold which has support decks at two different elevations.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-point suspended scaffold which includes spaced frames which are connected to adjacent frames by upper and lower cross braces and by wire mesh trusses.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a scaffold assembly having the required toeboards, guard rails and retention mesh as parts of the wire mesh trusses.

Even yet another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-point suspended scaffold which will comply with all applicable government regulations and which will have improved structural rigidity and reduced weight.

As will be described in greater detail in the description of the preferred embodiments, which is set forth subsequently, the multi-point suspended scaffold in accordance with the present invention is constructed using spaced, standardized frames. Each frame includes a pair of spaced suspension points that will each receive a mechanical hoist or winch. Two of the frames can be joined together by the use of wire mesh trusses and by upper and lower cross braces to form a structurally rigid unit. Each such scaffold unit includes upper platforms that can function as supply staging areas and as walkways for support personnel. The scaffold also includes a lower platform on which a skilled worker will stand. The upper platforms are generally at hip height with respect to the skilled workmen standing on the lower platform and thus provide a convenient and easily accessible support area for the materials which the skilled workman, typically a mason, is apt to need to perform his tasks.

In contrast with prior scaffolds, the multi-point suspended scaffold in accordance with the present invention is less complicated structurally, is easier to assemble and to take apart, provides greater space for movement of skilled workers and assistants, has greater structural rigidity with reduced weight and is generally better suited to performing the tasks for which it is intended. In prior scaffolds, there were three bars or rods that were individually positioned along the rear of the scaffold. These included a top guard rail located at generally waist height, a middle guard rail at 19 inches above the deck and the toeboard with a height of 4 inches. Each one of these was installed separately and was a separate component. Further, a mesh retention material had to be installed between the top of the toeboard and the upper or top guard rail. This was typically in the form of a plastic mesh material that was not easily or effectively installed. In contrast, in the scaffold of the present invention, the steel mesh trusses are single components that include the top guard rail, the middle guard rail, the mesh, and in the case of the lower steel mesh trusses, also includes the toeboards. The result is a unified structure that is much more readily and correctly installed. In actual usage, it has been seen that the scaffold in accordance with the present invention, is readily understood and assembled by the end users. This assembly takes place in far less time than was required by prior scaffold assemblies.

The multi-point suspended scaffold of the present invention allows the assemblage of a plurality of scaffold sections in a manner that allows ease of access by the workmen and helpers. In the situation of use of such a scaffold assembly by masons who are building or blocking a wall, there is provided unencumbered access to supplies and the ability for the mason's assistants to replenish those supplies quickly. Each scaffold section can be placed adjacent other similar sections. The absence of vertical or vertically diagonal bracing means that there are unencumbered passages between adjacent scaffold sections. Transport of bricks, blocks, mortar and ancillary supplies along the main, upper deck are facilitated by the double width of the deck and by the unobstructed ends of each scaffold section. The location of the lower deck, with respect to the upper deck, as was discussed above, allows the placement of the supplies required by the mason, for example, at a height which is easy for him to access.

In the multi-point suspended scaffold of the present invention, the use of the steel mesh trusses provides great structural rigidity at reduced weight. Unlike prior structures that used separate top or upper and middle guard rails, a separate toeboard and removable mesh, the steel mesh trusses of the present invention are one piece units that provide better strength, reduced weight and easier, quicker assembly than did the prior multi-component structures. This gives rise to reduced assembly times, to reduced parts inventories, to improved workman safety and to an overall higher level of satisfaction with the scaffold. This is possible because of the simplification of the assembly by the use of the steel mesh trusses.

The scaffold is formed by the connection of two frames that are each able to be broken down into an upper frame section and a lower frame section. The overall height of the assembled frame units is approximately 10 feet. This will allow sufficient head room for the passage of helpers and other persons between adjacent scaffold sections. It does however, present a slight shipment and handling issue. To overcome that, each of the frames is separable into an upper frame section and a lower frame section by the use of a connection which allows the two sections to be easily separated and reconnected. This increases the ease of transport and handling of the frame sections while not diminishing their structural integrity.

The multi-point suspended scaffold in accordance with the present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art. It provides greater structural integrity at reduced weight and with fewer components than its predecessors. It is simpler to assemble, easier to use and safer than prior scaffolds. It can be broken down and shipped with fewer components and in a faster time than was able to be accomplished using the prior devices. The multi-point suspended scaffold of the present invention is thus a significant improvement over prior devices and is a substantial advance in the art.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring initially toFIG. 1, there may be seen generally at10a preferred embodiment of a multi-point suspended scaffold in accordance with the present invention. The suspended scaffold seen generally at10inFIG. 1is typically part of a multiple component scaffold assembly, each of which is the same as the scaffold10depicted inFIG. 1. While the plurality of adjacent scaffold10that are typically combined to form the multiple component scaffold assembly are not specifically depicted, it will be understood that while the multi-point suspended scaffold10shown inFIG. 1can be used by itself, it is more typical for a plurality of such scaffolds10to be placed side by side and typically interconnected to form a multiple component scaffold assembly. It is only for purposes of ease of illustration that such an arrangement is not depicted.

As may be seen inFIG. 1, the multi-point suspended scaffold, generally at10, is comprised of two generally identical scaffold frames12. These two scaffold frames12are interconnected by one upper or top wire mesh truss, generally at14, by two lower wire mesh trusses16and by upper cross braces18and lower cross braces20. Each of these structural components of the multi-point suspended scaffold10will be discussed in detail subsequently. As may be seen inFIG. 2, a pair of upper footboards22and a similar lower footboard24also connect the two scaffold frames12to complete the suspended scaffold, generally at10.

Each of the scaffold frames12is provided with a pair of winches, generally at26, each of which is connected to its respective scaffold frame12. Each winch carries a length of suspension cable28that terminates, at its upper end, in a cable ring30. As is generally well known in the art, the cable rings30are sized to fit around cantilever outrigger beams, generally at32. As may be seen more clearly inFIG. 3, each one of the outrigger beams is supported, typically pivotably, at an inboard end34to a building, generally at36. The building36and the attachment of the outrigger beams32to the building are well known in the art and do not form any part of the present invention.

In use, the cantilever or outrigger beams32, which are spaced at fixed intervals along the roof38of the building, are deployed either by being slid or pivoted outwardly. The suspension cables28are deployed from their respective winches26to provide adequate line slack so that the cable rings30can be slid around the beams32. While these beams32are depicted as being I-beams, it will be understood that these are representative of various beam configurations that are usable. It will also be understood that suitable structures are provided on the beams, in accordance with well-known safety practice, to secure the cable rings in place on the beams at fixed locations. These locations of several of the cable rings30on the outrigger beams are selected so that the scaffold10will be supported adjacent to, but out of contact with a wall40of the building36.

As may be seen by again referring toFIGS. 1-4, the cable rings30are generally flat metal strips or bands42that have been bent into a somewhat pentagonal shape with a pair of free ends44that are each provided with a bore46. The bores46on the two free ends44of each strip42are aligned with each other and can receive an ovoid attachment link48which, in turn will receive a cable eye50that has been formed in the suspension cable28. The benefit of forming each cable ring30using a flat metal strip42, as opposed to a bent metal rod, as is typically done in the prior art, is to reduce the stress distribution in the cable rings30. A flat surface of the cable ring30engages the flat surface of the I-beam32. In the prior arrangements, which typically use a bent metal rod, there is a line contact between the bent ring and the beam32. The flat plate contact offered by the use of the metal strip42reduces this stress concentration.

Each of the scaffold frames12is comprised of an upper scaffold frame section52and a lower scaffold forme section54as may be seen inFIGS. 1-3. Each of these scaffold frame sections52;54is preferably fabricated of metal tubing elements that can be connected to each other by welding or other suitable methods of connection. Each scaffold frame is generally four feet wide and ten feet high. Since the overall length of 10 feet of each scaffold frame10makes it more challenging to handle and manipulate, the scaffold frames10are, as discussed above, separable into the upper scaffold frame section52and the lower scaffold frame section54. As is depicted inFIG. 3, this separation may be accomplished by a peg and bolt connection, generally at56, as will be discussed in detail below.

The upper scaffold frame section52is a generally rectangular frame that is composed of an outer upper section vertical tube60, an inner upper section vertical tube62, a top upper section horizontal tube64and a bottom upper section horizontal tube66. These four upper scaffold frame section tubes60,62,64and66are typically round steel tubing. However, they could have other cross-sectional shapes and could be made of other materials. The four tubes60,62,64and66are typically welded together to form the upper scaffold frame section52depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2.

As can be seen perhaps most clearly inFIG. 3, a top extension tube68is removably connected to an inboard end70of the top upper section horizontal tube64by a suitable peg and bolt coupling, generally at56. A peg74can be welded into the inboard end70of the top upper section horizontal tube64and has a free end76that projects beyond the inboard end74of the tube64. A bolt78is usable to secure the top extension tube68's outer end to the free end76of the peg74. Such peg and bolt couplers56are used at other places on the scaffold frame12and will be referred to hereinafter as peg and bolt couplers. One such coupler was discussed briefly in respect to the connecting together of the upper and lower scaffold frame sections52and54.

An upper stop plate80is attached to an inboard end81of the top extension tube68of the upper scaffold frame section52. This upper stop plate80is, as is shown inFIG. 3, not intended to continually engage the vertical wall40of the building36. Such a continuous engagement could damage the building. Instead, the upper stop plate80is intended to act as a stop in the situation where the scaffold10may tend to swing with respect to the building36.

A pair of spaced frame pick-up plates82are bolted or otherwise secured to each of the outer and inner upper section vertical tubes60;62respectively, as may be seen inFIGS. 1-4. These two spaced frame pick-up plates82that are secured to each of the upper scaffold sections vertical tubes60;62support a frame plate pin84that passes through both of the plates82. This pin84, which is typically removable from between the two spaced frame pick-up plates82, is usable to form an attachment point for one of the winches26that are connected to each one of the upper scaffold frame section vertical tubes60;62. Each such winch26can have a suitable hook or other connector86through which the frame plate pin84can pass. The winch26can be disconnected from the spaced apart frame pick-up plates by removal of the frame plate pin84which will be understood to have suitable assemblies, such as cotter pins or lock pins to prevent inadvertent pin withdrawal.

As discussed above, each winch26carries a length of suspension cable28that extends between the winch26and the cable ring30. Each one of these suspension cables28passes through a cable sleeve88which is situated in the top upper section horizontal tube64. These cable sleeves88serve to stabilize the scaffold frames12on their respective suspension cables28.

Referring again toFIGS. 1-3the scaffold frame lower frame section54is also generally rectangular. It is comprised of an outer lower section vertical tube90; an inner lower section vertical tube92; a top lower section horizontal tube94and a bottom lower section horizontal tube96. As was the case with the upper scaffold frame section52, all of the tubes90;92;94and96in the lower scaffold frame section54are typically round metal tubes, which tubes are connected to each other by welding or the like to form a generally rectangular lower scaffold frame section.

The two lower frame section vertical tubes90and92each has an upper end98and100; respectively. These upper ends98and100are releasably connected to lower ends102,104of the upper section vertical tubes60and62, respectively. This releasable connection is accomplished again through the use of suitable peg and bolt couplings or connections, again indicated at56and described in detail above. It will be understood that other secure yet releasable couplers or connections can be utilized to couple the lower scaffold frame section54and the upper scaffold frame section52to each other to form the resultant scaffold frame12. As was discussed above, the overall scaffold frame12has a length of approximately ten feet. The ability to disassemble the scaffold frame12into its upper and lower frame sections52and54facilitates handling and shipment of the frame sections.

A working level horizontal tube106is attached, typically in a permanent manner, to the inboard side of the inner lower frame section vertical tube92. As may be seen more clearly inFIG. 3, an exterior leg108of the inner lower frame section vertical tube92extends down below the bottom lower section horizontal tube96. The exterior leg serves as an attachment point for a lower end of a diagonal support plate110that extends between the leg108and the working level horizontal tube106. As will be discussed in detail shortly, this working level horizontal tube106provides the support for the lower footboard24, as is depicted schematically inFIG. 2.

A lower stop plate112is attached to an inboard end114of each of the working level horizontal tubes106. Each such lower stop plate112is generally equivalent, in function, to its associated upper stop plate80. When the scaffold, generally at10is properly suspended, by its multiple suspension cables78from the outrigger beams32, it will be spaced closely to, but will not be in contact with the vertical wall40of the associated building36. As was discussed above, such contact between the stop plates80and112and the building36is apt to occur only if the multi-point suspended scaffold10is caused to swing. Such a swinging motion is not expected to occur on a recurring basis. The stop plates80and112are preferably spaced from the building wall40by several inches. In addition, the lower stop plates112serve to retain the lower footboards24in place and prevent them from sliding toward the building.

Turning now toFIG. 2, the multi-point suspended scaffold, generally at10is formed by the connecting of the two spaced scaffold frames by a pair of upper footboards22and one lower footboard24. These footboards22;24are generally known in the art. They are typically 19 inches in width and come in varying lengths. Each footboard22;24has a pair of spaced corner or end hooks, generally at116. Each such end hook116is dimensioned to fit over an associated one of the bottom upper section horizontal tubes66or the working level horizontal tubes106. Each such footboard corner or end hook116is typically provided with an associated slide latch, which is not specifically depicted, so that the footboards22or24will not become inadvertently disconnected from their associated tubes66or106.

As is generally known in the art, these footboards22and24are typically made of plywood or aluminum. They are sufficiently rigid to be able to support the weight of men and materials during use of the multi-point scaffold10. The lower footboard24is sufficiently lower than the upper footboards22so that a skilled tradesman, such as a mason can stand on the lower footboard24while a helper or assistance stacks materials, such as bricks or blocks and mortar on a forward edge of the inner one of the upper footboards22. This places the materials generally at the level of a hip of a skilled tradesman who is standing on the lower footboard24. The laborer can easily provide the materials required by the skilled tradesman because the width of the upper scaffold frame section is wide enough to accommodate the positioning of two upper footboards22side by side. While not specifically depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2, it will be understood that the multi-point suspended scaffold, generally at10, is intended to be used in conjunction with other similar scaffolds which are all suspended by suitable suspension cables28from spaced ones of the outrigger beams32. As may be seen inFIGS. 1,2and3, the ends of each scaffold10are unobstructed by cross braces or reinforcements. This allows ease of movement of both the skilled tradesman on the lower footboard24and his assistants or laborers along the upper footboards22. When a plurality of scaffold frames are assembled, suitable guard rail standards are provided at the frame ends for safety.

Each multi-point suspended scaffold10is formed by the combining of two spaced scaffold frames12. This connection is accomplished, in part, by the securement of the footboards22and24to the associated tubes66and106. That connection is not however sufficient to provide the rigidity and resistance to separation of the scaffold frames12which is required to provide a safe, secure multi-point suspended scaffold. In accordance with the present invention, that connection or joining of the scaffold frames12, to form the multi-point suspended scaffold, is accomplished primarily through the use of the upper wire mesh truss14and the lower wire mesh truss16. In part, that secure, rigid connection of the embodiment, spaced scaffold frames12, to form the multi-point suspended scaffold10is also accomplished by the provision of the upper cross bracesl8and the lower cross braces20. These will now be discussed in detail.

Scaffolds are required, by various governmental regulations, to include guard rails, toeboards and mesh to prevent workmen and/or materials from falling off and either being injured or injuring people below the scaffolds. In the past, these guard rails, toeboards and mesh assemblies were all separate items that had to be provided and secured to the scaffold frames separately. These prior guard rails and toeboards were also not typically used as part of the scaffold structure in the sense of providing structural rigidity. The wire mesh trusses, either without or with integral toeboards,16and18respectively and in accordance with the present invention provide both requirements of protection and structural rigidity.

Referring toFIG. 6, there may be seen, generally at14, an upper or top wire mesh truss in accordance with the present invention. This upper wire mesh truss14is so designated because it does not include an integral toeboard, as do the lower wire mesh trusses16that will be discussed in detail subsequently. The upper or top wire mesh truss, generally at14is generally rectangular in front elevation view and is formed by an upper truss top horizontal tube120, an upper truss bottom horizontal tube122, a left upper truss vertical end tube124and a right upper truss vertical end tube126. All of these tubes are preferably hollow metal tubing and are preferably square or rectangular in cross-section. A truss wire mesh, generally at128is welded or otherwise secured to each of the four upper mesh truss tubes. The weldment or other securement used to attach the truss mesh128to the upper mesh truss tubes120;122;124and126is not specifically depicted inFIG. 6. While welding is preferred, it is not the sole type of attachment between the mesh and the tubes that could be utilized.

A top guard rail130is joined both to the upper truss top horizontal tube120and also to an upper edge of the truss wire mesh128. Again, welding is the preferred, but not the sole method of attachment that can be used. The top guard rail130is preferably round tubing and has flattened attachment ends132which are positioned outbound of the upper truss vertical end tubes124and126. Each such flattened attachment end132is provided with an attachment bore134whose use will now be discussed. It is to be understood that the upper or top wire mesh truss14, as its name implies, forms a truss or a structural member that has the requisite stiffness and rigidity to serve as a connective member between two spaced ones of the scaffold frames12.

As may be seen more clearly inFIGS. 8 and 9, a number of the tubes of the scaffold upper and lower frame sections carry one or more drop locks or slide locks, generally at140. In the arrangement depicted inFIGS. 8 and 9, the lock140is a drop lock because it is oriented generally vertically and gravity will cause the lock to drop. When the lock, generally at140, is attached to a horizontal tube, such as the top upper section horizontal tube64or the bottom lower section horizontal tube96, the lock will be slid generally horizontally between locking and unlocked portions. It may there be referred to as a slide lock. In both orientations, the structure and function are the same. In both orientations, while not specifically depicted, a suitable biasing element, such as a spring, could be used to maintain the lock in its locked position. Typically, friction is supposed to do so, but a biasing force may be provided, if believed to be appropriate.

Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, a generally U-shaped lock slider142has an inner leg144that is formed with an elongated, closed aperture146. A lock pin148is first provided with an attached inner spacer washer150. The closed aperture146is then slid over the pin, outboard of the inner spacer washer150. A second outer spacer washer152in then slid onto the pin and is welded in place. The lock slider142is now secured to the pin148between the two spacer washers150;152and is free to slide along the length of the elongated aperture146. The lock slider142is held on the lock pin148by the spaced, welded inner and outer spacer washers150and152, respectively.

As outer leg154of the U-shaped lock slider142is connected to the inner leg by a connection web156. The outer leg154has a downwardly opening slot158which is dimensioned, and spaced from the inner leg144by the connecting web156so that it will engage an outer end160of the lock pin148.

In use, ones of these drop or slide locks140are secured to the scaffold frame tubes at suitable locations. The inner end of the lock pin148, inboard of the inner spacer washer150, is inserted into an appropriately located aperture in the selected tube, and the inner spacer washer150is welded to the tube. It would also be possible to have the inboard end of the lock pin148extend through the associated tube and be held a place by a cotter pin or snap lock pins or possibly by a threaded bolt connection. Once the lock pin148has been appropriately positioned, the lock slide142is raised, as depicted inFIG. 8. A flattened end132, for example of the top guard rail130of the upper or top wire mesh truss14, can be attached to the drop lock140by passage of the outboard end160of the lock pin148through the aperture134in the flattened end132. Once this has been done, the lock slide can be slid into its closed position, as seen inFIG. 9. Once this has been done at both ends of the upper wire mesh truss14, that truss14is securely situated between the two spaced scaffold frames12, as may be seen in all ofFIGS. 1-4. It will be noted that the upper wire mesh truss is located on the outer side of the scaffold frames12; i.e. the side of the outer upper frame section vertical tubes60of the two scaffold frames12that are more remote from the building36.

A generally similar lower wire mesh truss, generally at16is depicted in detail inFIG. 5. This lower wire mesh truss16includes spaced left and right vertical lower tubes161and162, a toeboard, generally at164, a pair of lower wire mesh truss diagonal tubes166and a middle guard rail168. The vertical tubes161;162; the toeboard164and the middle guard rail168cooperate to form a generally rectangular rigid frame to which is secured a truss wire mesh170, generally the same as the truss wire mesh128used on the top wire mesh truss14. The wire mesh170is secured to the tubes161;162, to the toeboard164and to the middle guard rail168by welding or any other appropriate type of securement. The vertical tubes161and162and the diagonal tubes166are preferably square or rectangular hollow metal tubing. This facilitates the attachment, by welding, of the wire mesh170to them. The middle guard rail168is preferably a round metal tube. It has flattened ends172with apertures174whose use is the same as the corresponding parts of the upper guard rail130of the upper wire mesh truss14.

As may be seen inFIGS. 5 and 7the toeboard, generally at164of the lower wire mesh truss16is generally L-shaped in side elevation view. It has a vertical leg180with an outer surface182on which the wire mesh170is welded, and an inner surface184on which the lower ends of the diagonal tubes166are welded. A bottom plate186of the L-shaped toeboard164is generally horizontal in the use position of the lower wire mesh truss16. A hook ear188is secured to each one of the vertical tubes160,162of the lower wire mesh truss, as seen inFIG. 5. The hook ears188are sized and positioned to engage a respective one of the outer upper scaffold frame section vertical tube60or the inner lower scaffold frame section vertical tube92when the lower wire mesh trusses are attached to the respective upper scaffold frame section52and to the lower scaffold frame section54, as seen inFIGS. 1-4.

When the lower wire mesh truss16is secured to the upper scaffold frames52, by use of the drop or slide locks140, as has been discussed previously in connection with the securement of the upper or top wire mesh trusses14, it will be noted, as depicted more clearly inFIG. 3, that the upper wire mesh truss14and the lower wire mesh truss16are installed in a somewhat overlapping or imbricated arrangement. The lower wire metal truss16is installed first and the upper wire metal truss14is installed next. The middle guard rail168of the lower wire mesh truss16underlies or is on the outer side of the wire mesh128of the subsequently installed upper wire mesh truss14, as seen most clearly inFIG. 3. The upper wire mesh truss14overlies, or is inside of, the middle guard rail168of the lower wire mesh truss16. This installation, together with the engagement of the hook ears188of the lower wire mesh truss16with the outer upper scaffold section vertical tubes60of the two adjacent scaffold frames12serves to rigidify the assembled multi-point suspended scaffold before it is placed into use.

The bottom plate186of each toeboard, generally at164, is adjacent to, and covers an outer edge of its associated one of the footboards22or24. In the depiction ofFIG. 7, the toeboard, generally at164is shown adjacent to, and overlying the outer edge of the lower footboard24that is supported by the working level horizontal tubes106of the spaced lower scaffold frame sections54.

The upper and lower wire mesh trusses14;16, in accordance with the present invention, perform multiple functions. Each one of the trusses includes a guard rail, either the upper guard rail or the middle guard rail. Each one of the wire mesh trusses14;16is securely attached to its associated scaffold frame sections and joins the two scaffold frame sections to solidify and to rigidify the multi-point suspended scaffold. In the case of the lower wire mesh trusses16, the integral toeboards164further increase the rigidity of each such lower wire mesh truss16while also providing the required barrier so that a worker cannot extend his foot out of the scaffold. Further, the middle guard rail168of the lower wire metal truss16, when the truss is used in combination with the lower scaffold frame section54, effectively closes the space between the lower footboards24and the inner one of the upper footboards22. This again closes potential gaps or spaces.

Further structural rigidity is provided to the assembled multi-point suspended scaffold by the provision of the upper cross braces18and the lower cross braces20. Each of these cross braces is a generally X-shaped assemblage of two elongated metal tubes190and192. These tubes are connected to each other at a pivot connection194equidistant their ends. Those ends196are provided as flattened ends with apertures, which are not specifically seen and which are engaged by, in this case, slide locks198. These slide locks198are the same, in structure, as the drop locks142depicted inFIGS. 8 and 9. They are oriented900from the depiction shown inFIGS. 8 and 9. Their structure and operation is the same. As discussed above, it may be appropriate to provide the horizontally oriented slide locks198with biasing elements, such as possibly springs so that an additional force, other than friction, can be relied on to keep the slide locks in their closed positions. The upper cross brace18and the lower cross brace20are identical in structure and function. They combine with the wire mesh trusses14and16, and with the footboards22and24to securely connect adjacent ones of the scaffold frames12to provide the resultant multi-point suspended scaffold in accordance with the present invention.

While a multi-point suspended scaffold, in accordance with the present invention, has been set forth fully and completely hereinabove, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art that various changes could be made in, for example, the type of winches used, the specific structure of the outrigger beams, the materials used for the footboards, and the like, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention which is accordingly to be limited only by the appended claims.