Patent Publication Number: US-8123001-B1

Title: Modular platform/ scaffolding

Description:
Applicants claim priority of U.S. provisional application 61/069,996, filed Mar. 18, 2008, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     The present invention relates generally to platforms such as may be erected below a bridge deck for cleaning, painting, or other maintenance work thereon. As used herein and in the claims, the term “platform” is meant to include other forms of scaffolding. 
     Art which may be of interest to the present invention includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 748,962; 1,819,031; 1,896,746; 2,303,428; 2,882,099; 2,903,282; 2,987,148; 2,994,402; 3,420,011; 3,425,179; 3,635,509; 3,888,371; 4,234,055; 4,244,152; 4,253,548; 4,475,841; 4,566,245; 4,574,535; 4,660,680; 4,685,535; 4,815,563; 4,967,875; 5,061,001; 5,203,428; 5,214,899; 5,274,980; 5,617,931 (discloses modular scaffolding utilizing aluminum side trusses); 5,704,169; 5,771,655; 5,771,665; 5,785,148; 6,205,739; 6,217,344; 6,223,482; 6,357,549; 6,799,658; 6,918,152; D364,531, and U.S. patent application publication 2004/0128942, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     Applicant, Lambros Apostolopoulos, has for many years provided, for use by workmen under bridge decks, platforms which comprises a plurality of cables strung between bridge piers or the like and paneling laid cross-wise of the cables and attached thereto. The cables are supported along their lengths by vertical cables attached to the paneling attachment structure and to overlying structural portions of the bridge. These platforms, which have served the industry well over many years, are described more specifically in Applicant&#39;s (Lambros Apostolopoulos) U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,730,248; 5,921,346; 6,003,634; 6,135,240; 6,138,793; 6,227,331; 6,264,002; 6,302,237; 6,386,319; and 6,523,644, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     A modular trussed platform is described in Australian patent 774316 (based on Australian application AU 200138987), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, which utilizes cluster posts between which truss units are attached, which allows the trusses to span in both longitudinal and transverse directions. Each cluster post has 4 circumferentially spaced slots for receiving end edges of the truss units. The truss units are attached to the cluster posts by lock pins. It is stated on page 7 thereof that each section can be cantilevered prior to hanging.  FIG. 7  thereof shows a structure suspended by suspension wire attached to cluster posts or trusses.  FIG. 9  thereof shows cluster posts extending below the trusses to support a deck from below. Such a system requires cranes or the like to move the trusses into position for attachment, which is cumbersome and expensive. 
     U.S. patent application publication 2005/0217936, published Oct. 6, 2005 (and PCT application publication WO2005096725, published Oct. 20, 2005, is believed to correspond and be cumulative thereto), and the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, discloses a work platform wherein a plurality of joists, such as trusses, are pivotally attached to a plurality of hubs. The hubs have cylindrical middle sections and upper and lower planar elements with circumferentially spaced holes therein for connecting the joists. Pins are received in the holes and in holes in the joists for connecting the joists to the hubs so that the joists articulate. Hubs are suspended from a bridge or other structure by cables or chains. Erection of the structure requires the workers to hold the heavy joists adjacent the edges of previously installed platform segments, apply the pins, then push the articulated heavy joists into position. Such a process is very dangerous due to the chances of slipping and falling. In addition, there is difficulty with such a truss structure in building around obstacles and in tight areas. 
     It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a modular platform/scaffolding structure which can be erected and dismantled easily and safely and quickly, without the use of cranes or other heavy equipment. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide such a modular structure which has the flexibility in erecting to allow building easily around obstacles and in tight areas. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a modular structure wherein each of the individual components can be easily manipulated and attached and unattached by a single person. 
     It is a still further object of the present invention to provide such a modular structure which has a generally flat walking surface. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a modular structure which is rugged and reliable and strong and has minimal height (vertical dimension). 
     In order to provide such a modular platform/scaffolding structure, in accordance with the present invention, frame beams have apertures spaced in their flanges (along each side) over their lengths to receive pins for swingably receiving the ends of deck support beams thereby to allow flexibility in locating the deck support beams along the lengths of the frame beams. Further in accordance with the present invention, the ends of two frame beams are connected by pins received in end ones of the frame beam apertures and in a first connector, in a manner allowing one frame beam to be substantially side-by-side with the other frame beam while being connected and then allowing it to be swung into a position wherein the frame beams are co-axial and then rigidly secured in that position by pins received in the other end apertures (on respectively opposite sides of the respective frame beam flanges) and in a second connector. 
     The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment(s) thereof when read in conjunction with the appended drawings wherein the same reference numerals denote the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a portion of a platform which embodies, shown schematically attached to a bridge. 
         FIG. 2  is a partial perspective view illustrating the attachment of the ends of two frame beams of the platform. 
         FIG. 3  is a section view taken along lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a pin for the attachment of the frame beams. 
         FIG. 5  is a partial perspective view illustrating the attachment of a deck support beam to one of the frame beams. 
         FIG. 6  is a partial perspective view illustrating the attachment of one edge of a deck member to a deck support beam. 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged detail view of the attachment of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a partial plan view of the attachment of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is an edge view showing the attachment of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a partial plan view of the attachment of the opposite edge of the deck member of  FIGS. 6 to 9  to another deck support beam. 
         FIG. 11  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 9  showing the attachment of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a shackle for attachment of the platform to the bridge and illustrating its attachment to a frame beam. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the mount for the shackle. 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded view of various components of the platform. 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged detail view, partly in section, illustrating a seal inserted between edges of attached frame beams. 
         FIG. 16  is a generally schematic view of a hand rail attached to the platform. 
         FIG. 17  is a plan view of a frame beam. 
         FIG. 18  is a side view of the frame beam. 
         FIG. 19  is an end view of the frame beam. 
         FIG. 20  is a plan view of a deck support beam with attachment members attached at the ends thereof. 
         FIG. 21  is a side view of the deck support beam and attachment members. 
         FIG. 22  is an end view of the deck support beam and attachment members. 
         FIG. 23  is a side view of a frame beam connector. 
         FIG. 24  is a plan view of the frame beam connector. 
         FIG. 25  is an end view of the frame beam connector. 
         FIG. 26  is a sectional view of a frame beam connector showing the pin received in an aperture thereof and in the corresponding frame beam apertures. 
         FIGS. 27 and 28  are schematic views of a portion of the platform in successive stages of assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown generally at  20  a portion of a modular platform which may be used, for example, for work such as cleaning or painting to be conducted on a bridge a portion of which is illustrated at  22 . The platform  20  includes a group of pluralities of interconnected frame beams  24  extending cross-wise of the bridge  22  and deck support beams  26  extending length-wise of the bridge  22  between frame beams  24 , it being understood that, alternatively, the frame beams may extend length-wise of the bridge  22  and the deck support beams may extend width-wise of the bridge  22 . Vertical cables or chains  28  (only one shown) or the like connect the frame beams  24  to the overhanging bridge structure  22  for support of the platform  20 . The cables  28  are connected to shackles  29  which are in turn attached to the frame beams  24 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . As long as sufficient support is provided, it is of course not necessary that every single frame beam  24  be connected to the bridge structure  22  by a cable  28 , and, as seen in  FIG. 1 , a single frame beam  24  may be supported by two or more cables  28 . Instead of being supported by hanging from cables, it should be understood that platform  20  may be supported from below, for example, by columns on which some or all of the frame beams  24  are supported, or may otherwise be suitably supported. The platform  20  may of course be used for other purposes such as for scaffolding. Paneling, illustrated at  30 , such as, for example, plywood flooring is laid across the deck support beams  26  and secured thereto as is discussed in greater detail hereinafter or in other ways commonly known to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, to complete the platform  20 .  FIG. 1  shows two groups of frame beams  24  each group having two frame beams  24  shown connected end-to-end co-axially, as illustrated by their having a common longitudinal axis, illustrated at  25 . It should be understood that the platform  20  may have any number of groups of frame beams  24  and any number of frame beams  24  in each group, for example, the number of groups may be determined by the bridge length or portion thereof to be spanned, and the number of frame beams  24  in each group determined by the bridge width or portion thereof to be spanned. For purposes of clarity of illustration, three deck panels  30  are shown covering a portion of the platform portion  20  of  FIG. 1 , it being understood that three other deck panels  30  would cover the other portion thereof. Each of the deck panels  30  is shown to be laid to extend between and be connected to two deck support beams  26 , as hereinafter discussed in greater detail, and to overlie, centrally thereof, another deck support beam  26 , it being understood that various other deck panel layouts are envisioned, for example, the number of deck panels may vary and they may overlie none or a greater number of deck support beams  26 . 
     Each beam  24  and  26  is composed of aluminum or other suitable light-weight strong material and is suitably short so that its weight is such (less than about 50 pounds) that it can be easily and quickly manipulated and connected and unconnected by a single person. For example, each of the frame beams  24  may be about 8 to 10 feet long, and each of the deck support beams  26  may be about 12 feet long. The deck support beams  26  have a smaller depth for reasons discussed hereinafter. The frame and deck support beams  24  and  26  respectively may be, for example, I-beams having sizes I-6 and I-4 respectively, i.e., depths, along their central webs, of 6 and 4 inches respectively, with the result that the deck support beams  26  can be inserted between the flanges of the frame beams  24 , as discussed hereinafter. Each of the plywood panels  30  may, for example, be composed of treated fire resistant plywood and be 4 feet by 8 feet and have a thickness of about ¾ inch, so that, weighing, for example, less than about 50 pounds, it may be easily and quickly manipulated and connected and disconnected by a single person. The short aluminum beams  24  and  26  are, for example, lighter than the plywood panels  30 , so that each of the platform components has a weight (less than about 50 pounds) such that it can be easily and quickly manipulated and connected and disconnected by a single person, thus reducing the amount of required manpower for erecting and disassembling the platform  20 . 
     Each of the frame beams  24  comprises upper and lower flanges  32  and  34  respectively connected by a central vertical web  36 . A quantity of spaced apertures, illustrated at  38 , which may, for example, have a diameter of about 11/16 inch, are provided along and adjacent each edge of the upper and lower flanges  32  and  34  respectively. In order to maximize flexibility for positioning of the deck support beams  26  and shackles  29  along the lengths of the frame beams  24  respectively, the apertures  38  are preferably spaced closely together, preferably in equal increments. For example, the apertures  38  may be spaced about 12 inches (on centers) apart, as illustrated at  39 , with end apertures, illustrated at  40 , (on centers) being spaced, for example, about 3½ inches from the frame beam edge and about 2⅜ inches from the adjacent set of apertures  38 . As seen in  FIG. 2 , when attached, there is a gap, illustrated at  41 , between the edges of the frame beams  24 , this gap  41  being, for example, about ¼ inch. 
     As seen in  FIG. 5 , the deck support beams  26 , which also have upper and lower flanges  42  and  44  respectively connected by a central vertical web  46 , are suitably attached to the frame beams  24  such as, for example, by aluminum blocks  48  each having a central aperture  50  ( FIG. 14 ) extending vertically entirely therethrough, as described in greater detail hereinafter. 
     Each group of frame beams  24  comprises a plurality of frame beams  24  connected end-to-end co-axially to extend the width of the bridge  22  or otherwise desired distance, with additional groups of frame beams  24  laid parallel thereto along the bridge length or otherwise desired distance (with the deck support beams  26  inserted between and attached at their ends to respective frame beams  24  to extend normal or perpendicular thereto). 
     As seen in  FIGS. 2 to 4  and  23  to  28 , a pair of end-to-end co-axial frame beams  24  are connected by a pair of connectors  52 , which may, for example, be blocks composed of extruded aluminum or other suitable material and having a pair of spaced apertures  54 , whose spacing is such as to allow them to be aligned with the apertures  40  adjacent the ends of the respective frame beams  24 , leaving the gap  41 . When the pair of frame beams  24  is in the rigidly attached end-to-end co-axial relationship to maintain the co-axial relation, as seen in  FIG. 28 , the pair of connectors  52  span the ends of the flanges  32  and  34  respectively on the respective flange sides. The connection to each frame beam  24  is by means of a pin  56  which is received in the respective upper and lower flange apertures  40  and in the respective connector aperture  54 , which may, for example, have a diameter of about ⅝ inch, as discussed in greater detail hereinafter. The pin  56  may be composed, for example, of suitably hardened steel or stainless steel and have an upper cap portion  58  to rest on top of the upper flange  32  and a lower tapered or pointed end  60  for ease of insertion. 
     In order to install a frame beam  24  to a previously installed frame beam  24 , the frame beam  24  to be installed may be held in a substantially side-by-side relation relative to the previously installed frame beam  24 , as illustrated in  FIG. 27 , and one of the connectors  52  attached by insertion of the pins  56  respectively. The frame beam  24  to be installed is then swung (about the off-center attachment of the pins  56 ) around, as illustrated at  57  in  FIG. 27 , to position it in the desired end-to-end co-axial relation with the previously installed frame beam  24 , as illustrated in  FIG. 28 , and the second connector  52  attached by insertion of the pins  56  respectively. 
     The beams  24  and  26  may be provided in different lengths to allow flexibility in construction, but the beams  24  are otherwise desirably identical and the beams  26  are otherwise desirably identical and the connectors  48  are desirably identical to allow minimization of the types of parts needed for erecting the modular platform. Likewise, the first and second connectors  52  and the pins  56  are desirably identical. 
     As seen in  FIG. 5 , a deck support beam  26  is attached to a frame beam  24  by means of block  48 . The block  48  may advantageously be formed by machining an extruded block  52  to form therefrom a portion  62  containing one of the apertures  54  and two spaced flanges  64  (only one seen in  FIG. 5 ) extending laterally therefrom. Each of the flanges  64  is sized height-wise to fit between the deck support beam flanges  42  and  44  and is shown to have three aligned triangularly-spaced apertures, illustrated at  66 , which also align with apertures (not shown) in the respective end of the deck support beam web  46  wherein the web  46  is sandwiched between the flanges  64 , and bolts  68  are inserted in the apertures  66  and the deck support beam web apertures respectively and nuts (not shown) suitably applied to rigidly secure the machined block  62  to the respective end of the deck support beam  26 . 
     With the block  62  thusly rigidly attached, the block portion  62  is received between the flanges  32  and  34  with its aperture  54  aligned with the apertures  38  and a pin  56  inserted within the respective flange apertures  38  and the block aperture  54 , similarly as the pins  56  attach the extruded blocks  52  to the ends of two frame beams  24  to connect them together, as discussed in greater detail herein. During such attachment, the deck support beam  26  may desirably be held next to or alongside the frame beam  24 , i.e., in a substantially side-by-side relation, as illustrated in  FIG. 28 , then swung into position, as illustrated at  59  in  FIG. 28 , after the pin  56  has been inserted, to the position shown in  FIG. 1  wherein deck support beam  26  is normal or perpendicular to the respective frame beam  24 . The ends of the flanges  42  and  44  are suitably chamfered, as illustrated at  67 , for example, over a distance of about 6 inches, to narrow ends  70  to prevent interference with the corresponding frame beam  24 . The close spacing of the frame beam apertures  38  allows flexibility for positioning of the deck support beams  26  generally anywhere there along, including flexibility for erecting around obstacles and in tight areas. 
     The attachment of a second frame beam  24  to the other ends of deck support beams  26  previously attached to a first frame beam  24  may be with the deck support beams  26  rotated or swung into a position adjacent (substantially side-by-side with) the first frame beam  24 , then the assembly rotated out into position for attachment of the second frame beam  24  in end-to-end co-axial relation with a previously attached frame beam  24 . Thus, the frame beams  24  and the deck support beams  26  may desirably be attached in either order, allowing flexibility for erection. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 to 11 , opposite ends of each flooring panel  30  is suitably attached to extruded aluminum (or other suitable material) elongate members  72  which are in turn attached to respective deck support beams  26 , as described hereinafter. Thus, each of the members  72  has an upper slot, illustrated at  76 , extending into one side thereof and defined by a thin upper lip  78  and in which is frictionally or snugly received the respective edge portion of the respective flooring panel  30 . A notch, illustrated at  74 , is formed in the other side lower corner of the member  72  in which is receivable the respective one side of the upper flange  42 . 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate the member  72  as applied to one panel edge and the means for its attachment to the respective deck support beam  26 , and  FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate the member  72  as applied to the opposite panel edge and the means for its attachment to the respective deck support beam  26 . 
     Referring first to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a pair of spaced plates  75  (near the ends of the member  72 ) are suitably attached such as by screws or bolts or welding (not shown) to the lower surface of the member  72 , the plates  75  extending inwardly to overlap the notch  74  and form therewith a slot, illustrated at  77 , in which the respective facing side or half of the upper flange  42  is received for the purpose of securing the one side of the panel  30 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a suitably spring-loaded locking mechanism  86  having a protrudable bolt or tongue  88  is suitably attached such as by screws or bolts (not shown) to the lower surface of the member  72 , centrally thereof, the bolt  88  when protruding extending inwardly to overlap the notch  74  and form therewith a slot, illustrated at  77 , in which the respective facing side or half of the upper flange  42  is received for the purpose of securing the other side of the panel  30 . The locking mechanism  86  and bolt  88  are similar to mechanisms and bolts found on many doors to cause a door to automatically lock when pulled closed. Thus, the bolt  88  is adapted to be pushed into the locking mechanism  86 , which is spring-loaded to bias the bolt  88  to the outward position shown in  FIG. 11 . The bolt  88  lower surface is suitably shaped to cause the bolt  88  to be pushed inwardly of the locking mechanism  86  when force is applied to it from above against the upper flange  42 . The spring-loaded mechanism  86  forces the bolt  88  outwardly into the position shown in  FIG. 11  once the upper flange  42  is cleared. The principles of construction of such a locking mechanism  86  and bolt  88  are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. 
     In order to attach a deck panel  30  between two deck support beam  26 , the connectors  72  are applied to the opposite panel edges and may be suitably glued thereto, the two connectors  72  for one edge having the members  75  attached and the connector  72  for the other edge having the locking mechanism  86  and bolt  88  attached. The panel  30  is positioned so that the flange  42  is received in the slot  77  formed by the member  75 . Then, with the bolt  88  lying above the flange  42  for the other deck support beam  26 , downward force is applied, causing the bolt  88  to retract into the locking mechanism  86  so that the flange  42  can be received in the slot  77  formed by the bolt  88 . Then, the spring force of the locking mechanism  86  forces the bolt  88  back outwardly to again form the slot  77  with the flange  42  securely received therein. Once in place, the panels  30  make the platform portion rigid. 
     As seen best in  FIGS. 9 and 11 , the lower surface of the slot  76  is even with or slightly higher than the surface formed by the notch  74  which rests on top of the deck support beam flange  42  which allows the panels  30  to be positioned height-wise to clear other deck support beams  26 , as desired. Thus, as seen in  FIG. 1 , a deck support beams  26  may be positioned centrally under the three panels  30  for added support thereof as well as making erection easier. As also seen in  FIGS. 9 and 11 , the lip  78  can be formed to be very thin, such as, for example, ⅛ inch, so that a substantially even or almost flush walking surface may desirably be achieved. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , an extruded block  90  of aluminum or other suitable material is provided to attach each shackle  29  (for example, a ¾ inch shackle) to a frame beam  24 . The block  90  is formed to have two apertures, illustrated at  92 , extending vertically therethrough and spaced to be alignable with a pair of inner and outer apertures  38  on the frame beams  24 . The block  90  is attached by suitable means such as, for example, a pair of bolts  94  (for example, ⅝ inch bolts) received in the apertures  92  and  38  respectively and nuts  96  applied to the bolts  94  to rigidly secure the block  90 . A slot, illustrated at  98 , is suitably formed in the lower surface of the block  90 . When attached to the respective frame beam  24 , it forms therewith an opening in which is receivable a fastener member  100  for attaching the shackle  29  to the frame beam  24 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , an elastomeric seal member or self-sealing rubber seal  102  has a central portion  104  which is received within the gap  41  between adjacent flanges  32  of frame beams  24  respectively and terminates in an enlarged lower portion  106  which is receivable below and engages the lower surfaces of the flanges  32  so that it is securely held within the gap  41 . The seal  102  extends over the entire length of the gap  41 . The upper end of the central portion  104  terminates in a cap portion  108  which is sized to cover the caps  58  of the pins  56  to protect and secure them against dislodgement. The elastomeric material is such as to allow the portion  106  to be compressible to be passed through the gap  41  then expand to secure the seal  102  against dislodgement. During disassembly, the portion  106  can then be compressed again by application of suitable pulling force for passage through the gap  41  and removal of the seal  102 . Similar seals may be provided in other gaps in the platform such as, for example, in gaps between panels  30 . 
     At the ends of a group of frame beams  24 , the apertures  40  are not needed for attachment of another frame beam. Referring to  FIG. 16 , there is shown schematically the attachment of an elongate vertical railing post  110  at one of these ends for a hand rail for perimeter protection, the hooks  112  being for the running of cables or lines between posts  110 . The post  110  may be attached in any suitable way, for example, by supporting locking mechanisms which contain bolts or tongues or pins, illustrated at  111 , which are suitably caused to lockingly pop into the apertures  40  in a manner commonly known to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. 
     It is important to prevent metal-on-metal rubbing contact during needed rotation where the pins  56  are used to join members. Referring to  FIG. 26 , wherein a pin  56  is shown received in apertures  40  and  54  of a frame beam  24  and connector  52  respectively, four identical washers or grommets  114  composed of Teflon polymer are received to prevent such contact. Each of the washers  114  has a tubular portion  116  and a flat portion  118  extending laterally and radially outwardly from one end thereof. At the upper end, the flat portions  118  of two washers  114  are received between the upper end surface of the connector  52  and the lower surface of the lower flange  32 , the tubular portion of the upper of the two upper washers  114  extends upwardly and is received between the pin  56  and the wall of the aperture  40 , and the tubular portion of the lower of the two upper washers  114  extends downwardly and is received between the pin  56  and the wall of the aperture  54 . The two lower washers  114  are similarly positioned, as shown in  FIG. 26 . The provision of the washers  114  leaves a gap, illustrated at  120 , over most of the height of the aperture  54  between the ends, illustrated at  122 , of the lower of the upper washers  114  and the upper of the lower washers  114 . As a result, there is virtually no rubbing contact between metal components, the pins  56  desirably touching only Teflon polymer material. The washers  114  are sized so that the tubular portion  116  of the upper one of the washers  114  has a terminal upper end portion  126  which extends slightly above the upper flange  32 , for example, about 1/16 inch, so as to prevent rubbing contact with the flange  32  by the pin cap  58 . These washers  114  may be glued in place. These washers are not depicted in  FIG. 14 . Similar washers of Teflon polymer are used similarly in connecting the deck support beams  26  to the frame beams  24 . The washers  114  may be made of other suitable polymer or other materials which provide reduced friction contact for easier movements while preventing undesirable metal-to-metal contact. 
     Regulations in some countries may require the handling of a component by two persons if its weight exceeds, for example, 55 pounds. In accordance with the present invention, in order that two persons not be required (by government regulation or otherwise) to handle any component so as to reduce the amount of manpower needed to erect the platform  20 , each of the components is sized and made of a material so that it weighs less than about 50 pounds. Thus, the heaviest of the components in the platform  20  as described herein, which is a plywood panel  30 , is sized to weigh less, than 50 pounds, and the remaining components are sized and made of a material to also weigh less than 50 pounds. As discussed herein, aluminum is the material of which most of the components is made, aluminum having a density of about 0.1 pounds per cubic inch, as compared to steel having a density of about 0.28 pounds per cubic inch. Thus, the substantially lesser density of aluminum desirably allows the achievement of the component weight of less than 50 pounds for all components of the platform  20 . 
     Thus, in accordance with the present invention, the light-weight components of the modular platform  20 , allowing one person to be able to carry the heaviest component, may be connected together easily and safely and quickly without the need for cranes or other heavy equipment and while allowing flexibility for erecting around obstacles and in tight areas. Most of the major parts (including the frame beams  24 , the deck support beams  26 , frame beam connector blocks  52 , and shackle blocks) are advantageously extruded from aluminum or other suitable light-weight material, and the deck support beam connector blocks  48  advantageously machined from the frame beam connector blocks  52 , thus desirably providing ease of manufacture with little or no welding, thereby further allowing more uniform preciseness for ease of assembly. 
     It should be understood that, while the present invention has been described in detail herein, the invention can be embodied otherwise without departing from the principles thereof, and such other embodiments are meant to come within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.