Patent Abstract:
This document discusses, among other things, modular carrier apparatuses and methods therefor. In an example, a carrier includes a storage section including a region configured to receive at least one scaffold component. A pallet fork receiver is coupled to the storage section. The pallet fork receiver is configured to accept a forked platform. An engagement feature is coupled to the storage section. The engagement feature is configured to couple with a corresponding feature of an adjacent structure positioned in vertical alignment relative to the carrier. The engagement feature is configured to self-align with the corresponding feature. In another example, a method of use of the carrier is included.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application claims the benefit of priority, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/290,622, filed on Dec. 29, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Typically, components, such as scaffolding components, are tied or otherwise attached together in groups of like components using cords, wires, ropes, tape, or other such ties. Such groups of components tend to be neither sturdy nor uniform, which can lead to problems with transportation and storage of the components. For instance, because of the non-uniform nature of the groups, stacking of the groups of components can be difficult, at best, due to sliding and uneven stacking of the non-uniform groups and movement of the components within the groups due to loose, broken, or otherwise undone ties. Moreover, when ties break or otherwise come undone, the ties typically have to be redone in order to continue transporting or storing the group of components, which expends time and effort of users of the components that would not otherwise need to be expended but for the inadequate tie and grouping system of such components. 
       OVERVIEW OF INVENTIVE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0003]    The present inventor has recognized, among other things, that there exists a need for modular carrier apparatuses for carrying components, such as scaffolding components, for instance, and methods therefor. 
         [0004]    In some embodiments, an apparatus for holding components includes a first carrier configured to hold a first component. The first carrier includes a first engagement feature. A second carrier is configured to hold a second component. The second carrier includes a second engagement feature configured to mate and self-align with the first engagement feature. The first and second carriers are configured to stack with engagement of the first engagement feature with the second engagement feature. 
         [0005]    In some embodiments, a modular, stackable scaffolding storage system includes a first carrier configured to store a first scaffolding component. The first carrier includes a protrusion extending from a bottom side of the first carrier. A second carrier is configured to store a second scaffolding component. The second carrier includes a receptacle disposed at a top side of the second carrier. The receptacle of the second carrier is configured to selectively receive and self-align with the protrusion of the first carrier to stack the first carrier on the second carrier. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments, a method includes determining quantities of first and second scaffolding components needed for a size and configuration of scaffolding for a job site. A first number of first scaffolding carriers are selected for transport to the job site. The first scaffolding carriers holding at least the determined quantity of first scaffolding components. A second number of second scaffolding carriers are selected for transport to the job site. The second scaffolding carriers holding at least the determined quantity of second scaffolding components. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, a carrier includes a storage section including a region configured to receive at least one scaffolding component. A pallet fork receiver is coupled to the storage section. The pallet fork receiver is configured to accept a forked platform. An engagement feature is coupled to the storage section. The engagement feature is configured to couple with a corresponding feature of an adjacent structure positioned in vertical alignment relative to the carrier. The engagement feature is configured to self-align with the corresponding feature. 
         [0008]    This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present patent application. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a top view of a carrier apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a front right perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of engagement features of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a top view of a carrier apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a front view of the apparatus of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a side perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a front right perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of engagement features of the apparatus of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a front view of a carrier apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a top view of the apparatus of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is a back right perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  is a front right perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 19  is a top perspective view of a base of the apparatus of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 20  is a front perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 14  with a detachable box attached to the apparatus. 
           [0030]      FIG. 21  is a side perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 20  with the detachable box attached to the apparatus. 
           [0031]      FIG. 22  is a front left perspective view of stacked carrier apparatuses according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0032]      FIG. 23  is a side perspective view of the stacked carrier apparatuses of  FIG. 22  engaged by a forklift. 
           [0033]      FIG. 24  is a front left perspective view of stacked carrier apparatuses according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0034]      FIG. 25  is a side perspective view of carrier apparatuses according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the carrier apparatuses loaded onto a vehicle for transportation of the carrier apparatuses. 
           [0035]      FIG. 26  is a back right perspective view of the carrier apparatuses of  FIG. 25  loaded onto the vehicle for transportation of the carrier apparatuses. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]    Currently, transportation and storage of components, such as scaffolding components, include various shortcomings. For instance, the components are typically tied together in groups of like components, which can lead to unstable and non-uniform groups of components. Such groups can be difficult and/or unwieldy to stack and transport. Also, the cords, wires, ropes, tape, or other such ties tying the groups together can break, loosen, or otherwise become undone, which can cause the components and/or stacks of components to fall, shift, or otherwise become disorganized. 
         [0037]    The present inventor has recognized, among other things, that there exists a need for a sturdy, stable, and organized system for transporting, storing, carrying, and otherwise managing components, such as scaffolding components. 
         [0038]    The subject matter described herein may take form in various elements and arrangements of elements, and in various procedures and arrangements of procedures. The simplified drawings are only for purposes of conveying the basic design intent and illustrating various examples of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-7 , a first carrier  100  is shown for carrying, storing, or otherwise receiving at least one first scaffolding component. In one example, the first carrier  100  can be configured to receive one or more scaffolding floor pieces, boards, or planks  10  (see  FIGS. 25 and 26 ). In another example, the first carrier  100  is configured to receive scaffolding pieces other than planks  10 . 
         [0040]    In an example, the first carrier  100  includes a base  110  and a sidewall  120  extending from a top surface of the base  110 . The base  110 , in an example, includes a support structure  112 , such as a frame, with a floor  114 . In an example, the floor  114  includes a grating or metal mesh surface. In another example, the floor  114  includes a solid surface, such as a metal sheet. In an example, the sidewall  120  includes a frame-like structure extending from the base  110 . In some examples, the sidewall  120  includes a sign frame  127  for receiving and retaining a sign  128 . In various examples, the sign  128  can be used for advertising, labeling, posting directions, or the like. 
         [0041]    In an example, a top edge  122  of the sidewall  120  at least partially defines an opening  124  at a top of the first carrier  100 . In an example, the opening  124  is configured to allow access to an interior  126  of the first carrier  100 . The interior  126  of the first carrier  100  is configured to hold, store, or otherwise receive at least one scaffolding component, such as, for instance one or more planks  10 . In an example, a side of the first carrier  100  is at least partially open. That is, in this example, the sidewall  120  does not extend entirely around the base  110 . In an example, the sidewall  120  extends around three sides of the base  110 , leaving at least a portion of one side of the first carrier  100  open. By leaving a portion of the sidewall  120  open, placement of scaffolding components into and removal of scaffolding components from the interior  126  of the first carrier  100  can be facilitated. 
         [0042]    In an example, the first carrier  100  includes a first engagement feature  130 . In an example, the first engagement feature  130  is a protrusion or leg extending from a bottom of the base  110 . In an example, the first carrier  100  includes more than one first engagement feature  130 . In a further example, the first carrier  100  includes four first engagement features  130 , one first engagement feature  130  being disposed at and extending from each of the corners of the base  110 . In an example, the one or more first engagement features  130  are configured to mate and self-align with a corresponding number of second engagement features  132  of a structure. In some examples, the structure can include another carrier, for instance, another first carrier  100  configured to carry, store, or otherwise receive at least one first scaffolding component. In other examples, the structure includes a carrier configured to carry, store, or otherwise receive at least one scaffolding component different from the first scaffolding component. In an example, the one or more second engagement features  132  include cup-like receptacles. 
         [0043]    In a further example, one or more second engagement features  132  are disposed at a top of the first carrier  100 . In a still further example, the first carrier  100  includes a second engagement feature  132  at each of the top corners of the first carrier  100  to correspond with the first engagement features  130  of another first carrier  100 . In an example, each of the second engagement features  132  includes walls  132 A (see  FIG. 7 ) extending from a base  132 B to an opening  132 C. In a further example, the walls  132 A taper slightly outwardly, such that the opening  132 C of the second engagement feature  132  is larger in area than the base  132 B of the second engagement feature  132 . 
         [0044]    In some examples, two first carriers  100  are stackable with the first engagement features  130  of one first carrier  100  being received within the second engagement features  132  on the other carrier  100 . The tapered walls  132 A allow for a certain amount of self-alignment during stacking. That is, the first engagement features  130  of the first carrier  100  need not be exactly vertically aligned with the openings  132 C of the second engagement features  132  in order to seat the first engagement features  130  within the second engagement features  132 . The tapered walls  132 A of the second engagement features  132  help adjust the alignment of the second engagement features  132  with the first engagement features  130  during stacking by forcing and/or funneling the first engagement features  130  toward the centers of the second engagement features  132 . The base  132 B, in an example, is slightly larger in area than a cross section of the first engagement feature  130  to allow the first engagement feature  130  to be stably seated within the second engagement feature  132  on the base  132 B. In this way, the likelihood can be lessened of obtaining an unstable or teetering condition of stacked first carriers  100  where a first engagement feature  130  is partially seated on the wall  132 A and partially seated on the base  132 B. 
         [0045]    In an example, the first carrier  100  includes one or more additional engagement features  134 . For instance, the first carrier  100  can include one or more additional engagement features  134  disposed along the top of the sidewall  120  at one or more locations between the corners of the first carrier  100 . For instance, the first carrier  100  can include additional engagement features  134  located at sides of the first carrier  100  substantially halfway between the second engagement features  132  located at the corners. In a further example, the additional engagement features  134  can include cup-like receptacles similar to, but larger than, the receptacle examples of the second engagement features  132 . In an example, the additional engagement features  134  are substantially twice as long as the receptacle examples of the second engagement features  132  to accommodate and receive two engagement features, such as two legs. In this way, legs from each of two carriers can be simultaneously accommodated in the additional engagement feature  134  to allow for staggered or offset stacking of multiple first carriers  100  or to allow for smaller carriers to be stacked with the first carrier  100 , as is described in more detail below. In an example, the additional engagement feature  134  includes tapered walls  134 A similar to the tapered walls  132 A of the second engagement features  132  to allow for an amount of self-alignment during stacking using the additional engagement features  134 . 
         [0046]    In an example, the first carrier  100  includes fork receivers  140  for receiving a fork  82  of a forklift  80  (see  FIG. 23 ). In this way, the forklift  80  can be used to arrange, stack, transport, or otherwise move the first carrier  100 , for instance, in a manner similar to moving a pallet. That is, the fork  82  of the forklift  80  can be placed within the fork receivers  140 , and the fork  82  can then be lifted to allow the first carrier  100  to be lifted and moved using the forklift  80 . In an example, the first carrier  100  includes fork receivers  140  disposed at or near the bottom of the first carrier  100 . In a further example, the first carrier  100  includes fork receivers  140  that can receive the fork  82  from the front or from the back of the first carrier  100 . In still further examples, the first carrier  100  includes fork receivers  140  accessible from the left side and/or right side of the first carrier  100 . In yet another example, the first carrier  100  includes fork receivers  140  accessible from the front, back, left side, and right side of the first carrier  100 . 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIGS. 8-13 , a second carrier  200  is shown for carrying, storing, or otherwise receiving at least one second scaffolding component. In an example, the second carrier  200  is differently configured than the first carrier  100 . In one example, the second carrier  200  can be configured to receive one or more scaffolding cross braces  20  (see  FIGS. 25 and 26 ). In another example, the second carrier  200  is configured to receive scaffolding pieces other than cross braces  20 . 
         [0048]    In an example, the second carrier  200  includes a base  210  and a sidewall  220  extending from a top surface of the base  210 . The base  210 , in an example, includes a support structure  212 , such as a frame, with a floor  214 . In an example, the floor  214  includes a grating or metal mesh surface. In another example, the floor  214  includes a solid surface, such as a metal sheet. In an example, the sidewall  220  includes a frame-like structure extending from the base  210 . In a further example, the sidewall  220  includes a grating or metal mesh surface. In a still further example, the sidewall  220  includes a solid surface, such as a metal sheet. In some examples, the sidewall  220  includes a sign frame  227  for receiving and retaining a sign  228 . In various examples, the sign  228  can be used for advertising, labeling, posting directions, or the like. 
         [0049]    In an example, a top edge  222  of the sidewall  220  at least partially defines an opening  224  at a top of the second carrier  200 . In an example, the opening  224  is configured to allow access to an interior  226  of the second carrier  200 . The interior  226  of the second carrier  200  is configured to hold, store, or otherwise receive at least one scaffolding component, such as, for instance one or more cross braces  20 . In an example, the interior  226  includes at least one divider  221  configured to divide the interior space into sections, for instance, to separate different components within the same second carrier  200  or to separate similar components in specific groupings or numbers. In a further example, the second carrier  200  includes more than one divider  221 . In another example, the divider  221  of the second carrier  200  divides the interior  226  of the second carrier  200  into substantially equal halves. 
         [0050]    In an example, the second carrier  200  includes a first engagement feature  230 . In an example, the first engagement feature  230  is a protrusion or leg extending from a bottom of the base  210 . In an example, the second carrier  200  includes more than one first engagement feature  230 . In a further example, the second carrier  200  includes four first engagement features  230 , one first engagement feature  230  being disposed at and extending from each of the corners of the base  210 . In an example, the one or more first engagement features  230  are configured to mate and self-align with a corresponding number of second engagement features  232  of a structure. In some examples, the structure can includes another carrier, for instance, another second carrier  200  configured to carry, store, or otherwise receive at least one second scaffolding component. In other examples, the structure includes a first carrier  100  or another type of carrier configured to carry, store, or otherwise receive at least one scaffolding component different from the second scaffolding component. In an example, the one or more second engagement features  232  include cup-like receptacles. 
         [0051]    In a further example, one or more second engagement features  232  are disposed at a top of the second carrier  200 . In a still further example, the second carrier  200  includes a second engagement feature  232  at each of the top corners of the second carrier  200  to correspond with the first engagement features  230  of another second carrier  200 . In an example, each of the second engagement features  232  includes walls  232 A (see  FIG. 13 ) extending from a base  232 B to an opening  232 C. In a further example, the walls  232 A taper slightly outwardly, such that the opening  232 C of the second engagement feature  232  is larger in area than the base  232 B of the second engagement feature  232 . In a further example, the second engagement features  232  on at least one of the front or back sides do not include tapered walls  232 A on an outwardly-facing side. In this way, two second carriers  200  can be butted up next to each other with little to no spacing between the respective sidewalls  220 , for instance, to enable the two second carriers  200  to be stacked on top of a single first carrier  100  with the abutting first engagement features  230  of the second carriers  200  being received within the additional engagement feature  134  of the first carrier  100 , as described above (see  FIG. 26 ). 
         [0052]    In some examples, two second carriers  200  are stackable with the first engagement features  230  of one second carrier  200  being received within the second engagement features  232  on the other second carrier  200 . The tapered walls  232 A allow for a certain amount of self-alignment during stacking. That is, the first engagement features  230  of the second carrier  200  need not be exactly vertically aligned with the openings  232 C of the second engagement features  232  in order to seat the first engagement features  230  within the second engagement features  232 . The tapered walls  232 A of the second engagement features  232  help adjust the alignment of the second engagement features  232  with the first engagement features  230  during stacking by forcing and/or funneling the first engagement features  230  toward the centers of the second engagement features  232 . The base  232 B, in an example, is slightly larger in area than a cross section of the first engagement feature  230  to allow the first engagement feature  230  to be stably seated within the second engagement feature  232  on the base  232 B. In this way, the likelihood can be lessened of obtaining an unstable or teetering condition of stacked second carriers  200  where a first engagement feature  230  is partially seated on the wall  232 A and partially seated on the base  232 B. 
         [0053]    In an example, the second carrier  200  includes fork receivers  240  for receiving the fork  82  of the forklift  80  (see  FIG. 23 ). In this way, the forklift  80  can be used to arrange, stack, transport, or otherwise move the second carrier  200 , for instance, in a manner similar to moving a pallet. That is, the fork  82  of the forklift  80  can be placed within the fork receivers  240 , and the fork  82  can then be lifted to allow the second carrier  200  to be lifted and moved using the forklift  80 . In an example, the second carrier  200  includes fork receivers  240  disposed at or near the bottom of the second carrier  200 . In a further example, the second carrier  200  includes fork receivers  240  that can receive the fork  82  from the front or from the back of the second carrier  200 . In still further examples, the second carrier  200  includes fork receivers  240  accessible from the left side and/or right side of the second carrier  200 . In yet another example, the second carrier  200  includes fork receivers  240  accessible from the front, back, left side, and right side of the second carrier  200 . 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 14-21 , a third carrier  300  is shown for carrying, storing, or otherwise receiving at least one third scaffolding component. In an example, the third carrier  300  is differently configured than the first and second carriers  100 ,  200 . In one example, the third carrier  300  can be configured to receive one or more substantially U-shaped scaffolding frames  30  (see  FIGS. 20 and 21 ). In another example, the third carrier  300  is configured to receive scaffolding pieces other than frames  30 . In an example, the third carrier  300  is configured to hold a certain number of frames  30  or other components. 
         [0055]    In an example, the third carrier  300  includes a base  310  and a rack  320  extending from the base  310 . The base  310 , in an example, can include fork receivers  340  for receiving the fork  82  of the forklift  80  (see  FIG. 23 ). In this way, the forklift  80  can be used to arrange, transport, or otherwise move the third carrier  300 , for instance, in a manner similar to moving a pallet. That is, the fork  82  of the forklift  80  can be placed within the fork receivers  340 , and the fork  82  can then be lifted to allow the third carrier  300  to be lifted and moved using the forklift  80 . In an example, the third carrier  300  includes fork receivers  340  disposed at or near the bottom of the third carrier  300 . In a further example, the third carrier  300  includes fork receivers  340  that can receive the fork  82  from the front or from the back of the third carrier  300 . In still further examples, the third carrier  300  includes fork receivers  340  accessible from the left side and/or right side of the third carrier  300 . In yet another example, the third carrier  300  includes fork receivers  340  accessible from the front, back, left side, and right side of the third carrier  300 . In a further example, the fork receivers  340  form the base  310  of the third carrier  300 . 
         [0056]    In an example, the base  310  includes retaining trays  312  for placement and retention of feet of the frames  30  in the third carrier  300 . The retaining trays  312 , in an example, include walls  312 A to maintain the feet of the one or more frames  30  from swinging and sliding excessively when the frames  30  are received within the third carrier  300 . 
         [0057]    In an example, the rack  320  extending from the base  310  includes rack arms  322  configured to hang one or more frames  30  therefrom. The rack arms  322 , in an example, are spaced from the base  310  sufficiently to allow the one or more frames  30  to hang on the rack arms  322  with the feet of the frames  30  disposed within the retaining trays  312  of the base  310 , as described above. In an example, each of the rack arms  322  includes an enlarged end  322 A configured to help retain the one or more frames  30  on the rack arms  322  and inhibit the frames  30  from sliding off of the rack arms  322 , for instance, during movement of the third carrier  300 . 
         [0058]    In some examples, the rack  320  includes a sign frame  327  for receiving and retaining a sign  328 . In various examples, the sign  328  can be used for advertising, labeling, posting directions, or the like. 
         [0059]    In some examples, the third carrier  300  includes a box  400  coupled to the base  310 . In an example, the box  400  is configured to hold a fourth component, such as, but not limited to, tools, wheels, connectors, or other hardware associated with the assembly of scaffolding. In a further example, the box  400  is detachably coupled to the base  310 . In this example, placement of the box  400  on the base  310  of the third carrier  300  is facilitated with guide members  316  extending upwardly from the base  310 . The guide members  316  facilitate placement of the box  400  substantially centrally on the base  310 . The base  310 , in an example, includes a lip  314  at a front of the base  310  to assist in maintaining the box  400  on the base  310  and to inhibit the box  400  from sliding off the front of the base  310 , for instance, during movement of the third carrier  300 . In some examples, the detachable box  400  can be used together with the third carrier  300  or separately and independently from the third carrier  300 . 
         [0060]    The box  400 , in an example, includes fork receivers  440  for receiving the fork  82  of the forklift  80  (see  FIG. 23 ). In this way, the forklift  80  can be used to arrange, transport, or otherwise move the box  400 , for instance, in a manner similar to moving a pallet. That is, the fork  82  of the forklift  80  can be placed within the fork receivers  440 , and the fork  82  can then be lifted to allow the box  400  to be lifted and moved using the forklift  80 . In an example, the box  400  includes fork receivers  440  disposed at or near the bottom of the box  400 . In a further example, the box  400  includes fork receivers  440  that can receive the fork  82  from the front or from the back of the box  400 . 
         [0061]    In a further example, the guide members  316  are configured to abut surfaces of the fork receivers  440  to help guide the box  400  into alignment with the base  310  of the third carrier  300 . 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIG. 22 , a first carrier  100  and a second carrier  200  are stacked in an example configuration. In this configuration, two of the first engagement features  230  of the second carrier  200  are received within the second engagement features  132  of the first carrier  100  and two of the first engagement features  230  of the second carrier  200  are received within the additional engagement features  134  of the first carrier  100 . In this configuration, another second carrier  200  can be placed on top of the first carrier  100  and next to the second carrier  200 , if desired. Referring to  FIG. 23 , the example stacked configuration of  FIG. 22  can be seen being lifted by the forklift  80 , as described above. 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIG. 24 , multiple carriers are shown in a stacked configuration. The first and second carriers  100 ,  200  can be stacked in various configurations to fit within an allotted warehouse space and to allow for efficient removal of some or all of the first and second carriers  100 ,  200  from the warehouse, for instance, to transport scaffolding components to a job site. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIGS. 25 and 26 , first and second carriers  100 ,  200  including first and second scaffolding components  10 ,  20  therein, respectively, are shown placed on a truck  90  for transport. The first and second carriers  100 ,  200  can be stably secured to the back of the truck  90  using straps or other restraints. It is noted that while the frames  30  are shown strapped directly to the truck  90 , it is contemplated that the frames  30  be retained within third carriers  300  which are then strapped or otherwise retained on the back of the truck  90 . In an example, the frames  30  are further restrained (for instance, using straps) to the third carriers  300  to inhibit the frames  30  from falling, bouncing, or otherwise separating from the third carriers  300  during transportation. It is further noted that, while no boxes  400  are shown on the truck, the boxes  400  and contents thereof can be placed on the back of the truck  90  for transportation whether or not the third carriers  300  are being transported. In a further example, the truck  90  or other structure on which the first and/or second carriers  100 ,  200  are intended to be placed could include engagement features similar to the second engagement features  132 ,  232  and/or additional engagement features  134  to enable mating engagement with the first engagement features  130 ,  230  of the first and/or second carriers  100 ,  200 . 
         [0065]    In an example, the first, second, and third carriers  100 ,  200 ,  300  and the box  400  form a modular, stackable scaffolding storage system and allow for more secure retention of the scaffolding components than previous methods of tying components together with cords, straps, or the like. The first, second, and third carriers  100 ,  200 ,  300  and the box  400  also provide for a more secure and easily securable stack of components than just piling strapped together components, which tend to slide around and shift with respect to each other to loosen any restraints employed to maintain the components on a truck. In this way, scaffolding components can be more securely and safely stored, moved, and transported using the first, second, and/or third carriers  100 ,  200 ,  300  and the box  400 . 
         [0066]    In another example, the above-described carriers  100 ,  200 ,  300  and box  400  can be used in a method to facilitate selection and transportation of scaffolding components for a desired scaffolding configuration. In this example, the method includes determining quantities of first and second scaffolding components  10 ,  20  needed for a size and configuration of scaffolding for a job site. A first number of first scaffolding carriers  100  are selected for transport to the job site, with the first scaffolding carriers  100  holding at least the determined quantity of first scaffolding components  10 . In this example, each first scaffolding carrier  100  contains a particular number of first scaffolding components  10  to facilitate the selection of first scaffolding components  10 . That is, instead of having to count out each individual first scaffolding component  10  needed for a job site, one need only select the number of first scaffolding carriers  100 , which already include the desired number of first scaffolding components  10  bundled and ready for transportation. For instance, if a particular job site required one hundred planks  10 , and if each first scaffolding carrier  100  contained twenty planks  10 , the user would need only select five first scaffolding carriers  100  to get the requisite number of planks  10  for the job site. Further, a second number of second scaffolding carriers  200  can then be selected for transport to the job site, with the second scaffolding carriers  200  holding at least the determined quantity of second scaffolding components  20 . In another example, a quantity of third scaffolding components  30  needed for the size and configuration of the scaffolding is determined. A third number of third scaffolding carriers  300  is selected for transport to the job site, with the third scaffolding carriers  300  holding at least the determined quantity of third scaffolding components  30 . As described above, at least the first and second scaffolding carriers  100 ,  200  can be moved from their storage place and loaded directly onto a truck  90  or other form of transportation. The third scaffolding carriers  300  can also be loaded onto the truck  90  or other form of transportation. Additionally, in some examples, one or more boxes  400  including various hardware and/or tools required for the scaffolding configuration can be loaded onto the truck  90  or other form of transportation, with or without the third scaffolding carriers  300  being loaded onto the truck  90  or other form of transportation. In this way, storage, organization, selection, and transportation of the scaffolding components for a desired scaffolding configuration are facilitated. 
         [0067]    The examples described above are advantageous in many respects. For instance, in at least some examples, the apparatuses and methods provide for enhanced ways to store, move, and transport scaffolding components. The present inventor has recognized, among other things, that there exists a need for a sturdy, stable, and organized system for transporting, storing, carrying, and otherwise managing components, such as scaffolding components. To that end, the carriers  100 ,  200 ,  300  and the box  400  described above can be used to store, move, and transport scaffolding components to at least help overcome the problems identified above with current systems of stacking and transporting of loose scaffolding components. Additionally, the apparatuses and methods above provide for an organizational system to facilitate selection and transportation of components for a desired scaffolding configuration. Although various advantages are presented herein, these advantages are not intended to be all inclusive, as further advantages other than those specifically presented herein may become evident. 
       Additional Notes 
       [0068]    The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown and described. However, the present inventor also contemplates examples in which only those elements shown and described are provided. 
         [0069]    All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s) should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls. 
         [0070]    In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. 
         [0071]    The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4