JPH0672487B2 - Modular scaffolding platform and truss frame components used in it - Google Patents

Abstract

A truss frame (10) with three-dimensional bracing includes at least three top rails (12) which are joined together so as to define a substantially planar surface. A plurality of bracing members (14) are attached to the top rails (12) and depend toward a bottom connection (16) which has a predetermined location with respect to the top rails (12). The bottom connection (16) location is chosen so that the bracing members (14) form truss-like braces for the top rails (12). In one embodiment, the top rails (12), bracing members (14), and bottom connection (16) form the shape of a pyramid. A plurality of these truss frames (10) is utilized to form a modular platform. The platform also includes means (18, 20, 22) for fastening the top rails (12) of adjoining truss frames (10) together so as to form a continuous top chord in a direction parallel to that spanned by the connected truss frames (10).

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to scaffolding devices of the type used for building construction and renovation of buildings. In particular, the present invention relates to a modular platform that is very versatile, can be assembled in various sizes and shapes, has good structural stability, has large span strength, and has large torsional rigidity. .

Various scaffolding devices have been used in the past to ensure proper scaffolding for craftsmen to perform various operations on buildings and other structures. Such scaffolding equipment, from wall construction of the building under construction to window cleaning of the completed building,
It has been used for various field work.

Conventionally, when the scaffolding device is used for various works, first, a scaffold is assembled at a work site of a building for construction work. Scaffolds thus assembled generally cannot be moved from one part of the building to another. Therefore, it is necessary to dismantle the scaffold first before moving the scaffolding device, transport it to another part of the building, and reassemble it. In such prior art scaffolding devices, considerable time and effort is spent each time the scaffold is disassembled and reassembled. In a typical example, a large number of differently shaped parts of different sizes would have to be connected and disconnected, respectively, each time the scaffold was assembled or disassembled. Moreover,
Workers involved in the construction and dismantling of this type of scaffold are in a dangerous situation due to the way the work platform is supported between vertical supports. For example, vertical ladders have been used to hold the ends of work platforms, and the attachment of such work platforms to the ladder requires the operator to measure the length of these ladders. Another problem with conventional scaffolding devices is that the height of each work platform cannot be individually changed without disassembling the main part of the scaffold.

The scaffolding devices described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,234,055 and 4,253,548 issued to G. L. Beche on November 18, 1980 and March 3, 1981 were left over to prior art scaffolding devices. Many problems that had been solved have been improved.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,234,055 discloses a hanging scaffold that requires assembly and disassembly at the beginning and end of work at each construction site. The scaffolding device described in this patent requires a self-propelled roof vehicle that allows the scaffolding to be moved around the building along the sides of the building. The scaffolding that will be the work platform is suspended from the roof car,
You can start the assembly from the top and work downwards, or you can start the assembly from the ground and work upwards. Since a scaffold is suspended, a plurality of work platforms are arranged at a predetermined level using a suspension device. The foldable scaffold described in US Pat. No. 4,253,548 is a suspended scaffolding device for special applications. The scaffold described in this patent uses multiple working platforms in combination with a chain. The chain is composed of foldable link end support chain parts arranged in a mechanical relationship. Therefore, the scaffold can be folded into a relatively small structure for storage and transportation, and can be unfolded and constructed at a construction site. The work platform is slidably engaged with the end support linkage and can be raised or lowered separately from the lifting and lowering movement of the end support. Each work platform is selectively attached to the chain of end supports at the desired extended height of the end supports, and is hoisted with the scaffolding device upright. You can also

In today's building construction and renovation industry, a wide variety of scaffolding equipment is becoming more and more necessary, and the scaffolding conditions required for such construction and renovation work can be easily tailored to suit each application. That is. Designing and building a special scaffolding device for each building construction or refurbishment project has the drawback of being very laborious and relatively expensive. The requirement for scaffolding devices is to be versatile so that they can be widely used in a wide range of applications.
Such devices provide a safe workplace for craftsmen working on scaffolds, and the materials used for such scaffolds must be sufficiently rigid.

Assigned to the same assignee as the applicant in the name of G. L. Bice. Co-pending US application Serial No. 861,133, filed May 8, 1986, discloses a modular scaffolding device that can be readily adapted for a variety of applications. The present invention provides a scaffolding platform that can be used with or independently of the scaffolding device described in US patent application Serial No. 861,133. The modular platform of the present invention provides a work platform that can be resized and configured to meet the requirements of various situations.

The modular platform of the present invention uses truss frame components that are braced in three dimensions to provide sufficient resistance to structural deformation due to external loads. Although the three-dimensional brace structure itself is not new, the principle of the brace structure is a novel technology that has never been used in scaffolding manufacturing technology so far in configuring modular components for truss frame platforms. is there. The inventor of the present application can use the platform as a truss beam having a long span distance by using a truss frame having such a brace. We have discovered that we can build a modular platform with great structural stability.

An object of the present invention is to provide a scaffolding platform that can be easily used for various purposes.

Another object of the present invention is to assemble a small number of compatible components in various sizes and configurations.
To provide a modular platform.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a truss frame component resulting in a platform that has both high span strength and sufficient torsional rigidity when assembled to build a modular platform.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a truss frame component that can be easily stored and shipped.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the invention, a truss frame with three-dimensional braces comprises at least three upper rails that are joined together to form a generally flat surface. A plurality of brace members are attached to the upper rail and extend downward from the upper rail. The brace members are arranged such that one end of each of the brace members is connected to each other so that all of these members form a bottom connecting portion occupying a predetermined position with respect to the upper rail. Said position of the bottom connection is selected so that the brace member forms a truss brace for the upper rail. The truss frame further connects the upper rails of adjacent truss frames to each other,
As the upper rail of the connected truss frame is configured to form a continuous upper girder material, and the lower girder material is configured in the extending direction of the connected truss frame,
Means for connecting the bottom connecting portions of adjacent truss frames to each other. Each truss frame is also connected to the truss frame to form a guard rail along at least a portion of the perimeter of the truss frame, with a deck attached to the upper rail to form the supporting surface at the top. It has one or more rail members. Advantageously, the truss frame of the present invention further comprises means allowing external devices such as support cables, support struts or scaffold appendages to be directly attached to the truss frame.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular platform comprises a plurality of truss frames of the type described above. The platform comprises means for securing the upper rails of adjacent truss frames together so as to form a continuous upper girder in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the connected truss frames. Further, it is preferable to provide a means for connecting the bottom connecting portion of the truss frame so as to form a lower girder member extending in a direction parallel to the extending direction of the connected frames. The modular platform further comprises a fill panel disposed between predetermined ones of the truss frame. In one embodiment, the ends of each fill panel are connected to adjacent truss frames by securing each end of the fill panel to the adjacent top rail of each adjacent truss frame. The modular platform of the present invention can also include a deck that is attached to the truss frame and the fill panel to form a platform with a substantially continuous bearing surface. A plurality of rail members can also be attached to the truss frame to form a guardrail along the perimeter of the platform.

Brief Description of the Drawings The main subject matter of the present invention is detailed in the description and is specified in the claims at the end of the description. However, the invention itself, as well as the method for constructing and implementing the invention, and other objects and advantages of the invention can be understood in detail by referring to the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing an embodiment of a truss frame according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the truss frame shown in FIG. 1 viewed from the side.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a portion of a first embodiment of a scaffolding platform assembled according to the modular approach of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the modular platform shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing a second embodiment of the scaffolding platform assembled according to the modular structure of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing a third embodiment of the modular platform according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing a fourth embodiment of a modular scaffolding platform constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a truss frame that is particularly suitable as a component for a modular platform. To clarify the basic structure of the truss frame, the main part of the deck 42 has been removed from FIG. The truss frame of the present invention comprises at least three upper rails that are joined together to form a generally flat surface. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, truss frame 10 includes four upper rails 12. The rails 12 are joined at their ends, and the joined rails 12 form a closed loop. In the particular embodiment shown, the rails 12 are arranged to form a square. The truss frame 10 also includes a plurality of brace members 14
Is equipped with. These brace members are attached to the upper rail 12 and extend downwardly from the upper rail. Member 14
Connects all of these members 14 together to form a bottom connecting portion 16
Are arranged to form. The bottom connecting part 16 is a rail 12
Occupies a certain position against. This predetermined position is selected so that the brace member 14 forms a trussed brace for the upper rail 12. In the preferred embodiment shown, the individual brace members 14 are arranged such that one end is attached to one of the upper rails 12, and the opposite ends of the individual brace members are bottom joints. It is attached to the remaining other brace member 14 via 16.
In a preferred manner, the brace members 14 are arranged so that the individual upper rails 12 are attached to the at least one brace member 14. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, four brace members 14 are used, and individual brace members are used.
The rails 14 are attached to the upper rail 12 at positions where the rails 12 are connected to each other, that is, at the corners of the square formed by the rails 12. In order to construct the truss frame 10 having an ideal modular structure and uniform strength, the brace member 14 is a plane orthogonal to the plane including the upper rail 12 and passing through the center of the bottom connecting portion 16. The upper rails 12 should be arranged symmetrically with respect to each other.
It is preferable to dispose with respect to. According to such a configuration, the upper rail 12, the brace member 14, and the bottom connecting portion 16
Form the shape of an inverted pyramid as seen across the truss frame 10. The pyramid shape of the truss frame 10 is shown in detail in FIG. 2, which is a side perspective view of the truss frame shown in FIG.

The truss frame 10 is further for connecting the upper rails 12 of one truss frame to the opposite upper rails of an adjacent truss frame when connecting two or more truss frames to each other to form a platform. Equipped with means. The means for connecting adjacent upper rails to each other is such that the upper rails of the connected truss frames are continuous in a direction parallel to the connecting direction of the truss frames, that is, the extending direction of the connected frames. Are arranged to form the upper girder material. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper rails 12 of adjacent truss frames 10 are connected to each other by means of openings 18. These openings are provided in a direction substantially orthogonal to the plane including the upper rail 12. To connect the adjacent upper rails 12, fixing bolts 20 are inserted into the upper link portion 22 and the lower link portion 24, respectively, through the openings 18 as shown in FIGS. In another embodiment, not shown, fixing bolts are inserted into the openings of adjacent rails 12 to connect adjacent upper rails. The openings in this example are aligned with each other and are oriented substantially parallel to the plane containing the upper rail 12.

The truss frame 10 also includes means for connecting the bottom joint 16 of the truss frame 10 to the bottom joint of an adjacent truss frame when the two or more truss frames are joined together to form a platform. You can also The means used to connect the bottom connecting portions of adjacent truss frames to each other are arranged such that the lower beam is formed in a direction parallel to the extending direction of the connected truss frames. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bottom connecting portions of adjacent truss frames are connected to each other using openings 28 formed through the bottom connecting plates 30,32. The opening 28 is provided in substantially the same direction as the opening 18. The plate 32 is spaced from the plate 30 by a spacer member 34 over a predetermined distance. One end of spacer member 34 is attached to plate 30 and the opposite end is attached to plate 32. Therefore, the spacer member 34 also serves to connect the plates 30 and 32 to each other. As shown in detail in FIGS. 3 and 4, the link members 36 are secured to the respective bottom joints by bolts 38 which pass through openings 28 at both ends to connect the bottom joints 16 of adjacent truss frames to one another. ing.

When using the truss frame 10 to form the support surface,
A deck 42 is further attached to the truss frame 10. This deck is attached to the upper rail 12 and forms a substantially continuous surface on the upper side. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the corner member 44 of the truss frame 10 is the rail 12
Of the deck 42, but not above the level of deck 42. Therefore, deck 42
The support surface formed by is substantially flat. further,
The deck 42 may also be shaped to fit along the perimeter of the individual corner members 44 without any gaps. If you shape the corner member 44 and the deck 42 like this,
The deck 42 is prevented from moving in a plane parallel to the plane containing the upper rail 12. In addition, if the deck 42 is fixed to the upper rail 12 by using an appropriate means such as an adhesive or a screw, the deck 42 faces upward and is orthogonal to the plane including the upper rail 12.
You can also prevent 42 from moving. A tie wire 46 is used as a conventional means to prevent the deck 42 from moving upward.
There is a method of fixing the deck 42 to the brace member 14 by. The binding wire passes through the opening 48 of the deck 42 and is wound around the brace member 14 and fixed. The deck 42 can be selected from a variety of materials to suit a particular application. Plywood is an example of a material often used for deck 42. The thickness and grade quality of the plywood are selected to meet the strength and field conditions required for each application.

When storing or transporting truss frame 10, deck 42 is typically removed and multiple truss frames 10 can be stacked together. If you do this,
The components required to assemble the modular platform can be stored and transported together in the smallest space possible. The deck 42 can be pre-attached to the truss frame prior to assembling the truss frame to the platform, or it can be attached after assembling the platform.

As shown in FIG. 7, the truss frame 10 is used in connection with the truss frame 10, and includes one or more rail members 50 that form a guard rail along some of the predetermined upper rails 12. It can be provided. The rail member 50 is for ensuring the safety of craftsmen who work on the platform. The guardrail can also be used to prevent materials and equipment from falling off the edge of the platform. Furthermore, the truss frame 10
Means may be provided to allow external devices to be attached to at least one upper frame 12 of the truss frame 10. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, such a function is performed using an associated tab 52 having a tab opening 54 formed therein. External devices can be attached to the tab 52 using bolts or locking pins that are inserted into the tab openings 54. Tab 52 and its associated tab opening 54
Are provided at each corner of the square formed by the upper rail 12, and thus there are four attachment points for each truss frame 10. By installing this type of direct attachment means on the truss frame, it is also possible to support the truss frame 10 from above with a suspension cable attached to at least one attached tab 52, and in the same way to the truss frame 10. It is also possible to support the truss frame from below with the support pillars attached. Also, multiple accessory tabs 52 are provided to set up and support accessories such as cantilever hoist beams and various scaffolding overhangs.
Can also be used.

Truss frame 10 for optimum strength and stiffness
May also include four corner braces 56 arranged substantially flush with the upper rail 12. Individual corner braces 56 are located at each of the square corners formed by the upper rail 12. Each corner brace 56 is attached to two joined upper rails 12 occupying each corner of the square, and the two upper rails 12 and the corner brace 56 are positioned so that the inner base is longer than the tip side. is there. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the upper rail 12, the corner brace 56 and the corner member 44 form a trapezoid. By configuring the upper rail 12 and the corner brace 56 in this way,
The unsupported section of the upper rail 12 is shortened, so that the rail is reinforced. Thus, the bent portion of the upper rail 12 moves rearward from the corner of the upper rail. In addition, if a triangular or trapezoidal configuration is used, a lightweight and strong structure can be obtained. To further enhance the brace action obtained with the corner brace 56, the truss frame 10 may include a brace channel 58 located between the corner member 44 and the corner brace 56. The brace channel 58 is attached at both ends to the adjoining respective ends of the corner member 44 and the corner brace 56. Also, the brace member 14 is a corner brace.
When attached to the 56, the rigidity of the truss frame 10 is further increased. According to this structure, the section of the member 14 which is not supported by the brace can be shortened, and a new triangular reinforcing member can be installed at each corner of the truss frame 10. In addition, channel 58 also serves as a convenient weldable surface for brace member 14, and channel 58 forms such a relatively large surface for easy welding.

For most applications, truss frame 10 is preferably constructed of a strong material such as metal. For example, when used as a scaffold, it is desirable to use hollow members to reduce weight and cost. Truss frame 10
It is convenient to make each part of the steel pipe,
For example, rail 12, corner member 44, corner brace 5
6, brace member 14 and truss frame 10 at the bottom connection
The attachment between the parts can be done by welding.

The truss frame of the present invention is particularly suitable for components of a modular scaffolding platform. However,
The modular platform obtained according to the present invention is not limited to scaffolding systems only, such as structures requiring high span strength and torsional stiffness,
It can also be used for other purposes. Figures 3 and 4
The figure schematically shows an example of a structural platform that can be constructed according to the modularity of the invention. Other structural examples of platforms assembled using the same modularity are shown in FIGS. 5-7. Each of the illustrated platform structures can be quickly and easily assembled using several basic components. Since the platform components of the present invention are flexible in assembling, they can be used for various purposes by preparing very few special components. The components of the modular platform can be partially or fully assembled at the work site, and the deck that constitutes the support surface can be pre-attached to each component before the components are assembled to build the desired platform. It can be set aside or attached to each component after construction. The platform components themselves are sized and weight for easy handling. This component is of a size that can always be accessed using the doorways of a normal building and can also be assembled as a platform for scaffolding inside the building.

As shown schematically in FIG. 3, the modular platform according to the present invention comprises a plurality of truss frames 60. A number of such truss frames include at least three upper rails that are joined together to form a generally flat surface and further include a plurality of brace members attached to the upper rails and extending downwardly from the upper rails. There is. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, each truss frame 60 has four upper rails 62 and four brace members.
64 is used. The brace members 64 are arranged so that all of the brace members 64 are connected to each other to form a bottom connecting portion 66. The bottom connecting part 66 is the upper rail 62
, Which position is selected such that the brace member 64 forms a truss brace with respect to the upper rail 62. The top rail 62, the brace member 64 and the bottom connecting portion 66 are arranged to form an inverted pyramid shape. Therefore, the truss frame 62 is similar in structure to the truss frame 10 shown in FIG. 1, and the main difference between the two is that the truss frame 10 has the corner brace 56.
However, the truss frame 60 does not include this corner brace. The modular platform of FIG. 3 further connects the upper rails 62 of adjacent truss frames 60 to each other so that the upper girders are connected in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the truss frame 60 to which the upper rails 62 are connected. A means for forming the material is provided. For example, with the adjacent truss frame 60 of FIG.
When the upper rails 62 of 70 are connected to each other, a platform having an upper girder member is completed between the frames 60 and 70 in the x-axis direction as shown in FIG. Similarly, connecting the upper rails of truss frames 70 and 72 to each other results in a third
As shown, an upper girder material continuous in the y-axis direction is formed between the frames 70 and 72.

In one embodiment, the means used to connect the upper rails 62 together comprises fixed links of the type shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper link portion 22 and the lower link portion 24 are fixed to the upper surface and the lower surface of the adjacent upper rail 62, respectively. Link parts 22 and 24
Are fixed to each other by bolts 20 inserted into the openings 18 of the upper rail 62. Also, the bolt 20 is inserted into the corresponding openings of the link portions 22 and 24, and the link nuts 22 and 24 can be held in place by screwing the fixing nut 26 onto the bolt 20 with sufficient force. In the truss frame embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the link portions 24 and 24 are locking tabs.
It is preferable to have 25. The fixing tab 25 is formed in a V shape or a wedge shape, and the angle of the fixing tab depends on the rail.
It is selected to match the angle formed by these adjacent upper rails 62 near the location where the 62 are connected together. Also, by configuring the fixing tab 25 in this way,
The tabs 25 serve to hold adjacent rails 62 in place with respect to each other.

The platform shown in FIG. 3 further comprises bottom connecting members 66, which are part of the components of the truss frame, connected to each other to form a lower girder member positioned in the same direction as the extending direction of the connected truss frame. It is preferable to provide a means for doing so. For example, when the bottom connecting portions 66 of the truss frames 60 and 70 are connected to each other as shown in FIG. 3, the lower girder member is formed in the direction shown by the x-axis of FIG. Truss frame 70
When the bottom connecting portions 66 of and 72 are joined together as shown in FIG. 3, the lower spar is formed in the orientation shown by the y-axis. Third
In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom connecting portions 66 of adjacent truss frames are connected to each other by a link member 36. The opposite ends of the individual link members 36 are provided with openings 28 of the bottom connecting portion 66.
Attached to each bottom connection by bolts or other fasteners that are inserted into.

According to the method of connecting the upper rail and the bottom connecting portion of the truss frame to each other as shown in FIG. 3, the truss beam can be formed in two orthogonal directions by using the components of the truss frame. Further, the brace member 64
Acts as a diagonal brace between the resulting upper and lower spar members. Therefore, the modular platform has braces installed in three dimensions. Therefore, the load force can be dispersively supported, and the force transmitted along the components of the truss frame follows the same movement path as the load force in the other three-dimensional brace structure. According to such a three-dimensional truss, a structure having excellent stability and large torsional rigidity can be obtained.

Due to the stable torsional rigidity of the modular platform of the present invention, the platform can be extended in any desired lateral direction. Therefore, the modular platform can be assembled into any size and shape desired. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, if truss frames are assembled on a straight line and the truss frames thus assembled are connected to each other at a right angle, a structure surrounding the periphery is completed, and a passage can be formed in this structure. . As shown in FIG. 5, the platform constitutes the enclosure of the truss frame 74, and
Adjacent top rails and bottom joints of 74 are joined together to form upper and lower spar bars, respectively. In many applications, the structural stability of the platform can be maintained without the inner truss frame. Therefore, the surroundings of the pillars 76 of the building can also be surrounded by a modular platform. Also, such platforms may be suspended from the building beams 78 using any suitable location on the platform. For the same reason, the truss frame components can also be assembled along the contours of the building structure as shown in FIG. The components of the truss frame can also be assembled at right angles to each other without affecting the stiffness or stability of the platform, so you can use a single cable that is installed anywhere along the platform to suspend the rail. Even from 82, the platform can be hung in a stable state. Furthermore, if two rows of truss frames are installed at right angles to each other, each row of truss frames resists rotation and a stable structure is obtained.

The components of the truss frame of the modular platform of the present invention are stable in all three directions because the truss frame is assembled as a brace-reinforced three-dimensional structure. Thus, the platform can be hung from above and also supported from below. Whichever method is used, support points can be placed at the ends of the span to shape the beam structure and support any point along the length of the span to form a cantilever structure. You can also Due to this flexibility, the platform of the present invention advantageously comprises means for attaching external devices directly to at least one of the upper rails of the components of the truss frame. An example of the external device attaching means is shown in FIG. As a result of various studies, in order to be able to freely attach external devices to the components of the truss frame, the corner member
It has been found that 44 can be used to join the ends of the upper rails 62 together and to provide access spaces at the intersections of multiple truss frame components connected as shown in FIG. At least one such mounting location is provided at each corner of each truss frame as each corner member 44 and associated tab 52 can be used to form access spaces or mounting locations for external devices for each truss frame component. Yes, and if there are points connecting the four truss frames to each other, four attachment points can be provided at those points. This allows multiple attachment points to be installed as an adjunct, so if such multiple point attachments are used and suspended or supported at several points, the platform may be overloaded or otherwise unsuitable. Can be prevented from occurring. Moreover, it is possible to receive even an eccentric load by using the attached tab 52, and use a pair of suspension cables provided at opposite angles to stabilize the platform in the lateral direction. You can also

Although not shown in FIG. 3, for use in a variety of applications, the illustrated modular platform embodiment uses a deck that attaches to the upper rail 62 and forms a generally continuous bearing surface at the top. Be seen. For frequently used scaffolding applications, such decks can use plywood with sufficient thickness and weatherability. Deck materials are relatively inexpensive and can be quickly and easily replaced as needed in the event of weathering, wear or tear. Also, in many applications, modular platforms will include one or more rail members coupled to the truss frame, and as shown in FIGS.
It is preferable that the guard rails can be installed along the predetermined upper rails of the truss frame by using 4,50. In the truss frame embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the rail members are simply attached to the truss frame using the openings 18 in the corner members 44. If it is not necessary to place an adjacent truss frame along any one of the upper rails 12, the opening 18 may be omitted and the rail member may be fixed to the upper rail.

In many examples of the modular platform of the present invention,
Since the truss frame can be installed in a straight line and does not impair the structural stability of the platform, a filling panel such as panel 68 of the type shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 can be used to provide a smooth and continuous platform. It is also possible to set up a supporting surface for this. Filling panels 68 are located between the truss frame components of the platform and are connected to certain of these truss frame components. The individual fill panels are preferably connected to the upper rails of each adjacent truss frame. Since the filling panel is not part of the structure that builds the platform, it does not act as a load-bearing beam. The filling panel is
It can be constructed of any size and shape. To facilitate modularization of the platform components, the filling panels should also have the same shape as the truss frame components, yet be sized to accommodate various sizes of truss frame components. preferable. However, if desired, different sizes and shapes can be used, such as the fill panels 86, 88 shown in FIG. The combined use of filling panels and truss frame components results in a platform that is lighter in weight and less expensive than those constructed entirely of truss frames. Thus, the use of filling panels in the construction of the platform makes it possible to obtain a platform with ideal conditions.

If the load on the platform is unusually large or if the span is long, the truss frame components of the present invention as shown in FIG. 7 can be used to assemble a strong platform. As shown in FIG. 7, the second row of the truss frame 92 is attached to the first row of the truss frame 90 through the connecting portion 94 in the upper and lower relation, and the second row of truss beams is connected to the upper and lower beam members of the truss beam. Effectively double the distance between them. If the distance between the upper and lower beam members of the beam is doubled, the load bearing capacity of the beam will also be doubled. Therefore, the structure of the platform shown in FIG.
It has four times the strength of similar platforms using only one row of truss frames. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to use a combination of one-row and two-row truss frames in order to deal with uneven load applied to the platform. An effective modular platform can be assembled by increasing the strength of the required parts of the platform and reducing the weight of the platform in places where less strength is required. Although not shown in the drawings, it is also possible to form the warp of middle height by incorporating the means used for connecting the bottom connecting portions of the truss frame to each other. The platform can have a downward bow or an upward bow. However, when the upward warp is installed on the platform, there is an effect that it can withstand both the weight of the platform and the external load applied to the platform.

The modular platform described above allows convenient assembly of a limited number of compatible components into a variety of structures. The flexible platform of the present invention allows for easy assembly of any shape platform of various sizes using only a few types of common components. Further, the truss frame according to the present invention can assemble a platform having large span strength and excellent in torsional rigidity. At the same time, the truss frame of the present invention can be sized and shaped for easy storage and shipping.

Although the present invention has been described in detail based on the preferred specific embodiments, modifications and changes to those embodiments can be easily made by those skilled in the art. Therefore,
All such modifications and changes that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention are intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims (33)

[Claims] 1. A truss frame comprising at least three upper rails connected to each other to form a substantially flat surface, and a brace member attached to the upper rails and extending downwardly from the upper rails. All of these members are arranged to be connected to each other so as to occupy a predetermined position with respect to the upper rail to form a bottom connecting portion, and at the predetermined position, the brace member is a truss-like brace for the upper rail. A plurality of brace members, such as those selected to form, and two or more of the above truss frames are connected together to form a platform, where the upper rails of one truss frame are adjacent to each other. Means for connecting to the upper rail, said rail connecting means for connecting these truss frames to each other. When connecting to form the platform, the upper rails of the connected truss frames form an upper girder member continuous in a direction parallel to the extending direction of the connected truss frames, and the connected trusses A truss frame that is arranged so that the frame exhibits great torsional rigidity. 2. When connecting two or more truss frames to each other to form a platform, connecting a bottom connecting portion of one truss frame to a bottom connecting portion of one adjacent truss frame. And connecting the bottom connecting portions to each other, the bottom connecting means are arranged to form a lower girder member extending in a direction parallel to the extending direction of the connected truss frame. The truss frame according to claim 1, wherein 3. The truss frame of claim 1, further comprising a deck mounted to the upper rail so as to form a substantially continuous bearing surface on the upper portion. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising one or more rail members coupled to the truss frame to form a guard rail located along a predetermined one of the upper rails. Truss frame. 5. The truss frame of claim 1, further comprising means for allowing an external device to be directly attached to at least one of the upper rails of the truss frame. 6. The truss frame according to claim 1, wherein the upper rail and the brace member are made of a metal material. 7. The upper rail has ends connected to each other,
The truss frame of claim 1, wherein the upper rails form a closed loop. 8. The truss frame of claim 7, wherein the four upper rails are arranged to form a square shape. 9. Further comprising means for connecting an external device to said upper rail, said means being arranged to connect said external device to a truss frame at any position of said square corners. The truss frame according to claim 8. 10. Each of the brace members has one end of the brace member attached to one of the top rails and an opposite end to another brace member at the location of the bottom connection. The truss frame according to claim 1, which is attached. 11. The truss frame of claim 10, wherein the brace members are arranged such that each upper rail is attached to at least one of the brace members. 12. The brace member is arranged with respect to the upper rail so as to be positioned symmetrically with respect to a plane passing through a center of the bottom connecting portion orthogonal to a plane including the upper rail. The truss frame according to Item 11. 13. The truss frame of claim 8, wherein the brace member comprises four members arranged such that the brace member is attached to the upper rail at the corners of the square. 14. The truss frame according to claim 13, wherein the upper rail, the brace member and the bottom connecting portion form an inverted pyramid shape. 15. Further, there are four corner braces arranged so as to be substantially flush with the upper rail, and each corner brace is arranged at each of the square corners, and is connected at the corners. 9. The truss frame of claim 8, wherein the truss frame is attached to two upper rails, the two upper rails and the corner brace forming a geometry in which the base portion is longer than the tip. 16. In a modular platform,
Each including at least three upper rails, the upper rails interconnected to form a generally flat surface, and further including a plurality of brace members attached to the upper rail and extending downwardly from the upper rail; The brace members are also arranged to connect all of these brace members together to form a bottom connection occupying a predetermined position with respect to the upper rail, which predetermined position is for the upper rail to the brace member. Multiple truss frames, such as those selected to form a truss brace, and the upper rails of adjacent truss frames are connected to each other and are parallel to the extension direction of the connected truss frame. The upper girder material that is continuous in the direction is constructed, and a large torsional rigidity is added to the connected truss frame. And it is modular platform and a means for volatilizing. 17. Further, for connecting bottom connecting portions of predetermined ones of the adjacent truss frames to each other to form a lower girder member extending in a direction parallel to an extending direction of the connected truss frames. 17. The modular platform of claim 16 including means. 18. The means for connecting the points of the bottom connection to each other are further arranged to form a medium to high warp in the platform.
Modular platform as described in 17. 19. The modular system of claim 16 further comprising one or more fill panels disposed between and coupled to the truss frame predetermined ones. platform. 20. Each of said fill panels is connected to the upper rails of adjacent truss frames.
Modular platform as described in 19. 21. The modular platform of claim 16 further comprising a deck mounted to the upper rail to form a substantially continuous bearing surface on the top. 22. Further comprising one or more rail members coupled to said truss frame so as to form a guard rail disposed along a predetermined one of said truss frame upper rails. The modular platform according to claim 16. 23. The modular platform of claim 16 further comprising means for mounting an external device directly on at least one of the upper rails of the truss frame. 24. The modular platform of claim 16, wherein the top rail, the brace member and the bottom connection of each of the truss frames are arranged to form an inverted pyramid shape. 25. The upper rail is formed with an opening which is positioned substantially in a direction orthogonal to the plane including the upper rail, and the fixing pin is inserted through the opening and the connecting link. The truss frame according to claim 1, wherein the truss frames are arranged so as to connect the upper rails of the adjacent truss frames to each other. 26. A pair of spaced parallel connecting plates are attached to the bottom connecting portion of the truss frame, and the bottom connecting plates are located in a plane substantially parallel to the plane containing the top rail. The plates are formed with openings that are generally positioned in a direction orthogonal to the plane containing the plates, the openings of the pair of plates are aligned, and locking pins are provided for these openings and the adjacent truss. The truss frame according to claim 2, wherein the bottom connecting portions of the frame can be inserted through members that are coupled to each other. 27. The truss frame of claim 4, wherein each of the rail members comprises a U-shaped integral structure attached to one of the upper rails of the truss frame. 28. Adjacent upper rails are connected at their ends to each other by corner elements diagonally arranged at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the respective upper rails to be connected, and external devices are connected to said upper rails. Said means for connecting to said corner element comprises a pair of spaced apart, parallel, attached tabs attached to each of said corner elements, said tabs being located on the outer peripheral surface of said corner element and Of the pair of tabs are formed so as to be positioned in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the plane of and that is also substantially orthogonal to the plane that includes the upper rail. 10. The truss of claim 9 which is aligned with each other and allows external devices to be secured to the tab by locking pins inserted through these openings. Frame. 29. The corner brace is further arranged at a distance from a position where the adjacent upper rails are connected to each other, and the corner brace is located at an intermediate position between both ends of the upper rail. 16. The truss frame of claim 15, wherein each truss frame is attached to each of the above and reduces the length of each upper rail not supported by the brace. 30. The upper rail is formed with an opening generally positioned orthogonal to the plane containing the upper rail, and the means for connecting the upper rails of adjacent truss frames to each other. Is a connection link between the adjacent upper rails and has a pair of openings penetrating therethrough at both ends; and an opening provided in one of the openings of the connection link and one of the upper rails, respectively. 17. The modular platform of claim 16 having two locking pins for use with each of the links disposed therethrough. 31. A pair of spaced parallel bottom connecting plates are attached to the bottom connecting portions of each of the truss frames, and the bottom connecting plates lie in a plane parallel to the plane containing the top rail. So as to be substantially aligned with each other, and the plate is formed with an opening that is positioned substantially in a direction orthogonal to the plane containing the plates, the openings of the pair of plates are aligned with each other, and The means for connecting the bottom connecting portions to each other is a connecting member that is located between the adjacent bottom connecting portions and has a pair of openings arranged at both ends, and one of the openings of the connecting member. And a pair of fixing pins used for each of the connecting members, which are arranged to pass through the aligned openings of the connecting pair of connecting plates. The modular platform described. 32. The modular platform of claim 22, wherein each of the rail members comprises a U-shaped, unitary structure that attaches to one of the upper rails of the truss frame. 33. Adjacent upper rails are connected to each other at their ends by corner elements diagonally arranged at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the respective upper rails to be connected, and an external device is connected to said upper rails. Said means for connecting to said corner element comprises a pair of spaced apart, parallel, attached tabs attached to each of said corner elements, said tabs being located on the outer peripheral surface of said corner element and Of the pair of tabs are formed so as to be positioned in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the plane of and that is also substantially orthogonal to the plane that includes the upper rail. 24. The module of claim 23, which is aligned with each other and allows external devices to be secured to the tab with locking pins inserted through these openings. Le platform.