Multi-Function Scaffold with Reversible Platform

Abstract

A lightweight, multi-function scaffold includes an adjustable height platform that slidably mounts between two ladder frames. The side rails of the platform are reversible so that they can be mounted between the ladder frames in either a first orientation or in a second orientation. In the first orientation, the adjustable height platform is vertically movable between a first threshold and a maximum height. In the second orientation, the adjustable height platform is vertically movable between a second threshold and a minimum height. The ranges of movement in the first and second orientations may overlap.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A scaffold comprising:
 first and second ladder frames, each ladder frame comprising two vertical supports made of a tubular material connected by two or more cross members; and   an adjustable height platform with reversible side rails configured to be supported between the first and second ladder frames at a user selected height, wherein the side rails are configured to be mounted between the first and second ladder frames in a first orientation to obtain a maximum height and in a second orientation to obtain a minimum height; wherein the first and second orientations are opposite each other;   a deck configured to mount between the side rails in either the first orientation or the second orientation; and   wherein each side rail comprises a first support surface configured to support the deck in the first orientation and a second support surface configured to support the deck in the second orientation.   
     
     
         2 . The scaffold of  claim 1 , wherein each side rail has a cross-section that is symmetric about a horizontal plane that extends longitudinally along the corresponding side rail. 
     
     
         3 . The scaffold of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of alignment pins extending upward from the first support surface; wherein the deck includes a plurality of holes configured to receive the alignment pins. 
     
     
         4 . The scaffold of  claim 1 , further comprising a first set of latches for holding the deck in place against the first support surface in the first orientation; wherein the deck and first support surface are configured such that the first set of latches extend through both the deck and the first support surface when holding the deck in place against the first support surface. 
     
     
         5 . The scaffold of  claim 1 , wherein the platform further comprises:
 a pair of guide channels at opposing ends of each side rail configured to slide along respective ones of the vertical supports to adjust a height of the platform; and   a releasable locking mechanism on each guide channel to releaseably lock the guide channel at a desired position along the corresponding vertical support.   
     
     
         6 . The scaffold of  claim 5 :
 further comprising a ground-engaging member removably secured to a lower end of each vertical support, the ground-engaging member comprising a stem that extends into the lower end of a respective vertical support;   further comprising a span pin insertable through aligned openings in the ground-engaging member and the respective vertical support to secure the ground engaging member to the respective vertical support; and   wherein the guide channel includes an opening configured to align with the openings in the ground-engaging member and vertical supports through which the span pin can pass when the adjustable height platform is adjusted to a predetermined height.   
     
     
         7 . The scaffold of  claim 6 , wherein the opening in the guide channel aligns with the openings in the ground-engaging member and the corresponding vertical support when the side rials are configured in the second orientation. 
     
     
         8 . The scaffold of  claim 5 , wherein the guide channels are configured to extend downwardly from the side rails when the platform is in the first orientation and to extend upwardly from the side rails when the platform is in the second orientation. 
     
     
         9 . The scaffold of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the platform is adjustable between a first threshold and a maximum height in the first orientation;   the platform is adjustable between a second threshold and a minimum height in the second orientation; and   the first and second thresholds are a function of a length of the guide channels.   
     
     
         10 . The scaffold of  claim 5 :
 wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking pin and a bracket through which the locking pin extends;   wherein the bracket is vertically spaced from the corresponding side rail.   
     
     
         11 . The scaffold of  claim 1 :
 wherein each vertical support includes first and second openings passing through the vertical support adjacent a lower end thereof, wherein axes of the first and second openings are perpendicular to one another;   further comprising a ground-engaging member removably secured to a lower end of each vertical support, the ground-engaging member comprising a stem that extends into the lower end of a respective vertical support, wherein the stem of each ground-engaging member includes an opening passing through the stem that aligns with the first opening in the vertical support in a first orientation and the second opening in the vertical support in a second orientation; and   further comprising a span pin configured to pass through one of the first and second openings in the vertical support and the opening in the ground-engaging member to secure the ground-engaging member to the vertical support.   
     
     
         12 . The scaffold of  claim 1 :
 wherein each vertical support includes first and second openings passing through the vertical support adjacent a lower end thereof, wherein axes of the first and second opening are perpendicular to one another;   further comprising a ground-engaging member removably secured to a lower end of each vertical support, the ground-engaging member comprising a stem that extends into the lower end of a respective vertical support, wherein the stem of each ground-engaging member includes a first opening passing through the stem that aligns with the first opening in the vertical support and a second opening passing through the stem that aligns with the second opening in the vertical support; and   further comprising a span pin configured to pass through one of the first and second openings in the vertical support and a corresponding one of the first and second openings in the vertical support to secure the ground-engaging member to the vertical support.   
     
     
         13 . The scaffold of  claim 1 , wherein the side rails each comprise:
 a pair of parallel flanges with a central web therebetween; wherein the parallel flanges form the first support surface and the second support surface of the side rail;   stiffening elements associated with corresponding parallel flanges and disposed farther from the horizontal plane than the corresponding parallel flange.   
     
     
         14 . The scaffold of  claim 13 , wherein the stiffening elements comprise a stiffening flange extending outwardly from an outer end of the corresponding parallel flange, away from the horizontal plane. 
     
     
         15 . The scaffold of  claim 13 , wherein the stiffening elements comprise a stiffening channel extending outwardly from an outer end of the corresponding parallel flange. 
     
     
         16 . The scaffold of  claim 15 :
 wherein the platform further comprises a pair of guide channels at opposing ends of each side rail configured to slide along respective ones of the vertical supports to adjust a height of the platform;   wherein a respective brace connects each guide channel to the corresponding side rail; wherein the brace mounts to the corresponding side rail at the stiffening channel, laterally offset from the second support surface.   
     
     
         17 . The scaffold of  claim 13 , wherein each side rail is configured such that the corresponding stiffening element abuts a corresponding lateral edge of the deck, in both the first orientation and the second orientation, when the deck is mounted between the side rails. 
     
     
         18 . The scaffold of  claim 1 :
 wherein the side rails comprise first and second side rails;   wherein the first side rail comprises first and second bounded notches disposed on opposite sides of the horizontal plane;   wherein the first bounded notch forms the first support surface;   wherein the second bounded notch forms the second support surface.   
     
     
         19 . The scaffold of  claim 18 :
 wherein the platform further comprises a pair of guide channels at opposing ends of each side rail configured to slide along respective ones of the vertical supports to adjust a height of the platform;   wherein a respective brace connects each guide channel to the corresponding side rail; wherein the brace mounts to the corresponding side rail at a location closer to the second support surface than the first support surface and laterally offset from the second support surface.