Platform support ring and method of use

Abstract

A support ring for strengthening a grate modified to form an aperture therein, wherein the support ring includes a first and a second ring. The first and second rings are secured to one another with one or more fasteners such that a portion of a modified grate is clamped between the first ring and the second ring. The support ring is installed on a modified grate. The modified grate includes a plurality of cross bars installed in or on a surface and a plurality of bearing bars installed in or one the surface which together form a grid. The modified gate includes an aperture bounded and defined by a portion of the plurality of the cross bars and a portion of the plurality of bearing bars to receive a construction member therethrough. The support ring operably engages with the grate adjacent the aperture.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A support ring for strengthening a grate modified to form an aperture therein, wherein the support ring comprises:
 a first ring;   a second ring; and   a first set of connectors securing the first ring and the second ring to one another such that a portion of a modified grate is clamped between the first ring and the second ring.   
     
     
         2 . The support ring according to  claim 1 , wherein the first ring comprises:
 a top surface;   a bottom surface opposite to the top surface and being adapted to contact a top of the modified grate; and   a ledge extending outwardly from the top surface and being adapted to protect a portion of a construction member.   
     
     
         3 . The support ring according to  claim 2 , wherein the first ring is formed from a first half and a second half. 
     
     
         4 . The support ring according to  claim 3 , further comprising:
 a pair of tabs extending outwardly from the ledge.   
     
     
         5 . The support ring according to  claim 4 , wherein the first half and second half of the first ring are removably securable to one another at the pair of tabs. 
     
     
         6 . The support ring according to  claim 3 , further comprising:
 a second set of connectors securing the first half and the second half of the first ring to one another.   
     
     
         7 . The support ring according to  claim 4 , wherein the second ring is formed from a first half and a second half. 
     
     
         8 . A modified grate comprising:
 a plurality of cross bars installed in or on a surface;   a plurality of bearing bars installed in or one the surface;   wherein the plurality of cross bars and the plurality of bearing bars, together, form a grid;   an aperture bounded and defined by a portion of the plurality of the cross bars and a portion of the plurality of bearing bars, said aperture being configured to receive a construction member therethrough; and   a support ring operably engaged with the grate adjacent the aperture to provide structural support therein.   
     
     
         9 . The modified grate according to  claim 8 , wherein the support ring comprises:
 a first ring and a second ring;   wherein the first ring and the second ring contact a top and a bottom of the grate; and   one or more fasteners secure the first ring and the second ring to one another.   
     
     
         10 . The modified grate according to  claim 9 , wherein an opening defines by the first ring and the second ring is in fluid communication with the aperture defined by the grate. 
     
     
         11 . The modified grate according to  claim 9 , wherein the first ring and the second ring circumscribe the aperture. 
     
     
         12 . The modified grate according to  claim 9 , wherein the first ring further comprises:
 a top surface;   a bottom surface opposite to the top surface and being adapted to contact a top of the modified grate; and   a ledge extending outwardly from a top surface and being adapted to protect a portion of a construction member.   
     
     
         13 . A method of modifying and strengthening a grate comprising:
 determining a size and location of an aperture to be formed in the grate;   modifying the grate by forming the aperture in the grate;   providing a support ring comprising a first ring and a second ring;   placing the first ring on a top surface of the grate so that the first ring circumscribes the aperture;   placing the second ring on the bottom surface of the grate so that the second ring circumscribes the aperture; and   securing the first ring and the second ring to one another.   
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the aperture extends from the top surface of the grate to the bottom surface thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the aperture is sized to receive a construction member therethrough. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein securing the first ring and the second ring further comprises clamping the portion of the grate surrounding the aperture between the first ring and the second ring. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 13 , further comprising:
 securing a first half and a second half of the first ring to one another at a first set of tabs.   
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , further comprising:
 securing a first half and a second half of the second ring to one another at a second set of tabs.   
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 15 , further comprising:
 extending a ledge upwardly from an upper surface of the first ring; and   protecting a length of the construction member against impact with the ledge.   
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein clamping the portion of the grate comprising:
 extending a pair of tabs from the ledge of each half of the first ring; and   securing the respective halves of the first ring with one another, by one or more connectors, at the pair of tabs.