Clamp device for securement of scaffolding to large-girth structures

Abstract

Clamp device (10) for attaching scaffolding or the like apparatus to a large-girth structure (LDP). An elongated base (18) is positioned transversely across the girth. It carries stand-offs (22a, 22b) for spacing the base from the girth. Attachments (46a, 46b) for the scaffolding are at opposite ends of the base. Length-adjustable securement members (24a, 24b) are carried near opposite ends of the base. A flexible elongated girth-encircling member (44), such as a high-strength chain, is extended around the girth, with length adequate for connection to the second securement members which are selectively adjustable in length from the base to cinch the girth-encircling member into tensile condition securely gripping to the girth by tightening adjustment. These adjustable members swing relative to the base so that during their tightening, portions of the length of the girth-encircling member become tangent to points on the girth.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 592,576, filed Jul. 30, 2004, entitled CLAMP DEVICE FOR SECUREMENT OF SCAFFOLDING TO LARGE-GIRTH STRUCTURES.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to scaffolding and related structures and, more particularly, to apparatus for securement of scaffolding, walkways and other scaffolding and other access components or apparatus to large-girth structures such as large diameter pipes, columns and other structural components used for example in oil rigs and platforms. [0003] Off shore oil rigs and platforms are of immense size and height, being typically enormous structures of steel or concrete members standing on the sea floor, or in some cases, floating rigs or structures held in place by cables attached to a sea floor or otherwise anchored. These structures often include steel pipes or tubes having diameters up to several feet in diameter...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] Accordingly, among objects of the invention are to provide a clamp for typically temporary securement of scaffolding or other access apparatus to an LDP quickly and easily, and with a high degree of safety; which allows such a construction to be removed without damage to an LDP; which can be installed and removed easily; which can be used for various orientation of the LDP, whether vertical, horizontal or oblique; and no matter whether the LDP pipe or other structure is tapered, irregularly shaped, varying in diameter, or of circular solid or tubular section, or otherwise having different geometry, but otherwise providing a large girth; and which can be installed also on columns, beams and unusually-shaped structures, such as non-tubular structures, including also bridge elements, concrete columns, rock columns, industrial chimneys, and various man-made structures, as well as possibly also natural structures such as stone or large trees; and which in general provides safe and easy installation regardless of the surface or varying shape of LDPs.

[0012] The new clamp thereby provides clamping attachment of scaffolding apparatus or other access apparatus to such large-girth structure reliably securely and safely for worker use.

Problems solved by technology

These structural members may be vertical, horizontal, sloping, oblique, or otherwise variably oriented, providing an extreme challenge for the typically temporary securement of the scaffolding or walkways on or around them.

This is, to say the least, very time consuming and expensive.

Risk to workers is involved in such operations.

Safety is a critically important issue in the matter of using scaffolding and access structures on immense LDPs of the type used in oil rigs, where workers may find themselves 200 feet or even 300 feet above sea level or other surfaces.

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