A scaffold
By introducing cross-shaped reinforcing bars connected to longitudinal supports in the scaffolding, a stable triangular structure is formed, which solves the problem of poor stability of existing scaffolding in complex environments and improves construction safety and structural strength.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521933556.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-09-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing scaffolding has poor stability under complex construction environments or external impacts, and is prone to swaying or collapse, posing safety hazards.
A scaffolding system including a support component and a reinforcement component was designed. The support component consists of longitudinal and transverse support rods, and the reinforcement component is connected to the longitudinal support rods through cross-arranged reinforcement rods to form a stable triangular structure, thereby enhancing connection reliability and structural strength.
It improves the stability of scaffolding under complex construction environments and external forces, reduces the risk of safety accidents, and ensures the safety and structural stability of the construction process.
Smart Images

Figure CN224679079U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of building construction technology, and in particular to a scaffolding. Background Technology
[0002] Scaffolding is an indispensable and essential facility in the construction industry. Its main function is to provide a safe and stable working platform for various construction processes, ensuring that construction workers can carry out their work smoothly at different heights and positions. Based on the location of its erection, scaffolding is mainly divided into two categories: external scaffolding and internal scaffolding. External scaffolding is typically erected along the exterior walls of a building to provide support for exterior wall construction and decoration work; while internal scaffolding is mainly used for interior construction, such as ceiling installation and interior wall painting.
[0003] However, existing scaffolding designs still have some shortcomings in practical applications. Due to their structural limitations, traditional scaffolding often struggles to achieve precise reinforcement and support in small areas. During erection, this type of scaffolding typically relies solely on horizontal and vertical limiting devices to secure the overall structure. This simple fixing method results in relatively poor stability when facing complex construction environments or external impacts. In the event of strong winds, vibrations, or other unexpected situations, the scaffolding is prone to swaying or even collapsing, posing a serious threat to the lives of construction workers and easily leading to safety accidents. Utility Model Content
[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of related technologies, and this utility model provides a scaffolding.
[0005] This utility model provides the following technical solution: A type of scaffolding includes support components and reinforcement components.
[0006] The support assembly includes at least two longitudinal support rods and at least two transverse support rods. The transverse support rods are respectively assembled and connected to two adjacent longitudinal support rods through a first connecting seat. The reinforcing assembly includes two reinforcing rods, which are arranged crosswise. The two ends of the reinforcing rods are respectively assembled and connected to two adjacent longitudinal support rods through a second connecting seat.
[0007] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the middle parts of the two reinforcing rods are hinged together by a first pivot, and the axis of the first pivot is perpendicular to the long side of the longitudinal support rod and the transverse support rod.
[0008] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, two support components are provided in the horizontal direction, and the first rotating shafts on the reinforcing rods of the two support components are fixedly connected by a central rod. The axis of the central rod is perpendicular to the long side lines of the longitudinal support rod and the transverse support rod.
[0009] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the two opposing second connecting seats of the two reinforcing components are fixedly connected by a shaft, and the axis of the shaft is perpendicular to the axis of the central rod.
[0010] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the second connecting seat is provided with a vertical tube corresponding to the longitudinal support rod, the longitudinal support rod passes through the vertical tube, and the vertical tube is provided with a first fastener, which is used to limit the relative position between the vertical tube and the longitudinal support rod; the reinforcing rod is hinged to the second connecting seat through a second rotating shaft, and the axis of the second rotating shaft is parallel to the axis of the first rotating shaft.
[0011] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the first fastener is a tightening screw, and the side wall of the vertical tube is provided with a first screw hole corresponding to the first fastener. The first fastener passes through the first screw hole and presses against the side wall of the longitudinal support rod.
[0012] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, a locking cap is fitted onto the first rotating shaft through a threaded connection. The locking cap rotates relative to the first rotating shaft to clamp the two reinforcing rods, thereby limiting the relative position of the two reinforcing rods.
[0013] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the first connecting seat is provided with a horizontal tube, the horizontal support rod passes through the horizontal tube, and the horizontal tube is provided with a second fastener, which is used to limit the relative position between the horizontal tube and the horizontal support rod; the first connecting seat is also hinged with two opposing claws, the two claws are engaged with the vertical support rod, and the ends of the two claws away from the first connecting seat are fixedly connected by bolts, thereby limiting the relative position between the vertical support rod and the first connecting seat.
[0014] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the second fastener is a tightening screw, and the side wall of the horizontal tube is provided with a second screw hole corresponding to the second fastener. The second fastener passes through the second screw hole and presses against the side wall of the horizontal support rod.
[0015] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, anti-slip pads are provided on the end faces of the two claws that are close to each other.
[0016] Compared with related technologies, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: This utility model provides a scaffold designed to improve safety and structural stability during construction. When using this scaffold, the first step is to erect the foundation, which involves firmly fixing multiple longitudinal support rods vertically to the ground to ensure they do not wobble or shift during subsequent use. After fixing the longitudinal support rods, the horizontal support rods are installed. Multiple horizontal support rods are connected horizontally to each longitudinal support rod sequentially via a first connecting seat. To further enhance the structural strength of the scaffold, two intersecting reinforcing rods are installed between adjacent longitudinal support rods. These two reinforcing rods are distributed in an intersecting pattern, forming a stable triangular structure with high mechanical stability. The two ends of each reinforcing rod are assembled and connected to the corresponding longitudinal support rod via a second connecting seat.
[0017] By employing the aforementioned construction method, this scaffolding effectively improves the reliability of connections between adjacent longitudinal and transverse supports. When the scaffolding is subjected to external forces, such as strong winds, vibrations from construction equipment, or external influences, such as material stacking or frequent personnel movement, the stress points of the longitudinal and transverse supports can be quickly transferred to the reinforcing bars. The reinforcing bars, with their intersecting structure and stable connections, evenly distribute and transfer the force to other unaffected longitudinal and transverse supports. In this way, the entire scaffolding forms an organic whole, collectively bearing external forces and ensuring the overall structural strength of the scaffolding.
[0018] This structural design enables the scaffolding to remain stable when facing various complex construction environments and external force challenges, thus providing a reliable safety guarantee for subsequent workers to carry out construction using this utility model, and greatly reducing the risk of safety accidents during construction.
[0019] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0021] Figure 1 This diagram shows a schematic view of the scaffold structure in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This diagram shows a schematic view of the support component in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the reinforcing component from one perspective is shown in one embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] Explanation of key component symbols: 100-Support assembly; 110-Longitudinal support rod; 120-Horizontal support rod; 130-First connecting seat; 131-Horizontal tube; 132-Claw; 133-Second screw hole; 134-Anti-slip pad; 200-Reinforcing assembly; 210-Reinforcing rod; 211-First pivot; 212-Center rod; 213-Locking cap; 220-Second connecting seat; 221-Shaft; 222-Vertical tube; 223-Second pivot; 224-First screw hole. Detailed Implementation
[0023] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0024] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
[0025] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0026] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0027] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of this utility model provides a scaffold, including a support component 100 and a reinforcing component 200.
[0029] The support assembly 100 includes at least two longitudinal support rods 110 and at least two transverse support rods 120. The transverse support rods 120 are respectively assembled and connected to two adjacent longitudinal support rods 110 through a first connecting seat 130. The reinforcing assembly 200 includes two reinforcing rods 210. The two reinforcing rods 210 are arranged crosswise. The two ends of the reinforcing rods 210 are respectively assembled and connected to two adjacent longitudinal support rods 110 through a second connecting seat 220.
[0030] The scaffolding provided in this embodiment aims to improve safety and structural stability during construction. When using this scaffolding, the first step is to erect the foundation, which involves firmly fixing multiple longitudinal support rods 110 to the ground in a vertical position. These longitudinal support rods 110 serve as the main vertical support components of the scaffolding, and the firmness of their fixing directly affects the stability of the entire scaffolding. Therefore, reliable fixing methods such as expansion bolts and ground anchors are typically used to ensure that the longitudinal support rods 110 will not shake or shift during subsequent use. After fixing the longitudinal support rods 110, the horizontal support rods 120 are installed. Multiple horizontal support rods 120 are connected horizontally to each longitudinal support rod 110 sequentially via first connecting seats 130. To further enhance the structural strength of the scaffolding, two intersecting reinforcing rods 210 are installed between adjacent longitudinal support rods 110. These two reinforcing rods 210 are distributed in an intersecting pattern, forming a stable triangular structure, which has high mechanical stability. Both ends of the reinforcing rod 210 are respectively assembled and connected to the corresponding longitudinal support rod 110 through the second connecting seat 220. The design of the second connecting seat 220 can ensure that the connection between the reinforcing rod 210 and the longitudinal support rod 110 is tight and reliable, so that the reinforcing rod 210 can fully play its role in reinforcing the structure.
[0031] Through the aforementioned construction method, the scaffolding effectively improves the connection reliability between the two longitudinal supports 110 and the transverse supports 120. When the scaffolding is subjected to external forces, such as strong winds, vibrations from construction equipment, or external influences, such as material stacking or frequent personnel movement, the stress points of the longitudinal supports 110 and transverse supports 120 can be quickly transferred to the reinforcing bars 210. The reinforcing bars 210, with their intersecting structure and stable connections, evenly distribute and transfer the stress to the other unaffected longitudinal supports 110 and transverse supports 120. In this way, the entire scaffolding can form an organic whole, jointly bearing external forces and ensuring the overall structural strength of the scaffolding.
[0032] In some specific embodiments, the two reinforcing rods 210 are hinged at their midpoints via a first pivot 211, the axis of which is perpendicular to the long side lines of the longitudinal support rod 110 and the transverse support rod 120. When the scaffolding is subjected to external forces during use, such as strong winds, collisions with construction equipment, or concentrated trampling by personnel, the two reinforcing rods 210, hinged at their midpoints via the first pivot 211, can generate a linkage effect. Specifically, when an external force acts on one of the reinforcing rods 210, the other reinforcing rod 210 will react accordingly through the transmission of the first pivot 211, and the two cooperate to cope with the external force. In this process, the external force or influence can be more thoroughly decomposed. External forces that might originally be concentrated on a certain point or a certain rod are dispersed throughout the entire reinforced structure system through the linkage and mutual support of the two reinforcing rods 210.
[0033] This results in a more even distribution of stress across the scaffolding, preventing structural damage or deformation caused by excessive localized stress. This ensures the stability of the scaffolding reinforcement structure in this embodiment.
[0034] In some specific embodiments, in conjunction with the actual use scenario of scaffolding, two support components 100 are provided in the horizontal direction. The first rotating shaft 211 on the reinforcing rod 210 on the two support components 100 is fixedly connected by a central rod 212. The axis of the central rod 212 is perpendicular to the long side line of the longitudinal support rod 110 and the transverse support rod 120, which facilitates the linkage connection of more reinforcing rods 210 and longitudinal support rods 110, further improving the ability of this embodiment to disperse external forces and improving the overall structural strength of this embodiment.
[0035] In some specific embodiments, the two opposing second connecting seats 220 of the two reinforcing components 200 are fixedly connected by a shaft 221, the axis of the shaft 221 being perpendicular to the axis of the central rod 212, which facilitates a reliable and stable connection between the two supporting components 100.
[0036] like Figure 3As shown, in some specific embodiments, the second connecting seat 220 is provided with a vertical tube 222 corresponding to the longitudinal support rod 110. The longitudinal support rod 110 passes through the vertical tube 222, and the vertical tube 222 is provided with a first fastener, which is used to restrict the relative position between the vertical tube 222 and the longitudinal support rod 110. The reinforcing rod 210 is hinged to the second connecting seat 220 through a second rotating shaft 223, and the axis of the second rotating shaft 223 is parallel to the axis of the first rotating shaft 211. In actual construction scenarios, due to different site requirements or spatial conditions, it is often necessary to adjust the distance between two adjacent longitudinal support rods 110. The operator can first release the restriction of the relative position between the vertical tube 222 and the longitudinal support rod 110 by the first fastener. When the first fastener is released, the vertical tube 222 and the longitudinal support rod 110 gain relative freedom of movement.
[0037] Next, the operator can move the two adjacent longitudinal support rods 110 closer or further apart according to actual needs. During this process, since the second connecting seat 220 is connected to the longitudinal support rod 110 through the vertical tube 222, the second connecting seat 220 will slide and adjust along the corresponding longitudinal support rod 110. At the same time, the two hinged reinforcing rods 210 will swing relative to each other as the longitudinal support rods 110 move. This swinging is natural and coordinated, and it can adapt to changes in the spacing of the longitudinal support rods 110, ensuring the stability of the entire reinforcing structure.
[0038] After the spacing between two adjacent longitudinal support rods 110 is adjusted to the appropriate position, the operator uses the first fastener to lock and restrict the relative position of each vertical pipe 222 with the corresponding longitudinal support rod 110. In this way, the longitudinal support rod 110, the second connecting seat 220, and the reinforcing rod 210 form a stable overall structure. The entire adjustment process is convenient and efficient, requiring no complicated operations or additional tools, making this embodiment applicable to more construction scenarios and greatly improving the versatility and practicality of the scaffolding.
[0039] In some specific embodiments, the first fastener is a tightening screw, and the side wall of the vertical tube 222 is provided with a first screw hole 224 corresponding to the first fastener. The first fastener passes through the first screw hole 224 and presses against the side wall of the longitudinal support rod 110, thereby forming a reliable and stable fixed connection between the vertical tube 222 and the longitudinal support rod 110, and the operation process is convenient and efficient.
[0040] In some specific embodiments, a locking cap 213 is threadedly fitted onto the first rotating shaft 211. The locking cap 213 rotates relative to the first rotating shaft 211 to clamp the two reinforcing rods 210, thereby limiting the relative position of the two reinforcing rods 210 and ensuring the reliability of the connection between the two reinforcing rods 210 after adjustment.
[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, in some specific embodiments, the first connecting seat 130 is provided with a horizontal tube 131, and the horizontal support rod 120 passes through the horizontal tube 131. The horizontal tube 131 is provided with a second fastener, which is used to limit the relative position between the horizontal tube 131 and the horizontal support rod 120 to ensure the reliability of the fixed connection between the first connecting seat 130 and the horizontal support rod 120. The first connecting seat 130 is also hinged with two opposing claws 132, which are engaged with the vertical support rod 110. The ends of the two claws 132 facing away from the first connecting seat 130 are fixedly connected by bolts, thereby limiting the relative position between the vertical support rod 110 and the first connecting seat 130. The connection method of the claws 132 is used to ensure the reliability of the connection between the vertical support rod 110 and the first connecting seat 130.
[0042] In some specific embodiments, the second fastener is a tightening screw. The side wall of the horizontal tube 131 has a second screw hole 133 corresponding to the second fastener. The second fastener passes through the second screw hole 133 and presses against the side wall of the horizontal support rod 120. During actual installation, the operator only needs to place the horizontal tube 131 onto the appropriate position of the horizontal support rod 120 to initially position them. Then, the tightening screw (i.e., the second fastener) is aligned with the second screw hole 133 on the side wall of the horizontal tube 131, and the tightening screw is slowly passed through the second screw hole 133. As the tightening screw is continuously screwed in, its front end gradually approaches the side wall of the horizontal support rod 120. When the tightening screw is tightened to a certain extent, its front end will press tightly against the side wall of the horizontal support rod 120.
[0043] At this point, due to the large tightening force applied by the tightening screw to the side wall of the horizontal support rod 120, sufficient friction is generated between the horizontal tube 131 and the horizontal support rod 120, thereby preventing the horizontal tube 131 from sliding or rotating relative to the horizontal support rod 120, thus forming a reliable and stable fixed connection between the horizontal tube 131 and the horizontal support rod 120. This connection method can not only withstand certain external forces and ensure the structural stability of the scaffolding during use, but also is very convenient and efficient in operation.
[0044] In some specific embodiments, anti-slip pads 134 are provided on the end faces of the two jaws 132 that are close to each other. During the actual clamping connection process, when the jaws 132 clamp the longitudinal support rod 110, the anti-slip pads 134 will directly contact the surface of the longitudinal support rod 110. Because the surface of the anti-slip pads 134 has a special texture or structure, it can greatly increase the contact area and frictional resistance between the jaws 132 and the longitudinal support rod 110, thereby significantly improving the clamping friction of the jaws 132 on the longitudinal support rod 110.
[0045] Without the anti-slip pad 134, the friction between the claw 132 and the longitudinal support 110 is relatively small. When the scaffolding is subjected to external forces, such as strong winds, vibrations of construction equipment, or frequent movement of personnel, the claw 132 can easily slip on the longitudinal support 110. Once the claw 132 slips, the connection between the horizontal support 120 and the longitudinal support 110 will loosen, thereby affecting the structural stability of the entire scaffolding.
[0046] The addition of the anti-slip pad 134 significantly reduces the probability of slippage when the claw 132 grips the longitudinal support rod 110. Even in harsh construction environments, the claw 132 can firmly grip the longitudinal support rod 110, maintaining a stable connection.
[0047] The stability of the fixed connection between the horizontal support rod 120 and the vertical support rod 110 directly affects the overall support performance of the scaffold. Because the anti-slip pad 134 improves the clamping effect of the claw 132, the horizontal support rod 120 can more reliably provide lateral support to the vertical support rod 110, thereby improving the reliability of the support provided when the horizontal support rod 120 and the vertical support rod 110 are fixedly connected.
[0048] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.
[0049] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A type of scaffolding, characterized in that, include: The support assembly (100) includes at least two longitudinal support rods (110) and at least two transverse support rods (120), wherein the transverse support rods (120) are respectively assembled and connected to two adjacent longitudinal support rods (110) via a first connecting seat (130); The reinforcing assembly (200) includes two reinforcing rods (210), which are arranged crosswise. The two ends of the reinforcing rods (210) are respectively assembled and connected to two adjacent longitudinal support rods (110) through a second connecting seat (220).
2. The scaffolding according to claim 1, characterized in that, The middle parts of the two reinforcing rods (210) are hinged together by a first pivot (211), and the axis of the first pivot (211) is perpendicular to the long side of the longitudinal support rod (110) and the transverse support rod (120).
3. The scaffolding according to claim 2, characterized in that, Two support components (100) are provided in the horizontal direction. The first rotating shaft (211) on the reinforcing rod (210) on the two support components (100) is fixedly connected by a central rod (212). The axis of the central rod (212) is perpendicular to the long side of the longitudinal support rod (110) and the transverse support rod (120).
4. The scaffolding according to claim 3, characterized in that, The two opposing second connecting seats (220) of the two reinforcing components (200) are fixedly connected by a shaft (221), the axis of which is perpendicular to the axis of the central rod (212).
5. The scaffolding according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second connecting seat (220) is provided with a vertical tube (222) corresponding to the longitudinal support rod (110). The longitudinal support rod (110) passes through the vertical tube (222). The vertical tube (222) is provided with a first fastener, which is used to limit the relative position between the vertical tube (222) and the longitudinal support rod (110). The reinforcing rod (210) is hinged to the second connecting seat (220) through a second rotating shaft (223). The axis of the second rotating shaft (223) is parallel to the axis of the first rotating shaft (211).
6. The scaffolding according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first fastener is a tightening screw. The side wall of the vertical tube (222) is provided with a first screw hole (224) corresponding to the first fastener. The first fastener passes through the first screw hole (224) and presses against the side wall of the longitudinal support rod (110).
7. The scaffolding according to claim 5, characterized in that, A locking cap (213) is threaded onto the first rotating shaft (211). The locking cap (213) can rotate relative to the first rotating shaft (211) to clamp the two reinforcing rods (210) and limit their relative positions.
8. The scaffolding according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first connecting seat (130) is provided with a horizontal tube (131), and the horizontal support rod (120) passes through the horizontal tube (131). The horizontal tube (131) is provided with a second fastener, which is used to limit the relative position between the horizontal tube (131) and the horizontal support rod (120). The first connecting seat (130) is also hinged with two opposing claws (132), which are engaged with the vertical support rod (110). The ends of the two claws (132) away from the first connecting seat (130) are fixedly connected by bolts, thereby limiting the relative position between the vertical support rod (110) and the first connecting seat (130).
9. The scaffolding according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second fastener is a tightening screw. The side wall of the horizontal tube (131) is provided with a second screw hole (133) corresponding to the second fastener. The second fastener passes through the second screw hole (133) and presses against the side wall of the horizontal support rod (120).
10. The scaffolding according to claim 8, characterized in that, Anti-slip pads (134) are provided on the end faces of the two claws (132) that are close to each other.