Adjustable joist for an underslung access platform

Abstract

To provide an adjustable joist for a suspended access platform.SOLUTION: The joist attachment includes a first end, a second end, a top portion, and a bottom portion of the joist attachment. The first end is disposed on a central axis of the joist attachment. The width of the second end is greater than the width of the first end. The second end includes a second support and a third support, the second support being parallel to the first support and disposed on a first side of the central axis, the third support being parallel to the second support and disposed on a second side of the central axis, the second side being opposite the first side. The top portion and the bottom portion extend between the first end and the second end. The upper portion includes a plurality of upper portion apertures. The bottom portion includes a plurality of bottom portion apertures.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of construction and temporary structures erected to access various parts of various structures. In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a work platform system and the adjustability of components thereof to accommodate work platform systems of various sizes. [Background technology]

[0002] Work platforms and other access structures (including suspended work platform systems and scaffolding) allow workers to access otherwise difficult-to-reach work sites and can be assembled at the job site as needed. For example, when working on structures such as bridges where there is no stable or suitable ground surface on which to build a standard supported work platform, suspended work platforms allow workers to access the undersides and sides of these structures. They also eliminate the need to build standard work platforms and platform systems to significant and awkward heights. However, suspended work platforms alone are not always ideal for accessing some structures. In such cases, supported work platforms can be beneficial in providing improved access to some structures, even after the suspended work platform is installed in place. Therefore, it can be beneficial to install a supported work platform above the suspended work platform.

[0003] Supported or suspended access structures may require custom dimensions for a particular project due to specific applications or space constraints. Designing, manufacturing, and shipping customized components can delay project completion and increase overall costs. A need exists for the ability to adjust or modify already-existing components to address a project's unique criteria. Summary of the Invention

[0004] At least one embodiment relates to a joystick attachment configured to couple to a joist. The joystick attachment includes a first end of the joystick attachment, a second end of the joystick attachment, a top portion, and a bottom portion. The first end of the joystick attachment includes a first support disposed on a central axis of the joystick attachment, the first support including a first aperture configured to receive a coupling mechanism. The second end of the joystick attachment is opposite the first end of the joystick attachment, and the width of the second end of the joystick attachment is greater than the width of the first end of the joystick attachment. The second end of the joystick attachment includes a second support and a third support. The second support is parallel to the first support and disposed on a first side of the central axis. The third support is parallel to the first support and disposed on a second side of the central axis. The second side is opposite the first side. The top portion extends between the first end of the joystick attachment and the second end of the joystick attachment and includes a plurality of top portion apertures configured to receive pins. The bottom portion extends between the first end of the joystick attachment and the second end of the joystick attachment. The bottom portion is opposite and parallel to the top portion and includes a plurality of bottom portion apertures configured to receive pins.

[0005] Another embodiment relates to a support structure including an adjustable joist assembly, a hub, a joist extending between a first end of the joist and a second end of the joist, and a joist attachment. The joist attachment includes a first end, a second end, a top portion, a bottom portion, and a pin. The first end is configured to couple to the hub. The second end is opposite the first end and configured to couple to the first end of the joist. The top portion extends between the first end and the second end. The bottom portion extends between the first end and the second end. The bottom portion is opposite and parallel to the top portion. The pin is configured to couple to the top portion, the first end of the joist, and the bottom portion. The pin is repositionable between (a) a first position and (b) a second position, where in the first position the pin is positioned a first distance from the first end and in the second position the pin is positioned a second distance from the second end, the first distance being less than the second distance.

[0006] Another embodiment relates to a joist attachment including a first end and a second end, the second end being opposite the first end and having a width greater than the width of the first end, and the joist attachment is configured to couple a joist to a hub, thereby forming an extended joist.

[0007] This summary is merely illustrative and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent based on the detailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0008] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. For purposes of clarity, every component may not be labeled in every drawing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary support structure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary support system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is an illustration of a portion of an exemplary support structure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary adjustable joist assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 15]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of the exemplary adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 15 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the exemplary adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 17 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 18 is another top perspective view of the exemplary adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 17 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the example adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 17 according to an example embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a portion of the example adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 17 according to an example embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a front view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 22 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 23 is a front view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 22 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 22 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 23 is a left perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 22 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 23 is an exploded view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 22 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 29]FIG. 29 is a right side view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 28 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 29 is a top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 28 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 29 is a top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 28 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 32 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 32 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 32 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 36] FIG. 33 is a top view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 32 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 33 is a top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 32 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is an exploded view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 38 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 40] FIG. 39 is a top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 38 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 41] FIG. 39 is a top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 38 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 42] FIG. 39 is a front view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 38 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 43]FIG. 39 is a top perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 38 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 44] FIG. 44 is a bottom view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 43 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 45] FIG. 39 is a top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 38 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 46] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joystick assembly in a first position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 46 in a second position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 48] FIG. 47 is a front view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 46 in a second position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 49] FIG. 47 is a top view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 46 in a second position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 50] FIG. 47 is a right side view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 46 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 51] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 46 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 52] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joystick assembly in a first position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 53] FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 52 in a second position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 54] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 55] FIG. 55 is an exploded view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 54 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 56] FIG. 55 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 54 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 57] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 58] FIG. 58 is an exploded view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 57 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 59] FIG. 58 is a top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 57 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 60] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 61] FIG. 61 is a top perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 60 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 62] FIG. 61 is a top perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 60 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 63] FIG. 61 is a top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 60 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 64] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 65] FIG. 65 is a top perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 64 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 66] FIG. 65 is a top perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 64 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 67] FIG. 65 is a top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 64 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 68] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in a first position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 69] FIG. 69 is a top perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 68 in a second position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 70] FIG. 69 is a top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 68 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 71]FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 72] FIG. 72 is a top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 71 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 73] FIG. 72 is an exploded view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 71 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 74] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 75] FIG. 75 is a right perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 74 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 76] FIG. 75 is a front view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 74 in a first position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 77] FIG. 75 is a front view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 74 in a second position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 78] FIG. 75 is a top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 74 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 79] FIG. 75 is an exploded view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 74 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 80] FIG. 10 is a left side view of another exemplary adjustable joystick assembly in a first position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 81] FIG. 81 is a top perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 80 in a second position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 82] FIG. 81 is another top perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 80 in a second position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 83] FIG. 81 is a front perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 80 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 84] FIG. 81 is a top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 80 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 85] FIG. 81 is a right perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 80 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 86] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in a first position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 87] FIG. 87 is a front view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 86 in a second position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 88] FIG. 87 is a front right perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 86 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 89] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 90] FIG. 89 is a front view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 89 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 91] FIG. 89 is a perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 89 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 92] FIG. 89 is a left side view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 89 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 93] FIG. 89 is a left side view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 89 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 94] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 95] FIG. 95 is a top perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 94 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 96] FIG. 95 is a right perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 94 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 97] FIG. 95 is an exploded perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 94 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 98] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 99] FIG. 99 is a right side view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 98 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 100] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 101] FIG. 101 is a top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 102] FIG. 101 is a top perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 103] FIG. 103 is a top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 102 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 104] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 105] FIG. 105 is another top perspective view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 104 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 106] FIG. 105 is a front view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 104 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 107] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 108] FIG. 107 is a front view of the exemplary adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 106 in a first position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 109] FIG. 107 is a front view of the exemplary adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 106 in a second position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 110] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 111] FIG. 111 is a front view of the exemplary adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 110 in a first position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 112] FIG. 111 is a front view of the exemplary adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 110 in a second position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 113] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 114] FIG. 114 is a front view of the exemplary adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 113 in a first position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 115] FIG. 114 is a front view of the exemplary adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 113 in a second position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 116] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 117] FIG. 117 is a front view of the exemplary adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 116 in a first position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 118] FIG. 117 is a front view of the exemplary adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 116 in a second position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 119] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 120] FIG. 120 is a front view of the exemplary adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 119 in a first position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 121] FIG. 120 is a front view of the exemplary adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 119 in a second position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 122] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 123] FIG. 123 is a top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 122 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 124] FIG. 123 is another top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 122 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 125] FIG. 123 is another top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 122 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 126]FIG. 123 is another top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 122 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 127] FIG. 123 is another top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 122 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 128] FIG. 123 is a left side view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 122 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 129] FIG. 123 is a front view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 122 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 130] FIG. 123 is a front view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 122 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 131] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary adjustable joist assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 132] FIG. 132 is a top view of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 131 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 133] FIG. 132 is a top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 131 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 134] FIG. 132 is another top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 131 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 135] FIG. 132 is another top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 131 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 136] FIG. 132 is another top perspective view of a portion of the adjustable joist assembly of FIG. 131 according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to the work platform system structure method, apparatus, and system and the adjustable joist assembly method, apparatus, and system for adjusting the length of the joists of the work platform system structure, and their implementations. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in any of a number of ways.

[0011] The technical solutions disclosed herein are directed to structural support systems (e.g., platforms), and in particular to a joist assembly configured to adjust the length of a joist for a structural support system. For example, a custom structural support system may require a custom-length joist. Instead of fabricating different length joists for each custom structural support system, the system disclosed herein provides a joist assembly that can be adjusted to various lengths to accommodate a variety of different structural support systems. Having an adjustable-length joist can reduce time delays and increase efficiency by eliminating the need to design and manufacture different length joists for different structural support systems. The joist can be adjusted in the field to accommodate errors in field measurements or changes in the work envelope. Adjustable joists may be more readily available than custom-length joists, which must be designed, manufactured, and shipped.

[0012] The joist assembly can include a first joist attachment, a second joist attachment, a joist, a first joist portion, a second joist portion, a hub (e.g., a node, etc.), and / or a connector. Each component can have interconnecting telescoping features to facilitate a telescoping method of length adjustment. The components can be coupled together via a combination of multiple connection points and mechanical fasteners (e.g., threaded hardware, pins, etc.) that can facilitate fine adjustment. The adjusted length position can be locked in place by securing the fasteners. In some embodiments, the connector can have multiple openings spaced apart (e.g., according to a vernier scale). As the components are telescoped, openings in the joist ends can selectively align with openings in the connector, allowing pins or other fasteners to extend through the openings. The first and second joist attachments can be configured to stack within each other to extend the length of the joist assembly. The first and second joist portions and / or the joist attachment and joist can be configured to slide within each other. The joist attachment can be configured to connect to the end of the joist, to the side of the joist, or between the first and second joist portions. Some embodiments can be configured to support alternative platform widths. Some embodiments can be configured to replace a joist with an adjustable joist, while others can be configured to extend an existing joist. Some embodiments can be configured to attach the first and second joists without the use of nodes.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary support structure 100. The support structure 100 includes at least one joist 105. For example, the support structure 100 can include four joists 105. The joists 105 can be connected together. For example, the joists 105 can be connected together by at least one connector (shown as hub 110). Any number of joists 105 can be connected together by any number of hubs 110. The joists 105 can be oriented to be coplanar. The joists 105 can be oriented to support a platform 115. In some embodiments, the platform 115 is divided into multiple platforms (shown as platforms 116A and 116B). The platform 115 can be divided into any number of platforms 115. The support structure 100 can include a support joist 120. The support joist 120 can extend between two joists 105. Support joists 120 may be disposed between the multiple platforms 115 to provide structural support to the platforms 115 .

[0014] 2 depicts an exemplary support system 200 comprising multiple support structures 100 coupled together at a hub 110. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the support system 200 is a work platform system including multiple support structures 100. In a further exemplary embodiment, the support system 200 can be a single support structure 100. In a further exemplary embodiment, the support system 200 can be any structure or system that provides a substantially planar surface with at least two coplanar joists 105 or a single joist 105 configured with two coplanar portions (where the portions are not linear with respect to each other but are separated by a predetermined distance).

[0015] The joist 105 can be any elongated structural member adapted to bear or support a load, such as, for example, a bar joist, a truss, a steel beam (i.e., an I-beam, a C-beam, etc.), or the like. The hub 110 can be any interconnecting structure, such as a node, hinge, pivot, post, column, center, shaft, spindle, or the like. Accordingly, one skilled in the art will recognize that the size, shape, and arrangement of the hub 110 and joists 105 can vary to provide the support structure 100 and support system 200. For example, the length of the joist 105 and the positioning of the joist 105 and hub 110 can vary depending on the desired size and configuration of the support system 200. Although the exemplary embodiment shows support structure 100 as being rectangular, forming an overall rectangular support system 200 with joists 105 in one direction being longer than joists 105 extending in the opposite direction (e.g., vertically), joists 105 can be of any length and can be joined to hub 110 at any angle allowed by the design of hub 110.

[0016] The size and shape of the platform 115 can similarly vary depending on the configuration of the joists 105 and hub 110. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the support system 200 is shown as an access structure such as a work platform system. Specifically, the support system 200 is shown as a work platform system designed to be suspended from an overhead structure (e.g., a suspended work platform system). However, the support system 200 can be any support structure, including any type of access structure (e.g., a suspended work platform system, a supported work platform system, a scaffold, a shoring), as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the support system 200 is any structure having at least one support structure 100 with two coplanar, parallel joists 105. The support system 200 can be a work platform system or a suspended work platform system. The support system 200 can be an articulatable suspended work platform system.

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a support structure 100. A joist 105 of the support structure 100 includes an upper member 305 and a lower member 310. The upper member 305 can be spaced apart from the lower member 310. The upper member 305 can be parallel to the lower member 310. The joist 105 includes at least one support member 315. The support member 315 is disposed between the upper member 305 and the lower member 310. The support member 315 can be disposed at an angle relative to the upper member 305 and the lower member 310. For example, the support member 315 can be oblique relative to the upper member 305 and the lower member 310. The joist 105 can include multiple support members 325. For example, the support members 325 can create a truss structure.

[0018] The joist 105 may have at least one connection point (shown as a hub connection point 320). The upper member 305 may have the hub connection point 320. The lower member 310 may have the hub connection point 320. The joist 105 may couple to the hub 110 via the hub connection point 320. For example, the hub connection point 320 may be an opening or pocket configured to receive a component for coupling the joist 105 to the hub 110. For example, the post 325 may extend from a surface (e.g., a top or bottom surface) of the hub 110. The post 325 may be part of the hub 110 or may be part of a component that extends through an opening in the hub 110 and beyond the top surface of the hub 110. The upper member 305 may be positioned such that the hub connection point 320 receives the post 325. For example, the post 325 may extend through the hub connection point 320. Hub connection point 320 can be disposed at or near end 330 of joist 105. For example, hub connection point 320 can be an opening disposed at end 330 of upper member 305.

[0019] In some embodiments, the joist 105 can include at least one channel structure 335. The channel structure 335 can extend along at least a portion of the joist 105. The channel structure 335 can be coupled to the joist 105. For example, the channel structure 335 can be coupled to at least one of the upper member 305 or the lower member 310.

[0020] In some embodiments, the joist 105 can have at least one locating feature 340. The locating feature 340 can facilitate alignment and positioning of the channel structure 335 with the joist 105. For example, the locating feature 340 can be configured to engage a portion of the channel structure 335 to facilitate proper alignment and installation of the channel structure 335 relative to the joist 105. In some embodiments, the locating feature 340 can be an opening in the upper member 305 or lower member 310 of the joist 105 that is configured to receive a corresponding feature (e.g., a pin or post) of the channel structure 335. For example, the corresponding feature can be disposed within or configured to extend through the locating feature 340 such that the channel structure 335 can be properly positioned relative to the joist 105. Without the positioning feature 340, a channel structure 335 with such corresponding features may be prevented from coupling with the joist 105 or may be coupled in an undesirable position or orientation. The positioning feature 340 can be disposed at or proximate the first end 330 or second end 332 of the joist 105. For example, the positioning feature 340 can be disposed next to the hub connection point 320. The hub connection point 320 can be closer to the first end 330 or second end 332 of the joist 105 than the positioning feature 340, such that the hub connection point is disposed between the first end 330 or second end 332 and the positioning feature 340. When the joist 105 is coupled to the hub 110, the positioning feature 340 can be disposed adjacent to the outer periphery of the hub 110.

[0021] The joist 105 may have a first end 330 and a second end 332. The joist 105 may have locating features 340 at both the first end 330 and the second end 332. The joist 105 may have hub connection points 320 at both the first end 330 and the second end 332. Both the upper member 305 and the lower member 205 may have at least one hub connection point 320 and at least one locating feature 340.

[0022] The support structure 100 can be configured to engage at least one auxiliary component (shown as a joist socket 345). The joist socket 345 can be coupled to a joist 105 of the support structure 100 via a channel structure 335. The joist socket 345 can slidably engage with the channel structure 335. For example, the joist socket 345 can be coupled to the channel structure 335 in a manner that allows sliding movement relative to one another. The joist socket 345 can facilitate coupling of other components to the support structure 100. The support structure 100 can include any number or type of joist sockets 345. The joist socket 345 can be coupled to any joist 105 of the support structure 100.

[0023] 4-9 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 for extending a joist 105, according to an example embodiment. The adjustable joist assembly 350 is configured to allow a user to incrementally increase the size of the adjustable joist assembly 350 by relatively small amounts (e.g., by one-inch increments). This arrangement allows a user to tailor the adjustable joist assembly 350 to a preferred length, reducing the need to have custom joist lengths manufactured.

[0024] 4-8 , adjustable joist assembly 350 includes joist 105, joystick attachment 352, and hub 110. Joystick attachment 352 is configured to couple to hub 110 at first joystick attachment end 358. Joystick attachment 352 is configured to couple to joist 105 at second joystick attachment end 360. Joystick attachment 352 includes a top portion 354 (e.g., upper portion, etc.) and a bottom portion 356 (e.g., lower portion, etc.). Top portion 354 is parallel to and configured to engage with upper member 305 of joist 105, and bottom portion 356 is parallel to and configured to engage with lower member 310 of joist 105. Joyst attachment 352 includes a first joystick attachment end 358 and a second joystick attachment end 360 opposite first joystick attachment end 358. Joystick attachment 352 includes a first side portion 362 and a second side portion 364 extending from first joystick attachment end 358 to second joystick attachment end 360. First side portion 362 is opposite second side portion 364. First side portion 362 and second side portion 364 are configured to be separated by a joist gap 366, which is configured to receive a portion of joist 105. A portion between the first side portion 362, the second side portion 364, the top portion 354, the bottom portion 356, the first joystick attachment end 358, and the second joystick attachment end 360 forms a joist gap 366 (e.g., an opening, a slot, etc.).

[0025] 4-9, the joystick attachment 352 includes a plurality of supports 498 (e.g., rods, bars, etc.). The supports 498 include a first support 500, a second support 504, and a third support 508 extending between the top portion 354 and the bottom portion 356. The first support 500 is parallel to the second support 504 and the third support 508. The first support 500 is positioned at the first joystick attachment end 358. The first support 500 is disposed on a central axis of the joystick attachment 352. The second support 504 and the third support 508 are positioned on opposite sides of the first support 500 at the second joystick attachment end 360. The second support 504 is parallel to the first support 500 and is disposed on a first side of the central axis. The third support 508 is parallel to the first support 500 and disposed on a second side of the central axis. The second side is opposite the first side. The first support 500 is centrally disposed between the second support 504 and the third support 508. Each support includes a first end and a second end, the first end being opposite the second end. In some embodiments, the first support 500 is offset from the center of the second support 504 and the third support 508. The first support 500 includes a first aperture 510 configured to receive a coupling mechanism 390. The coupling mechanism 390 is configured to couple the first joystick attachment end 358 to the hub 110. The first support 500 is cylindrical, while the second support 504 and the third support 508 are prisms with rectangular bases. In some embodiments, the first support 500 is an alternating volume (e.g., a prism with a rectangular base, etc.). In some embodiments, the second support 504 and / or the third support 508 are alternating volumes (e.g., a cylinder, etc.).

[0026] The top portion 354 includes a top portion first piece 514 and a top portion second piece 518. The top portion second piece 518 is configured to have a width greater than that of the top portion first piece 514. A first end of the top portion first piece 514 is connected to a first end of the first support 500 and extends away from the first support 500 toward the second support 504 and the third support 508. The top portion first piece 514 is perpendicular to the first support 500. A second end of the top portion first piece 514 is connected to a first end of the top portion second piece 518. The top portion second piece 518 is parallel to the top portion first piece 514 and extends away from the top portion first piece 514. The top portion second piece 518 is coupled to first ends of the second support 504 and the third support 508. The top portion first piece 514 further includes a top portion first prong 522 (e.g., a projection, extension, etc.) and a top portion second prong 524 (e.g., a projection, extension, etc.). The top portion first prong 522 and the top portion second prong 524 straddle the top portion second piece 518. The top portion first prong 522 is coupled to a first end of the second support 504, and the top portion second prong 524 is coupled to a first end of the third support 508. In some embodiments, the top portion first piece 514 and the top portion second piece 518 form a single component.

[0027] The top portion second piece 518 further includes a plurality of top portion apertures 528 (e.g., openings, holes, etc.). The top portion apertures 528 are configured to receive a coupling mechanism 390 for coupling the joist attachment 352 to the joist 105. The top portion apertures 528 include a top portion first aperture 532, a top portion second aperture 536, a top portion third aperture 540, a top portion fourth aperture 544, and a top portion fifth aperture 548. Each of the five top portion apertures 528 is centrally located between the first side portion 362 and the second side portion 364. The top portion apertures 528 form a line parallel to the top portion first piece 514. In some embodiments, the upper portion apertures 528 form a greater or lesser number of apertures (eg, two apertures, eight apertures, etc.).

[0028] The bottom portion 356 includes a bottom portion first piece 552 and a bottom portion second piece 556. The bottom portion second piece 556 is configured to have a width greater than that of the bottom portion first piece 552. A first end of the bottom portion first piece 552 is connected to a second end of the first support 500 and extends away from the first support 500 toward the second support 504 and the third support 508. The bottom portion first piece 552 is perpendicular to the first support 500. A second end of the bottom portion first piece 552 is connected to a first end of the bottom portion second piece 556. The bottom portion second piece 556 is parallel to the bottom portion first piece 552 and extends away from the bottom portion first piece 552. The bottom portion second piece 556 is coupled to the second ends of the second support 504 and the third support 508. The bottom portion first piece 552 further includes a bottom portion first prong 560 (e.g., a projection, extension, etc.) and a bottom portion second prong 564 (e.g., a projection, extension, etc.). The bottom portion first prong 560 and the bottom portion second prong 564 straddle the bottom portion second piece 556. The bottom portion first prong 560 is coupled to the second end of the second support 504. The bottom portion second prong 564 is coupled to the second end of the third support 508.

[0029] The bottom portion first piece 552 is identical (e.g., similar, etc.) to the top portion first piece 514, is opposite the top portion first piece 514, and is aligned with the top portion first piece 514. The bottom portion second piece 556 is identical (e.g., similar, etc.) or substantially identical to the top portion second piece 518, is opposite the top portion second piece 518, and is aligned with the top portion second piece 518. In some embodiments, the bottom portion first piece 552 and the bottom portion second piece 556 form a single component. In some embodiments, the bottom portion first piece 552 and the top portion first piece 514 form an alternating shape (e.g., the bottom portion first piece 552 includes a prong and the top portion first piece 514 omits the prong, etc.). In some embodiments, the bottom portion second piece 556 and the top portion second piece 518 form an alternating shape (e.g., the bottom portion second piece 556 includes prongs and the top portion second piece 518 omits prongs, etc.).

[0030] The bottom portion second piece 556 further includes a plurality of bottom portion apertures 568 (e.g., openings, holes, etc.). The bottom portion apertures 568 are configured to receive the coupling mechanism 390. The bottom portion apertures 568 include a bottom portion first aperture 572, a bottom portion second aperture 576, a bottom portion third aperture 580, a bottom portion fourth aperture 584, and a bottom portion fifth aperture 588. Each of the five bottom portion apertures 568 is centrally disposed between the first side portion 362 and the second side portion 364. The bottom portion apertures 568 form a line parallel to the bottom portion first piece 552. Each of the bottom portion apertures 568 is aligned with each of the top portion apertures 528. For example, the first aperture 572 in the bottom portion is aligned with the first aperture 532 in the top portion, the second aperture 576 in the bottom portion is aligned with the second aperture 536 in the top portion, and so on. Continuing with this example, aligning the apertures allows the linkage mechanism 390 to be parallel to the first support 500. In some embodiments, the bottom portion apertures 568 form a greater or lesser number of apertures (e.g., two apertures, eight apertures, etc.). In some embodiments, the top portion aperture 528 is misaligned with the bottom portion aperture 568, causing the linkage mechanism 390 to form an oblique angle with the first support 500. The top portion aperture 528 and the bottom portion aperture 568 are configured to allow a user to adjust the length of the adjustable joystick assembly 350 by a small margin. For example, each of the top portion apertures 528 and each of the bottom portion apertures 568 can be 1 inch apart, allowing the user to adjust the length of the joystick attachment 352 in 1 inch increments.

[0031] The joist attachment 352 includes a plurality of braces 408 (e.g., supports). Each of the braces extends between a first joist attachment end 358 and a second joist attachment end 360. The braces 408 include a first brace 602, a second brace 606, a third brace 610, and a fourth brace 614. The first brace 602 extends between a first end of the first support 500 and a central portion of the second support 504. The second brace 606 extends between a second end of the first support 500 and a central portion of the second support 504. The third brace 610 extends between a first end of the first support 500 and a central portion of the third support 508. The fourth brace 614 extends between the second end of the first support 500 and the center of the third support 508. In some embodiments, the joist attachment 352 can include more or fewer braces (e.g., two braces, eight braces, etc.). In some embodiments, the braces can include alternative connection arrangements. For example, a brace can be connected between the first end of the first support 500 and the second end of the second support 504. In another example, a brace can be connected between the first end of the first support 500 and the second end of the third support 508.

[0032] 4-5, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, the adjustable joist assembly 350 is extended further than in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5. In FIG. 4, the coupling mechanism 390 is coupled to the bottom portion fourth aperture 584 and the top portion fourth aperture 544. In FIG. 5, the coupling mechanism 390 is coupled to the bottom portion first aperture 572 and the top portion first aperture 532. The coupling mechanism 390 is configured to couple to one of the plurality of top portion apertures 528 and one of the plurality of bottom portion apertures 568. For example, coupling mechanism 390 is repositionable between (a) a first position and (b) a second position, where in the first position coupling mechanism 390 is positioned within top portion first aperture 532 and bottom portion first aperture 572, and where in the second position coupling mechanism 390 is positioned within top portion second aperture 536 and bottom portion second aperture 576. Continuing with this example, top portion first aperture 532 and bottom portion first aperture 572 are positioned closer to joist first end 358 than top portion second aperture 536 and bottom portion second aperture 576. Continuing with this example, in the first position, the first end of the joist 105 is positioned a third distance from the joist first end 358, and in the second position, the joist first end is positioned a fourth distance from the joist first end 358. The third distance is less than the fourth distance (e.g., the adjustable joist assembly 350 is longer in the second position than in the first position). This example can be applied to any other combination of one of the top portion apertures 528 and one of the bottom portion apertures 568.

[0033] 7, in some embodiments, the joist 105 and the joist attachment 352 are configured to rotate about a linkage mechanism 390 that is coupled to the hub 110. In some embodiments, the joist 105 is configured to rotate about the linkage mechanism 390 that is coupled to the joist attachment 352 and the joist 105.

[0034] 8, in some embodiments, an adjustable joist assembly 350 can include a joist 105 of alternative lengths. A joist 105 of one length can be modified to a longer or shorter length using an adjustable joist assembly 350. For example, a joist 105 that is one-sixth of a foot long can be modified with joist attachments 352 coupled to either side of the joist 105 to create a one-third of a foot long adjustable joist assembly 350. In another example, a joist 105 that is one-third of a foot long can be modified with joist attachments 352 coupled to either side of the joist 105 to create a one-half of a foot long adjustable joist assembly 350.

[0035] 10-14 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 according to an exemplary embodiment. 10-11 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 mounted within a support structure 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Joyst attachment 352 includes a first joyst attachment 370 and a second joyst attachment 372. In this embodiment, first joyst attachment 370 includes a plurality of bars 374. Second joyst attachment 372 includes a plurality of rods 379. Rods 379 are configured to be inserted into bars 374, and the length of rods 379 within bars 374 can be modified to slide into or out of bars 374 at various depths to adjust the length of adjustable joyst assembly 350.

[0036] In this embodiment, adjustable joist assembly 350 includes two bars 374 and two rods 379. In this embodiment, a plurality of coupling mechanisms 390 (e.g., pins, fasteners, etc.) are received in apertures in rods 379 and bars 374 in a direction perpendicular to the length that adjustable joist assembly 350 extends. In this embodiment, first joystick attachment 370 is attached to hub 110 instead of joist 105. FIGS. 12-13 illustrate the sliding movement of rod 379 into bars 374 and the insertion of coupling mechanisms 390. FIG. 14 illustrates two embodiments of first joystick attachment 370 and second joystick attachment 372. The bars 374 on first joystick attachment 370 and the rods 379 on second joystick attachment 372 can be modified to various lengths to achieve the desired length of the desired joist assembly 350. In some embodiments, there are three or more bars 374 and fewer than two rods 379 .

[0037] 15-16 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 for extending a joist 105 and a portion of the adjustable joist assembly 350, according to an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10-14, however, in this embodiment, a first joystick attachment 370 straddles the joist 105. The first joystick attachment 370 is configured to slidably receive the joist 105. The combination of the joist 105, first joystick attachment 370, and second joystick attachment 372 produces a heavier adjustable joist assembly 350 with increased strength. The first joystick attachment 370 is configured to lock to the joist 105 and provide a backspan for the joist 105. The first joist attachment 370 is configured to act as a clamp to the joist 105 and allow the second joist attachment 372 to cantilever toward and away from the joist 105. The first joist attachment 370 resists a support point on the joist 105. The second joist attachment 372 is configured to cantilever up to approximately 50% of the length of the joist 105. For example, the maximum cantilever length for a 4-foot joist can be 2 feet.

[0038] First joystick attachment 370 includes a plurality of bars 374 (e.g., rods, pipes, tubes, etc.) and a joystick aperture 382. Joystick aperture 382 is configured to receive a pin for connecting first joystick attachment 370 to joist 105. Bar 374 is hollow and approximately rectangular in shape. Bar 374 includes a plurality of apertures 380 (e.g., openings, passages, channels, etc.) and a plurality of channel locking apertures 381 (e.g., pins, etc.). Apertures 380 extend through bar 374 between first joystick attachment first end 376 and first joystick attachment second end 378. Channel locking aperture 381 is positioned at first joystick attachment second end 378. The channel locking apertures 381 are configured to receive pins for coupling the first joystick attachment 370 to the second joystick attachment 372 to lock in place the desired length of the adjustable joystick assembly 350. In some embodiments, the first joystick attachment includes four bars 374. In some embodiments, the first joystick attachment 370 includes more or less than four apertures.

[0039] The second joist attachment 372 includes a second joist first end 383 and a second joist second end 384. The second joist attachment 372 includes a plurality of rods 379 (e.g., tubes, bars, poles, etc.) extending parallel to the bar 374 between the second joist first end 383 and a location (e.g., second tube end 386, etc.) between the second joist first end 383 and the second joist second end 384. The rods 379 are configured to be received within the bars 374. The number of rods 379 is equal to the number of bars 374. The rods 379 include a plurality of rod apertures 388. The rods 379 are configured to slide within the bars 374 to change the adjustable joist assembly 350 to a desired length. In some embodiments, the plurality of bars 374 form an alternative hollow channel shape (e.g., circular, etc.). In some examples, a suitable maximum cantilever length is 6 to 8 inches. In some embodiments, rod 379 includes a plurality of buttons (e.g., spring buttons, button clips, etc.) configured to be received within rod aperture 388. Continuing with this example, the buttons are configured to be depressed, pushing second joystick attachment 372 into or pulling second joystick attachment 372 out of aperture 380, and the buttons are configured to be released when the desired length of adjustable joystick assembly 350 is achieved. In some embodiments, second joystick attachment 372 includes four rods 379. In some embodiments, second joystick attachment 372 includes more or fewer than four rods 379. In some embodiments, there are more rods 379 than bars 374. In some embodiments, there are more bars 374 than rods 379.

[0040] 17-21 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 for extending an existing joist 105 and a portion of the adjustable joist assembly 350 according to an exemplary embodiment. The length of the adjustable joist assembly 350 is configured to be adjusted using a sliding motion. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15-16 , except that the rod 379 and bar 374 are omitted, and the joystick attachment 352 is configured to straddle a portion of the joist 105. The first side portion 362 and the second side portion 364 extend from the first joystick attachment end 358 to a location between the first joystick attachment end 358 and the second joystick attachment end 360 (e.g., the joystick attachment gap end 361). The first side portion 362 is opposite and parallel to the second side portion 364.

[0041] The top portion 354 and the bottom portion 356 each further include a plurality of flanges 368 (e.g., lips, protrusions, etc.). The plurality of flanges 368 extend approximately perpendicularly along the length of the top portion 354 and the bottom portion 356 of the first side portion 362 and the second side portion 364 toward the joist gap 366. The plurality of flanges 368 are configured to act as channels for receiving the upper member 305 and the lower member 310 of the joist 105. In some embodiments, the plurality of flanges 368 extend at an angle less than or greater than 90 degrees from the first side portion 362 and the second side portion 364. For example, the upper member 305 and the lower member 310 of the joist 105 can be shaped having a cross-section other than rectangular (e.g., a triangular cross-section, etc.), and the plurality of flanges 368 can be configured to be positioned to engage sides of the upper member 305 and the lower member 310 to facilitate slidable engagement. The plurality of flanges 368 can be flush with the sides of the upper member 305 and / or the lower member 310 to facilitate slidable engagement (e.g., the plurality of flanges 368 can extend at an approximately 45-degree angle from the bottom portion 356 of the first side portion 362). In some embodiments, as in FIG. 19 , the adjustable joist assembly 350 can include a clamp 369 (e.g., a fastener, a clip, etc.) configured to couple the joist 105 and the joystick attachment 352. Clamp 369 is configured to connect top portion 354 to upper member 305 and bottom portion 356 to lower member 310 .

[0042] 22-27 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 and a joist attachment 352 according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the joist 105 includes two joists (a first joist portion 400 and a second joist portion 404). The joist attachment 352 is configured to connect between the first joist portion 400 and the second joist portion 404, and the adjustable joist assembly 350 is adjusted from the center. This embodiment allows the two joists 105 to be connected without a node. The first joist portion 400 and the second joist portion 404 include a plurality of tracks 406 (e.g., passages, apertures, etc.) parallel to the joist 105 that are configured to slidably receive the joist attachment 352. An aperture 380 is centrally disposed between the first side portion 362 and the second side portion 364 of the adjustable joist assembly 350. The first side portion 362 and the second side portion 364 are shaped approximately as a square, with a brace 408 extending between the angled corners of each of the first side portion 362 and the second side portion 364. The brace 408 extends from the first joystick attachment end 358 of the top portion 354 to the second joystick attachment end 360 of the top portion 354. The brace 408 extends from the first joystick attachment end 358 of the bottom portion 356 to the second joystick attachment end 360 of the bottom portion 356. The brace 408 extends from the first joystick attachment end 358 of the top portion 354 to the first joystick attachment end 358 of the bottom portion 356. The brace 408 extends from the second joist attachment end 360 of the top portion 354 to the second joist attachment end 360 of the bottom portion 356. The top portion 354 and the bottom portion 356 are connected to the first side portion 362 and the second side portion 364 to form a joist gap 366. In some embodiments, the first side portion 362 and the second side portion 364 are shaped as another shape (e.g., approximately rectangular, approximately triangular, etc.).

[0043] 24-25, the coupling mechanism 390 is positioned closer to the middle of the joystick attachment 352 in FIG. 23 than in FIG. 22. The adjustable joist assembly 350 is longer in length in FIG. 24 than in FIG. 23. To lengthen the adjustable joist assembly 350, the coupling mechanism 390 is moved to an aperture 380 closer to the end of the nearest joist 105, allowing the joystick attachment 352 to slide freely along the track 406. To shorten the adjustable joist assembly 350, the coupling mechanism 390 is moved to an aperture 380 farther from the nearest joist 105, allowing the joystick attachment 352 to slide freely along the track 406. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanisms 390 are equally spaced from the center of the joystick attachment 352 (e.g., both coupling mechanisms 390 are coupled into the second aperture 380 from the center of the joystick attachment 352, etc.). In some embodiments, the pins are unequal distances spaced from the center of the joystick attachment 352 (e.g., the first coupling mechanism 390 is coupled into the second aperture 380 from the center of the joystick attachment 352 and the second coupling mechanism 390 is coupled into the third aperture 380 from the center of the joystick attachment 352, etc.).

[0044] 28-31 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 and a joist attachment 352 according to an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 22-27 because the adjustable joist assembly 350 is adjusted from the center and the joist 105 includes two joists. The joist attachment 352 is slidably engaged with tracks 406 in the joist first portion 400 and the joist second portion 404. However, in this embodiment, a plurality of braces 408 extend vertically between the top portion 354 and the bottom portion 356. The braces 408 are each rectangular in shape. The first side portion 362 and the second side portion 364 are not separate pieces in this embodiment. Instead, the joystick attachment 352 is comprised of the top portion 354, the bottom portion 356, and a plurality of braces 408. The apertures 380 are evenly spaced along the entire length of the top portion 354 and evenly spaced between the braces 408 along the length of the bottom portion 356. The top portion 354 and the bottom portion 356 each form a rectangular piece. In some embodiments, the top portion 354, the bottom portion 356, and the braces 408 are alternative shapes (e.g., square, etc.).

[0045] 32-37 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 and a joist attachment 352 according to an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 22-27 because the adjustable joist assembly 350 adjusts from the center and the joist 105 is split into two joists. However, in this embodiment, the first side portion 362 is shaped approximately as a rectangle and the second side portion 364 is shaped approximately as a rectangle. The joist attachment 352 also includes flanges 368 connected to either side of the length of the top portion 354. The braces 408 further include vertical braces 408 extending between the top portion 354 and the bottom portion 356 within the joist gap 366. The vertical braces 408 are hollow tubes that create additional apertures 380 in the top and bottom portions 354, 356 where the vertical braces 408 contact the top and bottom portions 354, 356. Figure 34 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the adjustable joist assembly 350 in a lengthened configuration, and Figure 35 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the adjustable joist assembly 350 in a shortened configuration. In some embodiments, the first side portion 362 and the second side portion are shaped as another shape (e.g., square, etc.).

[0046] FIGS. 38-45 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 according to an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 17-21. However, the joist 105 is split lengthwise into two pieces: a first joist portion 400 and a second joist portion 404. The first joist portion 400 performs the same function as the joist attachment 352 of FIGS. 17-21. Instead of straddling a portion of the second joist portion 404, the first joist portion 400 is configured to slide over the first joist side 412 of the second joist portion 404. Splitting the joist 105 into two portions creates flanges 368 on both the first joist portion 400 and the second joist portion 404, on the upper member 305, the lower member 310, the top portion 354, and the bottom portion 356. The flanges 368 are configured to engage and assist in sliding movement of the first joist portion 400 relative to the second joist portion 404. A second joist side 416, opposite the first joist side 412, is configured to be spaced apart from the first joist portion 400. The embodiment of FIG. 39 includes a plurality of bolts 420 (e.g., fasteners, etc.) and a plurality of nuts 424. The bolts 420 and nuts 424 are configured to couple the first joist portion 400 to the second joist portion 404. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 43-44 , the adjustable joist assembly 350 includes a coupling mechanism 390 configured to couple the first joist portion 400 to the second joist portion 404, where the coupling mechanism 390 includes a handle configured to assist a user in loosening and tightening. In some embodiments, as in FIG. 45 , the adjustable joist assembly 350 includes a QD cage nut.

[0047] 46-51 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 and joist attachment 352 for extending a joist 105, according to an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 38-45. However, the joist first portion 400 and the joist second portion 404 are configured to unlock and lock into place through a twisting motion, as illustrated in the first position in FIG. 46. To adjust the length of the adjustable joist assembly 350, the joist first portion 400 is twisted to a non-zero angle 428 between the bottom portion 356 of the joist first portion 400 and the lower member 310 of the joist second portion 404. The joist first portion 400 is slid along an axis 432 formed along the bottom portion 356 of the joist first portion 400. When the desired length is achieved, the first portion 400 of the joist is twisted in a counterclockwise motion until the first portion 400 of the joist is parallel to the second portion 404 of the joist, as illustrated in the second position of FIG.

[0048] The joist first portion 400 is coupled to the joist second portion 404 by a stop 434 (e.g., an obstruction, etc.) that extends between the flanges 368. The stop 434 is configured to prevent the joist first portion 400 and the joist second portion 404 from separating or spinning apart after the joist first portion 400 and the joist second portion 404 are parallel. The joist first portion 400 is also coupled and locked to the joist second portion 404 by a coupling mechanism 390 that is inserted into the joist first portion 400 and the joist second portion 404 along the first side portion 362. The coupling mechanism 390 in the exemplary embodiment is a QD cage nut and bolt.

[0049] 52-53 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 and a joist attachment 352 according to an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 46-51 because a twisting motion is used to secure the two portions of the adjustable joist assembly 350 together. However, in this embodiment, the joist attachment 352 includes a plurality of first mounting pieces 438 (e.g., extensions, connecting portions, etc.) and a plurality of second mounting pieces 444 (e.g., extensions, connecting portions, etc.). The joist 105 is split vertically along its middle instead of its length. The second portion 404 of the joist includes a plurality of first mounting pieces 438 coupled to the ends of the second portion 404 of the joist. The first portion 400 of the joist includes a plurality of second mounting pieces 444 coupled to the ends of the first portion 400 of the joist. First mounting piece 438 is configured to receive and couple to coupling mechanism 390. Second mounting piece 444 is also configured to receive and couple to coupling mechanism 390. Coupling mechanism 390 is perpendicular to first mounting piece 438 and second mounting piece 444. Second mounting piece 444 is configured to be received within first mounting piece 438. Joist first portion 400 and joist second portion 404 are configured to rotate about coupling mechanism 390. To assemble adjustable joist assembly 350, second mounting piece 444 is inserted into first mounting piece 438. Coupling mechanism 390 is then inserted into first mounting piece 438 and second mounting piece 444 to prevent joist first portion 400 and joist second portion 404 from separating. FIG. 52 depicts the adjustable joist assembly 350 in a first position, in which the first portion of the joist 400 and the second portion of the joist 404 are parallel.FIG. 54 depicts the adjustable joist assembly 350 in a second position in which the joist first portion 400 and joist section portion 404 are vertical.

[0050] 54-56 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 and a joystick attachment 352 according to an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment includes a first joystick attachment 370 and a second joystick attachment 372. The first joystick attachment 370 is identical to the second joystick attachment 372. The first joystick attachment 370 and the second joystick attachment 372 each include a joist gap 366 configured to receive a structural member 448 (e.g., a wood plank, a metal plank, a composite plank, etc.). The structural member 448 can be of any length. In some examples, for example, when the structural member 448 is wood, the length of the structural member 448 can be easily shortened by removing (e.g., sawing, cutting, etc.) a portion of the length of the structural member 448. The first and second joist attachments 370 and 372 are coupled to the structural member 448 by inserting fasteners (e.g., nails, pins, screws, etc.) through apertures 380 in the first and second joist attachments 370 and 372. In some embodiments, decking is attached to the structural member 448 with fasteners (e.g., plywood is nailed or screwed to the structural member, etc.).

[0051] 57-59 depict an exemplary embodiment of the adjustable joist assembly 350 of FIGS. 54-56. The first and second joist attachments 370, 372 each include a plurality of joist gaps 336. The joist gaps 336 of the first joist attachment 370 are parallel to one another. The joist gaps 336 of the second joist attachment 372 are parallel to one another. This embodiment allows for a plurality of structural members 448 to be included in the adjustable joist assembly 350. The plurality of structural members 448 are all approximately the same length. In the exemplary embodiment, there are two joist gaps 336 on each of the first and second joist attachments 370, 372. In other embodiments, there may be three or more joist gaps 336 on each of the first and second joist attachments 370, 372.

[0052] 60-63 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 for extending a joist 105, according to an exemplary embodiment. The adjustable joist assembly 350 is configured to allow a user to incrementally increase the size of the adjustable joist assembly 350 by small amounts. This arrangement allows a user to adjust the adjustable joist assembly 350 to a preferred length, creating an alternative for manufacturing custom joist lengths. This adjustable joist assembly 350 is similar to the adjustable joist assembly embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16-21. However, the joystick attachments 352 can also be stacked within one another.

[0053] 61 , in some embodiments, adjustable joystick assembly 350 can include multiple joystick attachments 352 (e.g., a second joystick attachment 372 received within a first joystick attachment 370). This configuration of joystick attachments 352 allows a user to linearly extend adjustable joystick assembly 350 by adding additional joystick attachments 352 to the system. First joystick attachment 370 is coupled to hub 110 and second joystick attachment 372, which is coupled to first joystick attachment 370 and joist 105. First joystick attachment 370 is identical to second joystick attachment 372. The top portion apertures 528 of the first joystick attachment 370 and the second joystick attachment 372 are coupled together, and the bottom portion apertures 568 of the first joystick attachment 370 and the second joystick attachment 372 are coupled together. The first joystick attachment end 358 of the second joystick attachment 372 is configured to be received within the joist gap 366 of the first joystick attachment 370. In some embodiments, the adjustable joist assembly 350 can include three or more joystick attachments 352 to achieve a desired adjustable joist assembly 350 length. For example, the adjustable joist assembly 350 can include four joystick attachments 352 that are coupled within one another and to the hub 110 and joist 105 to achieve a desired length.

[0054] 62 , in some embodiments, an adjustable joist assembly 350 contains multiple joists 105 and multiple joist attachments 352, with each joist attachment 352 coupled to the hub 110 at alternative locations, and each joist 105 coupled to a joist attachment 352. This embodiment allows user flexibility for placement of the joists 105. For example, the adjustable joist assembly 350 can create platform 115 shapes other than rectangular (e.g., triangular shapes, etc.). In the exemplary embodiment, the hub 110 contains eight joist attachments 352 and eight joists 105. Each of the joystick attachments 352 is coupled to a respective one of the octagonal sides of the hub 110. In some embodiments, fewer than eight joists 105 and fewer than eight joist attachments 352 are coupled to the hub 110. In some embodiments, a pair of joystick attachments 352 are coupled to the hub 110 opposite each other. In some embodiments, a pair of joystick attachments 352 are coupled to the hub 110 perpendicular to each other.

[0055] 64-67 depict an adjustable joystick assembly 350 according to an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 32-37. However, in this embodiment, the brace 408 on each of the first and second side portions 362, 364 extends from the center of the top portion 354 to the center of the bottom portion 356. Additional braces 408 extend from the center of the top portion 354 to the first joystick attachment end 358 on the bottom portion 356, from the center of the top portion 354 to the second joystick attachment end 360 on the bottom portion 356, from the first joystick attachment end 358 on the top portion 354 to the center of the bottom portion 356, and from the second joystick attachment end 360 on the top portion 354 to the center of the bottom portion 356.

[0056] Figures 68-73 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 and joystick attachment 352 according to an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 22-27. However, in the exemplary embodiment, as in Figures 69-70, a rectangular top portion 354 and a rectangular bottom portion 356 form the joystick attachment 352, and the first side portion 362 and the second side portion 364 are omitted. In Figures 71-73, in the exemplary embodiment, the braces 408 on the first side portion 362 and the second side portion 364 along the top portion 354 and the bottom portion 356 are omitted.

[0057] 74-79 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 and joystick attachment 352 according to an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 68-70. However, in this embodiment, the top portion 354 and the bottom portion 356 include flanges 368 that extend toward and connect to the first and second side portions 362, 364.

[0058] 80-85 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 and joist attachment 352 according to an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 46-51. However, this embodiment includes an alternative strength transfer mechanism. The joist first portion 400 includes a fastener-receiving mechanism 452 that extends perpendicular to and away from the joist first portion 400. The connection mechanism 390 in this embodiment is a pin that connects within the fastener-receiving mechanism 452 parallel to the joist first portion 400.

[0059] FIGS. 86-88 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 according to an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 80-85. However, in this embodiment, the joist first portion 400 slides linearly onto the joist second portion 404, and the stop 434 is omitted. The joist second portion 404 includes a flange 368, a fastener-receiving mechanism 452, and a connecting mechanism 390. The flange 368 is configured to couple to the joist second portion 404. The fastener-receiving mechanism 452 is configured to couple to the flange 368 and the joist second portion 404. The flange 368 acts to create a wedge connection between the joist first portion 400 and the joist second portion 404. To change the length of the adjustable joist assembly 350, the fastener-receiving mechanism 452 is removed from the joist second portion 404 and the flange 368. The flange 368 is moved to a desired location along the length of the second portion 404 of the joist, and the fastener-receiving mechanism 452 is coupled to the flange 368 and the second portion 404 of the joist.

[0060] 89-93 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 and joist attachment 352 for extending a joist 105 according to an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 86-88. However, in this embodiment, a first joist portion 400 is coupled to a second joist portion 404 by a clamp 369 and a coupling mechanism 390. The clamp 369 includes a plurality of jaws 456 (e.g., frame ends). The first jaw 456 is inserted into a first gap between the first joist portion 400 and the second joist portion 404, and the second jaw 456 is inserted into a second gap between the first joist portion 400 and the joist section portion 404. The coupling mechanism 390 is coupled within the first jaw 456 and the second jaw 456 to prevent the clamp 369 from opening or closing. To adjust the length of adjustable joist assembly 350, coupling mechanism 390 is removed from clamp 369, clamp 369 is removed from the gap, first portion 400 of the joist is slid to the desired length, clamp 369 is reinserted, and coupling mechanism 390 is reinserted.

[0061] 94-97 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 and joist attachment 352 for extending a joist 105 according to an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 57-59. The structural member 448 in this embodiment is a pipe that can be cut to the desired length with a pipe cutter. The structural member 448 is held in place by a plurality of diagonal members 450. A plurality of clamps 369 are connected at either end of the diagonal members 450 and are connected to the structural member 448.

[0062] 98-99 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 for extending a joist 105, according to an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 54-59. However, in this embodiment, a first structural member 448 is connected to the first joist portion 400 and the first joist side 412 of the joist second portion 404. A second structural member 448 is connected to the second joist side 416 of the joist first portion 400 and the joist second portion 404. The structural member 448 includes a brace 408 extending diagonally between the top portion 354 and the bottom portion 356.

[0063] FIGS. 100-103 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 for extending a joist 105, according to an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4-9. The joystick attachment 352 in this embodiment forms a rectangular box. The joystick attachment 352 includes a plurality of structural member receivers 460 (e.g., apertures) coupled to the sides of the joystick attachment 352. The structural member receivers 460 are configured to receive a structural member 448. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 100-101, a first joystick attachment 370 is coupled to the hub 110. A second joystick attachment 372 is coupled to the joist 105. The structural member 448 extends between the first joystick attachment 370 and the second joystick attachment 372. The structural member 448 can be replaced with structural members 448 of alternative lengths to achieve the desired adjustable joist assembly 350 length. In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 102-103, the first joystick attachment 370 forms a single piece with the structural member 448. The first joystick attachment 370 can be replaced with alternative first joystick attachments 370 with structural members 448 of alternative lengths to achieve the desired adjustable joist assembly 350 length.

[0064] 104-106 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 for extending a joist 105, according to an exemplary embodiment. A joist attachment 352 is configured to couple to an end of the joist 105. This embodiment includes a chain mechanism 458 (e.g., a chain, a string, etc.) configured to couple a top portion 354 of the joystick attachment 352 to a bottom portion 356 of the joystick attachment 352. The chain mechanism 458 is configured to adjust the alignment of the top portion 354 and the bottom portion 356.

[0065] 107-109 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 for extending a joist 105, according to an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 104-106. In this embodiment, the joystick attachment 352 includes an extension component 462 (e.g., an extension promoter, etc.). The extension component 462 is a screw component that is configured to twist to extend (e.g., lengthen) or contract (e.g., shorten) the adjustable joystick assembly 350.

[0066] 110-112 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 for extending a joist 105, according to an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 107-109. In this embodiment, the extension component 462 is a rotating extension component. The extension component 462 is configured to lengthen or shorten based on the rotation of the extension component 462.

[0067] 113-115 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 for extending a joist 105 according to an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 110-112. In this embodiment, the extension component 462 is a foldable accordion (e.g., scissor) component. The extension component 462 is configured to lengthen or shorten by folding or unfolding the extension component 462.

[0068] 116-118 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 for extending a joist 105, according to an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 113-115. In this embodiment, the extension component 462 is a sliding mechanism. The extension component 462 is configured to slide toward the joist 105 to shorten the length of the adjustable joist assembly 350, and to slide away from the joist 105 to lengthen the adjustable joist assembly 350.

[0069] 119-121 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 for extending a joist 105. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 116-118. In this embodiment, the extension component 462 is a roller mechanism. The extension component 462 is configured to slide along the rollers to increase or decrease the length of the adjustable joist assembly 350.

[0070] 122-130 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 according to an exemplary embodiment. The joist attachment 352 is a node attachment configured to couple to a deck support 464 and a hub 110. The adjustable joist assembly 350 is configured to create a small addition (deck support 464) to the side of the support structure 100 to support alternative widths of the platform 115 (e.g., decking, etc.). This embodiment reduces weight in the system. For example, in other systems for extending the platform 115, additional hubs 110 and joists 105 are coupled to the edges of the system. This system eliminates the weight of additional hubs 110 and joists 105 to extend the platform 115. The joist attachment 352 is configured to couple to the hub 110 at a first joystick attachment end 358. The joist attachment 352 is configured to couple to the deck support 464 at a second joystick attachment end 360. The joist attachment 352 includes a decking receiving portion 468 (e.g., a bar, etc.) configured to receive a decking aperture 472 (e.g., a hook, etc.) in the deck support 464. In some embodiments, the adjustable joist assembly 350 cantilever up to 8 feet. In some embodiments, the adjustable joist assembly 350 reduces the weight of the system by 50 percent. In some embodiments, the adjustable joist assembly 350 is configured to accept planks smaller than 10 feet (e.g., 8 feet 2 inches, 8 feet, 7 feet, 6 feet, 5 feet, 54 inches, 4 feet, 42 inches, 3 feet, 2 feet, 1 foot, etc.).

[0071] 124-126, the process of attaching the deck support 464 to the joist attachment 352 is shown. The decking aperture 472 is aligned with the second joystick attachment end 360 and lowered onto the deck receiving portion 468 of the second joystick attachment end 360. The deck support 464 is rotated counterclockwise relative to the deck receiving portion 468 to couple to the deck receiving portion 468. In some embodiments, the deck support 464 is rotated clockwise relative to the deck receiving portion 468 to couple to the deck receiving portion 468. Referring now to FIG. 130, in an exemplary embodiment, the deck support 464 is 8 feet long.

[0072] FIGS. 131-136 depict an adjustable joist assembly 350 for extending the joist 105, according to an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 122-130. However, in this embodiment, the joist attachment 352 is perpendicular to the joist 105 and perpendicular to the deck support 464. According to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 133-134, the joist attachment 352 can include an angled attachment 470 (e.g., an extension) configured to further increase the distance between the hub 110 and the deck support 464. Other exemplary embodiments (such as those in FIGS. 135-136) omit the angled attachment 470, and the distance between the hub 110 and the deck support 464 is shorter than in FIGS. 135-136.

[0073] While several illustrative implementations have been described herein, it should be apparent that the foregoing are presented by way of example, not limitation, and are illustrative. In particular, while many of the examples presented herein include particular combinations of method acts or system elements, those acts and those elements can be combined in other manners to achieve the same purpose. Acts, elements, and features discussed in connection with one implementation are not intended to be exclusive of similar roles in other implementations or implementations.

[0074] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," "involving," "characterized by," "characterized in that," and variations thereof, is meant to encompass the subsequently listed items, equivalents thereof, and additional items, as well as alternative implementations consisting only of the subsequently listed items. In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein comprise one, a combination of two or more, or all of the described elements, acts, or components.

[0075] Any reference herein to system and method implementations or elements or acts in the singular can include implementations that include a plurality of those elements, and any reference herein to any implementation or element or act in the plural can include implementations that include only a single element. References in the singular or plural are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements to single or multiple configurations. References to any act or element that is based on any information, act, or element can include implementations in which the act or element is based at least in part on the any information, act, or element.

[0076] Any implementation disclosed herein can be combined with any other implementation or embodiment, and references to "implementations," "several implementations," "one implementation," or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an implementation can be included in at least one implementation or embodiment. Such terms as used herein do not necessarily all refer to the same implementation. Any implementation can be combined with any other implementation, inclusively or exclusively, in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein.

[0077] References to "or" may be construed as inclusive, such that any term described using "or" may refer to either one, more than one, or all of the described terms. Reference to at least one of a list of conjunctive terms may be construed as an inclusive "or," and may refer to either one, more than one, or all of the described terms. For example, a reference to "at least one of 'A' and 'B'" may include "A" only, "B" only, and both "A" and "B." Such references used with "comprising" or other open-ended terminology may include additional items.

[0078] Where a reference sign follows a technical feature in a drawing, the detailed description, or any claim, the reference sign is included to increase the comprehensibility of the drawing, the detailed description, and the claim. Thus, neither the reference sign nor its absence has any limiting effect on the scope of any claim element.

[0079] Modifications of the described elements and acts, such as changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangement, material use, color, or orientation, etc., can occur without substantially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed from multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements can be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number of individual elements or positions can be modified or changed. Other substitutions, modifications, variations, and omissions can also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of the disclosed elements and acts without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0080] For example, descriptions of top and bottom, upper and lower, front and rear, or left and right can be reversed or interchangeable. Elements described as negative elements can instead be configured as positive elements, and elements described as positive elements can instead be configured as negative elements. For example, elements described as having a first polarity can instead have a second polarity, and elements described as having a second polarity can instead have the first polarity. Furthermore, descriptions of relatively parallel, perpendicular, vertical, or other positioning or orientation include variations within + / - 10% or + / - 10 degrees of purely perpendicular, parallel, or vertical positioning. References to terms such as "approximately," "substantially," or other degrees include variations of + / - 10% from a given measurement, unit, or range unless expressly indicated otherwise. Coupled elements can be electrically, mechanically, or physically coupled to each other directly or by intervening elements. Accordingly, the scope of the systems and methods described herein is indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 100 Support structure 105 Joist 110 Hub 115 Platform Platform 116A 116B Platform 120 Support Joist 200 Support System 305 Upper member 310 Lower part 315 Support member 320 Hub Connection Points 325 Support member, post 330 first end 332 Second End 335 Channel Structure 336 Joist Gap 340 Positioning Features 345 Joist Socket 350 Adjustable Joyst Assembly 352 Joy attachment 354 Upper part 356 Bottom part 358 First Joy Attachment End 360 Second Joyst Attachment End 361 Joy attachment gap end 362 first side portion 364 Second Side Portion 366 Joist Gap 368 flange 369 Clamp 370 First Joy Attachment 372 Second Joy Attachment 374 Bar 376 first end of first joystick attachment 378 second end of first joystick attachment 379 Rod 380 aperture 381 channel fixed aperture 382 Joy Aperture 383 First end of second joist 384 Second end of second joist 386 Second tube end 388 Rod Aperture 390 Linking Mechanism 400 First part of joist 404 Second part of joist 406 Trucks 408 Brace 412 First Joist Side 416 Second Joist Side 420 volts 424 Nut 428 angle 432 axis 434 Stop 438 First Mounting Piece 444 Second mounting piece 448 Structural Members 450 Diagonal Member 452 Fastener Acceptance Mechanism 456 Joe, First Joe, Second Joe 458 Chain Mechanism 460 Structural Member Receiver 462 Extended Components 464 Deck Support 468 Deck Receiving Area 470 Angled Attachment 472 Deck Aperture 498 Support 500 First Support 504 Second Support 508 Third Support 510 First Aperture 514 First piece of the upper section 518 Second piece of upper section 522 First prong of upper section 524 Second prong of upper part 528 Upper Part Aperture 532 First Aperture in Upper Portion 536 Second aperture in upper section 540 Third Aperture in Upper Section 544 Fourth Aperture in the Upper Section 548 Fifth aperture in upper section 552 First piece of the bottom section 556 Second piece of bottom section 560 First prong of bottom section 564 Second prong of bottom part 568 Bottom Aperture 572 First aperture in bottom section 576 Second aperture in bottom section 580 Third aperture in bottom section 584 Fourth aperture in bottom section 588 Fifth aperture in bottom section 602 First Brace 606 Second Brace 610 Third Brace 614 Fourth Brace

Claims

1. 1. A joystick attachment configured to connect to a joist, the joystick attachment comprising: a first end of a joystick attachment, the first end of the joystick attachment comprising: a first support disposed on a central axis of the joystick attachment, the first support including a first aperture configured to receive a coupling mechanism; a first end of the joystick attachment including: a second end of the joystick attachment opposite the first end of the joystick attachment, the second end of the joystick attachment having a width greater than the width of the first end of the joystick attachment, the second end of the joystick attachment comprising: a second support parallel to the first support and disposed on a first side of the central axis; and a third support, the third support being parallel to the first support and disposed on a second side of the central axis, the second side being opposite the first side; a second end of the joystick attachment including: an upper portion extending between the first end of the joystick attachment and the second end of the joystick attachment, the upper portion comprising: a plurality of upper portion apertures configured to receive pins; an upper portion including: a bottom portion extending between the first end of the joystick attachment and the second end of the joystick attachment, the bottom portion being opposite and parallel to the top portion, the bottom portion comprising: a plurality of bottom portion apertures configured to receive the pins; a bottom portion including Includes joystick attachment.

2. The plurality of upper portion apertures include: a first aperture in the upper portion; a second aperture in the upper portion; Including, The plurality of bottom portion apertures include: a first aperture in the bottom portion aligned with the first aperture in the top portion; a second aperture in the bottom portion aligned with the second aperture in the top portion; 10. The joystick attachment of claim 1, comprising:

3. The upper portion is a first piece of an upper portion coupled to a first end of the first support and extending toward the second support and the third support; a second piece of an upper portion, the second piece of an upper portion being connected to the first piece of an upper portion and to first ends of the second support and the third support; Including, The joystick attachment of claim 1 , wherein the upper portion second piece defines the plurality of upper portion apertures.

4. The bottom portion is a first piece of a bottom portion connected to a second end of the first support and extending toward the second support and the third support; a second piece of a bottom portion, the second piece of the bottom portion being connected to the first piece of the top portion and to the second ends of the second support and the third support; Including, The joystick attachment of claim 3 , wherein the second piece of the bottom portion defines the plurality of bottom portion apertures.

5. 5. The joystick attachment of claim 4, wherein a first piece of the bottom portion is at least substantially identical to a first piece of the top portion, and a second piece of the bottom portion is at least substantially identical to a second piece of the top portion.

6. The joystick attachment comprises: the pin; a joist extending between a first end of the joist and a second end of the joist; further comprising 3. The joist attachment of claim 2, wherein the pin is configured to couple to one of the plurality of top portion apertures and one of the plurality of bottom portion apertures, the pin being repositionable between (a) a first position and (b) a second position, wherein in the first position the pin is positioned within the first aperture of the top portion and the first aperture of the bottom portion, and in the second position the pin is positioned within the second aperture of the top portion and the second aperture of the bottom portion, the first aperture of the top portion being positioned closer to the first end of the joist than the second aperture of the top portion.

7. The joystick attachment comprises: a first brace extending between the first support and the second support; a second brace extending between the first support and the third support; The joystick attachment of claim 1 further comprising:

8. The joystick attachment comprises: a first brace extending between the first end of the first support and a central portion of the second support; a second brace extending between the first end of the first support and a central portion of the third support; The joystick attachment of claim 1 further comprising:

9. The joystick attachment comprises: a third brace extending between a second end of the first support and a central portion of the second support; a fourth brace extending between the second end of the first support and a central portion of the third support; The joystick attachment of claim 1 further comprising:

10. A support structure, the support structure comprising: Includes adjustable joystick assembly The adjustable joystick assembly includes: Hub and; a joist extending between a first end of the joist and a second end of the joist; Joy attachment and Including, The joystick attachment comprises: a first end configured to couple to the hub; a second end opposite the first end, the second end configured to couple to the first end of the joist; and an upper portion extending between the first end and the second end; a bottom portion extending between the first end and the second end, the bottom portion being opposite and parallel to the top portion; a pin configured to couple to the top portion, a first end of the joist, and the bottom portion, the pin being repositionable between (a) a first position and (b) a second position, wherein in the first position, the pin is positioned a first distance from the first end, and in the second position, the pin is positioned a second distance from the second end, the first distance being less than the second distance; a support structure comprising:

11. 11. The support structure of claim 10, wherein in the first position, the first end of the joist is positioned a third distance from the first end, and in the second position, the first end of the joist is positioned a fourth distance from the first end, the third distance being less than the fourth distance.

12. 11. The support structure of claim 10, wherein the length of the adjustable joist assembly is longer in the second position than in the first position.

13. 11. The support structure of claim 10, wherein the top portion defines a plurality of top portion apertures and the bottom portion defines a plurality of bottom portion apertures, and the pin is configured to be received within one of the plurality of top portion apertures and one of the plurality of bottom portion apertures.

14. The support structure of claim 13 , wherein the pin is a first pin, and the support structure further includes a second pin configured to couple the first end to the hub.

15. The support structure of claim 14 , wherein the joist and the joist attachment are configured to rotate about the second pin.

16. The support structure of claim 10 , wherein the joist is configured to rotate about the pin.

17. The support structure of claim 10 , wherein the width of the second end is greater than the width of the first end.

18. A joystick attachment, the joystick attachment comprising: a first end; a second end opposite the first end, the second end having a width greater than the width of the first end; Including, The joist attachment is configured to connect a joist to a hub, thereby forming an extended joist.

19. The joystick attachment comprises:

20. The joystick attachment of claim 18, further comprising a pin repositionable between (a) a first position and (b) a second position, wherein in the first position the pin is positioned a first distance from the first end and in the second position the pin is positioned a second distance from the first end, the first distance being less than the second distance.

20. The joystick attachment comprises: an upper portion extending between the first end and the second end; a bottom portion extending between the first end and the second end, the bottom portion opposite the top portion; a plurality of supports extending between the top portion and the bottom portion; a plurality of braces extending between the plurality of supports; 20. The joystick attachment of claim 18, further comprising:

Images