Scaffold and platform for same

Abstract

A scaffold is provided comprising a platform and a frame supporting the platform, the frame comprising: first and second end frames arranged at respective ends of the platform; and first and second side rails each extending between the first and second end frames. The platform comprises a first body portion releasably coupled to a second body portion. In a first example, a first contour structure positioned about a periphery of the first body portion releasably couples the first body portion to the second body portion via a second contour structure positioned about the second body portion and the first contour structure. In second example, the first body portion has upper and lower surfaces defining a thickness therebetween and the first body portion is hingedly coupled to the second portion and comprises a locking mechanism with a biasing member disposed between the upper and lower surfaces. A kit comprising component for assembling scaffolds of the type presented is also presented.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 based on U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 762,525 filed on Feb. 24, 2025. The contents of the aforementioned application are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The subject matter disclosed generally relates to scaffolds. More particularly, the subject matter disclosed relates scaffolds including platforms, for example Baker type scaffolds.BACKGROUND

[0003] Mobile scaffolds have been used in the construction industry for many years. Such scaffolds may be used in interior and exterior situations to provide users with access to locations to perform tasks that do not justify the use of fixed scaffolds. Typically, known scaffolds include a platform for supporting a worker and a frame for supporting the platform, the frame including end frames and side braces. The platform is typically supported by the side braces of the scaffold frame, for instance by resting against a ledge of each of the side braces.

[0004] In many conventional scaffold systems, the platform can include a movable portion, referred to as an access hatch or trap door, where the movable portion of the platform can be selectively opened and closed to allow a user to travel between levels of the scaffold system and / or to access equipment below the platform. In some specific systems, the movable portion of the platform may be secured to the remainder of the platform with a security latch that prevents the movable portion from undesirably moving (e.g., shifting, sliding, upwardly displacing) relative to the remaining part of the platform, for example while a worker is on the platform.

[0005] In conventional platforms, such as those shown in prior art FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, portions of the security latch and / or of the displacement elements of the movable portion of the platform protrude above and / or below the platform surfaces, which creates a risk of injury to workers who may accidentally collide with the protruding elements. Additionally, the size and weight of conventional scaffold platforms makes them cumbersome and difficult to maneuver as during transport or assembly. The various protrusions can get caught and damaged on each other or on other surfaces (such as a surface of a truck bed used for transport), which is undesirable.

[0006] In view of the above, it is clear that there is need for an improved scaffold with an improved scaffold platform that alleviates at least in part some of the above identified deficiencies.SUMMARY

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify all key aspects and / or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] In accordance with a first aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a scaffold that includes a platform for supporting a user of the scaffold. The platform includes an assembled platform body having a first body portion, a second body portion positioned alongside the first body portion and a contour structure, the contour structure coupling the first body portion and the second body portion to form the assembled platform body, wherein the contour structure includes a first contour structure and a second contour structure, wherein the first contour structure is positioned about a periphery of the first body portion, and wherein the second contour structure is positioned about the second body portion and the first contour structure, part of said first contour structure being configured to be releasably coupled to the second contour structure so as to releasably couple the first body portion to the second body portion. Also included is a first end and a second end spaced from the first end along a longitudinal direction of the platform, and a first edge and a second edge spaced from the first edge along a transverse direction of the platform. A frame supports the platform, the frame including a first end frame and a second end frame arranged at respective ends of the platform, a first side rail and a second side rail each extending between the first end frame and the second end frame.

[0009] In some specific implementations, the first body portion may form a trap door movable with respect to the second body portion. The trap door may be hingedly displaceable with respect to the second body portion. The trap door may have a thickness defined between an upper trap door surface and a lower trap door surface and may include including a trap door access mechanism positioned at least in part between the upper trap door surface and the lower trap door surface. The first contour structure may be configured to extend over a portion of a periphery of the upper trap door surface and / or over a portion of a periphery of the lower trap door surface. The first contour structure may in some embodiments span the thickness of the trap door.

[0010] In some embodiments, the trap door access mechanism may include an aperture extending through the thickness of the trap door and a trap door locking mechanism. The trap door locking mechanism may include an actuatable member configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position, the actuatable member including a locking portion and a user operable portion. In the extended position, the locking portion of the actuatable member extends from an outer periphery of the first contour structure and, in the retracted position, the locking portion of the actuatable member lies within the first contour structure. In the extended position, the locking portion may extend from the outer periphery of the first contour structure into an inner periphery of the second contour structure to couple the first body portion to the second body portion. The user operable portion of the actuatable member may at least partially extends into the aperture of the trap door access mechanism. The locking mechanism may include a biasing member disposed between the upper trap door surface and the lower trap door surface, the biasing member being configured to bias the actuatable member into the extended position. The trap door may be movable relative to the second body portion when the actuatable member is moved from the extended position into the retracted position. In some specific embodiments, the biasing member may include a resilient member such as a spring, including for example a coil spring.

[0011] In some specific embodiments, the second body portion may have a thickness defined between an upper body surface and a lower body surface and may include one or more apertures extending through the thickness of the second body portion. The second contour structure may be configured to extend over a portion of a periphery of the upper body surface of the second body portion and a portion of a periphery of the lower body surface of the second body portion. The second contour structure may span the thickness of the second body portion.

[0012] In some specific embodiments, the contour structure may be configured to couple the assembled platform body to the first end frame, the second end frame, the first side rail, and the second side rail.

[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a scaffold including a platform configured for supporting a user of the scaffold, the platform including a platform body with a trap door portion and a fixed portion, wherein the trap door portion has an upper trap door surface and a lower trap door surface and a thickness defined between the upper trap door surface and the lower trap door surface, and wherein the trap door portion is hingedly coupled to the fixed portion and includes a trap door access mechanism with a trap door locking mechanism, the trap door locking mechanism including an actuatable member configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position and a biasing member disposed within the trap door portion between the upper trap door surface and the lower trap door surface, the biasing member being configured to bias the actuatable member into the extended position. A frame supports the platform, the frame including a first end frame and a second end frame arranged at respective ends of the platform, a first side rail and a second side rail each extending between the first end frame and the second end frame.

[0014] In some specific implementations, the actuatable member of the trap door locking mechanism may include a locking portion and a user operable portion, wherein in the extended position, the locking portion of the actuatable member extends from an outer periphery of the trap door portion, and in the retracted position, the locking portion of the actuatable member and the biasing member lie within the trap door portion. In the extended position, the locking portion may extend from the outer periphery of the trap door portion into an inner periphery of a contour structure connecting the trap door portion to the fixed portion. The trap door access mechanism may include an aperture extending through the thickness of the trap door portion.

[0015] In some embodiments, the user operable portion of the actuatable member may at least partially extend into the aperture of the trap door access mechanism. The trap door portion may be movable relative to the fixed portion when the actuatable member is moved from the extended position into the retracted position. In specific practical implementations, the biasing member may include a spring, such as for example a coil spring. The user operable portion of the actuatable member may be configured to be grasped by a user through the aperture to move the actuatable member from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0016] In some specific embodiments, the fixed portion may have a thickness defined between an upper body surface and a lower body surface and may include one or more apertures through the thickness of the fixed portion. A hinge system with a rigid member may limit a displacement of the trap door portion relative to the fixed portion. The rigid member may be fixed at a first end to the trap door portion and at a second end to the fixed portion. In some embodiments, the hinge system may include a stopper member to limit a range of opening angles for the trap door portion relative to the fixed portion.

[0017] In accordance with another aspect, a platform for use in a scaffolding is presented, wherein the platform includes an assembled platform body having a first body portion, a second body portion positioned alongside the first body portion and a contour structure, the contour structure coupling the first body portion and the second body portion to form the assembled platform body, wherein the contour structure includes a first contour structure and a second contour structure, wherein the first contour structure is positioned about a periphery of the first body portion, and wherein the second contour structure is positioned about the second body portion and the first contour structure, part of said first contour structure being configured to be releasably coupled to the second contour structure so as to releasably couple the first body portion to the second body portion, a first and a second end spaced from the first end along a longitudinal direction of the platform, and a first edge and a second edge spaced from the first edge along a transverse direction of the platform

[0018] In accordance with another aspect, a platform for use in a scaffolding is presented, the platform including a platform body with a trap door portion at a first end and a fixed portion at a second end spaced from the first end along a longitudinal direction of the platform, wherein the trap door portion has an upper trap door surface and a lower trap door surface and a thickness defined between the upper trap door surface and the lower trap door surface, and wherein the trap door portion is hingedly coupled to the fixed portion and includes a trap door access mechanism with a trap door locking mechanism, the trap door locking mechanism including an actuatable member configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position and a biasing member disposed within the trap door portion between the upper trap door surface and the lower trap door surface, the biasing member being configured to bias the actuatable member into the extended position.

[0019] In accordance with another aspect, a kit for assembling a scaffold with a platform of the type described herein is presented.

[0020] In specific embodiments, the kit may further comprise a first set of fasteners for coupling the first side rail and the second side rail to the first end frame and the second end frame to form the frame; and a second set of fasteners for coupling the platform to the frame. Optionally, the kit may comprise assembly instructions, which may be in paper form or may be in the form of an address or link to an electronically accessible version of the instructions, for guiding a user on how to assembly components in the kit to form the scaffold.

[0021] In accordance with another aspect, a method is provided for manufacturing a platform for a scaffold, the method comprising providing a platform body with a trap door portion and a fixed portion, wherein the trap door portion has an upper trap door surface and a lower trap door surface. The method also comprises providing a hinged coupling between the trap door portion and the fixed portion and a trap door locking mechanism including an actuatable member configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position and a biasing member disposed within the trap door portion between the upper trap door surface and the lower trap door surface, the biasing member being configured to bias the actuatable member into the extended position.

[0022] All features of exemplary embodiments which are described in this disclosure and are not mutually exclusive can be combined with one another. Elements of one embodiment or aspect can be utilized in the other embodiments / aspects without further mention.

[0023] These and other aspects of this disclosure will now become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of a description of embodiments that follows in conjunction with accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The above-mentioned features and objects of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and in which:

[0025] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a scaffold including a scaffold frame and a platform in accordance with a prior art configuration, the platform including a trap door;

[0026] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the scaffold of FIG. 1A, the trap door of the platform being shown in an open position;

[0027] FIG. 1C is a side view of the platform of the scaffold of FIG. 1A, the trap door of the platform being shown in a latched position;

[0028] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a scaffold including a platform and a scaffold frame in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, the platform including a trap door;

[0029] FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view of the scaffold of FIG. 2A;

[0030] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a scaffold including a platform, a scaffold frame and guard rails in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the platform of the scaffold of FIG. 2A with the trap door of the platform shown in a latched position;

[0032] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the platform of the scaffold of FIG. 2A with the trap door of the platform shown in an open position;

[0033] FIG. 3C is a side view of the platform of the scaffold of FIG. 2A with the trap door shown in a latched position;

[0034] FIG. 4A is a top view of the trap door of the platform of FIG. 3A;

[0035] FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view of the trap door shown in FIG. 4A;

[0036] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a fixed portion of the platform of FIG. 3A;

[0037] FIG. 5B is a top plan view of the fixed portion of the platform of FIG. 3A;

[0038] FIG. 6A is an enlarged rear cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a contour structure of the platform of FIG. 3A in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 6B is an enlarged front cross-sectional perspective view of another portion of a contour structure of the platform of FIG. 3A in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 6C is an enlarged front cross-sectional elevation view of the portion of a contour structure of the platform shown in FIG. 6B;

[0041] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a trap door locking mechanism of the platform of FIG. 3A;

[0042] FIG. 8A is an enlarged perspective view of the trap door of the platform shown in FIG. 3B, the trap door being shown in the open position and including a hinged mechanism;

[0043] FIG. 8B is an enlarged perspective view of the hinged mechanism of the trap door of FIG. 8A; and

[0044] FIG. 9 is flow chart for a method of manufacturing a platform for a scaffold in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] In the drawings, embodiments are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for purposes of illustrating certain embodiments and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0046] A detailed description of one or more specific embodiments of the invention is provided below along with accompanying Figures that illustrate principles of the invention. The invention is described in connection with such embodiments, but the invention is not limited to any specific embodiment. It is to be appreciated that the embodiments described are being provided only for the purpose of illustrating the inventive principles and should not be considered as limiting. The scope of the invention is limited only by the claims. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. These details are provided for the purpose of describing non-limiting examples and the invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in great detail so that the invention is not unnecessarily obscured.

[0047] FIGS. 1A-C show views of a prior art scaffold 1000. As depicted, the prior art scaffold 1000 includes a platform 1001, a frame 1003 including a side rail 1005 and a security latch 1009 coupled to the side rail 1005. The platform 1001 shown includes two portions, a fixed portion 1011 and a movable portion 1013 that rotates as shown by arrow 1015 and forms a platform trap door to allow access from below the platform.

[0048] As best seen in FIG. 1C, the platform 1001 includes a number of protruding elements 1021 that extend below the lower surface of the platform 1001. These protruding elements 1021 include various fasteners, structural elements (e.g., steel angles) and attachments. In one example, a protruding element 10211 may be a mechanism for locking the movable portion 1013 of the platform in place with respect to the fixed portion 1011. In one example, a protruding element 10212 may be a steel angle that provides structural support to the platform 1001. As can be seen, the protruding elements 1021 typically extend below the lower surface of the platform 1001. An overall thickness 1026 may be defined between an upper surface of the platform 1001 and a lower surface of a protruding element 1021. For instance, with reference to FIG. 1C, the overall thickness 1026 is defined between the upper surface of the platform 1001 and the lower surface of the protruding element 10211.

[0049] FIGS. 2A and 2B show perspective and exploded views of a scaffold including a platform and a scaffold frame, in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, the platform including a trap door.

[0050] More specifically, FIGS. 2A to 2B show a mobile scaffold 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The scaffold 10 comprises a platform 88 and a frame 11 for supporting the platform 88. The frame 11 includes a set of end frame assemblies 12 (also referred to as “end frames”) and a set of side rails 46. The scaffold 10 includes a longitudinal direction, a vertical direction and a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal and the vertical directions. The longitudinal, vertical and transverse directions are respectively denoted X, Y and Z in FIG. 2A.

[0051] In some embodiments, such as what is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the scaffold 10 includes a single mobile scaffold 10. In other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the scaffold 10 may include a plurality of mobile scaffolds 10 stackable in the vertical direction (Y).

[0052] The platform 88 is configured for supporting a user of the scaffold 10. The platform 88 extends along a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction which generally coincide with the longitudinal direction (X) and the transverse direction (Z) of the scaffold 10 when the side rail 46 is mounted to the scaffold 10.

[0053] Referring as well to FIGS. 3A to 5B, the platform 88 includes a body 91 having a first end 87 and a second end 89 opposite the first end 87. The body 91 includes a first lateral edge 83 and a second lateral edge 85 opposite the first lateral edge 83 in the transverse direction (Z). The body 91 of the platform 88 includes a periphery 94.

[0054] The platform 88 may be configured in different suitable manners. In some embodiments, the platform 88 may include a contour structure 140 disposed about at least a portion (e.g., a portion or an entirety) of the periphery 94 of the platform 88 and / or a periphery 112 of the trap door. A height of the platform 88 is adjustable in the vertical direction (Y) of the scaffold 10. For instance, the platform 88 may be adjustable between a minimum height and a maximum height along the end frame assemblies 12. The platform 88 may have any suitable shape and dimensions. The platform 88 (e.g., the body 91 and / or the contour structure 140) may be comprised of any suitable material or combination of materials, including but not limited to, metals (steel, iron, aluminum), wood, plastics and / or plastic composites.

[0055] In the example depicted in the figures, the platform 88 includes a trap door 104 operable to provide access to the platform 88 and / or the end frame assemblies 12 (e.g., an end frame assembly 12 of a scaffold 10 stacked above or below a given scaffold 10). In some embodiments, the platform 88 may include one or more apertures 106 through the platform 88, which may form handle areas suitable for receive a hand of a user to facilitate handling by a user (e.g., including but not limited to, grabbing, moving, installing, transporting).

[0056] With further reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C, the frame 11 of the scaffold 10 includes two end frame assemblies 12 configured for coupling with the side rails 46 and for supporting the platform 88. With reference to FIG. 2B, each end frame assembly 12 includes a ladder 14 including a pair of legs 16 (e.g., left and right legs) and one or more rungs 26 extending between the pair of legs 16. The rungs 26 extend transversely between the pair of legs 16 so as to lie substantially horizontally when the pair of legs 16 are positioned upright when in an “in-use” or assembled configuration. The ladder 14 is configured for allowing the user to climb the scaffold 10 (e.g., to reach the platform 88).

[0057] The rungs 26 may be configured in any suitable fashion and may have any suitable shape and dimensions and may be made in any suitable material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, one or more of the rungs 26 may be formed as a substantially (e.g., including but not limited to partially, majoritarily) solid body. In other embodiments, one or more of the rungs 26 may be formed as a tubular body so that an inner portion of the body may be at least partially hollow. The rungs 26 may include any suitable exterior or interior cross-sectional shape (e.g., including but not limited to, rectangular, square, circular, polygonal, elliptic), may be convex or concave and have any suitable exterior or interior cross-sectional dimensions. The rungs 26 may be formed using any suitable materials including but not limited to metals (steel, iron, aluminum), plastics and / or plastic composites.

[0058] The end frame assembly 12 may further include ground-engaging members 35 configured to be coupled to the one or more legs 16 at a second end 22 of the one or more legs 16. For instance, at least some of all of the legs 16 may be mounted on ground-engaging members 35. Different types of ground-engaging members 35 may be contemplated in practical implementations. In specific examples, the ground-engaging members 35 may include base plates. In another example, the ground-engaging members 35 may include casters 36 to provide added mobility to the scaffold. For instance, at least some of the legs 16 may be mounted on a caster36. For example, in this case, each leg 16 is mounted on a caster 36. The casters 36 may be configured in any suitable fashion and may have any suitable shape and dimensions and be made of any suitable material. Some or all of the casters 36 may be configured with wheel locking mechanisms to prevent motion of the caster wheels, and thereby prevent motion of the scaffold 10, while the scaffold 10 is installed for use.

[0059] With further reference to FIG. 2B, the casters 36 include a wheel 42 and a stem 38 for mounting the casters 36 to the legs 16. In this example, the end frame assembly 12 further includes locking pins 44 to lock the casters 36 with respect to the legs 16. For instance, the stem 38 includes an opening 40 to receive the locking pin 44 which is configured to extend through the opening 40 in the stem 38 of the caster 36 and through a given opening 24 in the leg 16 to fasten the caster 36 to the leg 16.

[0060] With further reference to FIG. 2B, in some specific embodiments, each leg 16 includes a scaffold connector 59 disposed at a first end 20 of the leg 16. The scaffold connector 59 is configured for facilitating stacking of multiple scaffolds 10 atop one another in the vertical direction Y. The scaffold connector 59 may be configured in any suitable fashion and may have any suitable shape and dimensions and be made with any suitable material. In specific examples, the scaffold connector 59 is a pin connector such as a cylindrical pin connector. In another example, the pin connector may comprise any suitable exterior or interior cross-sectional shape (e.g., including but not limited to, rectangular, square, circular) and may have any suitable exterior or interior cross-sectional dimensions. The scaffold connector 59 may be made of a material including but not limited to metals (steel, iron, aluminum), plastics, plastic composites. The scaffold connector 59 may be coupled to the leg 16 in any suitable fashion, including but not limited to through the use of mechanical fasteners, by metal joining, or by adhesives.

[0061] In some alternative embodiments, of the type depicted in FIG. 2C, the scaffold 10 may include a guard rail 108. The guard rail 108 may be configured in any suitable fashion and may have any suitable shape and dimensions and may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials. For instance, in some embodiments, the guard rail 18 may have a substantially cylindrical cross section with a diameter between 1 inch or 1.5 inches. In alternative specific examples, not shown in the Figures, the guard rail 108 may have a substantially elliptic or polygonal cross section and the cross section may be of any suitable dimension.

[0062] In specific examples of implementation, the platform 88 has a streamlined profile shape (e.g., as seen in FIG. 3C) with no or few protrusions extending from the upper surface 90 and lower surface 92 of the platform 88. In particular, fasteners needed to assemble and / or use the platform 88 are embedded so as to lie between the levels of the upper and lower surfaces of the platform. In some embodiments, the platform 88 also includes a trap door locking mechanism at least partially embedded between the upper and lower surfaces of the trap door and, optionally, a rigid, rather than flexible, rigid member 134 that limits opening of the trap door, which will be described with reference to FIG. 8B.

[0063] FIGS. 3A to 5B show further details the platform 88. FIGS. 3A and 3B show perspective views of the platform 88 when the platform 88 is disassembled from the remaining portions of the scaffold 10.

[0064] As shown, the platform 88 has a first end 87 and a second end 89 spaced from the first end 87 along a longitudinal direction of the platform (e.g., the X direction) and a first edge 83, e.g., a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge 85, e.g., a second lateral edge, spaced from the first edge 83 along a transverse direction of the platform (e.g., the Z direction).

[0065] The platform 88 has an assembled platform body 91 that includes a first portion, e.g., the trap door 104, that is movable relative to a second, fixed portion 128 positioned alongside the first portion. The fixed portion 128 is intended to remain stationary with respect to the remaining portions of the scaffold 10 when the scaffold 10 is assembled. In the figures, the trap door 104 is shown near the left side of the platform 88 proximate first end 87, however in some embodiments the trap door 104 can be positioned near the right side of the platform 88 proximate second end 89.

[0066] FIG. 3A shows the trap door 104 in a latched, or closed, position while FIG. 3B shows the trap door 104 in an open position. The trap door 104 is moveable between these two positions to provide access to the platform 88 and / or the end frame assemblies 12 for a user trying to ascend or descend the scaffold 10 or trying to access or pass on something below the platform 88.

[0067] FIG. 5A is a perspective view and FIG. 5B is a top plan view of the fixed portion 128 of the platform 88 with the trap door 104 removed from the platform. The fixed portion 128 has the thickness 102 that is defined between the fixed portion upper surface 111 (e.g., the upper surface 90) and the fixed portion lower surface 113) (e.g., the lower surface 92) of the fixed portion 128. In some embodiments, the fixed portion 128 and / or the trap door 104 have one or more apertures 106 through the thickness 102 of the fixed portion 128. The apertures 106, which may form handle areas suitable for receive a hand of a user, can be used facilitate handling (e.g., including but not limited to, grabbing, moving, installing, transporting) of the platform 88. In the embodiment depicted, each of the apertures includes a rim portion about the periphery of the aperture. The rim portion may be made of any suitable material and may have a substantially smooth outer texture, for providing increased user comfort when a user grips the platform via one or more of the apertures. For example, the rim portion may be made of a plastic, of a rubberized material or of any other suitable material.

[0068] In the specific embodiment depicted in the Figures, the platform 88 has a contour structure 140. The contour structure 140 is used to assemble portions of the platform to each other (e.g., the trap door 104 and the fixed portion 128) and also to assemble the assembled platform body 91 to the scaffold frame 11. In a specific implementation, the contour structure 140 includes a first contour structure 93 positioned about a periphery 112 of the trap door, a second contour structure 95 positioned about an inner periphery of the fixed portion 128 that surrounds the trap door 104 and around a periphery 94 of the platform body 91.

[0069] At least part of the first contour structure 93 is configured to be releasably coupled to the second contour structure 95 so as to releasably couple the trap door 104 to the fixed portion 128.

[0070] The trap door 104 forms an access port that is movable with respect to the fixed portion 128. To move, the trap door 104 is hingedly connected to the fixed portion 128 and / or to the second contour structure 95 so that it can swing up with respect to the fixed portion 128 while remaining attached to the assembled platform 88 via rotation points 119 shown in FIG. 4A.

[0071] The trap door 104 has a thickness 105 spanning between the upper trap door surface 107 and the lower trap door surface 109. In specific implementations, such as those shown in the Figures, the thickness 105 of the trap door may be similar to, e.g., nearly identical to or identical to, the thickness 102 of the fixed portion 128. In other alternative implementations, not shown in the figures, the thickness 105 of the trap door may be thicker or thinner than the thickness 102 of the fixed portion 128, depending on the specific implementation.

[0072] Referring now to FIG. 4B and to FIGS. 6A to 6C, the first contour structure 93 may be made up of periphery clamps 142 that have a cross sectional “U” shape. The periphery clamps 142 may be made of metal (e.g., steel, iron, aluminum) or may be extruded parts made of any suitable material, for example but not limited to plastic or plastic composites. In the examples depicted in the figures, the periphery clamps 142 are configured to slide onto the edges of the solid surfaces of the trap door 104. The periphery clamps 142 have upper and lower legs that extend over at least a portion of the periphery of the upper trap door surface 107 as well as over a portion of a periphery of the lower trap door surface 109. In the example depicted, each periphery clamp 142 spans the thickness 105 of the trap door 104. In specific practical implementations, multiple periphery clamps 142 may be used to form the first contour structure 93. For example, in the embodiment depicted, four separate periphery clamps 142 are used to form the first contour structure 93, wherein each of the four periphery clamps is positioned around a respective edge of the trap door 104. It is to be appreciated that while the trap door 104 has been shown as having a substantially rectangular periphery, trap doors of other suitable shapes (not shown in the figures may be contemplated, for example trap door having polygonal peripheries (for e.g., square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal etc.).

[0073] In the examples depicted in the figures, the second contour structure 95 may also be formed of a plurality of periphery clamps 144 each having a cross sectional “U” shape. The periphery clamps 144 of the second contour structure 95 are positioned about the fixed portion 128 of the platform and about part of the first contour structure 93 so that the second contour structure 95 spans both the fixed body portion 128 and the trap door 104. More specifically, in the example depicted, periphery clamps 144 of the second contour structure 95 are positioned: (i) at the first end 87 of the platform body 91; (ii) at the second end 89 of the platform body 91; (iii) at the first lateral edge 83 of the platform body 91; (iv) at the second lateral edge 85 of the platform body 91; and (v) at an inner periphery of the fixed portion 128 of the platform body 91. The periphery clamps 144 may be made of metal (e.g., steel, iron, aluminum) or may be extruded parts made of any suitable material, for example but not limited to plastic or plastic composites. At least some of the periphery clamps 144 have upper and lower legs for which portions are configured to slide onto the edges of the solid surfaces of the fixed portion 128. More specifically, the periphery clamp positioned at the second end 89 of the platform body 91 and the periphery clamp positioned at an inner periphery of the fixed portion 128 of the platform body 91 have upper and lower legs configured to extend over at least a portion of the periphery of the fixed portion upper surface 111 as well as over at least a portion of the periphery of the fixed portion lower surface 113. The periphery clamps positioned at the first and second lateral edges 83, 85 of the platform body 91 have upper and lower legs configured to extend over a portion of their length over at least a portion of the periphery of the fixed portion upper surface 111 as well as over at least a portion of the periphery of the fixed portion lower surface 113. In the example depicted, the periphery clamps 144 span the thickness 102 of the fixed portion 128 of the platform body 91.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, attachment brackets 146 are provided on three sides around the opening in which fits the trap door 104. It is to be appreciated that although brackets are provided on three sides of the opening, fewer brackets are also possible in alternative embodiments. In the example depicted, the attachment brackets 146 are fixed to the periphery clamps 144 of the second contour structure 95. Each of the attachment brackets 146 has a cross sectional “L” shape and attaches to a side edge of a periphery clamp 144 on one end, and extends below the lower trap door surface 109 of the trap door 104 when the platform 88 is assembled. More specifically, when the trap door 104 is assembled with the fixed portion 128 to form the platform body 91, the lower trap door surface 109 of the trap door 104 is configured to rest upon the attachment brackets 146, which support the weight of the trap door 104 and of a person and / or equipment resting upon the trap door 104.

[0075] In the specific embodiment depicted, the attachment brackets 146 have bracket holes 147 formed on the edge extending below the trap door 104, where the bracket holes 147 may be formed at regular or irregular intervals along each backet. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B two bracket holes 147 are formed within each of the attachment brackets 146, however, more or fewer holes are also possible in alternative implementations.

[0076] A thickness 125 of the periphery clamp 142 may be defined between a first surface of the periphery clamp 142 and a second surface of the periphery clamp 142 opposite the first surface of the periphery clamp 142. A thickness 120 of the periphery clamp 144 may be defined between a first surface of the periphery clamp 144 and a second surface of the periphery clamp 144 opposite the first surface of the periphery clamp 144. In specific implementations, such as those shown in the Figures, the thickness 125 of the periphery clamp 142 may be similar to, e.g., nearly identical to or identical to, the thickness 120 of the periphery clamp 144. In other alternative implementations, not shown in the figures, the thickness 125 of the periphery clamp 142 may be thicker or thinner than the thickness 120 of the periphery clamp 144, depending on the specific implementation. The thicknesses 120, 125 may have any suitable dimension, for instance in some cases at most 1 inch, in some cases at most 0.8 inches, in some cases at most 0.79 inches, in some cases at most 0.788 inches, in some cases at most 0.75 inches, in some cases at most 0.7 inches and in some cases even less. In specific implementations, the thicknesses 120, 125 are about 0.788 inches.

[0077] An overall thickness 127 of the contour 140 may be defined between a first surface of the contour 140 and a second surface of the contour 140 opposite the first surface of the contour 140. In specific implementations, such as those shown in the Figures, the overall thickness 127 of the contour 140 may be defined between the first surface of a periphery clamp (e.g., periphery clamp 142, periphery claim 144) and the second surface of the attachment bracket 146. The overall thickness 127 may have any suitable dimension, for instance in some cases at most 1.1 inches, in some cases at most 1.005 inches, in some cases at most 1.002 inches, in some cases at most 1 inch, in some cases at most 0.9 inches, and in some cases even less. In specific implementations, the overall thickness 127 is about 1.002 inches. In contrast, the thickness 1026 of a conventional scaffold 1000 may be at least 1.760 inches, and in some cases even greater. Thus, the platform 88 may be substantially thinner than a conventional scaffold 1000 while being streamlined so as to have few or no protruding elements 1021. Moreover, the contour 140 may be configured to provide structural support to the platform 88 such that steel angles may be omitted.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 6C, bumpers 148 may be disposed at the lower legs of the periphery clamps 142 positioned about the periphery of the trap door 104. When the trap door 104 and the fixed portion 128 are assembled, and when the trap door 104 in a closed, or latched, position, the bumpers 148 are configured to releasably engage and register with the bracket holes 147 of the attachment brackets 146, thereby positioning the trap door 104 within the opening formed in the platform. In specific implementations, in order to minimize protrusions, the bumpers 148 (including rubber bumpers, push-in bumpers) have a length that does not extend far beyond a lower surface of the attachment brackets 146 as shown for example, in FIG. 3C. In specific practical implementations, the bumpers 148 may be made of metal or may be made of any suitable material, for example but not limited to plastic, plastic composites and rubber. It is to be appreciated that while the embodiments depicted shown configurations including bumpers 148 and bracket holes 147, alternative embodiments may omit such elements. In such alternative embodiment, the positioning of the trap door within the opening when in the closed, or latched, position may be achieved by relying on the elements of the second contour structure 95 surrounding the opening formed on the platform.

[0079] In some implementations, to secure the periphery clamps 144 of the second contour structure 95 to the fixed portion 128 of the platform body 91, the second contour structure 95 may optionally include fastener slots 152 and fasteners 150 positioned at spaced locations along the lengths of the periphery clamps 144. In some non-limiting examples, the fastener slots may include through holes in the periphery clamps 144 that extend as blind holes at the edges of the fixed portion 128. Fasteners 150, such as for example but not limited to rivets, screws, nails, anchors and anchor bolts, may be used to secure the periphery clamps 144 to the fixed portion 128.

[0080] FIG. 6A is an enlarged rear cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a contour structure of the platform. More specifically, FIG. 6A shows an intersection between a periphery clamp 144 of the second contour structure 95 and a periphery clamp 142 of the first contour structure 93.

[0081] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a trap door access mechanism 117 for the trap door 104. The trap door access mechanism 117 is used to release and / or lock the trap door 104 in place within the scaffold platform. In specific implementations, the trap door access mechanism 117 is positioned between the upper trap door surface 107 and the lower trap door surface 109, e.g., so that the trap door access mechanism substantially lies within the thickness 105 of the trap door 104.

[0082] As depicted, the trap door access mechanism includes an aperture 116 extending through the thickness of the trap door 104 and a trap door locking mechanism 114. The aperture 116 includes a rim portion about its periphery, which may be made of any suitable material and may have a substantially smooth outer texture for providing increased user comfort when a uses the trap door locking mechanism. For example, the rim portion may be made of a plastic, of a rubberized material or of any other suitable material.

[0083] The trap door locking mechanism 114 has an actuatable member 118 that is configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position. The actuatable member 118 has a user operable portion 124 at a first end of the actuatable member 118, which, for example, may be a ring or other element that is graspable by the fingers of a user. The actuatable member 118 also has a locking portion 126 at a second end. The trap door 104 is movable relative to the fixed body portion 128 when the actuatable member 118 is moved from the extended position into the retracted position.

[0084] In the extended position, the locking portion 126 of the actuatable member extends from an outer periphery of the first contour structure 93 into an inner periphery of the second contour structure 95 to couple the trap door 104 to the fixed portion 128 (as shown in FIGS. 3A and 4A for example). In the retracted position, the locking portion 126 of the actuatable member lies within the first contour structure 93, e.g., does not protrude past the outer periphery of the first contour structure 93. As can be seen in the Figures, the user operable portion 124 of the actuatable member at least partially extends into the aperture 116 of the trap door. When the trap door locking mechanism 114 is in the retracted position, the user operable portion 124 is extended further into the aperture 116 compared to when the trap door locking mechanism 114 is in the extended position.

[0085] The trap door locking mechanism 114 also includes a biasing member 122 lying between the upper trap door surface 107 and the lower trap door surface 109, within the span of the thickness 105 of the trap door 104. The biasing member 122 is configured to bias the actuatable member 188 into the extended, locked position. In non-limiting implementation, the biasing member 122 may be in the form of a spring, such as a coil spring. When a user wants to open the trap door 104, the user can grasp the user operable portion 124 of the actuatable member 118 through the aperture 116 to move the actuatable member 118 from the extended (locked) position to the retracted (open) position. This causes the biasing member to contract and to urge the locking portion 126 into the body of the trap door locking mechanism 114. The trap door 104 is then movable relative to the fixed portion 128 via a hinged mechanism.

[0086] FIG. 8A is an enlarged perspective view of the trap door 104 in the open position. In FIG. 8A, a plurality of fastener slots and fasteners 248 are shown at different locations along the periphery clamps 142 of the first contour structure 93, where the fasteners 248 may be constructed in a manner similar to fastener slots 152 and fasteners 150 positioned at spaced locations along the lengths of the periphery clamps 144 of the second contour structure 95 and described earlier with reference to FIG. 6C.

[0087] The hinged mechanism 123 may include any suitable type of hinge for allowing the trap door 104 to be displaced between an open and closed configuration including, but without being limited to, butt hinges, barrel hinges, spring hinges, overlay hinges, pivot hinges, gas hinges, sliding restraint bar and pivot-slide hinges. In the specific embodiment shown in the drawings, the hinged mechanism 123 includes a pivot hinge.

[0088] FIG. 8B shows an enlarged view of the hinged mechanism 123 of the trap door 104. As shown in FIG. 8B, the hinged mechanism 123 also includes a rigid member 134 that limits the displacement of the trap door 104 relative to the fixed portion 128.

[0089] In one non-limiting example, the rigid member 134 is fixed at a second end 138 to the attachment bracket 146 or, alternatively, periphery clamps 144 and at a first end 136 slidingly engages the first contour 93 arranged on the periphery 112 of the trap door 104. For example, the second end 138 of the rigid member 134 may be fixed to the second contour structure 95 and the first end 136 of the rigid member 134 may be slidingly engaged with the first contour structure 93. In some embodiments, the fixation at the second end 138 may have one (rotatable) degree of freedom and the fixation at the first end 136 may have two (rotatable and slidable) degrees of freedom so that the rigid member 134 is able to rotate and slide with respect to the trap door portion 104 of the platform 88. A sliding member 156 may be disposed at the first end 136 so that the first end 136 may slidingly engage the first contour structure 93. The sliding member 156 may comprise any suitable shape, dimensions and material or combination of materials, including but not limited to, metals (aluminum), plastic (nylon, Teflon®, vinyl, polyethylene) and plastic composites.

[0090] In an alternative non-limiting example, the rigid member 134 is fixed at a first end 136 to the trap door and at a second end 138 slidingly engages the attachment brackets 146 arranged on lateral sides of the opening or, alternatively, slidingly engages periphery clamps 144 of the second contour structure 95 located on lateral sides of the opening. For example, the first end 136 of the rigid member 134 may be fixed to the first contour structure 93 and the second end 138 of the rigid member 134 may be slidingly engaged with the second contour structure 95. In some embodiments, the fixation at the first end 136 may have one (rotatable) degree of freedom and the fixation at the second end 138 may have two (rotatable and slidable) degrees of freedom so that the rigid member 134 is able to rotate and slide with respect to the fixed portion 128 of the platform.

[0091] In some embodiments (not shown), the hinged mechanism 123 may optionally include a stopper member that limits the range of opening angles for the trap door 104 relative to the fixed portion 128. Any suitable mechanism for implementing the stopper may be using in specific practical embodiments including hole-and-rod arrangements, solid blocks, etc. In some embodiments, the stopper member may be displaceable, allowing the trap door 104 to be moved and stopped at more or fewer different opening angles.

[0092] The rigid member 134 of the hinged mechanism 123 may be made with any suitable material or combination of materials, including but not limited to, metals (steel, iron, aluminum), wood, plastic and plastic composites. In embodiments where the rigid member 134 is non-deformable, when the platform 88 is in the closed position (as shown in FIG. 3A, for example) the hinged mechanism 123 fits within the thickness of the trap door 104.

[0093] FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a method for manufacturing a scaffold of the type described herein, in accordance with a specific embodiment. Step 205 includes providing a platform body with a trap door portion at a first end and a fixed portion at a second end spaced from the first end, wherein the trap door portion has an upper trap door surface and a lower trap door surface. Step 210 includes providing a hinged coupling between the trap door portion and the fixed portion and a trap door locking mechanism with an actuatable member configured to move between an extended and a retracted position and a biasing member disposed within the trap door portion and lying between the upper trap door surface and the lower trap door surface.

[0094] Once manufactured, the platform can then be assembled for use in a scaffolding according to the embodiments described above.

[0095] In some embodiments, the various components of the scaffold 10 can be provided dissembled as a kit, so that the end user can assemble the scaffold according to the embodiments described. Advantageously, the kit provides a convenient way to package and transport the scaffold for assembly at a destination in a more compact manner. For example, providing the scaffold in the form of a kit may be advantageous when the scaffold is being sold and / or for allowing the scaffold to be assembled and disassembled at work sites.

[0096] For example, in accordance with a specific embodiment, a kit for assembling a scaffold comprises components of the scaffold provided in a disassembled form in the manner depicted in the exploded view of FIG. 2B. For example, such a kit may comprise the platform 88 for supporting a user of the scaffold, two end frame assemblies 12, two side rails 46 and ground-engaging members 35. The two end frame assemblies 12 and two side rails 46 are configured to be connected to one another in the manner shown in the present disclosure and using suitable fasteners to form the scaffold frame 11. The fasteners may be part of the kit or may be sold or provided separately from the kit. The specific types of fasteners used to assemble the scaffold may vary between implementations and many suitable fasteners are known in the art and will not be further described here.

[0097] In specific implementations, in the kit the platform 88 may be provided as a unitary component, including the first body portion, the second body portion positioned alongside the first body portion and the contour structure comprised of the first contour structure and the second contour structure. Alternatively, in the kit, the first body portion and the first contour structure positioned about the periphery of the first body portion may be included separately from second body portion and the second contour structure. Suitable fasteners may be provided as part of the kit for releasably coupling part of the first contour structure to the second contour structure to releasably couple the first body portion to the second body portion.

[0098] In specific implementations, the platform 88 may be configured to be connected to the frame 11 in the manner shown in the present disclosure and using suitable fasteners to form the scaffold 10. The fasteners for coupling the platform 88 to the frame 11 may be part of the kit or may be sold or provided separately from the kit. The specific types of fasteners used may vary between implementations and many suitable fasteners are known in the art and will not be further described here.

[0099] Optionally, the kit for the scaffold may comprise assembly instructions, which may be in paper format or may be in the form of an address or link to an electronically accessible version of the instructions, for guiding a user on how to assemble components in the kit to form the scaffold.

[0100] In some embodiments, any feature of any embodiment described herein may be used in combination with any feature of any other embodiment described herein.

[0101] Certain additional elements that may be needed for operation of certain embodiments have not been described or illustrated as they are assumed to be within the purview of those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, certain embodiments may be free of, may lack and / or may function without any element that is not specifically disclosed herein.

[0102] It will be understood by those of skill in the art that throughout the present specification, the term “a” used before a term encompasses embodiments containing one or more to what the term refers. It will also be understood by those of skill in the art that throughout the present specification, the term “comprising”, which is synonymous with “including,”“containing,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, un-recited elements or method steps. As used in the present disclosure, the terms “around”, “about” or “approximately” shall generally mean within the error margin generally accepted in the art. Hence, numerical quantities given herein generally include such error margin such that the terms “around”, “about” or “approximately” can be inferred if not expressly stated.

[0103] In describing embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of description, but this is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is understood that each specific term comprises all equivalents. In case of any discrepancy, inconsistency, or other difference between terms used herein and terms used in any document incorporated by reference herein, meanings of the terms used herein are to prevail and be used.

[0104] References cited in the specification, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0105] Although various embodiments of the disclosure have been described and illustrated, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the present description that numerous modifications and variations can be made. The scope of the invention is defined more particularly in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A scaffold comprising:a. a platform for supporting a user of the scaffold, the platform comprising:an assembled platform body having a first body portion, a second body portion positioned alongside the first body portion and a contour structure, the contour structure coupling the first body portion and the second body portion to form the assembled platform body, wherein the contour structure includes a first contour structure and a second contour structure, wherein the first contour structure is positioned about a periphery of the first body portion, and wherein the second contour structure is positioned about the second body portion and the first contour structure, part of said first contour structure being configured to be releasably coupled to the second contour structure so as to releasably couple the first body portion to the second body portion;a first end and a second end spaced from the first end along a longitudinal direction of the platform; anda first edge and a second edge spaced from the first edge along a transverse direction of the platform; andb. a frame supporting the platform, the frame comprising:a first end frame and a second end frame arranged at respective ends of the platform;a first side rail and a second side rail each extending between the first end frame and the second end frame.

2. The scaffold of claim 1, wherein the first body portion forms a trap door hingedly displaceable with respect to the second body portion.

3. (canceled)4. The scaffold of claim 2, wherein the trap door has a thickness defined between an upper trap door surface and a lower trap door surface, said trap door comprising a trap door access mechanism positioned at least in part between the upper trap door surface and the lower trap door surface.

5. The scaffold of claim 4, wherein the first contour structure is configured to extend over a portion of a periphery of the upper trap door surface and over a portion of a periphery of the lower trap door surface.

6. The scaffold of claim 4, wherein the first contour structure spans the thickness of the trap door.

7. The scaffold of claim 4, wherein the trap door access mechanism comprises an aperture extending through the thickness of the trap door and a trap door locking mechanism, the trap door locking mechanism including an actuatable member configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position, said actuatable member including a locking portion and a user operable portion, wherein:in the extended position, the locking portion of the actuatable member extends from an outer periphery of the first contour structure;in the retracted position, the locking portion of the actuatable member lies within the first contour structure.

8. The scaffold of claim 7, wherein in the extended position, the locking portion extends from the outer periphery of the first contour structure into an inner periphery of the second contour structure to couple the first body portion to the second body portion.

9. The scaffold of claim 7, wherein the user operable portion of the actuatable member at least partially extends into the aperture of the trap door access mechanism.

10. The scaffold of claim 7, said locking mechanism comprising a biasing member disposed between the upper trap door surface and the lower trap door surface, the biasing member being configured to bias the actuatable member into the extended position.

11. The scaffold of claim 10, wherein the trap door is movable relative to the second body portion when the actuatable member is moved from the extended position into the retracted position.

12. (canceled)13. (canceled)14. (canceled)15. The scaffold of claim 1, wherein the second contour structure is configured to extend over a portion of a periphery of the upper body surface of the second body portion and a portion of a periphery of the lower body surface of the second body portion.

16. The scaffold of claim 14, wherein the second contour structure spans the thickness of the second body portion.

17. The scaffold of claim 1, wherein the contour structure is configured to couple the assembled platform body to the first end frame, the second end frame, the first side rail, and the second side rail.

18. A scaffold comprising:a. platform configured for supporting a user of the scaffold, the platform comprising:a platform body with a trap door portion and a fixed portion, wherein the trap door portion has an upper trap door surface and a lower trap door surface and a thickness defined between the upper trap door surface and the lower trap door surface; andwherein the trap door portion is hingedly coupled to the fixed portion and comprises a trap door access mechanism with a trap door locking mechanism, the trap door locking mechanism including an actuatable member configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position and a biasing member disposed within the trap door portion between the upper trap door surface and the lower trap door surface, the biasing member being configured to bias the actuatable member into the extended position;b. a frame supporting the platform, the frame comprising:a first end frame and a second end frame arranged at respective ends of the platform;a first side rail and a second side rail each extending between the first end frame and the second end frame.

19. The scaffold of claim 18, wherein the actuatable member of the trap door locking mechanism includes a locking portion and a user operable portion, wherein:in the extended position, the locking portion of the actuatable member extends from an outer periphery of the trap door portion;in the retracted position, the locking portion of the actuatable member and the biasing member lie within the trap door portion.

20. The scaffold of claim 18, wherein in the extended position, the locking portion extends from the outer periphery of the trap door portion into an inner periphery of a contour structure connecting the trap door portion to the fixed portion.

21. The scaffold of claim 19, wherein the trap door access mechanism comprises an aperture through the thickness of the trap door portion.

22. The scaffold of claim 21, wherein the user operable portion of the actuatable member at least partially extends into the aperture of the trap door access mechanism.

23. The scaffold of claim 18, wherein the trap door portion is movable relative to the fixed portion when the actuatable member is moved from the extended position into the retracted position.

24. (canceled)25. (canceled)26. The scaffold of claim 21, wherein the user operable portion of the actuatable member is configured to be grasped by a user through the aperture to move the actuatable member from the extended position to the retracted position.

27. The scaffold of any claim 18, wherein the fixed portion has a thickness defined between an upper body surface and a lower body surface, said fixed portion comprising one or more apertures extending through the thickness of the fixed portion.

28. The scaffold of claim 18, further comprising a hinge system with a rigid member that limits a displacement of the trap door portion relative to the fixed portion.

29. The scaffold of claim 28, wherein the rigid member is fixed at a first end to the trap door portion and at a second end to the fixed portion.

30. (canceled)31. A platform for use in a scaffolding, wherein the platform comprisesa. an assembled platform body having a first body portion, a second body portion positioned alongside the first body portion and a contour structure, the contour structure coupling the first body portion and the second body portion to form the assembled platform body, wherein the contour structure includes a first contour structure and a second contour structure, wherein the first contour structure is positioned about a periphery of the first body portion, and wherein the second contour structure is positioned about the second body portion and the first contour structure, part of said first contour structure being configured to be releasably coupled to the second contour structure so as to releasably couple the first body portion to the second body portion;b. a first end and a second end spaced from the first end along a longitudinal direction of the platform; andc. a first edge and a second edge spaced from the first edge along a transverse direction of the platform.

32. A platform for use in a scaffolding, wherein the platform comprises:a. a platform body with a trap door portion and a fixed portion, wherein the trap door portion has an upper trap door surface and a lower trap door surface and a thickness defined between the upper trap door surface and the lower trap door surface; andb. wherein the trap door portion is hingedly coupled to the fixed portion and comprises a trap door access mechanism with a trap door locking mechanism, the trap door locking mechanism including an actuatable member configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position and a biasing member disposed within the trap door portion between the upper trap door surface and the lower trap door surface, the biasing member being configured to bias the actuatable member into the extended position.33-35. (canceled)

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