REMOVABLE SCAFFOLD HOLD DOWN

摘要

Platform assemblies may be built up using a substantial number of inverted U- shaped vertical supports with platform hold down members that hold the platforms in place, thus avoiding slippage or pilferage. The hold down members form a unitary structure with the supports and platform assemblies to hold the platforms securely in place. The unitary structure of the scaffolding assembly with hold down members acts as a deterrent against pilferage of the platforms because the unitary structure does not allow t he planks to be removed unless the platform assembly is substantiall y disassembled. It also reduces the steps required to assemble a secure platfo rm assembly with hold down members thus saving time while still preventing slippage and pilferage. The hold down members may have holes at one end, and these holes have a diameter slightly greater than the outer diameter (OD) of the guide pipes at the junctions between vertically extending pipes. The other end of the hold down member is substantially U-shaped and at least partially wraps around the platforms. As the scaffolding is erected, once the first, lower set of U-shaped supports and overlying planks are set in place, then the hold down members are mounted on the upwardly- extending guide pipes and across the planks. Then, when the next higherset o f U- shaped supports is mounted onto the lower set, the hold down members are hel d in place between the two sets of pipes, and the planks are held in place. Alternatively, the ends of the hold down members may be clamped to the horizontal or vertical supports by hooks, clamps and/or latching members whereby disassembly of the scaffold is not necessary for removing or shifting the position of the hold down members.