US20150034421A1

US20150034421A1 - Scaffold Deck System With A Float Bar Support For Creating An Opening To Accommodate Obstacles

Info

Publication number: US20150034421A1
Application number: US14/450,737
Authority: US
Inventors: Roy Watson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-08-05
Filing date: 2014-08-04
Publication date: 2015-02-05
Also published as: US20160186450A1; US20150034420A1

Abstract

A scaffold including a pair of scaffold frames has a scaffold platform supported by the frames, which is defined by a series of planks and includes an opening. The opening is formed by a pair of transverse support members that extend between the pair of planks at a location between the scaffold frames. Partial-length scaffold planks, having first and second ends and a length less than the space between the scaffold frames, are supported by the transverse support members and occupy the space between the planks other than at the opening. The transverse support member includes spaced-apart plank engagement sections that rest on upwardly facing surfaces of the planks, and a plank end support member that extends between the plank engagement sections. A scaffolding platform system and a method of forming a scaffolding platform are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/862,235, filed Aug. 5, 2013, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many scaffold systems commonly include spaced-apart vertically stacked frames that are connected together by spreader bars. The frames commonly define one or more horizontal surfaces that are oriented to support planks or other structures to define a deck or a platform for supporting one or more users at a desired elevated position.
As shown in FIG. 15, there are situations in which obstructions 10, such as pipes, conduits, etc. are encountered at the elevated location and interfere with the ability to fully enclose the space between the rails 12 of scaffold frames to form a full plane associated with the elevated deck 16. Commonly, a filler member 18, which may be formed of lumber such as plywood or other appropriate flat materials such as metals or aluminum sheet or diamond plate material, is cut and shaped to cooperate with and be fastened, commonly using nails or screws, to one or more of the planks 20. The filler member 18 typically spans between planks located on opposite sides of the obstruction 10 and forms an opening for the obstruction 10 to extend through the deck 16, such that the deck 16 defines a plane that is as full as possible around the obstruction 10 in order to safely support users, tools and other materials in a desired manner.
As can be appreciated, the custom fabrication and installation of the filler member such as 18 is time consuming, inefficient and wasteful, in that the filler member 18 commonly has limited applicability to other obstruction configurations. In addition, the overlapping of the filler member 18 on top of the planks 20 results in an undesirable elevation deviation with respect to the work surface associated with the deck or platform. Therefore, there is a need for a scaffolding deck system that can be individualized to form a number of deck configurations as required to accommodate obstructions that must pass through the deck, and which generates a nearly planar platform surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a scaffolding arrangement has a pair of spaced-apart scaffold frames and a scaffold platform supported by the scaffold frames. The scaffold platform is defined by a series of side-by-side planks, and includes at least one opening. The opening is formed by at least one transverse support member that extends between and is supported by a pair of planks at a location between the scaffold frames. A partial-length scaffold plank, having first and second ends and a length less than the space between the scaffold frames, is supported by the transverse support member and occupies the space between the scaffold planks other than at the opening. In one configuration, the opening is defined between the first end of the partial-length plank and one of the scaffold frames. In another configuration, the partial-length plank is one of a pair of partial-length planks and the transverse support member is one of a pair of transverse support members. In this configuration, the opening is formed by the first end of a first one of the partial-length planks that is supported by a first one of the transverse support members, in combination with a first end of a second one of the partial-length planks that is supported by a second one of the pair of transverse support members.
Representatively, the transverse support member includes a pair of spaced-apart plank engagement sections and a plank end support member that extends between and interconnects the plank engagement sections. The plank engagement section includes an upper wall configured to engage and rest on an upwardly facing surface of one of the planks when the transverse support member is positioned between a pair of planks. The plank engagement section further includes a side wall extending downwardly from the upper wall, and the plank end support member is secured to the side wall. Each plank engagement section may further include a bottom member configured to be positioned below a downwardly facing surface of one of the planks when the transverse support member is positioned between the pair of planks.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a scaffolding platform system adapted to be positioned between a pair of spaced-apart scaffold frames includes a series of full-length planks configured to span the entire distance between the pair of scaffold frames, a series of partial-length planks, each of which has a length less than the distance between the pair of scaffold frames, and a series of transverse support members. When it is desired to form a scaffolding platform without an opening, the full-length planks are employed to fully Occupy the area between the scaffold frames to form the scaffolding platform. When it is desired to form a scaffolding platform with an opening, at least one transverse support member is engaged with a pair of spaced-apart planks such that the area between the pair of planks and adjacent the transverse support member is unoccupied. At least one selected partial-length plank is engaged with at least one of the scaffold frames and the transverse support member to occupy the space between the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at the opening. Again, in one configuration, a pair of transverse support members are engaged with the pair of spaced-apart planks such that an area between the pair of transverse support members and between the pair of planks is unoccupied. A pair of selected partial-length planks are engaged with the scaffold frames and the transverse support members to occupy the space between the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at the opening. Representatively, the partial-length planks have lengths in predetermined increments.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method of forming a scaffolding platform between a pair of spaced-apart scaffold frames includes supporting a series of full-length planks on the pair of scaffold frames, wherein each full-length plank spans the entire distance between the scaffold frames. The method further includes engaging at least one transverse support member with a pair of spaced-apart planks at a location spaced from the scaffold frames where it is desired to form an opening in the scaffolding platform such that the area adjacent the transverse support member and between the pair of planks is unoccupied. The method further includes supporting at least one partial-length plank on at least one of the scaffold frames and on the transverse support member to occupy the space between the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at the opening. In one configuration, the act of forming an opening in the scaffold platform is carried out by engaging a pair of transverse support members with the pair of spaced-apart planks such that an area between the pair of transverse support members is unoccupied, and supporting a pair of partial-length planks on the scaffold frames and the transverse support members to occupy the space between the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at the opening. The pair of partial-length planks may be selected from a series of partial-length planks of different lengths, each of which has a length less than the distance between the pair of scaffold frames. Representatively, the partial-length planks have lengths in predetermined increments. As noted previously, each transverse support member may include a pair of spaced-apart plank engagement sections and a plank end support member that extends between and interconnects the plank engagement sections, Each plank engagement section includes an upper engagement wall, and the act of engaging the transverse support member with the pair of planks is carried out by positioning the upper engagement wall of each plank engagement section on an upwardly facing surface defined by one of the pair of planks. Each plank engagement section may further include a bottom member spaced below the upper engagement wall to define a plank-receiving space therebetween, and the bottom member is positioned below a downwardly facing surface defined by one of the pair of planks. Representatively, the act of positioning the upper engagement wall of each plank engagement section on an upwardly facing surface defined by one of the pair of planks and positioning the bottom member below a downwardly facing defined by one of the pair of planks is carried out by initially positioning the transverse support member between the pair of planks such that the plank-receiving spaces of the plank engagement sections are aligned with the planks, and then rotating the transverse support member such that the planks are received within the plan-receiving spaces. In this manner, the upper engagement wall of each plank engagement section is positioned on an upwardly facing surface defined by one of the planks and the bottom member is positioned below a downwardly facing defined by the plank.
These and other features and aspects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating a representative embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a scaffold deck that includes openings to accommodate obstacles, which are formed using a float bar support member in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing the float bar support member incorporated into the scaffold deck of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial isometric view of a portion of the scaffold deck of FIG. 1, showing a first step in installation of the float bar support member of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial isometric view similar to FIG. 3, showing, full installation of the float bar support member of FIG. 2

FIG. 5 is a partial isometric view of a portion of the scaffold deck of FIG. 1, showing a first step in installation of a partial-length scaffold plank for engagement with the float bar support member;

FIG. 6 is a partial isometric view similar to FIG. 5, showing full installation of a partial-length scaffold plank and engagement with the float bar support member;

FIG. 7 is a partial isometric view similar to FIG. 5, showing a retainer member on the partial-length plank for engagement with the float bar support member;

FIG. 8 is a partial isometric view similar to FIGS. 5 and 7, showing an alternative plank end configuration;

FIG. 9 is a partial isometric view similar to FIGS. 5, 7 and 8, showing another alternative plank end configuration

FIG. 10 is a partial isometric view similar to FIGS. 7-9, showing an alternative configuration of a float bar support member in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a partial isometric view showing a pair of float bar support members of FIG. 10 installed in a scaffold deck for use in forming a pair of openings;

FIG. 12 is a partial isometric view similar to FIGS. 5-7 and 10, showing another alternative configuration of a float bar support member in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a partial isometric view showing the float bar support member of FIG. 12 installed in a scaffold deck for use in forming an opening;

FIG. 14 is an end elevation view of the float bar support member of FIGS. 12 and 13; and

FIG. 15 is a partial isometric view of a prior art arrangement for creating one or more openings in a scaffold deck.

In describing the embodiments of the invention which are illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word connected, attached, or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various features and advantageous details of the subject matter disclosed herein arc explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.
As shown in FIG. 1, a scaffold deck system 180 according to the present invention is configured to accommodate passage of one or more obstructions 42, 43, 44 therethrough. Representatively, the obstructions 42, 43, 44 may be in the form of pipes, conduits, etc., although it is understood that deck system 180 may be used in any application in which it is desired to accommodate any type of obstruction in a work area. The deck system 180 includes a number of planks 182, 184, 186, and 188 that are provided in various longitudinal lengths. As used herein, a full-length plank, such as a plank 182, is a plank having a longitudinal length that is sufficient to allow support of the opposite ends 190 of the respective plank by rails 38 of a pair of underlying scaffolding frames. The planks that are shorter than full-length planks 182, shown representatively at 184, 186, 188, may be provided in a number of different lengths, which representatively may be incremental lengths. For example, the planks that are shorter than the full-length planks 182 may be provided in one-foot increments ranging from one foot long to a length one foot less than the full-length plank 182. If desired, however, the less than full-length planks may be provided in other length increments, such as in 6 inch increments. In addition, the less than full-length planks may be provided in non-uniform incremental lengths when suitable for certain applications. Regardless of the lengths of the respective plank 182-188, the planks 182-188 are generally provided in a uniform width. However, it is also understood that the planks may be provided in non-uniform widths, such as when it may be desired to increase the range of openings that can be formed in the deck system 180.
In accordance with the present invention, deck system 180 includes a number of transverse intermediate support members or float bars 194, which are adapted to engage and span between a pair of spaced-apart planks in order to form one or more openings, such as shown at 96, 98, 100 that are configured to accommodate obstructions 42, 43, 44, respectively. In this manner, deck system 180 provides a generally rigid work platform that is maintained in generally close proximity to the obstructions 42, 43, 44 that extend therethrough. As will be explained, the opposite ends of each float bar 194 are shaped to span between and cooperate with a pair of spaced-apart planks to enable opening 96, 98, 100 to be formed in the deck system 180 using the less than full length planks.
Referring to FIG. 2, each float bar 194 includes a center plank support section 198 and a pair of plank engagement or end, sections 200 at opposite ends of the longitudinal length of the float bar 194. Each end section 200 includes an upper wall or wing 202 and a bottom retainer member or clip 204 that define a space 206 therebetween, which is sized and shaped to receive the edge portion of one of planks 182-188 in order to prevent upward movement of the float bar 194.
FIGS. 3 and 4 show installation of a float bar 194 in order to form an opening in deck system 180. As shown, float bar 194 is initially generally loosely aligned with the plane associated with the deck surface 210 between a pair of spaced-apart planks 182-188. The float bar 194 is positioned such that the undersides of wings 202 can be disposed on an upper surface of deck 210 defined by the spaced-apart planks 182-188. Clips 204 are positioned below a lower surface of deck 210 defined by the spaced-apart planks 182-188. Rotation of float bar 194 toward an orientation generally transverse or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of planks 182, 188 positions wings 202 on the plank upper surfaces and the clip 204 below the plank lower surfaces, such that plank support section 194 is suspended between the planks. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an end of one of the partial- length planks 184, 186, 188 can then be engaged with and supported by the plank support section 194 adjacent the opening such as 96, 98, 100. It should be appreciated that the clips 204 may be replaced with other structure, such as a spring-clip, snap feature, sliding or rotating bar, etc., which may provide the same lift prevention feature while eliminating the need to install the float bar using the rotating installation procedure as shown and described.
Referring to FIG. 5, float bars 194 disposed between adjacent planks 182-188 are longitudinally translatable, as indicated by arrows 210 along the longitudinal edge of the respective plank 182-188 to accommodate the desired longitudinal spacing associated with a plank 184-188 that is intended to be engaged with float bar 194 in order to form an opening. As shown in FIG. 6, opposite ends 190 of respective planks 182-188 are shaped to be supported by rail 38 of a scaffolding frame or a float bar 194 supported by adjacent planks 182-188 and/or a rail 38 of the scaffolding frame to define the variably shaped openings such as 196, 198, 200 desired to be formed in deck 210. Representatively, the ends 190 of planks 182-188 may include one or more gaps 212 associated with facilitating support of a continued run of planks 182, 188 via cooperation with rail 38 and/or so as to form the desired deck size and shape. It should be appreciated that the generally hook shape associated with ends 190 of respective planks 182-188 prevents translation of float bar 194 in directions 210 when a respective plank 182-188 is engaged with a respective float bar 194 and an opposite end of the same plank 182-188 is engaged with an alternate rail 38 and/or other float bar 194 associated with system 180. It is further appreciated that a single plank whose opposite ends are each supported by respective float bars 194 would be longitudinally translatable relative to the adjacent planks until a plank engaged with a rail is engaged with one of the float bars 194 and/or a fastener is engaged between a float bar 194 and one of the adjacent rails.
As shown in FIG. 7, it is further envisioned that each of planks 182-188 can include a retainer clip or catch 214 that is positioned proximate each end 190 of the respective plank 182-188 and shaped to movably cooperate with an underside of the center plank support section 198 of the respective float bar 194 and/or rail 38. Operator interaction with a head portion 216 of clip 214 allows rotation of an arm 216 into and out of interfering engagement with center plank support section 198 of float bar 194 and/or a rail 38 associated therewith. It is further envisioned that each float bar 194 can include a cut out 220 disposed at the generally opposite ends of center plank support section 198 and shaped to accommodate a respective corner 222 of the respective plank 182-188 so as to eliminate any gap between longitudinal edges 224 associated with immediately adjacent planks 182-188 associated with the corresponding float bar 194. It is further envisioned that wings 202 of float bar 194 can include one or more openings 224 for cooperating with removable fasteners to secure respective float bars 194 in the desired longitudinal orientation relative to the corresponding plank 182-188.
It is envisioned that deck system 180, and the float bars 194 associated therewith, can be configured to cooperate with planks having different lengths as well as being constructed of different materials and having different end cross-sectional shapes and constructions. FIGS. 8 and 9 show examples of such constructions although many others are possible and envisioned. For instance, FIG. 8 shows a more conventional end supported metal hook construction 230 associated with the ends 190 of the respective planks 182-188. FIG. 9 shows a more standard dimensional lumber-type end construction.
FIG. 9 shows a construction of float bar 194 for use with an end 190 or median portion of a respective plank 182-188, which may be conventional dimensional lumber. Wings 202 of float bar 194 may include one or more holes 222 that can receive removable fasteners 234, such as screws or nails, for securing the respective float bars 194 to adjacent planks 182-188. A center portion 240 of float bar 194 is vertically offset, indicated by arrow 242, from wings 202 such that the upper surface of planks 182-188 forms a generally planar work surface. When used with dimensional lumber planking, offset 242 may be generally 1½ inches from an upper surface of center portion 240 to an underside of wings 202 although other dimensions associated with offset 242 are envisioned for providing the desired planar work surface as a function of the thickness associated with the planks being used and/or the intended cooperation of the respective planks with the respective float bar 184.
FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a transverse intermediate support member, in the form of a cradle-type float support 250. Float support 250 includes a pair of upper wings 252 a, 252 b, in combination with respective sidewalls 254 a, 254 b that extend downwardly from the inner ends of wings 252 a, 252 b. A transverse support wall 256 extends between the lower ends of sidewalls 254 a, 254 b, and a transverse end wall 258 extends downwardly from one of the sides of support wall 256. The ends of end wall 258 extend past sidewalls 254 a, 254 b, and form respective bottom retainers 260 a, 260 b. Generally, float support 250 functions similarly to float bar 194 as shown and described previously, in that wings 252 a, 252 b are positioned on top of a pair of spaced-apart planks where an opening is to be formed, and bottom retainers 260 a, 260 b are positioned below the lower plank surfaces. The less than full-length plank that is used to form the opening is then received between sidewalls 254 a, 254 b and supported on support wall 256. Preferably, sidewalls 254 a, 254 b have a height that positions the upper surface of the supported plank at the same elevation as the planks between which the float support 250 extends. It can be appreciated that float support 250 is particularly well-suited for use with dimensional lumber planking such as shown in FIG. 9, in that it defines a channel within which the plank can be received. It is envisioned that float support 250 may be formed of heavy sheet metal that is first stamped and then bent to the configuration as shown, which provides an economical yet strong construction. As is the case with float bar 194 when used with conventional dimensional lumber as shown, float support 250 may be positioned other than at the end of the supported plank, as shown in FIG. 11.
FIGS. 12-14 illustrate yet another embodiment of a transverse intermediate support member, in the form of a float support 270. Float support 270 includes a pair of upper wings 272 a, 272 b, in combination with respective sidewalls 274 a, 274 b that extend downwardly from wings 272 a, 272 b. A bottom wall 276 extends between the lower ends of sidewalls 274 a, 274 b, and includes end retainer portions 278 a, 278 b that extend beyond respective sidewalls 274 a, 274 b and that are spaced below respective wings 272 a, 272 b. In addition, float support 270 includes a top wall 280 spaced above bottom wall 276, and which extends between a pair of inner sidewalls 282 a, 282 b that are spaced inwardly of respective sidewalls 274 a, 274 b so as to form a space therebetween. A reinforcing web 284 extends between top wall 280 and bottom wall 276 at a location between inner sidewalls 282 a, 282 b. A pair of engagement members 286, which may be in the form of short ring, tube or dowel sections, are positioned between and secured to the facing respective sidewalls 274 a, 282 a and 274 b, 282 b. The engagement members 286 are configured so as to receive plank end hooks, such as 230, of a conventional metal plank such as shown in FIG. 8. In this version, however, the top wall 280 of float support 270 is positioned so as to be flush with the upper surface of the plank so as to occupy the area immediately adjacent the opening formed by the float support 270.
It should be appreciated that the various scaffolding deck systems described above and the various features associated therewith, include various features that may be more desirable to certain classes of users or intended applications than to others. The scaffold deck system 180 can be uniquely configured to tolerate obstructions in virtually any location within the deck system 180, and do so in a manner wherein the plane associated with formation of the deck is maintained in close proximity to the obstruction(s). Scaffold deck system 180 can be individualized such that the respective individual components thereof can cooperate with one another in a manner that avoids the unnecessary waste commonly associated with forming a scaffold deck to accommodate such interferences. It is envisioned that float bars and scaffold planks in accordance with those disclosed herein can be manufactured in any number of ways including being extruded, stamped, folded metal, molded synthetic materials, extruded, and/or formed from composite materials, etc. without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
It is understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth herein. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Variations and modifications are within the scope of the present invention. It is also understood that the invention disclosed herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention.

Claims

1. A scaffolding arrangement, comprising:

a pair of spaced-apart scaffold frames; and

a scaffold platform supported by the scaffold frames, wherein the scaffold platform is defined by a plurality of side-by-side planks, wherein the scaffold platform defines at least one opening, and wherein the opening is formed by at least one transverse support member that extends between and is supported by a pair of planks at a location between the scaffold frames, and a partial-length scaffold plank having first and second ends and a length less than the space between the scaffold frames, wherein the first end of the partial-length plank is supported by the transverse support member.

2. The scaffolding arrangement of claim 1, wherein the opening is defined between the first end of the partial-length plank and one of the scaffold frames.

3. The scaffolding arrangement of claim I, wherein the partial-length plank is one of a pair of partial-length planks and the transverse support member is one of a pair of transverse support members, wherein the opening is formed by the first end of a first one of the partial-length planks that is supported by a first one of the transverse support members, in combination with a first end of a second one of the partial-length planks that is supported by a second one of the pair of transverse support members.

4. The scaffolding arrangement of claim 1, wherein the transverse support member comprises a pair of spaced-apart plank engagement sections and a plank end support member that extends between and interconnects the plank engagement sections.

5. The scaffolding arrangement of claim 4, wherein each plank engagement section includes an upper wall configured to engage and rest on an upwardly facing surface of one of the planks when the transverse support member is positioned between a pair of planks.

6. The scaffolding arrangement of claim 5, wherein each plank engagement section further includes a side wall extending downwardly from the upper wall, wherein the plank end support member is secured to the side wall.

7. The scaffolding arrangement of claim 6, wherein each plank engagement section further includes a bottom member configured to be positioned below a downwardly facing surface of one of the planks when the transverse support member is positioned between the pair of planks.

8. A scaffolding platform system adapted to be positioned between a pair of spaced-apart scaffold frames, comprising:

a plurality of full-length planks configured to span the entire distance between the pair of scaffold frames;

a plurality of partial-length planks, each of which has a length less than the distance between the pair of scaffold frames; and

a plurality of transverse support members;

wherein when it is desired to form a scaffolding platform without an opening, the full-length planks are employed to fully occupy the area between the scaffold frames to form the scaffolding platform, and wherein when it is desired to form a scaffolding platform with an opening, at least one transverse support member is engaged with a pair of spaced-apart planks such that the area adjacent the transverse support member is unoccupied, and at least one selected partial-length plank is engaged with at least one of the scaffold frames and the transverse support member to occupy the space between the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at the opening.

9. The scaffolding platform system of claim 8, wherein a pair of transverse support members are engaged with the pair of spaced-apart planks such that an area adjacent between the pair of transverse support members is unoccupied, and a pair of selected partial-length planks are engaged with the scaffold frames and the transverse support members to occupy the space between the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at the opening.

10. The scaffolding platform system of claim 1, wherein the partial-length planks have lengths in predetermined increments.

11. The scaffolding platform system of claim 8, wherein each transverse support member comprises a pair of spaced-apart plank engagement sections and a plank end support member that extends between and interconnects the plank engagement sections.

12. The scaffolding platform system of claim 11, wherein each plank engagement section includes an upper wall configured to engage and rest on an upwardly facing surface of one of the planks when the transverse support member is positioned between a pair of planks.

13. A method of forming a scaffolding platform between a pair of spaced-apart scaffold frames, comprising the acts of

supporting a plurality of full-length planks on the pair of scaffold frames, wherein each full-length plank spans the entire distance between the scaffold frames; and

in a location where it is desired to form an opening in the scaffolding platform, engaging at least one transverse support member with a pair of spaced-apart planks at a location spaced from the scaffold frames, wherein the area adjacent the transverse support member is unoccupied, and supporting at least one partial-length plank on at least one of the scaffold frames and on the transverse support member to occupy the space between the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at the opening.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the act of forming an opening in the scaffold platform is carried out by engaging a pair of transverse support members with the pair of spaced-apart planks such that an area adjacent between the pair of transverse support members is unoccupied, and supporting a pair of partial-length planks on the scaffold frames and the transverse support members to occupy the space between the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at the opening.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the pair of partial-length planks are selected from a plurality of partial-length planks of different lengths, each of which has a length less than the distance between the pair of scaffold frames.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the partial-length planks have lengths in predetermined increments.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein each transverse support member comprises a pair of spaced-apart plank engagement sections and a plank end support member that extends between and interconnects the plank engagement sections, wherein each plank engagement section includes an upper engagement wall, and wherein the act of engaging the transverse support member with the pair of planks is carried out by positioning the upper engagement wall of each plank engagement section on an upwardly facing surface defined by one of the pair of planks.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein each plank engagement section further includes a bottom member spaced below the upper engagement wall to define a plank-receiving space therebetween, and further including the act of positioning the bottom member below a downwardly facing defined by one of the pair of planks.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the act of positioning the upper engagement wall of each plank engagement section on an upwardly facing surface defined by one of the pair of planks and the act of positioning the bottom member below a downwardly facing defined by one of the pair of planks is carried out by initially positioning the transverse support member between the pair of planks such that the plank-receiving spaces of the plank engagement sections are aligned with the planks, and then rotating the transverse support member such that the planks are received within the plan-receiving spaces.

20. A scaffolding deck system comprising:

at least two full-length planks having a width and a longitudinal length that is sufficient such that opposite ends of the full-length planks can be supported by adjacent scaffold frame members;

at least one partial-length plank having a width and a longitudinal length that is less than the longitudinal length of the full-length planks; and

a first transverse support between the scaffold frame members, wherein the transverse support has a length that enables opposite ends of the first transverse support to overlap and be supported by spaced-apart full-length planks and to be oriented along the length of the full-length planks to support one end of the at least one partial-length plank.

21. The scaffolding deck system of claim 20 further comprising a second transverse support having opposite ends that are constructed to overlap and be supported by the spaced-apart full-length planks, wherein each transverse support is configured to support one end of the partial-length plank.