US20210222442A1

US20210222442A1 - Adjustable Base for a Multi-Purpose Scaffold

Info

Publication number: US20210222442A1
Application number: US17/151,239
Authority: US
Inventors: Grady F. Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-01-17
Filing date: 2021-01-18
Publication date: 2021-07-22

Abstract

A stabilization component is described for a lightweight scaffold having a pair of ladder frames supporting an adjustable platform. Each ladder frame has two vertical supports connected by cross members. An outrigger, which is formed as a triangular frame, is releasably connected to each vertical support via a channel that fits around the vertical support and one or more mechanical fasteners. One or more ground-engaging members are removably secured to the outrigger. When installed, the outriggers increase the footprint size of the lightweight scaffold thereby reducing shaking and swaying of the lightweight scaffold.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to scaffolding and, more particularly, to components used for stabilizing a scaffold during use.

BACKGROUND

Lightweight scaffolds made from metal tubing are commercially available for use when working close to the ground. One such scaffold comprises an adjustable platform supported between two ladder frames. The platform includes guide channels at each end that slide up and down along the vertical supports of the ladder frames. Casters insert into the lower ends of the vertical supports so that the scaffold can roll on the floor or other support surface. Also, the scaffolds are configured to be stacked vertically.
While lightweight scaffolds provide a low cost alternative to more heavy duty scaffolding when working close to the ground, such lightweight scaffolds lack the stability of more heavy duty scaffolds, particularly when the adjustable platform is raised high or when the scaffolds are stacked vertically. This lack of stability can be due to various factors, such as excess play between components of the scaffold, lack of reinforcing, the lightweight material used for the scaffolding, and lack of a sufficiently broad base for the scaffold. Accordingly, there is a need for ways to improve the stability of commonly used lightweight scaffolds.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to stabilization of lightweight scaffolds that are readily available commercially. In the exemplary embodiments, the stabilization components are configured for use with a scaffold comprising two ladder frames, an adjustable platform supported between the two ladder frames, and ground-engaging members such as casters. Each ladder frame includes two vertical supports connected by cross members. The platform is adjustable and comprises two side rails having guide channels at each end thereof that slide along the vertical supports.
According to one aspect of the disclosure, the lightweight scaffold further comprises an outrigger releasably connected to each vertical support. The outrigger comprises a triangular frame. A channel, which is fixedly attached to the triangular frame, fits around the vertical support. One or more mechanical fasteners, such as lock pins, for example, are used to releasably connect the channel to the vertical support. A first ground-engaging member (e.g., a caster) is removably secured to the triangular frame.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a scaffold comprises first and second ladder frames, each of which comprises two vertical supports made of a tubular material connected by two or more cross members, and an adjustable platform configured to be supported between the first and second ladder frames. Additionally, the scaffold comprises a triangular frame releasably connected to each vertical support. In this aspect, the triangular frame comprises an elongated vertical member, a base member fixedly secured to a lower end of the elongated vertical member, a brace fixedly secured to, and extending diagonally between, a top end of the elongated vertical member and the base member, and a sleeve fixedly attached to the base member.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an outrigger is provided for a scaffold having first and second ladder frames, each of which includes two vertical supports made of a tubular material connected by two or more cross members, an adjustable platform configured to be supported between the first and second ladder frames, and a triangular frame. In this aspect, the triangular frame comprises an elongated vertical member made of a tubular material, a channel fixedly attached to the elongated vertical member and configured to fit around the vertical support, a telescoping base member fixedly secured to a lower end of the elongated vertical member, a brace extending between the telescoping base member and a top end of the elongated vertical member, and a sleeve fixedly attached to the base member. Additionally, the outrigger further comprises first and second ground-engaging members, at least one of which is removably is secured to the sleeve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a scaffold including two ladder frames and an adjustable platform according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a side rail and guide channel for the adjustable platform.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view a caster for the scaffold.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the compression collar.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a compression collar installed on the lower end of a vertical support to stabilize the connection between the vertical support and the caster.

FIG. 6 is a cross section through the lower end of a vertical support with a clamping collar installed.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a clamp.

FIG. 8 is perspective view of the clamp installed on the lower end of a guide channel to stabilize the connection between the guide channel and the vertical support on which the guide channel slides.

FIG. 9 is a cross section through the lower end of a guide channel with a clamp installed.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the auxiliary brace.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the scaffold with the compression collar, clamp and auxiliary brace installed.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a section of the scaffold with a stabilizer brace installed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the stabilizer brace attached to a clamp, and the clamp releasably coupled to the scaffold according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a close-up view of the clamp connected to one of the vertical supports of the scaffold according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the clamp according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates the scaffold having a plurality of stabilizer braces installed thereon according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the scaffold with an adjustable outrigger installed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an adjustable outrigger configured according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 19A-19B are cross sections of an outrigger and a vertical support of the scaffold according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19C is a perspective view illustrating how an outrigger connects to a vertical support of the scaffold according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a castor assembly attached to a telescoping member of the outrigger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a multi-purpose scaffold 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. The multi-purpose scaffold 10 comprises two ladder frames 12 and a platform 20 supported between the two ladder frames 12. The height of the platform 20 is adjustable.
Each ladder frame 12 comprises two vertical supports 14 connected by two or more cross members 16. The vertical supports 14 and cross members 16 are preferably made of a metal tubing or other tubular material. The cross members 16 are preferably welded at each end to respective ones of the vertical supports 14 so that each ladder frame 12 is a unitary structure. A series of openings 18 are formed in the vertical supports 14 and are spaced 2 inches apart. As will be hereinafter described in more detail, the openings 18 are engaged by a releasable locking mechanism 30 on the platform 20 to secure the platform 20 at a desired height between the ladder frames 12.
The platform 20 comprises two side rails 22 that extend between the ladder frames 12 and a deck 40 that is supported by the side rails 22. As seen in FIG. 2, the side rails 22 comprises an upper angle 22 a and a lower angle 22 b connected by a vertical wall 22 c. The upper angle 22 a defines a shoulder 28 on which the deck 40 rests. The deck 40 is held in place by security latches 42.
The side rails 22 connect at each end to a C-shaped guide channel 24 sized to fit around the vertical supports 14 of the ladder frames 12. The guide channels 24 are configured to slide along the vertical supports 14 of the ladder frames 12 at each end of the scaffold 10 to adjust the height of the platform 20. Two openings 26 are formed in the inner sidewall of each guide channel 24 near an upper end of the guide channel 24. The openings 26 are spaced to align with the openings 18 in the vertical supports 14 of the ladder frame 12 at preselected heights. The openings 26 in the guide channels 24 are engaged by a releasable locking mechanism 30 on the platform 20 to secure the platform 20 at a desired height between the ladder frames 12. A third opening 28 is formed near a lower end of the guide channel 24 and aligns with an opening 18 in the vertical support 14. A locking pin 29 passes through aligned opening 28 and 18 in the guide channel 24 and vertical support 14 respectively to lock to the guide channel 24 in place. The locking pin 29 thus provides additional safety in case the locking mechanism 30 inadvertently disengages. Diagonal braces 25 connect a lower end of each guide channel 24 to the side rail 22.
Each guide channel 24 includes a releasable locking mechanism 30 for locking the platform 20 at a desired height. In one embodiment, the releasable locking mechanism 30 comprises a U-shaped locking pin 32 that engages with the aligned openings 26 and 18 in the guide channel 24 and vertical supports 14 respectively to lock the side rail 22 at a desired height. Each locking pin 32 includes a pair of spaced apart legs 32 a connected by a cross member 32 b. An L-shaped bracket 34 supports the locking pin 32. The L-shaped bracket includes a pair of openings 36 through which the legs 32 a of the locking pin 32 extend. Springs 38 bias surrounding each leg 32 a of the locking pin 32 bias the locking pin 32 to a locked position. The springs 38 are compressed when the locking pin 32 is pulled back to disengage the locking pin 32 and push the locking pin 32 back to an engaged position when the locking pin 32 is released.
In some embodiments, the scaffold 10 includes casters 50 disposed at the lower end of each vertical support 14. Each caster 50 includes a stem 52 that extends into the lower end of a vertical support 14 as shown in FIG. 3. The stem 52 of the caster 50 includes an opening 54 that is located to align with an opening 18 in the vertical support 14 when the stem 52 of the caster 50 is inserted into the vertical support 14. The stem 52 is sufficiently long to overlap at least two openings 18 in the lower end of the vertical support 14. A locking pin 56 passes through aligned opening 54 and 18 in the caster 50 and vertical support 14 respectively to secure the caster 50 to the vertical support 14.
In some embodiments, the scaffold 10 as herein described includes a set of compression collars 100 to remove any play that may exist between the stems 52 of the casters 50 and the vertical supports 14 as shown in FIGS. 4-6. The compression collar 100 is similar (in a geometrical sense) in shape to the vertical supports 14 and is sized to fit around and slide over the lower end of a vertical support 14. The collar 100 includes an opening 102 that is aligned during use with one of the openings 18 in the vertical support 14. A nut 106 aligned with the opening 102 is welded to the outer surface of the collar 100. A bolt 104 is threadably engaged with the nut 106 on the collar 100. When tightened, the end of the threaded bolt 104 contacts the stem 52 of the caster 50 and presses the stem 52 of the caster 50 against the inner wall of the vertical support 14 to remove play between the stem 52 of the caster 50 and the inner wall of the vertical support 14.
In some embodiments, the caster 50 can be replaced by a footpad (not shown) or other ground-engaging member comprising a generally flat pad that contacts the ground or underlying surface and a stem that extends into that extends into the lower end of a vertical support 14. The footpad can be secured using the compression collar 100 in the same manner as the caster 50.
In some embodiments, the scaffold 10 further comprises a set of clamps 110 designed to stabilize the connections between the guide channels 24 and vertical supports 14 as shown in FIGS. 7-9. The clamps 110 comprise a C-shaped channel 112 comprising flanges 114 connected by a central member 116. One of the flanges 114 includes an opening 118. A nut 124 aligned with the opening 118 is welded to the outer surface of the flange 114. A bolt 120 is threadably engaged with the nut 124 on the flange 114. A pressure plate 122 is connected to the end of the bolt 120. The pressure plate 122 may be fixedly attached or pivotally attached (e.g., via a ball joint) to the end of the bolt 120.
In use, the C-shaped channel 112 of the clamp 110 is placed around a guide channel 24 on the adjustable platform 20 with the pressure plate 122 on the open side of the guide channel 24. When the bolt 120 is tightened, the pressure plate 122 engages the vertical support 14 and presses the vertical support 14 downward into the guide channel 24 and against the back wall of the guide channel 24.
In some embodiments, the scaffold 10 further comprises four auxiliary braces 130 to prevent relative movement between the ladder frames 12 and platform due to play between the guide channels 24 and vertical supports 14 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In one embodiments, each brace comprises a tubular rod 132 having flanges 134 at each end that are bent at an 45 degree angle approximately relative to longitudinal axis of the rod 132. Each brace 130 extends at a 45 degree angle between a respective one of the vertical supports 14 and a side rail 22. The flanges 134 include openings 136 for securing the auxiliary brace 130 to the side rail 22 and vertical support 134 respectively. The ends of the auxiliary brace 130 are secured by conventional bolts 138 and nuts 140. In particular, the opening 136 in the flange 134 at one end of the auxiliary brace 130 aligns with one of the openings 18 in a vertical supports 14. The bolt 138 passes through the aligned openings 18 and 136 in the vertical supports 14 and flange 134 respectively and is secured by tightening the nut 140. The opening 136 in the flange 134 at the other end of the auxiliary brace 130 aligns with an opening (not shown) in the side rail 22. The bolt 138 passes through the aligned openings in the side rail 22 and flange 134 respectively and is secured by tightening the nut 140.
When the auxiliary brace 130 is installed, adjustment in the height of the platform 20 is prevented. In some embodiments, the bolt 138 and nut 140 at the lower end of each brace 130 can be replaced by a quick connect coupling so that the braces 130 can be quickly connected and disconnected to adjust the height of the platform 20.
FIG. 12 illustrates the multi-purpose scaffold 10 configured according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As in the previous embodiments, the multi-purpose scaffold 10 comprises two ladder frames 12, each comprising two vertical supports 14 connected by two or more cross members 16, and an adjustable platform 20 supported between the two ladder frames 12. Openings 18 are formed in the vertical supports 14 and are spaced 2 inches apart. As previously described, the openings 18 are engaged by the releasable locking mechanism 30 on platform 20 to secure the platform 20 at a desired height between the ladder frames 12.
In this embodiment, multi-purpose scaffold 10 also comprises one or more stabilizer braces 150 to prevent movement of the ladder frames 12 relative to platform 20. The stabilizer brace 150 is similar to the auxiliary brace 130 in that each stabilizer brace 150 also comprises a rigid, elongated support body, such as a tubular rod 152, having flanges 154, 156 at each terminal end of rod 152. The flanges 154, 156 are bent at a 45 degree angle approximately relative to a longitudinal axis of the rod 152. Each stabilizer brace 150 extends at a 45 degree angle between a respective one of the vertical supports 14 and a side rail 22.
One end of the stabilizer brace 150 is secured to the scaffold 10 using mechanical fasteners 158, such as a conventional bolt and nut. In particular, an opening (not shown but similar to opening 136 in FIG. 10) is formed in flange 154 that aligns with an opening (not shown) formed in side rail 22. The bolt passes through the aligned openings in the flange 154 and side rail 22, respectively, and is secured by tightening the nut.
Flange 156, however, is not connected to vertical support 14 using a conventional nuts and bolts. Rather, flange 156 is fixedly attached to a clamp 160 that, in turn, is removably attached to a vertical support 14. In particular, as seen in the embodiment of FIG. 13, flange 156 is welded to an exterior surface of a wall 162 of clamp 160, although other methods of fixedly attaching the flange 156 are also possible. Clamp 160 fits around vertical support 14 and comprises a handle 164 configured to move back and forth through a receiver 166. The handle 164 is also configured to rotate in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions so as to tighten and loosen the clamp 160 from vertical support 14.
FIGS. 14-15 illustrate how clamp 160 is removably connected to vertical support 14 according to one embodiment. As seen in these figures, the wall 162 of clamp 160 forms a channel 174 that fits around the vertical support 14. Clamp 160 further comprises a pressure plate 168 pivotably attached to a bolt 172 via a pivot member 170. In this embodiment, the pivot member 170 comprises a ball joint movably connecting the pressure plate 168 to the bolt 172.
The bolt 172 extends through the wall 162 and is attached to a receiver 166. In one embodiment, bolt 172 is threadably attached to the wall 162. In other embodiments, however, bolt 172 threadably attaches to a nut 176 that is fixedly attached to wall 162. In any case, bolt 172 is attached to receiver 166 such that when a user rotates handle 164, the bolt 172 also rotates to move the pressure plate 168 towards and away from vertical support 14.
In use, the channel 174 of clamp 160 is placed around a vertical support 14. Rotating the handle 164 in the clockwise direction also rotates the bolt 172, thereby causing pressure plate 168 to move towards, and engage, the vertical support 14. Continued rotation of handle 164 causes the pressure plate 168 to press vertical support 14 against an interior surface 178 of wall 162. Rotating the handle 164 in the counter-clockwise direction, however, also rotates bolt 172 thereby causing pressure plate 168 to move away from the vertical support 14. This movement releases the vertical support 14 from its pressing engagement against the back interior surface 178 of wall 162, thereby loosening the clamp 160 from vertical support 14.
It should be noted that handle 164, while facilitating the rotation of bolt 172, is not needed. In some embodiments, such as the one seen in FIG. 15, for example, the handle 164 and receiver 166 are not present. Instead, only the bolt 172 exists. Regardless, rotating the bolt 172 clockwise and counter clockwise causes the pressure plate 168 to move towards and away from vertical support 14, as previously described.
When the stabilizer brace 150 is installed, adjustment in the height of the platform 20 is prevented and the stability of the multi-purpose scaffold 10 is greatly enhanced. This is especially true when a plurality of stabilizer braces 150 are installed. FIG. 16, for example, illustrates an embodiment where four stabilizer braces 150 are installed. Further, because of its design, the stabilizer brace 150 is easily connected and disconnected from the multi-purpose scaffold 10.
FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of the multi-purpose scaffold 10 having a plurality of adjustable bases or “outriggers” 170 installed. In this embodiment, there are two outriggers 170 connected to each ladder frame 12, with one outrigger 170 releasably connected to a lower portion of each vertical support 14. As seen in FIG. 17, each outrigger 170 is installed so as to extend at substantially a right angle relative to a longitudinal axis of a corresponding vertical support 14 to which it is attached. So installed, the outriggers 170 help to stabilize the scaffold 10 by reducing or eliminating sway experienced by the scaffold 10 when in use. This is especially beneficial when there are a plurality of scaffolds 10 stacked vertically.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an adjustable outrigger configured according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As seen in this embodiment, outrigger 170 comprises a triangular frame 180 that includes an elongated vertical member 182, a base member 184 fixedly secured to a lower end of the elongated vertical member 182, a telescoping member 186 extending from the base member 184, and a rigid diagonal brace 190 extending between, and fixedly attached to, both the elongated vertical member 182 and the base member 184. By way of example only, the diagonal brace 190 may be welded to both the elongated vertical member 182 and the base member 184 so as to prevent movement of these components relative to each other when the outrigger 170 is connected to the scaffold 10.
Base member 184 is fixedly attached (e.g., by welding) at one end to the elongated vertical member 184. The telescoping member 186 of base member 184 has a castor assembly 210 fixedly attached at one end. The telescoping member 186 moves back and forth along a longitudinal axis of the base member 184 so as to adjust (i.e., increase and decrease) the footprint of the outrigger 170. Particularly, extending the telescoping member 186 increases the footprint of the outrigger 170, and thus, thereby further stabililizes the scaffold 10.
The triangular frame 180 further comprises multiple casters 50 removably attached thereto. One castor 50 is removably secured to the elongated vertical member 182 using a compression collar 100 as previously illustrated in FIGS. 3-6. The other castor 50, as described later in more detail, is removably attached to the castor assembly 210. The casters 50 contact the underlying ground surface, and thus, provide stability for the scaffold 10 while still allowing a user to roll the scaffold 10 from place to place. In some embodiments, the casters 50 can be replaced by a footpad (not shown) or other ground-engaging member comprising a generally flat pad that contacts the ground or underlying surface. As in the previous embodiments, the footpads can be secured using compression collar 100 in the same manner as the caster 50.
FIGS. 19A-19C illustrate one embodiment of the elongated vertical member 182 in more detail. As seen in these figures, the elongated vertical member 182 comprises a pair of flanges 202, 204 connected by a central web 206. The flanges 202, 204 and the central web 206 form a C-shaped channel 200 that fits around the lower portion of a corresponding vertical support 14. Each flange 202, 204 further comprises a plurality of openings 192 that are spaced to align with the openings 18 formed in the vertical support 14 at preselected heights. When the vertical support 14 is in channel 200, a locking pin 56 may be passed through the aligned openings 192 and 18 to releasably secure the triangular frame 180 of outrigger 170 to the vertical support 14. While not specifically seen in FIGS. 19A-19C, one or more clamps, such as previously described clamp 110, may be placed around the vertical support 14 and the elongated vertical member 182 to stabilize the connection between the vertical support 14 and the elongated vertical member 182.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a castor assembly 210 attached to one end of telescoping member 186 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As seen in this figure, castor assembly 210 comprises a sleeve 212 fixedly attached (e.g., by welding) to telescoping member 186. The sleeve 212 is formed by a pair of opposing flanges 214, 216 connected by a central web 218. The sleeve 212 forms a channel 220 configured to receive a stem 228 connected to castor 50.
A pair of mechanical fasteners, such as threaded bolts 222, 224, are used in this embodiment to releasably secure the castor 50 to sleeve 212. In particular, a first threaded bolt 222 threadably attaches to the central web 218. A second threaded bolt 224 threadably attaches to flange 224. Both bolts 222 and 224 extend through the sleeve 212 so as to contact respective upper and side surfaces of stem 228.
The first threaded bolt 222 is a leveling bolt. When tightened, the end of the first threaded bolt 222 contacts the upper surface of stem 228 and presses caster 50 in a downward direction. When loosened, threaded bolt 222 allows caster 50 to move in an upward direction. The threaded bolt 222 therefore allows a user to adjust the vertical height of the caster 50 to ensure that the scaffold 10 is level, and that caster 50 connects solidly with an uneven ground surface.
The second threaded bolt 224 functions to secure the stem 228 against the inner wall of flange 214. When tightened, the second threaded bolt 224 contacts the side of stem 228 and presses the stem 228 against the inner wall surface of flange 214. Pressing the stem 228 into the inner wall of flange 214 removes play between the stem 228 and sleeve 212, thereby stabilizing scaffold 10. When loosened, the second threaded bolt 224 moves away from stem 228, thereby allowing movement of the stem 228. Such movement allows for the breakdown of the castor assembly 210, and/or the replacement of castor 50 with another castor 50 or a footpad, as previously described.
To releasably connect the caster 50 to the sleeve 212, a locking pin 232 is passed through openings 226 formed in the flanges 214, 216, respectively, and through a through-hole 230 formed in stem 228 that is aligned with the openings 226. In at least one embodiment, the openings 226 in flanges 214, 216, are formed as elongated slots for ease of aligning the openings 226 and the through-hole 230.
The stabilization components as herein described remove excess play between components of the scaffold and prevent racking to provide greater stability. The increased stability enhances worker's confidence when standing on the scaffold.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A scaffold comprising:

first and second ladder frames, each ladder frame comprising two vertical supports made of a tubular material connected by two or more cross members;

a platform configured to be supported between the first and second ladder frames; and

an outrigger releasably connected to each vertical support, the outrigger comprising:

a triangular frame;

a channel fixedly attached to the triangular frame and configured to fit around the vertical support;

one or more mechanical fasteners configured to releasably connect the channel to the vertical support; and

a first ground-engaging member removably secured to the triangular frame.

2. The scaffold of claim 1 wherein the channel comprises a pair of opposing flanges connected by a central web, with each flange comprising one or more openings that align with corresponding openings formed in the vertical support when the channel fits around the vertical support.

3. The scaffold of claim 2 further comprising one or more locking pins configured to pass through corresponding aligned openings in the flanges and the vertical support to releasably connect the outrigger to the vertical support.

4. The scaffold of claim 1 wherein the triangular frame comprises:

an elongated vertical member;

a base member fixedly secured to a lower end of the elongated vertical member, and comprising a telescoping member configured to adjust a length of the base member;

a brace fixedly secured to, and extending diagonally between, a top end of the elongated vertical member and the base member; and

a sleeve fixedly attached to the telescoping member.

5. The scaffold of claim 4 wherein the first ground-engaging member has a stem configured to extend into the sleeve, and wherein the scaffold further comprises:

an opening in the stem of the first ground-engaging member that aligns with a first opening formed in the sleeve; and

a locking pin configured to pass through the first opening and the opening in the stem of the first ground-engaging member to lock the first ground engaging member to the sleeve.

6. The scaffold of claim 5 wherein the first opening is formed as an elongated slot.

7. The scaffold of claim 5 further comprising a bolt threadably engaged with the sleeve that, when tightened, extends through the sleeve and presses the stem of the first ground-engaging member against an interior wall of the sleeve.

8. The scaffold of claim 5 further comprising a leveling member threadably engaged with the sleeve that, when tightened, extends through the sleeve and presses on an upper surface of the stem of the first ground-engaging member to raise the base member.

9. The scaffold of claim 4 further comprising:

a second ground-engaging member having a stem configured to extend into the lower part of the elongated vertical member;

an opening in the stem of the second ground-engaging member that aligns with an opening in the elongated vertical member; and

a locking pin configured to pass through the opening in the elongated vertical member and the opening in the stem of the second ground-engaging member to lock the second ground engaging member to the elongated vertical member.

10. A scaffold comprising:

an adjustable platform configured to be supported between the first and second ladder frames; and

a triangular frame releasably connected to each vertical support, the triangular frame comprising:

an elongated vertical member;

a base member fixedly secured to a lower end of the elongated vertical member;

a sleeve fixedly attached to the base member.

11. The scaffold of claim 10 further comprising first and second ground-engaging members, wherein the first ground-engaging member is configured to be removably secured to the triangular frame.

12. The scaffold of claim 11 wherein the first ground-engaging member comprises a stem configured to extend into a sleeve fixedly attached to the base member, and wherein when the stem extends into the sleeve, an opening in the stem aligns with a corresponding opening formed in the sleeve.

13. The scaffold of claim 12 further comprising a locking pin configured to pass through the corresponding slot formed in the sleeve and the opening in the stem to lock the first ground engaging member to the sleeve.

14. The scaffold of claim 12 further comprising a bolt threadably engaged with the sleeve that, when tightened, extends through the sleeve and presses the stem of the first ground-engaging member against an interior wall of the sleeve.

15. The scaffold of claim 11 wherein the second ground-engaging member is configured to be removably secured to a lower end of a respective vertical support.

16. The scaffold of claim 11 wherein the second ground-engaging member is configured to be removably secured to the elongated vertical member.

17. The scaffold of claim 10 further comprising an elongated C-channel fixedly attached to the vertical member, and wherein the C-channel is configured to fit around the vertical member and to releasably connect the triangular frame to the vertical member.

18. The scaffold of claim 17 wherein the C-channel comprises first and second opposing flanges connected by a central web, and wherein each flange comprises an opening that aligns with a corresponding opening formed in the vertical member when the channel fits around the vertical member.

19. The scaffold of claim 18 further comprising a locking pin that passes through the aligned openings in the flanges and the vertical member to releasably connect the triangular frame to the vertical member.

20. An outrigger for a scaffold having first and second ladder frames, each ladder frame comprising two vertical supports made of a tubular material connected by two or more cross members, and an adjustable platform configured to be supported between the first and second ladder frames, the outrigger comprising:

a triangular frame comprising:

an elongated vertical member made of a tubular material;

a channel fixedly attached to the elongated vertical member and configured to fit around the vertical support;

a telescoping base member fixedly secured to a lower end of the elongated vertical member;

a brace extending between the telescoping base member and a top end of the elongated vertical member; and

a sleeve fixedly attached to the base member; and

first and second ground-engaging members, wherein at least one of the first and second removably is secured to the sleeve.