Scaffold extensions

Abstract

An apparatus and method for manufacturing and using segmented and integrated solutions for scaffold extensions are disclosed. An example embodiment comprises: a standard scaffold support component including at least one post element; and a scaffold extension including a runner element and a bracing element coupled to the post element of the standard scaffold support component to produce a modified scaffold support component with a scaffold extension. The scaffold extension can be a one-sided scaffold extension or a two-sided scaffold extension. The scaffold extension can be coupled to the post element of the standard scaffold support component with a hinged and swingable coupling. The scaffold extension can be integrated into the post element of the standard scaffold support component. The scaffold extension can be integrated into a retrofit scaffold support component configured to be coupled to the standard scaffold support component.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising:
 a standard scaffold support component including at least one post element; and   a scaffold extension including a runner element and a bracing element coupled to the post element of the standard scaffold support component to produce a modified scaffold support component with a scaffold extension.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the scaffold extension is a one-sided scaffold extension or a two-sided scaffold extension. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the scaffold extension is coupled to the post element of the standard scaffold support component with a hinged and swingable coupling. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the scaffold extension is integrated into the post element of the standard scaffold support component. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the scaffold extension is integrated into a retrofit scaffold support component configured to be coupled to the standard scaffold support component. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the scaffold extension is integrated into a retrofit scaffold base support component to provide structural support and safety bracing. 
     
     
         7 . A method comprising:
 fabricating a scaffold extension including a runner element and a bracing element; and   coupling the scaffold extension to a post element of a standard scaffold support component to produce a modified scaffold support component with a scaffold extension.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the scaffold extension is a one-sided scaffold extension or a two-sided scaffold extension. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the scaffold extension is coupled to the post element of the standard scaffold support component with a hinged and swingable coupling. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the scaffold extension is integrated into the post element of the standard scaffold support component. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the scaffold extension is integrated into a retrofit scaffold support component configured to be coupled to the standard scaffold support component. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the scaffold extension is integrated into a retrofit scaffold base support component to provide structural support and safety bracing.