Scaffolding system including a scaffolding support
A scaffold platform support is provided with a scaffold platform support framework, which provides a support surface and a clamp or other attachment mechanism to provide the attachment of a scaffold platform support to a scaffold support structure. One embodiment is provided wherein there is more of a clamping or vice mechanism, and another embodiment is illustrated wherein the scaffold platform support is rotatingly mounted onto the scaffold support structure.
This invention pertains to a temporary or removable scaffolding system for primary use in applications in which there is a vertical support member which may support the scaffolding. More particularly this invention provides such a scaffolding system which includes a scaffolding support member which may be a brace or clamp, which may be removably attached to a suitable structural support or support member.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONScaffolding of different types have been used for many years for creating an elevated work platform in many different applications. Scaffolds provide a more stable and secure structure and provide a broader platform to allow the user a broader range of movement that say a ladder in the same application.
Many of the traditional types of scaffolding have been free standing structures which require a significant number of platform and framework components and take a substantial time to construct and then later remove. It is believed that in many applications that scaffolding is not used when it should be for safety or other reasons due to the structure and time requirements to build the scaffolding.
In yet other cases a worker needing scaffolding for shorter term use may use an unsuitable or more dangerous non-scaffold as a faster alternative, thereby increasing the safety risks.
It is therefore an object of some embodiments of this invention to provide a scaffolding system platform support and clamp or brace system which provides a secure mechanism to provide a temporary scaffold, as well as a relatively easy way to remove the scaffolding.
Other objects, features, and advantages of this invention will appear from the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings which form a part hereof. In carrying out the objects of this invention, it is to be understood that its essential features are susceptible to change in design and structural arrangement, with only one practical, and preferred embodiment being illustrated in the accompanying drawings, as required.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSPreferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.
Fasteners, materials, drive mechanisms, control circuitry, manufacturing and other means and components utilized to make and implement this invention are known and used in the field of the invention described, and their exact nature or type is not necessary for an understanding and use of the invention by a person skilled in the art or science; therefore, they will not be discussed in significant detail. Furthermore, the various components shown or described herein for any specific application of this invention can be varied or altered as anticipated by this invention and the practice of a specific application or embodiment of any element may already be widely known or used in the art or by persons skilled in the art or science; therefore, each will not be discussed in significant detail.
The terms “a”, “an”, and “the” as used in the claims herein are used in conformance with long-standing claim drafting practice and not in a limiting way. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” are not limited to one of such elements, but instead mean “at least one”.
A platform support surface need not be any particular type or configuration such as a flat surface, but instead may be any edge, narrow or shaped area on which the scaffolding platform is place, or which provides the support surface to support the platform, or even grate configuration. So for instance without limitation it may be a narrow edge or a wider broader flat surface, all within the contemplation of this invention, with no one in particular being required to practice the invention.
The term clamp as used herein is used in a very broad sense, and includes not only a clamp, but a brace, vice type grips or attachment means, and other configurations for attaching to a target support beam. It will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that, depending on the specific beam, vertical support member, or scaffold support structure to which the scaffolding is to be engaged, attached, secured or mounted, the clamp may or may not need to have a tightening mechanism or means, but instead the weight of the clamp, and/or the clamp plus the scaffold support platform, may sufficiently secure the clamp to the base support beam.
The terms “scaffold support structure” as used herein is a reference to, without limitation, a beam, pole, I-beam, framing stud, framing member or other base support member to which the scaffold platform support, brace or support will be secured.
The embodiment of the invention in
Framework lower bulkhead 135 includes an internally threaded aperture to receive a corresponding threaded insert attached to second handle member 121. Second handle member 121 preferably has second handle 122 attached thereto to ease the turning of second handle member to tighten and loosen the vice on the scaffold support structure 103.
The smooth portion 172 of handle 109 would be inserted in and rotate relative to bulkhead 133 (which need not be internally threaded in this embodiment) and then the male threaded portion 148 of handle 149 would screw into aperture 179 within bulkhead 191 to provide the rotation and the relative movement between the first vice member 130 and the second vice member 111 to provide the gripping and attachment to a scaffold support structure 103 (not shown in this figure).
It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the platform can be any one of a number of different surfaces or combination of surfaces for support, such as without limitation, a wood plank, a grate, multiple wood framing studs, or the like, with no one in particular being required to practice this invention.
While this provides one good example or illustration of the use of the invention, there are numerous others and different applications, all within the contemplation of embodiments of this invention.
The embodiment illustrated in
The difference in the embodiment illustrated in
The support peg 225 includes a support peg aperture 226, through which a pin, cotter, key or other mechanism may be inserted to assure that the support peg 225 does not slide out of an aperture in a scaffold support structure in which it is inserted.
This embodiment illustrates a minimum of two points of support, interface or abutment, the first being support peg 225 inserted into scaffold support structure 230, and the second being preferably an abutment point 231 as shown at the bottom of platform support framework 227. The abutment point would touch and interact with scaffold support structure 230 to assure no movement, especially once weight is placed upon the scaffold platform support 220. Thus, the weight of the platform and workers working on the platform would provide the additional securement of the scaffold platform support 220, relative to the scaffold support structure 230.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the simplicity and ease of installation of the embodiment of the invention shown in
It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the method of installation illustrated in
It will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that while the scaffolding brace is generally shown in the drawings attached to a substantially vertical wooden beam, the support can be made of any other material such as metal, composite or other.
It will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the scaffolding brace contemplated by this invention may be configured at a different angle such that the platform attachment mechanism such as a clamp may be attached to a support beam that is not substantially vertical, while still providing a suitable platform support surface. The different angle may be any one of a number of different angles from zero to ninety degrees. It is also contemplated by some embodiments of this invention that the angle may be variable such that one variable-angle scaffold support brace may be attached to a support or base at any one of a number of different angles from and including vertical, and still provide a suitable platform support surface.
As will be appreciated by those of reasonable skill in the art, there are numerous embodiments to this invention, and variations of elements and components which may be used, all within the scope of this invention.
In one embodiment for example, a scaffold platform support is provided which is comprised of: a scaffold platform support framework which includes a platform support surface and a clamp which is configured for attachment and detachment to a scaffold support structure. Further embodiments from the foregoing may be: further wherein the clamp is a vice type of clamp; further wherein vice type of clamp has two areas of clamp engagement; further wherein the platform support surface is a flat surface configured to receive a scaffold platform. Aspects of the invention may additionally include: a platform retention apparatus, or where the use of the scaffold support structure is a framing stud.
In yet another embodiment, a scaffold support system is provided which is comprised of: a first scaffold clamp and second scaffold clamp each comprising: a platform support surface for providing a surface on which a scaffold platform is supported; and a clamp portion for attaching and detaching to a base support member; wherein the first scaffold clamp is mounted on a first base support member spaced apart from the second scaffold clamp mounted on a second base support member spaced apart from the first scaffold clamp; and further wherein a scaffold support platform is supported at a first end by the platform support surface of the first scaffold clamp and supported at a second end by the platform support surface of the second scaffold clamp. Further aspects of this embodiment may be: further wherein the clamp portion of at least one of the first scaffold clamp and the second scaffold clamp is a vice type of clamp; and may additionally be wherein the clamp portion of at least one of the first scaffold clamp and the second scaffold clamp further includes one or more teeth configured to engage a base support further wherein at least one of the first base support member and the second base support member is a framing stud.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, a scaffold platform support is provided which is comprised of: a scaffold platform support framework which includes a platform support surface; a support peg configured for placement through a peg aperture in a scaffold support structure; and wherein the support framework includes an abutment point configured to abut against the scaffold support structure. Further aspects of this invention may be: further wherein the platform support surface is a flat surface configured to receive a scaffold platform; and/or further comprising a platform retention apparatus.
In still another embodiment of the invention, a method for securing a scaffold platform support is provided, and which is comprised of the following: providing a scaffold platform support framework which includes a platform support surface, the support framework including a support peg configured for placement through a peg aperture in a scaffold support structure; further providing the support framework includes an abutment point configured to abut against the scaffold support structure; and inserting the support peg into the peg aperture in the scaffold support structure such that the abutment point abuts the scaffold support structure.
In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.
Claims
1. A scaffold platform support comprised of:
- a scaffold platform support framework which includes a platform support surface and a clamp which is configured for attachment and detachment to a scaffold support structure.
2. A scaffold platform support as recited in claim 1, and further wherein the clamp is a vice type of clamp.
3. A scaffold platform support as recited in claim 2, and further wherein vice type of clamp has two areas of clamp engagement.
4. A scaffold platform support as recited in claim 1, and further wherein the platform support surface is a flat surface configured to receive a scaffold platform.
5. A scaffold platform support as recited in claim 4, and further comprising a platform retention apparatus.
6. A scaffold platform support as recited in claim 5, and further wherein the scaffold support structure is a framing stud.
7. A scaffold platform support as recited in claim 6, and further wherein the framing stud is comprised of wood.
8. A scaffold platform support as recited in claim 6, and further wherein the framing stud is substantially vertically oriented.
9. A scaffold support system, comprising:
- a first scaffold clamp and second scaffold clamp each comprising: a platform support surface for providing a surface on which a scaffold platform is supported; and a clamp portion for attaching and detaching to a base support member;
- wherein the first scaffold clamp is mounted on a first base support member spaced apart from the second scaffold clamp mounted on a second base support member spaced apart from the first scaffold clamp; and further wherein a scaffold support platform is supported at a first end by the platform support surface of the first scaffold clamp and supported at a second end by the platform support surface of the second scaffold clamp.
10. A scaffold support system as recited in claim 9, and further wherein the clamp portion of at least one of the first scaffold clamp and the second scaffold clamp is a vice type of clamp.
11. A scaffold support system as recited in claim 10, and wherein the clamp portion of at least one of the first scaffold clamp and the second scaffold clamp further includes one or more teeth configured to engage a base support member to which the clamp is to be attached.
12. A scaffold support system as recited in claim 11, and further wherein vice type of clamp of at least one of the first scaffold clamp and the second scaffold clamp has two areas of clamp engagement.
13. A scaffold support system as recited in claim 9, and further wherein the platform support surface is a flat surface configured to receive a scaffold platform.
14. A scaffold support system as recited in claim 13, and further comprising a platform retention apparatus.
15. A scaffold support system as recited in claim 14, and further wherein at least one of the first base support member and the second base support member is a framing stud.
16. A scaffold support system as recited in claim 15, and further wherein at the least one framing stud is comprised of wood.
17. A scaffold support system as recited in claim 15, and further wherein the framing stud is substantially vertically oriented
18. A scaffold platform support comprised of:
- a scaffold platform support framework which includes a platform support surface;
- a support peg configured for placement through a peg aperture in a scaffold support structure; and wherein the support framework includes an abutment point configured to abut against the scaffold support structure.
19. A scaffold platform support as recited in claim 18, and further wherein the platform support surface is a flat surface configured to receive a scaffold platform.
20. A scaffold platform support as recited in claim 19, and further comprising a platform retention apparatus.
21. A scaffold platform support as recited in claim 20, and further wherein the scaffold support structure is a framing member.
22. A scaffold platform support as recited in claim 21, and further wherein the framing member is comprised of wood.
23. A scaffold platform support as recited in claim 21, and further wherein the framing member is substantially vertically oriented.
24. A method for securing a scaffold platform support, comprised of the following:
- providing a scaffold platform support framework which includes a platform support surface, the support framework including a support peg configured for placement through a peg aperture in a scaffold support structure;
- further providing the support framework includes an abutment point configured to abut against the scaffold support structure; and
- inserting the support peg into the peg aperture in the scaffold support structure such that the abutment point abuts the scaffold support structure.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 16, 2005
Publication Date: Aug 17, 2006
Inventor: Steven Scharff (Davenport, WA)
Application Number: 11/060,059
International Classification: E04G 3/00 (20060101);