SCAFFOLD AUXILIARY SHELF

Abstract

An auxiliary shelf attachment for mobile scaffolds having a platform member and at least two vertically extending posts with multiple axially spaced apertures includes a substantially planar shelf member having a proximal edge, two side edges, and a distal edge adjacent which two legs are hingedly secured. Also included are attachment rods or hooks disposed adjacent corners of each of the two side edges and the proximal edge for removable attachment of the planar shelf member to two of the elongated posts.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/032,098 filed Feb. 28, 2008.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to accessories for scaffolds and, more particularly, this invention relates to a removable and adjustable-height work shelf for mobile scaffolds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior to the conception and development of the present invention, construction workers, such as ceiling installers, have used portable scaffolds with wheels to elevate them as needed to reach where they were working. For the case of ceiling installation, the installer must pick a tile off a pile then lift it overhead to put into place while standing on the platform of a mobile scaffold. As the pile is depleted, the installer must reach down further and further to grasp the next tile to be installed. One example of the type of scaffold can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,863,155, which discloses a remote braking system for such a scaffold. As shown, there are four vertically extending corner posts with castors on the floor and an elevated platform for the user to stand on to reach where necessary. Apertures in the corner posts are axially spaced and accept pins or rods that secure the platform level and at a desired height. This common type used in the construction trades is what is typically called a “Baker”, or baker-type and it has four vertical corner posts with a multitude of slots or apertures in each. Other designs have rungs from which the platform is hung. Still others have angle irons for corner posts with slots spaced up and down the length.

Testa in U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,463 disclosed a cutting table for a scaffold, wherein the table is sloped and extends away from one end of the scaffold. Similarly, Allen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,023 disclosed a scaffold table that extends outward from one end with adjustable legs that extend at an angle back to the scaffold frame. The top edge of the Allen table attaches only to horizontal rungs on the scaffold, which severely limits the number of heights that are achievable while maintaining a horizontal table surface. U.S. Pat. No. 7,353,911 also discloses a scaffold shelf that attaches to the horizontal crossbars and extends away from the user. Two-legged portable tables for attachment to automobile trunks were disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,452,151 and 5,730,066. Both of these tables attach to the lower horizontal edge of a car trunk opening.

Markovich in U.S. Pat. No. 6,955,242 discloses a retractable scaffold support bracket that is triangular shaped and meant to be mounted on a concrete wall form. In addition, Mitchell is U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,163 discloses an adjustable work table for scaffolding that includes triangular support members. None of the latter three tables or shelves transfer any of the load weight to the main platform of the scaffold; therefore, a thicker and heavier construction is likely for support of the same amount of load weight.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an auxiliary shelf attachment for mobile scaffolds having a platform member and at least two vertically extending posts with multiple axially spaced apertures, wherein the shelf attachment includes a substantially planar shelf member having a proximal edge, two side edges, and a distal edge adjacent which two hinged legs are secured. Also included is an attachment means disposed adjacent corners of each of the two side edges and the proximal edge for removable attachment of the planar shelf member to two of the elongated posts.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a support shelf to make items conveniently available to users of mobile scaffolds.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a horizontal support shelf for scaffolds that can be adjusted in height relative to the scaffold platform.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight support shelf that can support a sizeable load at an elevated position above the standing platform of a scaffold.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight convenient support shelf for scaffolds that can fold away when not needed.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a convenient and time-saving device for ceiling installers, painters, plumbers and other construction workers.

In addition to the various objects and advantages of the present invention described with some degree of specificity above, it should be obvious that additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description of the invention, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention attached to a mobile scaffold.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 presents a bottom perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 provides a partial perspective detail view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a frame member portion of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, the adjustable shelf of the present invention, generally indicated by 10, is shown deployed on a mobile scaffold, generally indicated by 30. The scaffold has a platform member or walkboard 32, elongated corner posts 34, and castors 36 at the bottom of each post 34. The two or four posts 34 will typically have multiple spaced-apart slots or apertures 38 that facilitate securing the platform member to the posts 34 at the desired height. The present invention adds the improvement of a support shelf 10 consisting of a substantially planar and substantially rectangular top panel 12 having a proximal edge that attaches to the posts 34 with the deck substantially horizontal, and a distal edge 24 that is connected, preferably hingedly, to two adjacent legs 14 with feet resting on the walkboard or platform 32. The legs 14 may be telescopically adjustable in length so that the panel 12 can be maintained essentially horizontal for use when installed into any two of a range of slots or apertures 38 in the posts 34. It may be one inverted U-shaped member, as shown, or two independent legs as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. A typical use for the present invention 10 is with a mobile scaffold 30 that is used by an installer of items such as ceiling tiles. Tiles can be stacked on the shelf top panel 12 at an adjustable height convenient to the user.

Referring next to FIG. 2, the shelf member 10 is shown alone in more detail. The planar top panel 12 has a proximal edge 22 and a distal edge 24 that is connected to adjacent legs 14. The legs 14 have a length-adjustment means 16 that enables the top panel 12 to be maintained in a substantially horizontal disposition when connected for use at the proximal edge to the posts of the scaffold. Near the corners of the proximal edge 22 and the side edges 17 are extensions or hooks 18 that engage with the slots or apertures at the desired position on the vertical posts as shown in FIG. 1. The hooks 18 may be extensions of side rails 17 as shown secured to the side edges with fasteners 28, or alternatively integral with the side rails 17. The hooks may instead be fastened directly to the planar top panel 12. The legs 14 are connected to or support the shelf member 12 adjacent the distal edge 24 with an optional hinge mechanism 26 so that the shelf unit 10 can be folded to a more compact arrangement when not in use. Optionally, the legs may be removable by sliding into slightly wider sleeves. The lower part of the legs 19 telescopically extend out, within a practical range, to permit the height of the shelf 12 to be adjusted, and a locking mechanism 16 maintains the overall length of leg sections 14 plus 19. For added utility, apertures 20 in the shelf 12 may be added for the holding of tools when desired.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view from the underside of a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the non-adjusting legs 14 alternative. The shelf top panel 12 is supported on L-shaped frame members 17, 22, and 24. The rear frame member 24 also attaches to the leg hinges 27 that also are fastened to the legs 14 near the top end of each. The legs 14 are connected in the lower zone to a brace 29. Protruding from the side members 17 adjacent the corners with the frame member 22 are attachment hooks or rods 18. These slide into notches or round holes in the vertical posts of the companion scaffold with witch it will be used, as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective detail view of a corner portion of the present invention with an alternative embodiment of the means for attaching to the vertical posts. The edge frame members 17 and 22 support the planar shelf member 12 as shown elsewhere. On one corner, an attachment rod 42 is secured perpendicular to a sliding bar 40 which is loosely engaged in the slot 43 in sidewall frame member 17. Adjacent an end opposite the rod 42 is a pin or bolt 46 which can slide in slot 45 in the proximal frame member 22. The rod 42 additionally has a notch 48 and/or an aperture 49 through which a holding pin can be inserted once the rod 42 is in place through the vertical scaffold member.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a frame member portion of the present invention. There are two L-shaped sidewalls 17 with end attachment extensions 18. Typically, an extension 18 will be a hook, or a notched pin or bar that fits into and removably hook into notches or apertures on vertical corner posts of a mobile or rolling scaffold. The proximal edge 22 member is also an L-shaped elongated fixedly attached to the sidewalls 17 adjacent the extensions 18. The distal frame member 24 is also L-shaped but with a wider horizontal flange portion. An optional handle 50 may be attached to the distal frame member 24.

While a presently preferred embodiment and alternative embodiments of the present invention have been described in sufficient detail above to enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the same, it should be obvious that various other adaptations and modifications can be envisioned by those persons skilled in such art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An auxiliary shelf apparatus engageable with two vertically extending posts of a scaffold supporting a platform member, said posts having multiple axially spaced apertures, said shelf apparatus comprising:

a) a substantially planar shelf top panel having a distal edge, a proximal edge, and two side edges;

b) two legs secured at one end adjacent said distal edge of said planar shelf top panel; and

c) attachment means disposed adjacent corners of each of said two side edges and said proximal edge for removable engagement of said auxiliary shelf apparatus to two of said elongated posts substantially parallel and above said platform member.

2. The shelf apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said shelf top panel is secured to two side rails adjacent parallel and opposing said side edges.

3. The shelf apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said two legs are hingedly disposed adjacent said distal edge of said shelf member.

4. The shelf apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said attachment means for removable engagement are hooks engageable with said axially spaced apertures.

5. The shelf apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said attachment means for removable engagement are rods engageable with said axially spaced apertures.

6. The shelf apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said two legs are adjustable in length.

7. In combination with a mobile scaffold having a platform member and at least two vertically extending posts with multiple axially spaced apertures, the improvement comprising:

a) a substantially planar shelf panel having a distal edge, a proximal edge, and two side edges;

b) two elongated legs hingedly secured at one end adjacent said distal edge of said planar shelf member; and

c) attachment means disposed adjacent corners of each of said two side edges and said proximal edge and engageable with said apertures for removable attachment of said planar shelf panel to two of said elongated posts.

8. The shelf apparatus, according to claim 7, wherein said shelf apparatus further includes a frame member removably supporting said planar shelf panel.

9. The shelf apparatus, according to claim 8, wherein said two legs are hingedly secured to said frame member disposed adjacent said distal edge of said shelf member.

10. The shelf apparatus, according to claim 7, wherein said attachment means for removable engagement are hooks engageable with said axially spaced apertures.

11. The shelf apparatus, according to claim 7, wherein said two legs are adjustable in length.

12. An auxiliary shelf apparatus engageable with two vertically extending posts of a scaffold having a platform member, said posts having multiple axially spaced apertures, said shelf apparatus comprising:

a) a shelf top member including: i) a substantially rectangular frame member having two angular side walls, an angular proximal end member, and an angular distal end member; and ii) a substantially planar top panel supportingly engageable within said rectangular frame member;

b) two legs secured at one end adjacent said distal end member of said shelf top member; and

c) attachment means disposed adjacent corners of each of said two angular side walls and said proximal end member for removable engagement of said auxiliary shelf apparatus to two of said elongated posts substantially parallel and above said platform member.

13. The shelf apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein said two legs are hingedly disposed adjacent said distal edge of said shelf member.

14. The shelf apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein said attachment means for removable engagement are hooks engageable with said axially spaced apertures.

15. The shelf apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein said attachment means for removable engagement are rods engageable with said axially spaced apertures.

16. The shelf apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein said two legs are adjustable in length.

17. The shelf apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein one of said rods engageable with said axially spaced apertures is secured perpendicular to a rigid bar slidingly engaged with both said angular side wall and said proximal end member.