Combined wall and scaffold jack

Abstract

A combined wall and scaffold jack comprising a driving mechanism that produces a force, a wall raising mechanism and a scaffolding mechanism, wherein the wall raising mechanism and the scaffolding mechanism are interchangeably connectable to the driving mechanism such that the wall raising mechanism can raise a wall by the force or the scaffolding mechanism can raise a staging plank by the force.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/238,255, filed on Oct. 5, 2000, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention generally relates to devices used in the building construction field and, more particularly, to devices for raising a wall unit and scaffolding systems.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Wall jacks are known in the art and are used to lift walls to a vertical orientation that have been pre-assembled in a horizontal orientation. U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,671 to Bott discloses a wall jack consisting of a telescopic member with hydraulic power. U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,591 to Eddie discloses a tool that can raise a wall either by pushing or pulling, and can also be used to rotate a joist and pry apart joists, studs, braces and laths.

[0006] Lifting devices using pump jacks are known, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,806 to Masters which discloses a device for vertically aligning framed stud walls by use of a repetitive, telescopic push stick using hydraulic power. Also, non-hydraulic systems for lifting devices are known as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,413 to Massey which discloses a jack for lifting vehicles or other heavy loads in a vertical direction based upon a worm gear. Additionally, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,669,704 and 4,763,878 to Abraham disclose screw jack devices that re-align basement walls that have been moved from their original positions due to external pressure.

[0007] Scaffolding jacks including those using pump jacks are also known in the art and are used to both erect scaffolding and to lift materials to an elevated position. U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,940 to Boeshart discloses a scaffolding jack that utilizes a ratchet mechanism to provide for vertical lifting. U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,899 to Lubinski similarly discloses a scaffolding jack for vertical movement. U.S. Pat. No. 4,598,794 to Anderson discloses a scaffolding system integrated with pump jacks for vertical movement of staging planks. U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,029 to Berish discloses pump jack poles for a scaffolding system.

[0008] At each stage of a typical construction project, a tool is required to erect walls and then a tool is required to assemble scaffolding and lift materials. All of the above-described devices suffer from the disadvantage of requiring separate first and second tools to accomplish these goals in a construction project.

[0009] The present invention has the advantage of providing a single, multi-purpose tool that combines the functions of the wall jack and the scaffold jack. It further has the advantage of using a simple mechanical mechanism to power both the wall raising mechanism and the scaffolding system, although other sources of power including hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric drives, can be adapted to drive the mechanism of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A combined wall and scaffold jack comprising a driving mechanism that produces a force, a wall raising mechanism and a scaffolding mechanism, wherein the wall raising mechanism and the scaffolding mechanism are interchangeably connectable to the driving mechanism such that the wall raising mechanism can raise a wall by the force or the scaffolding mechanism can raise a staging plank by the force.

[0011] Preferably, the driving mechanism comprises a power source that produces the force, a traveller and a guide member, wherein the traveller translates along the guide member as a result of the force; the wall raising mechanism comprises an attachment structure for removeably securing the wall raising mechanism to a wall; and the scaffolding mechanism comprises a scaffold arm for raising a staging plank.

[0012] The present invention will be described further, by way of example only, with reference to an embodiment thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the combination wall and scaffold jack of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the floor plate of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the wall plate of FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the traveller of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a wall brace of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a brake mechanism of the present invention; and

[0019] FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting a method for raising a wall and erecting scaffolding according to the apparatus of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0020] Referring to the drawings and, in particular, FIG. 1, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the combination wall and scaffold jack of the present invention generally represented by reference numeral 1.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, jack 1 has a guide member 8, a floor plate 3, a ratchet-pawl mechanism 11, a traveller 50, and a wall plate 21. Guide member 8 is a square, hollow tube. However, other shapes may alternatively be used, preferably to provide strength to guide member 8. Guide member 8 has a first end 70 and a second end 72.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, first end 70 has floor plate 3 pivotally secured thereto. In this preferred embodiment, floor plate 3 is pivotally secured to guide member 8 by pin 4 and cotter pin 5. However, alternative pivotal mechanisms may also be used. Floor plate 3 has a flat plate 43 that is rectangular having a plurality of holes 44 and floor brackets 45. Bolts or screws (not shown) may be driven through holes 44 and into the surface of a floor in order to secure flat plate 43 to that surface.

[0023] Floor brackets 45 are centrally located and perpendicular to flat plate 43. Floor brackets 45 are preferably welded to flat plate 43, but alternative fastening means may also be used, as well as forming floor brackets 45 integrally with flat plate 43. Floor brackets 45 are spaced apart a distance slightly larger than the outer width of guide member 8 so that floor brackets 45 can slide over first end 70. Floor brackets 45 each have holes 7 essentially centrally located and aligned with each other. Similarly, first end 70 has holes 9 on opposing sides and aligned with holes 7. The diameter and alignment of holes 7 and 9, allow pin 4 to slide through holes 7 and 9, and lockingly engage cotter pin 5. Thus, floor plate 3 is free to pivot about an axis passing longitudinally through pin 4. The distance of holes 7 from flat plate 43 is sufficient to allow floor plate 3 to freely pivot.

[0024] First end 70 also has a stub 6 on outer surface 32 between the sides where holes 9 are located. Preferably, stub 6 is welded to guide member 8. Stub 6 perpendicularly extends from guide member 8 and has a ratchet hole 10 centrally located therein. Ratchet hole 10 has a diameter that allows ratchet hook 12 to engage with ratchet hole 10 which will be discussed later in further detail.

[0025] Ratchet-pawl mechanism 11 is a ratchet device that provides incremental pulling and is well known in the art. Although the preferred embodiment uses ratchet-pawl mechanism 11 to drive combined wall and scaffold jack 1, it is recognized by a skilled artisan that other driving devices, including pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric may alternatively be used in the present invention.

[0026] Ratchet-pawl mechanism 11 comprises a ratchet hook 12, a traveller hook 52, a pulley 15 and a cable 13. As described above, ratchet hook 12 passes through ratchet hole 10, securing ratchet-pawl mechanism 11 to first end 70. Cable 13 extends from ratchet-pawl mechanism 11 along outer surface 32 and engages with pulley 15. Pulley 15 is secured to second end 72 of guide member 8 by pulley brackets 16. Preferably, pulley brackets 16 are welded to second end 72, but alternative securing means may also be used including nut and bolt assembly. At the end of cable 13 is secured traveller hook 52. Traveller hook 52 is removably secured to metal strap 51 which will be discussed later in further detail.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, traveller 50 comprises a slide tube 53, a traveller tube 14, traveller brackets 17, a t-bolt 20, and metal strap 51. Slide tube 53 is a square, hollow tube having an inner height and width slightly greater than the outer height and width of guide member 8, allowing traveller 50 to freely slide along guide member 8. Although in the preferred embodiment slide tube 50 is square and hollow, alternative shapes may also be utilized that allow slide tube 50 to translate along guide member 8.

[0028] Traveller tube 14 is a tube that perpendicularly extends from the outer surface of slide tube 53. Preferably, traveller tube 14 is square and hollow. Traveller tube 14 is also preferably welded to slide tube 53. Traveller tube 14 has holes 18 centrally located on opposing sides.

[0029] Traveller brackets 17 are parallel flat plates that perpendicularly extend from slide tube 53 on the same outer surface as traveller tube 14. Preferably, traveller brackets 17 are welded to slide tube 53. Traveller brackets 17 each have holes 19 that are aligned with each other. Holes 19 have a diameter that allows pin 23 to slide therein.

[0030] Slide tube 53 further comprises a threaded hole (not shown) centrally located on the opposite outer surface from traveller tube 14 and traveller brackets 17, that engages with t-bolt 20. A user can drive t-bolt 20 inward whereby the tip of t-bolt 20 engages outer surface 32 of guide member 8, serving to lock traveller 50 and prevent its slideable movement along guide member 8. Preferably, t-bolt 20 has a tip with a flat surface to maximize friction and enhance the engagement and locking function of t-bolt 20.

[0031] Slide tube 53 also comprises a metal strap 51 that engages with traveller hook 52 in order to drive traveller 50 along guide member 8 as a result of the pulling force of ratchet-pawl mechanism 11. Metal strap 51 is secured to slide tube 53 on opposing sides adjacent to outer surface 32. Preferably, metal strap 51 is welded to slide tube 53.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, wall plate 21 comprises a flat plate 46 and a post 26. Flat plate 46 is rectangular having a plurality of holes 25 and a lip 48 formed along one side of flat plate 46. Preferably, lip 48 is integrally formed with flat plate 46. Bolts or screws (not shown) may be driven through holes 25 and into the surface of a wall in order to secure flat plate 46 to that surface. Lip 48 provides a guide for alignment of wall plate 21 with a wall (not shown).

[0033] Post 26 is centrally located on flat plate 46 and perpendicularly extends therefrom, in the opposite direction from lip 48. Preferably, post 26 is welded to flat plate 46, but alternative securing means may be used including post 26 being integrally formed with flat plat 46. Post 26 has a post hole 27 with a diameter that allows pin 23 to slide therethrough.

[0034] Holes 19 and 27 are aligned so that pin 23 can slide therethrough. Wall plate 21 is pivotally secured to traveller 50 by positioning post 26 in between traveller brackets 17; passing pin 23 through holes 19 and 27; and removably locking pin 23 with cotter pin 24. The distance of hole 27 from flat plate 46 is sufficient to allow wall plate 21 to freely pivot about an axis passing longitudinally through pin 23 to a significant angle without interference between the wall surfaces (not shown) and guide member 8, as the wall is lifted and pivoted.

[0035] When ratchet-pawl mechanism 11 is used to apply a pulling force upon cable 13, traveller 50 is pulled along guide member 8 towards pulley 15. This results in wall plate 21 and the horizontal wall (not shown) that has been secured to wall plate 21, to also advance along guide member 8. By securing floor plate 3 to a floor but allowing it to pivot, the motion of traveller 50 will elevate the wall to a vertical position while simultaneously elevating jack 1 at an increasing angle.

[0036] Once the wall raising function of jack 1 is performed, the construction project then requires the scaffolding function of jack 1.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1, 5 and 6 combined wall and scaffolding jack 1 further comprises a scaffold arm 22, a wall brace 34 and a brake mechanism 28. An advantage of the present invention is the interchangeable use of scaffold arm 22, wall brace 34 and brake mechanism 28 with wall plate 21, in order to convert jack 1 from functioning as a wall raising system to functioning as a scaffolding system.

[0038] Scaffold arm 22 is a tube having a first end 75 and a second end 77. Preferably, scaffold arm 22 is square and hollow. The inner height and width of scaffold arm 22 is slightly greater than the outer height and width of traveller tube 14 allowing first end 75 to slide over traveller tube 14. First end 75 has scaffold holes 80 on opposing sides and aligned with each other. The diameter and alignment of holes 18 and 80 allow a pin 30 to pass through the holes and be removably locked by cotter pin 31. Second end 77 of scaffold arm 22 has a scaffold bracket 42 that can securely hold an end of a staging plank (not shown) to hoist heavy loads to an elevated position.

[0039] Wall brace 34 comprises a first leg 47, a second leg 49, a u-clamp 37 and brace brackets 35 and 36. First leg 47 has a right-angle shape with a first end 84, a second end 86, and a center portion 88. Alternatively, first leg 47 may be of another shape including square, hollow tubing. First end 84 has holes 33 located along first leg 47 on the same side. Holes 33 are spaced apart to allow u-clamp 37 to pass through holes 33. U-clamp 37 has threaded ends 38 and 39 that correspond to bolts 40 and 41 to lock u-clamp 37 through holes 33 and onto leg 47. U-clamp 37 has an inner width slightly larger than the outer width of guide member 8 so that guide member 8 can be passed within u-clamp 37 and locked to first leg 47. Second end 86 has a brace bracket 35 having holes 55. Preferably, brace bracket 35 is welded to first leg 47.

[0040] Second leg 49 has a right-angle shape with a first end 90, a second end 92, and a brace bracket 36. Alternatively, second leg 49 may be of another shape including square, hollow tubing. First end 90 extends from center portion 88 at about a 45° angle to provide support to first leg 47, but other angles may also be used, preferably to improve strength or provide for a more compact design. Preferably, second leg 49 is welded to first leg 47, but alternative securing means may also be used including integrally forming second leg 49 with first leg 47. Second end 92 has a brace bracket 36 having holes 85. Preferably, brace bracket 36 is welded to second leg 49. Bolts or screws (not shown) may be driven through holes 55 and 85 and into the surface of a wall in order to secure wall brace 34 to that surface.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, brake mechanism 28 can be interchanged for wall plate 21 to pivotally engage traveller 50. Brake mechanism 28 comprises a threaded cylinder 56, a hex bolt 60 having a distal end 63, a bearing bracket 57 and a bearing assembly 74. Threaded cylinder 56 has an outer surface 64 from which extends bearing bracket 57. Threaded cylinder 56 has an under surface 62. Threaded cylinder 56 engages with hex bolt 60 having a hex nut 61 such that tightening of hex nut 61 against under surface 62 prevents hex bolt 60 from further advancing through threaded cylinder 56.

[0042] Bearing bracket 57 comprises a traveller hole 54 and a bearing hole 66. Bearing bracket 57 extends from outer surface 64 at an upward angle and has a length so that bearing assembly 74 extends past traveller 50. Preferably, bearing bracket 57 is welded to threaded cylinder 56. Traveller hole 54 is substantially centrally located in bearing bracket 57 with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of pin 23. Brake mechanism 28 is pivotally secured to traveller 50 by positioning bearing bracket 57 in between traveller brackets 17; aligning holes 19 and 54; passing pin 23 through holes 19 and 54; and releasably locking pin 23 with cotter pin 24. Bearing hole 66 is located near the end of bearing bracket 57 and pivotally engages bearing assembly 74.

[0043] Bearing assembly 74 comprises a threaded sleeve 59, bearings 58, washers 68 and a bearing bolt 65. Threaded sleeve 59 passes through concentric holes in bearings 58 and washers 68 which are located on opposing sides of bearing bracket 57, through bearing hole 66, and threadingly engages with bearing bolt 65. Washers 68 prevent bearings 58 from contacting bearing bracket 57. Thus, bearings 58 are prevented from lateral motion while allowed to rotate.

[0044] Brake mechanism 28 provides a controlled braking for traveller 50 and is an added safety device in the event of failure of cable 13 or ratchet-pawl mechanism 11. A user can drive hex bolt 60 through threaded cylinder 56 and contact distal end 63 with the bottom surface of traveller 50. This causes the end of bearing bracket 57 where hex bolt 60 is located, to move away from the bottom surface of traveller 50. Due to the pivotal engagement of brake mechanism 28 to traveller 50 at essentially a central location of bearing bracket 57 acting as a fulcrum, the end of bearing bracket 57 where bearings 58 are located, moves closer to the under side of guide member 8. This creates a force from bearings 58 onto the under side of guide member 8. At intermediate levels of force, brake mechanism 28 retards movement of traveller 50 along guide member 8 in the direction of pulley 15 and prevents movement of traveller 50 away from pulley 15. While at high levels of force, movement of traveller 50 in either direction is prevented. Hex nut 61 can be used to lock hex bolt 60 once the desired amount of force is obtained.

[0045] Spacing a plurality of jacks 1 apart along a wall, and supporting them by floor plates 3 secured to a floor and wall braces 34 secured to a wall, jacks 1 function as a scaffolding system. Traveller 50 is driven along guide member 8 towards pulley 15 by the pulling force of ratchet-pawl mechanism 11. Thus, scaffold arm 22 is driven upwards and combined wall and scaffolding jack 1 has performed its second function as a scaffolding system.

[0046] Construction Operation

[0047] Referring to FIG. 7, a method of a construction operation that utilizes wall and scaffolding jack 1, is shown.

[0048] The initial step 700 is to attach floor plate 3 to a floor at a location in the proximity of either the pre-assembled wall to be raised or the elevated area that is to be worked on. Screws or bolts can be driven through holes 44 into the surface of the floor to secure floor plate 3. The user then determines whether a wall is required to be raised or whether a scaffolding system is to be used (step 710). If a wall is to be raised then wall plate 21 is installed on traveller 50, as in step 720. This is done by positioning post 26 in between traveller brackets 17; passing pin 23 through holes 19 and 27; and locking pin 23 with cotter pin 24. The user then attaches wall plate 21 to a pre-assembled wall that is in a substantially horizontal orientation (step 730). This is done by driving screws or bolts through holes 25 into the surface of the wall.

[0049] The user then cranks ratchet-pawl mechanism 11 so that traveller 50 moves along guide member 8, as in step 740. By securing floor plate 3 to the floor but allowing it to pivot about pin 4, the motion of traveller 50 towards pulley 15 elevates the wall to a vertical position while simultaneously elevating jack 1 at an increasing angle. Preferably, this angle is about 45°. Additionally, t-bolt 20 may be driven into outer surface 32 of guide member 8 to lock traveller 50 while the pre-assembled wall is braced by other means. Wall plate 21 is then detached from the pre-assembled wall (step 750). Wall plate 21 is uninstalled from traveller 50, as in step 760. This is done by removing cotter pin 24 from pin 23 and removing pin 23 from holes 19 and 27.

[0050] The user next determines if a scaffolding system is required in order to continue working on the raised wall or whether another wall is to be raised, as in step 770. If another wall is to be raised, floor plate 3 is detached from the floor for re-positioning of jack 1 (step 780). This is done by removing the screws or bolts that were driven through holes 44 into the surface of the floor.

[0051] If a scaffolding system is required, wall brace 34, brake mechanism 28 and scaffold arm 22 are installed on to jack 1 (step 800). Wall brace 34 is installed by sliding guide member 8 through u-clamp 37 and tightening bolts 40 and 41 to threaded ends 38 and 39. Brake mechanism 28 is installed to traveller 50 by positioning bearing bracket 57 in between traveller brackets 17; aligning holes 19 and 54; passing pin 23 through holes 19 and 54; and locking pin 23 with cotter pin 24. Scaffold arm 22 is installed to traveller 50 by sliding first end 75 over traveller tube 14; passing pin 30 through holes 18 and 80; and locking pin 30 with cotter pin 31. Wall brace 34 is then attached to a wall (step 810). This is done by driving screws or bolts through holes 55 and 85. A staging plank (not shown) is secured to scaffold bracket 42 to hoist heavy loads to an elevated position, as in step 820. The user can then adjust braking mechanism 28 in order to apply the appropriate force of bearings 58 to guide member 8 (step 830). This is done by driving hex bolt 60 through threaded cylinder 56 and contacting distal end 63 with the surface of traveller 50. Due to the pivotal engagement of brake mechanism 28 to traveller 50, this creates a force from bearings 58 onto the under side of guide member 8. At intermediate levels of force, brake mechanism 28 retards movement of traveller 50 along guide member 8 in the direction of pulley 15 and prevents movement of traveller 50 away from pulley 15. While at high levels of force, movement of traveller 50 in either direction is prevented. Hex nut 61 is then tightened to lock hex bolt 60 once the desired amount of force is obtained.

[0052] The user then cranks ratchet-pawl mechanism 11 to raise the staging plank (not shown) to the desired height, as in step 840. Once a desired height is reached, t-bolt 20 is driven into outer surface 32 of guide member 8 providing a locking mechanism for traveller 50 (step 850). If work must be done at other elevations, the user can repeat the step of raising the staging plank to the next desired height, as in step 860.

[0053] If the work has been completed then the user cranks ratchet-pawl mechanism 11 to lower the staging plank, as in step 870. The staging plank is removed from scaffold bracket 42 (step 880). Wall brace 34 is then detached from the wall by removing the screws or bolts through holes 55 and 85, as in step 890. The user can then uninstall wall brace 34, brake mechanism 28 and scaffold arm 22 from jack 1 (step 900). This is done by loosening bolts 40 and 41 and sliding guide member 8 out from under u-clamp 37; removing cotter pins 24 and 31; and sliding pins 23 and 30 out from their respective holes. The user then detaches floor plate 3 from the floor (step 910). This is done by removing the screws or bolts that were driven through holes 44 into the surface of the floor. The user is then ready to re-position jack 1 and to repeat these steps, as necessary.

[0054] The present invention having thus been described with particular reference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be obvious that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A combined wall and scaffold jack comprising:

a driving mechanism that produces a force, a wall raising mechanism and a scaffolding mechanism, wherein said wall raising mechanism and said scaffolding mechanism are interchangeably connectable to said driving mechanism such that said wall raising mechanism can raise a wall by said force or said scaffolding mechanism can raise a staging plank by said force.

2. A combined wall and scaffold jack comprising:

a driving mechanism comprising a power source that produces a force, a traveller and a guide member, said traveller translating along said guide member as a result of said force;

a wall raising mechanism; and

a scaffolding mechanism;

wherein said wall raising mechanism and said scaffolding mechanism are interchangeably connectable to said traveller such that said wall raising mechanism can raise a wall by said force or said scaffolding mechanism can raise a staging plank by said force.

3. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 2, wherein said driving mechanism further comprises a plate pivotally connected to said guide member for pivotally securing said guide member to a floor.

4. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 3, wherein said guide member is an elongated tube and said traveller is a tube adapted to slide over said elongated tube.

5. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 3, wherein said guide member is a square elongated tube and said traveller is a square tube adapted to slide over said square elongated tube.

6. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 4, wherein said power source is a ratchet and pawl mechanism.

7. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 6, wherein said ratchet and pawl mechanism has a cable connected to said traveller.

8. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 7, wherein said ratchet and pawl mechanism is connected to said guide member.

9. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 8, wherein said driving mechanism further comprises a pulley secured to said guide member at an end opposite to said plate, said pulley being in communication with said cable.

10. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 5, wherein said driving mechanism further comprises a brake mechanism connected to said traveller.

11. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 10, wherein said brake mechanism comprises at least one bearing that applies an adjustable force to said guide member.

12. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 5, wherein said driving mechanism further comprises a locking member connected to said traveller.

13. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 12, wherein said locking member comprises a screw that engages with said guide member.

14. A combined wall and scaffold jack comprising:

a driving mechanism that produces a force;

a wall raising mechanism comprising an attachment structure for removeably securing said wall raising mechanism to a wall; and

a scaffolding mechanism;

wherein said wall raising mechanism and said scaffolding mechanism are interchangeably connectable to said driving mechanism such that said wall raising mechanism can raise said wall by said force or said scaffolding mechanism can raise a staging plank by said force.

15. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 14, wherein said driving mechanism further comprises a plate pivotally connected to said driving mechanism for pivotally securing said driving mechanism to a floor.

16. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 15, wherein said driving mechanism comprises a power source that produces said force, a traveller and a guide member, said traveller translating along said guide member as a result of said force.

17. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 16, wherein said guide member is an elongated tube and said traveller is a tube adapted to slide over said elongated tube.

18. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 16, wherein said guide member is a square elongated tube and said traveller is a square tube adapted to slide over said square elongated tube.

19. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 17, wherein said power source is a ratchet and pawl mechanism.

20. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 19, wherein said ratchet and pawl mechanism has a cable connected to said traveller.

21. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 20, wherein said ratchet and pawl mechanism is connected to said guide member.

22. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 21, wherein said driving mechanism further comprises a pulley secured to said guide member at an end opposite to said plate, said pulley being in communication with said cable.

23. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 17, wherein said driving mechanism further comprises a brake mechanism connected to said traveller.

24. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 23, wherein said brake mechanism comprises at least one bearing that applies an adjustable force to said guide member.

25. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 17, wherein said driving mechanism further comprises a locking member connected to said traveller.

26. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 25, wherein said locking member comprises a screw that engages with said guide member.

27. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 17, wherein said attachment structure is pivotally connected to said traveller.

28. A combined wall and scaffold jack comprising:

a driving mechanism that produces a force;

a wall raising mechanism; and

a scaffolding mechanism comprising a scaffold arm for raising a staging plank;

wherein said wall raising mechanism and said scaffolding mechanism are interchangeably connectable to said driving mechanism such that said wall raising mechanism can raise a wall by said force or said scaffolding mechanism can raise said staging plank by said force.

29. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 28, wherein said driving mechanism further comprises a plate pivotally connected to said driving mechanism for pivotally securing said driving mechanism to a floor.

30. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 29, wherein said driving mechanism comprises a power source that produces said force, a traveller and a guide member, said traveller translating along said guide member as a result of said force.

31. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 30,

wherein said wall raising mechanism comprises an attachment structure for removeably securing said wall.

32. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 31, wherein said guide member is an elongated tube and said traveller is a tube adapted to slide over said elongated tube.

33. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 31, wherein said guide member is a square elongated tube and said traveller is a square tube adapted to slide over said square elongated tube.

34. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 32, wherein said power source is a ratchet and pawl mechanism.

35. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 34, wherein said ratchet and pawl mechanism has a cable connected to said traveller.

36. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 35, wherein said ratchet and pawl mechanism is connected to said guide member.

37. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 36, wherein said driving mechanism further comprises a pulley secured to said guide member at an end opposite to said plate, said pulley being in communication with said cable.

38. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 32, wherein said driving mechanism further comprises a brake mechanism connected to said traveller.

39. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 38, wherein said brake mechanism comprises at least one bearing that applies an adjustable force to said guide member.

40. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 32, wherein said driving mechanism further comprises a locking member connected to said traveller.

41. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 40, wherein said locking member comprises a screw that engages with said guide member.

42. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 32, wherein said attachment structure is pivotally connected to said traveller.

43. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 32, wherein said scaffold arm connects to said traveller.

44. The combined wall and scaffold jack of claim 32, wherein said scaffold mechanism further comprises a brace connecting said driving mechanism to a stable structure.

45. A method of raising a wall and erecting scaffolding comprising the steps of:

pivotally connecting a driving mechanism that produces a force, to a floor;

pivotally connecting a wall raising mechanism to said driving mechanism;

connecting said wall raising mechanism to a wall;

applying said force to said wall raising mechanism to raise said wall;

disconnecting said wall from said wall raising mechanism;

disconnecting said wall raising mechanism from said driving mechanism;

connecting a scaffolding mechanism to said driving mechanism;

connecting a staging plank to said scaffolding mechanism;

applying said force to said scaffolding mechanism to raise said staging plank;

disconnecting said staging plank from said scaffolding mechanism;

disconnecting said scaffolding mechanism from said driving mechanism; and

disconnecting said driving mechanism from said floor.