Collapsible hanging scaffold bracket

Abstract

The collapsible hanging scaffold bracket is a bracket for supporting scaffold boards and is designed to be engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure and can be used to adequately and safely support workers for work on all of the various types of walls that may be encountered. The bracket includes a series of pivoting and telescoping elongated bracket members, a series of locking pins, and a wall engaging tee-bar member and allows the user to be spaced away from the wall for ease in applying external wall coverings, as well as soffits, rafters, and ceiling joists. The bracket can be easily handled by one person is collapsible into a unitary, relatively slender, flat unit readily that is readily transportable.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to support brackets, and more specifically, to a collapsible hanging scaffold bracket for engagement with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure.

2. Description of the Related Art

As generally well known, in the building industry, it is often necessary during construction of a wall, either freestanding or as part of a building to support workers above the ground on a scaffold so they can conveniently reach and work on parts of the wall higher than they can reach from the ground. These walls range in type from hard masonry or concrete to walls supported by spaced wood studs and sheathed with relatively fragile and/or soft materials; such as, insulating board and/or aluminum siding.

These scaffold brackets, the scaffold boards they support and ladders as well as other equipment are normally carried from one job to another on trucks to which they are often attached by roof brackets or the like designed to carry slender, relatively light objects.

It is believed desirable to provide a scaffold bracket that can be engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure and can be used to adequately and safely support workers for work on all of the various types of walls which may be encountered, without damage to the wall. It is desirable that the bracket allow the user to be spaced away from the wall for ease in applying external wall coverings as well as soffits, rafters, and ceiling joists. It is also desirable that it can be easily handled by one person and that it be collapsible into a unitary, relatively slender, flat unit readily transportable in the bed or on a roof bracket disposed on a truck or other similar carrier.

Thus, a collapsible hanging scaffold bracket solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The collapsible hanging scaffold bracket of the present invention includes a first elongated bracket member, a second elongated bracket member, a third elongated bracket member, a fourth elongated bracket member, a fifth elongated bracket member, and a tee-bar member.

The first elongated bracket member has a hook portion for engaging the top horizontal stud of a wall structure and is disposed in a substantially vertical position when the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure. The second elongated bracket member is designed to telescopically receive the first elongated bracket member through the first end and is disposed in a substantially vertical position when the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure. A locking means is provided for locking the first and second elongated bracket members together at a selected length.

The third elongated bracket member is pivotally engaged with the second elongated bracket member and is disposed in a substantially horizontal position when the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure. The fourth elongated bracket member is pivotally engaged with the third elongated bracket member. The fifth elongated bracket member is pivotally engaged with the second elongated bracket member at a point substantially near the second end of the second elongated bracket member. The fifth elongated bracket member telescopically receives the fourth elongated bracket member. A second locking means is provided for locking the fourth and fifth elongated bracket members together at a selected length.

The tee-bar member includes a leg that is telescopically disposed within the second end of the second elongated bracket member and is in a substantially horizontal position when the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure, with the arm of the tee-bar member supporting the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket against the wall structure.

In an additional embodiment, a sixth and seventh elongated bracket member are included. These two additional members can be used to lengthen the overall size of the bracket and provided and easier way to support the bracket near the ground when the bracket is being used on a horizontal beam without a supporting wall.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a pair of collapsible hanging scaffold brackets according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a collapsible hanging scaffold bracket according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of a collapsible hanging scaffold bracket according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a collapsible hanging scaffold bracket in a collapsed position according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a collapsible hanging scaffold bracket according to the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a collapsible hanging scaffold bracket, designated generally as 10 in the drawings.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket 10 is made up of first elongated bracket member 20, second elongated bracket member 30, third elongated bracket member 40, fourth elongated bracket member 50, fifth elongated bracket member 60, and tee-bar member 70. One or more collapsible hanging scaffold brackets 10 can be aligned in order to support scaffold boards that can be used to perform work on the supporting wall and surrounding structures.

First elongated bracket member 20 has a hook portion 22 for engaging the top horizontal stud of a wall structure. If necessary, hook portion 22 can be used in conjunction with a standard two-by-four (2″×4″) that can be nailed along the top horizontal stud of a wall structure to provide added thickness in order for the hook portion to tightly grab the wall. First elongated bracket member 20 is provided with a plurality of spaced apertures 24 therethrough and is disposed in a substantially vertical position when the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket 10 is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure.

Second elongated bracket member 30 is adapted for telescopically receiving the first elongated bracket member 20. Second elongated bracket member 30 is provided with one or more apertures 34 therethrough, each of the one or more apertures 34 being located substantially near a first end and a second end of the second elongated bracket member 30. The one or more apertures 34 located substantially near the first end of second elongated bracket member 30 are brought into alignment with one or more of the plurality of apertures 24 in the first elongated bracket member in order to selectively lock first elongated bracket member 20 and second elongated bracket member 30 at a selected length. A locking pin 14 is used for selectively locking first elongated bracket member 20 and second elongated bracket member 30 together at a selected length. Second elongated bracket member 30 is disposed in a substantially vertical position when the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket 10 is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure.

Third elongated bracket member 40 is pivotally engaged at a pivot 12 with second elongated bracket member 30 at a first end of third elongated bracket member 40. In the preferred embodiment, the pivot 12 is secured with a bolt and lock nut combination. Third elongated bracket member 40 has a end tab 42 extending from a second end. Third elongated bracket member 40 disposed in a substantially horizontal position when the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket 10 is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure and is used to support the scaffold boards used by those working on the wall structure. End tab 42 prevents scaffold boards that are being supported by collapsible hanging scaffold bracket 10 from sliding off of elongated bracket member 40 while in use.

Fourth elongated bracket member 50 is pivotally engaged at a pivot 12 third elongated bracket member 40. In the preferred embodiment, the pivot 12 is secured with a bolt and lock nut combination. Fourth elongated bracket member 50 is provided with a plurality of spaced apertures 54 therethrough. A first end of fifth elongated bracket member 60 is pivotally engaged at a pivot 12 with second elongated bracket member 30 substantially near the second end of second elongated bracket member 30. In the preferred embodiment, the pivot 12 is secured with a bolt and lock nut combination.

Fifth elongated bracket member 60 is designed to telescopically receive fourth elongated bracket member 50. Fifth elongated bracket member 60 is provided with one or more apertures therethrough along a second end for aligning with one or more of the plurality of apertures 54 in fourth elongated bracket member 50 in order to selectively lock the fourth elongated bracket member 50 and fifth elongated bracket member 60 together at a selected length. A locking pin 14 is used for selectively locking fourth elongated bracket member 50 and fifth elongated bracket member 60 together at a selected length. Fourth elongated bracket member 50 and fifth elongated bracket member 60 combine to provide extra support for elongated bracket member 40 as it supports scaffold boards and the weight of any one who may be working from on top of the scaffold boards.

Tee-bar member 70 has a leg that is provided with a plurality of apertures 74 therethrough and is designed to be telescopically disposed within the second end second elongated bracket member 30 such that one or more of the plurality of apertures 74 in the leg align with one or more of the apertures 34 located substantially near the second end of second elongated bracket member 30 in order to selectively lock tee-bar member 70 at a selected length. A locking pin 14 is used for selectively locking tee-bar member 70 at a selected length. Tee-bar member 70 is disposed in a substantially horizontal position when collapsible hanging scaffold bracket 10 is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure, the arm of tee-bar member 70 supporting the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket 10 against the wall structure. Tee-bar member 70 is adjustable horizontally in order to provide the user with a means for spacing himself out from the wall when applying external wall coverings.

In the preferred embodiment, first elongated bracket member 20, second elongated bracket member 30, third elongated bracket member 40, fourth elongated bracket member 50, fifth elongated bracket member 60, and tee-bar 70 are made from 14 GA steel square tubing ranging from one inch in width to one-and-a-half inches in width.

FIG. 4 shows a collapsible hanging scaffold bracket 10 in a collapsed state. In order to collapse collapsible hanging scaffold bracket 10, tee-bar member 70 must be completely released from its telescoping engagement with second elongated bracket member 30. Also, fourth elongate bracket member 50 and fifth elongated bracket member 60 must be disengaged from one another. At this point, third elongated bracket member 40 may be pivoted upward such that it substantially rests against second elongated bracket member 30. Fifth elongated bracket member 60 may also be pivoted upward to a position resting against second elongated bracket member 30. Finally, tee-bar 70 can be pinned to fourth elongated bracket member 50, creating a single, collapsed piece that can be easily transported.

FIG. 5 shows an alternate embodiment of collapsible hanging scaffold bracket 10 that can be used when work is being done in an area where there is not a supporting wall under collapsible hanging scaffold bracket 10 as it hangs from a horizontal stud or other horizontal support member. The alternate embodiment provides added length to collapsible hanging scaffold bracket 10 such that it may rest against a concrete foundation or other support on the ground while still providing the needed height for the user.

In this embodiment, tee-bar member 70 is not directly engaged with second elongated bracket member 30. Instead, sixth elongated bracket member 80 has a first end that is telescopically engaged within the second end of second elongated bracket member 30. Sixth elongated bracket member 80 is provided with a plurality of apertures 84 therethrough. One or more of the plurality of apertures 84 sixth elongated bracket member 80 is aligned with one or more of the apertures located substantially near the second end of second elongated bracket member 30 in order to selectively lock sixth elongated bracket member 80 normal to second elongated bracket member 30 at a selected position. A locking pin 14 is used for selectively locking sixth elongated bracket member 80 to second elongated bracket member 30. Sixth elongated bracket member 80 is disposed in a substantially horizontal position when collapsible hanging scaffold bracket 10 is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure.

Seventh elongated bracket member 90 has a first end that is telescopically disposed within the first end of sixth elongated bracket member 80. Seventh elongated bracket member 90 is provided with a plurality of apertures 94 therethrough such that one or more of the plurality of apertures 94 in seventh elongated bracket member 90 are aligned with one or more of the apertures 84 in sixth elongated bracket member 80 in order to selectively lock seventh elongated bracket member 90 normal to sixth elongated bracket member 80 at a selected position. A locking pin 14 is used for selectively locking sixth elongated bracket member 80 to seventh elongated bracket member 90. Seventh elongated bracket member 90 is disposed in a substantially vertical position when collapsible hanging scaffold bracket 10 is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure.

Tee-bar member 70 is now telescopically disposed within the second end of seventh elongated bracket member 90.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A collapsible hanging scaffold bracket for engagement with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure, comprising:

a first elongated bracket member, the first elongated bracket member having a hook portion for engaging the top horizontal stud of a wall structure, the first elongated bracket member being disposed in a substantially vertical position when the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure;

a second elongated bracket member having a first end and a second end, the second elongated bracket member being designed to telescopically receive the first elongated bracket member through the first end, the second elongated bracket member being disposed in a substantially vertical position when the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure;

first locking means for locking the first and second elongated bracket members at a selected length;

a third elongated bracket member, the third elongated bracket member being pivotally engaged with the second elongated bracket member, the third elongated bracket member being disposed in a substantially horizontal position when the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure;

a fourth elongated bracket member, the fourth elongated bracket member being pivotally engaged with the third elongated bracket member;

a fifth elongated bracket member, the fifth elongated bracket member being pivotally engaged with the second elongated bracket member at a point substantially near the second end of the second elongated bracket member, the fifth elongated bracket member for telescopically receiving the fourth elongated bracket member;

a second locking means for locking the fourth and fifth elongated bracket members at a selected length;

a tee-bar member, the leg of the tee-bar member being telescopically disposed within the second end of the second elongated bracket member, the tee-bar member being disposed in a substantially horizontal position when the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure, the arm of the tee-bar member supporting the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket against the wall structure; and

a third locking means for locking the locking the tee-bar member into place at a selected length.

2. The collapsible hanging scaffold bracket for engagement with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure according to claim 1, wherein the first elongated bracket member is provided with a plurality of spaced apertures therethrough.

3. The collapsible hanging scaffold bracket for engagement with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure according to claim 2, wherein the second elongated bracket member is provided with one or more apertures therethrough, the one of more apertures in the second elongated bracket located substantially near the first end and second ends of the second elongated bracket member, the one or more apertures located substantially near the first end of the second elongated bracket member being aligned with one or more of the plurality of apertures in the first elongated bracket member in order to selectively lock the first and second elongated bracket members at a selected length.

4. The collapsible hanging scaffold bracket for engagement with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure according to claim 3, wherein the first locking means is a locking pin.

5. The collapsible hanging scaffold bracket for engagement with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure according to claim 4, wherein the leg of the tee-bar member is provided with a plurality of apertures therethrough, one or more of the plurality of apertures in the leg being aligned with one or more of the apertures located substantially near the second end of the second elongated bracket member in order to selectively lock the tee-bar member normal to the second elongated bracket member at a selected length.

6. The collapsible hanging scaffold bracket for engagement with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure according to claim 5, wherein the third locking means is a locking pin.

7. The collapsible hanging scaffold bracket for engagement with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure according to claim 1, wherein the third elongated bracket member is pivotally engaged with the second elongated bracket member at a first end of the third elongated bracket member, the third elongated bracket member having a end tab extending from a second end.

8. The collapsible hanging scaffold bracket for engagement with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure according to claim 1, wherein the fourth elongated bracket member is provided with a plurality of spaced apertures therethrough.

9. The collapsible hanging scaffold bracket for engagement with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure according to claim 8, wherein the fifth elongated bracket member is pivotally engaged with the second elongated bracket member at a first end of the fifth elongated bracket member, the fifth elongated bracket member having one or more apertures therethrough, the one or more apertures located substantially near a second end of the fifth elongated bracket member, the one or more apertures in the fifth elongated bracket member for aligning with one or more of the plurality of apertures in the fourth elongated bracket member in order to selectively lock the fourth and fifth elongated bracket members at a selected length.

10. The collapsible hanging scaffold bracket for engagement with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure according to claim 8, wherein the second locking means is a locking pin.

11. A collapsible hanging scaffold bracket for engagement with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure, comprising:

a first elongated bracket member, the first elongated bracket member having a hook portion for engaging the top horizontal stud of a wall structure, the first elongated bracket member being disposed in a substantially vertical position when the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure;

a second elongated bracket member having a first end and a second end, the second elongated bracket member being designed to telescopically receive the first elongated bracket member through the first end, the second elongated bracket member being disposed in a substantially vertical position when the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure;

first locking means for locking the first and second elongated bracket members at a selected length;

a third elongated bracket member, the third elongated bracket member being pivotally engaged with the second elongated bracket member, the third elongated bracket member being disposed in a substantially horizontal position when the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure;

a fourth elongated bracket member, the fourth elongated bracket member being pivotally engaged with the third elongated bracket member;

a fifth elongated bracket member, the fifth elongated bracket member being pivotally engaged with the second elongated bracket member at a point substantially near the second end of the second elongated bracket member, the fifth elongated bracket member for telescopically receiving the fourth elongated bracket member;

a second locking means for locking the fourth and fifth elongated bracket members at a selected length;

a sixth elongated bracket member having a first end and a second end, the second end of the sixth elongated bracket member being telescopically engaged within the second end of the second elongated bracket member, the sixth elongated bracket member being disposed in a substantially horizontal position when the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure;

a third locking means for locking the sixth elongated bracket member in place with the second elongated bracket member;

a seventh elongated bracket member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the seventh elongated bracket member being telescopically disposed within the first end of the sixth elongated bracket member, the seventh elongated bracket member being disposed in a substantially vertical position when the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure;

a fourth locking means for locking the fourth and fifth elongated bracket members in place with one another;

a tee-bar member, the leg of the tee-bar member being telescopically disposed within the second end of the seventh elongated bracket member, the tee-bar member being disposed in a substantially horizontal position when the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure, the arm of the tee-bar member supporting the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket against the wall structure; and

a fifth locking means for locking the locking the tee-bar member into place at a selected length.

12. The collapsible hanging scaffold bracket for engagement with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure according to claim 11, wherein the first elongated bracket member is provided with a plurality of spaced apertures therethrough.

13. The collapsible hanging scaffold bracket for engagement with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure according to claim 12, wherein the second elongated bracket member is provided with one or more apertures therethrough, the one of more apertures in the second elongated bracket located substantially near the first end and second ends of the second elongated bracket member, the one or more apertures located substantially near the first end of the second elongated bracket member being aligned with one or more of the plurality of apertures in the first elongated bracket member in order to selectively lock the first and second elongated bracket members at a selected length.

14. The collapsible hanging scaffold bracket for engagement with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure according to claim 13, wherein the third elongated bracket member is pivotally engaged with the second elongated bracket member at a first end of the third elongated bracket member, the third elongated bracket member having a end tab extending from a second end.

15. The collapsible hanging scaffold bracket for engagement with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure according to claim 14, wherein the fourth elongated bracket member is provided with a plurality of spaced apertures therethrough.

16. The collapsible hanging scaffold bracket for engagement with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure according to claim 15, wherein the fifth elongated bracket member is pivotally engaged with the second elongated bracket member at a first end of the fifth elongated bracket member, the fifth elongated bracket member having one or more apertures therethrough, the one or more apertures located substantially near a second end of the fifth elongated bracket member, the one or more apertures in the fifth elongated bracket member for aligning with one or more of the plurality of apertures in the fourth elongated bracket member in order to selectively lock the fourth and fifth elongated bracket members at a selected length.

17. The collapsible hanging scaffold bracket for engagement with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure according to claim 16, wherein the sixth elongated bracket member is provided with a plurality of apertures therethrough, one or more of the plurality of apertures in the sixth elongated bracket member being aligned with one or more of the apertures located substantially near the second end of the second elongated bracket member in order to selectively lock the sixth elongated bracket member normal to the second elongated bracket member at a selected position.

18. The collapsible hanging scaffold bracket for engagement with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure according to claim 17, wherein the seventh elongated bracket member is provided with a plurality of apertures therethrough, one or more of the plurality of apertures in the seventh elongated bracket member being aligned with one or more of the apertures in the sixth elongated bracket member in order to selectively lock the seventh elongated bracket member normal to the sixth elongated bracket member at a selected position.

19. The collapsible hanging scaffold bracket for engagement with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure according to claim 18, wherein the first second, third, fourth, and fifth locking means are locking pins.

20. A collapsible hanging scaffold bracket for engagement with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure, comprising:

a first elongated bracket member, the first elongated bracket member having a plurality of spaced apertures therethrough, the first elongated bracket member having a hook portion for engaging the top horizontal stud of a wall structure, the first elongated bracket member being disposed in a substantially vertical position when the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure;

a second elongated bracket member, the second elongated bracket member for telescopically receiving the first elongated bracket member, the second elongated bracket member having one or more apertures therethrough, the one or more apertures in the second elongated bracket located substantially near a first end and a second end of the second elongated bracket member, the one or more apertures located substantially near the first end of the second elongated bracket member for aligning with one or more of the plurality of apertures in the first elongated bracket member in order to selectively lock the first and second elongated bracket members at a selected length;

a first pin for selectively locking the first and second elongated bracket members at a selected length;

a third elongated bracket member, the third elongated bracket member being pivotally engaged with the second elongated bracket member at a first end of the third elongated bracket member, the third elongated bracket member having a end tab extending from a second end, the third elongated bracket member being disposed in a substantially horizontal position when the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure;

a fourth elongated bracket member, the fourth elongated bracket member being pivotally engaged with the third elongated bracket member, the fourth elongated bracket member having a plurality of spaced apertures therethrough;

a fifth elongated bracket member, the fifth elongated bracket member being pivotally engaged with the second elongated bracket member at a first end of the fifth elongated bracket member substantially near the second end of the second elongated bracket member, the fifth elongated bracket member for telescopically receiving the fourth elongated bracket member, the fifth elongated bracket member having one or more apertures therethrough, the one or more apertures located substantially near a second end of the fifth elongated bracket member, the one or more apertures in the fifth elongated bracket member for aligning with one or more of the plurality of apertures in the fourth elongated bracket member in order to selectively lock the fourth and fifth elongated bracket members at a selected length;

a second pin for selectively locking the fourth and fifth elongated bracket members at a selected length;

a tee-bar member, the leg of the tee-bar member provided with a plurality of apertures therethrough, the leg of the tee-bar member being telescopically disposed within the second end of the second elongated bracket member such that one or more of the plurality of apertures in the leg align with one or more of the apertures located substantially near the second end of the second elongated bracket member in order to selectively lock the tee-bar member at a selected length, the tee-bar member being disposed in a substantially horizontal position when the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket is engaged with the top horizontal stud of a wall structure, the arm of the tee-bar member supporting the collapsible hanging scaffold bracket against the wall structure; and

a third pin for selectively locking the tee-bar member at a selected length.