Scaffold device

Abstract

A scaffold device is disclosed that comprises a vertical member having a hanger portion, an adjustable horizontal support having an interior member being connected to the vertical member and an exterior member being adjustable relative to the interior member, and a cross member being connected to the vertical member and the exterior member.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a scaffold device, and more specifically, to an adjustable scaffold device to be suspended from a top of a wall.

Scaffolds are devices that are used to allow workmen to work at various heights or locations when constructing a building. For example, scaffolding may consist of an elaborate formation of posts, rods, connectors, and planks with the planks used to support one or more workers along a horizontal work surface. Scaffolds are used instead of ladders and provide a platform on which a worker may safely stand for constructing the building or structure. Although such scaffolding is useful, it takes a large amount of time to construct at the jobsite and remove the scaffolding from the jobsite. In order to solve this problem, there have been developed or proposed various scaffold devices or brackets that are used to assemble scaffolding at a jobsite. Some of these scaffold devices are collapsible or folded into a flat package for transportation or storage. However, such devices or brackets are not adjustable and only provide for a small platform or horizontal work surface. There are times when a larger work surface or platform is necessary for better work conditions or safety. For example, it would be beneficial if the work surface is wide enough to allow two workers to pass without one of the workers having to move out of the way to allow passage of the other worker. None of the prior devices provide for the ability to adjust or expand the work surface.

It would be advantageous and desirable to have a scaffold device that is adjustable. The present invention is designed to obviate and overcome many of the disadvantages and shortcomings associated with present scaffold devices or brackets. In particular, the present invention provides the ability to adjust the width of a horizontal surface to provide various sized platforms or work surfaces for one or more workmen. The present invention also provides a scaffold device that is adjustable and can be folded or disassembled into a unit for easy transportation or storage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one form of the present invention, a scaffold device comprises a vertical member having a hanger portion, an adjustable horizontal support having an interior member being connected to the vertical member and an exterior member being adjustable relative to the interior member, and a cross member being connected to the vertical member and the exterior member.

In another form of the present invention, a scaffold device for suspending from a wall comprises a vertical member having an adjustable hanger portion, an adjustable horizontal support having an interior member being connected to the vertical member and an exterior member telescoping from the interior member and adjustable relative to the interior member, and a cross member being connected to the vertical member and the exterior member.

In still another form of the present invention, a scaffold device for suspending from a wall comprises a vertical member having an adjustable hanger portion, an adjustable horizontal support having an interior member being connected to the vertical member and an exterior member telescoping from the interior member and adjustable relative to the interior member, a cross member being connected to the vertical member and the exterior member, and a fastener for connecting the cross member to the exterior member and for securing the interior member to the exterior member.

In light of the foregoing comments, it will be recognized that a principal object of the present invention is to provide a scaffold device that is of simple construction and design and which can be easily employed with highly reliable results.

Another object of the present invention is to provide scaffold device that is easy to use in both residential and commercial projects or applications.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a scaffold device that is adjustable to form various configurations for various uses and can be supported at various heights and depths along a wall structure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a scaffold device that can be used to construct scaffolding for supporting horizontal members that are used to support workers.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a scaffold device that is capable of locking horizontal members in place to prevent movement of the horizontal members.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a scaffold device that can be suspended from a top of a wall with the wall having varying thicknesses.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a scaffold device that is collapsible for easy storage and transportation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a scaffold device that is easy to assemble and disassemble without the use of any special tools.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after considering the following detailed specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a scaffold device constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the scaffold device constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the scaffold device constructed according to the present invention in a collapsed state;

FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of the scaffold device constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the scaffold device constructed according to the present invention engaged on an upper wall portion of a structure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective exploded view of another preferred embodiment of a scaffold device constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a pin being inserted into the scaffold device shown in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is perspective view of a bracket that may be attached to the scaffold device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like items, number 10 identifies a preferred embodiment of a scaffold device constructed according to the present invention. With reference now to FIG. 1, the scaffold device 10 comprises a main vertical support member 12, an adjustable horizontal support member 14, a cross member 16, and an adjustable hanger assembly 18. The main vertical support member 12 consists of a channel member 20 having a plurality of apertures 22 spaced along the member 12. The adjustable horizontal support member 14 has an exterior member 24 and an interior member 26. The adjustable hanger assembly 18 has an adjustable hanger portion 28 and a hanger member 30 that have a number of apertures 32.

The cross member 16 has a first end 34 that is adapted to be connected to the member 12 by use of fasteners 36. The fasteners 36 may include pins, cotter pins, clevis pins, bolts, nuts, or other like fasteners. The fastener 36 is inserted into one of the apertures 22, through the end 34, and through another aperture 22. The end 34 fits within the channel member 20. The cross member 16 has a second end 38 that is connected to the exterior member 24 and the interior member 26 of the support member 14 by use of fasteners 40. The end 38 is adapted to fit along the outside of the member 24 and the end 38 abuts against the exterior member 24. The fasteners 40 are the same as the fasteners 36.

The exterior member 24 of the adjustable horizontal support member 14 is sized and shaped to have the interior member 26 fit within the member 24. In this manner, the exterior member 24 is able to slide or telescope away or toward the support member 12. By moving or sliding the exterior member 24 relative to the interior member 26, the adjustable horizontal support member 14 is adjustable to present a larger or a smaller surface. The interior member 26 has an end 42 that fits within the channel member 20 of the support member 12. The end 42 is secured or connected to the member 12 by use of fasteners 44.

The exterior member 24 has a stop plate 46 connected or welded to an end 48 of the exterior member 24. The plate 46 serves a few purposes with one being to act as a stop for a plank (not shown) that is placed on the adjustable horizontal member 14. The stop plate 46 prevents a plank from sliding off of the support member 14. Another purpose of the plate 46 is to stop or prevent the interior member 26 from going through the exterior member 24.

The adjustable hanger assembly 18 has the adjustable hanger portion 28 connected to the hanger member 30 of the vertical member 12 by use of a fastener 50. The fastener 50 is adapted to fit through the apertures 32 in the hanger member 30 and also apertures (not shown) in the hanger portion 28. The hanger assembly 18 may be adjusted to fit various type construction configurations, as will be explained further herein. Further, although the hanger assembly 18 is shown and described as being adjustable, it is also possible that the hanger assembly 18 not be adjustable or movable. In this particular situation the hanger portion 28 may be welded to the hanger member 30 or the hanger portion 28 and the hanger member 30 may be a unitary construction.

The adjustable hanger assembly 18 is adapted to be adjustable to fit various widths or thicknesses of construction components. For example, the adjustable hanger assembly 18 may be able to span studs of 2×4, 2×6, 2×8, 2×10, or 2×12 wall thicknesses. Further, the dimension of the adjustable hanger assembly 18 should be able to span various sizes of masonry or concrete block constructed structures. In particular, a concrete block having a thickness of 8 inches may be typical and the adjustable hanger assembly 18 should be sized to accommodate this structure.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the scaffold device 10. The hanger member 30 of the adjustable hanger assembly 18 may be formed as part of the vertical member 12 or may be welded to the vertical member 12. The adjustable hanger portion 28 is an U-shaped bracket having a rest portion 52 against which a construction structure, such as a wall, is adapted to rest against or abut. The hanger portion 28 may be adjusted by moving it along the hanger member 30 at various locations or positions where the apertures 32 are located. In this manner the hanger portion 28 is adjustable to be able to be positioned on various sized structures.

The horizontal support member 14 has the interior member 26 fitted within the exterior member 24. In this manner the exterior member 24 is able to slide along the interior member 26. The exterior member 24 has a plurality of apertures 54 positioned along a side 56 for positioned the exterior member 24 relative to the interior member 26. The exterior member 24 and the interior member 26 are shown having a rectangular configuration or cross section, but it is contemplated that the members 24 and 26 may have different shapes or configurations such as cylindrical or triangular. The cross section of the exterior member 24 is larger than the cross section of the interior member 26 to allow the exterior member 24 to freely slide over the interior member 26. The stop 46 is shown to extend above the exterior member 24. This insures that a plank will not slide off the end of the exterior member 24 and it also stops the interior member 26.

The cross member 16 is connected at the end 34 to the main support 12 by use of the fastener 36. The end 38 is connected to the exterior member 24 by use of the fastener 40. The end 38 has a generally circular shape that does not extend above the exterior member 24. This insures that any plank placed on the exterior member 24 will be level and the end 38 will not interfere with any plank.

With reference now to FIG. 3, the scaffold device 10 is shown in a collapsed or folded state that may be used to store or transport the device 10. In this particular arrangement, the device 10 has the cross member 16 fitted within the channel member 20 of the main support 12. The end 36 is secured to the main support 12 by use of the fastener 36. The interior member 26 has the end 42 connected to the main support 12 by use of the fastener 44. The end 42 is cylindrical in shape and may be welded to the interior member 26. The interior member 26 is fitted within the exterior member 24. The end 48 of the exterior member 24 is secured to the main support 12 by use of the fastener 40. The stop 46 extends up from the main support 12. The cross member 16 has a cross section that is larger than the exterior member 24 and the exterior member 24 is able to nest within the cross member 16 in the folded position. In this manner the cross member 16, the exterior member 24, and the interior member 26 are all held in place. Further, the fastener 50 is used to secure the hanger assembly 18. The hanger assembly 18 may be used as a handle to lift and carry the device 10.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the scaffold device 10 and the various component parts thereof. The hanger assembly 18 has the adjustable hanger portion 28 that may be connected to the hanger member 30. The adjustable hanger portion 28 has apertures 60 that are adapted to receive the fastener 50. The fastener 50 may consist of a pin 62 having a head portion 64 and a shank 66 having an opening 68 for receiving a cross pin 70. As can be appreciated, the shank 66 is inserted through the aperture 60 of the hanger portion 28, the aperture 32 of the hanger member 30, the aperture 32 on the opposite end of the hanger member 30, and the other aperture 60 of the hanger portion 28. Once the pin 62 has been fully inserted, the head portion 64 abuts the hanger portion 28 and the cross pin 70 is inserted into the opening 68 to secure the fastener 50 in place. The other fasteners 36, 40, and 44 may be of the same construction and components as the fastener 50.

The end 42 of the interior member 26 has a pair of apertures 72, one of which is visible in this particular view. The apertures 72 are adapted to receive the fastener 36. The interior member 26 also has a number of apertures that are adapted to receive the fastener 40 that is used to secure the cross member 16 and the exterior member 24. Although not depicted in this view, it is to be understood that there are apertures 74 along the other side of the interior member 26 which are opposite to the apertures 74. The interior member 26 is shown to be hollow and also small enough to fit within the exterior member 24. In this manner the exterior member 24 is able to slide along the interior member 26 to adjust the exterior member 24. The cross member 16 has a pair of apertures 76 at an end 78 of the cross member 16. The apertures 76 may receive the fastener 36 to secure the end 78 of the cross member 16 to the main support 12. The other end 38 of the cross member 16 is provided with a pair of apertures 80 that are used to receive the fastener 40. The fastener 40 is used to secure the cross member to the exterior member 24 and to secure the interior member 26 within the exterior member 24. The end 38 also has circular or rounded ear portions 82.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a pair of scaffold devices 10 is shown being suspended from a joist 100 of a wall 102. The adjustable hanger assembly 18 is used to hang or suspend the devices 10 from the joist 100. Further, a plank 104 is placed on the support members 14 and the stops 46 are used to prevent the plank 104 from falling off of the devices 10. The horizontal support members 14 may be adjusted to accept larger planks 104 by repositioning the exterior member 24 relative to the interior member 26. Also, the horizontal support members 14 may be adjusted to accept smaller planks 104 by sliding the exterior member 24 toward the interior member 26. It is further contemplated that more than one plank may be positioned on the support members 14 to have a larger or smaller work surface as is required for a job. Although not shown, it is also possible that the exterior member 24 may have a series of apertures along a top surface of the member 24 to accept pins that are adapted to hold a pair of planks 104 in place. This will prevent movement of the planks 104 when a worker is walking on the planks 104. It is also possible and contemplated that the main support 12 may have an aperture near the bottom end of the channel member 20 to allow a worker to place a nail through the aperture to secure the main support 12 in place against the wall 102.

In operation, a worker transports one or more of the scaffold devices 10 to a worksite and then disassembles the scaffold device 10 from the folded condition or state, as was shown and described with reference to FIG. 3. Once the component parts have been separated, the adjustable hanger portion 18 is adjusted to be able to fit over the structure, such as the joist 100 of the wall 102, to which the device 10 will be suspended. Once in place the interior member 26 is placed at a desired height by choosing one pair of the apertures 22 and inserting the fastener 44. Once the position of the interior member 26 has been selected, the exterior member 24 is placed over the interior member 24 and adjusted to the desired width for a work surface or the width of one or more of the planks 104. The end 78 of the cross member 16 is positioned in the channel member 20 and secured in place by the use of the fastener 36. The other end 38 of the cross member 16 is then positioned to abut the exterior member 24. The fastener 40 is used to secure the end 38 of the cross member 16 to the exterior member 24 and the interior member 26 is also secured to the exterior member 24. The planks 104 may now be positioned on the horizontal members 14 and a worker may walk or work on the planks 104. A worker may easily use the device 10 for construction purposes on rafters, joists, a roof, siding, gutters, or fascia boards. As was discussed previously, a worker may also nail or secure the main support 12 to the wall 102. The scaffold devices 10 may be left in place and may be taken down when the job has been completed. Once taken down, the device 10 may be folded and secured as has been discussed. It is also possible that the device 10 may be placed on the wall prior to the wall being erected. For example, the wall may be fabricated on the ground and prior to the wall being moved into an upright position and secured in place, the device 10 may be attached.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of another preferred embodiment of a scaffold device 120 constructed according to the present invention. The scaffold device 120 comprises a main vertical support member 122, an adjustable horizontal support member 124, a cross member 126, and an adjustable hanger assembly 128. The main vertical support member 122 consists of a channel member 130 having a plurality of apertures 132 spaced along the member 122. The adjustable horizontal support member 124 has an exterior member 134 and an interior member 136. The adjustable hanger assembly 128 has an adjustable hanger portion 138 and a hanger member 140. The hanger assembly 128 has a pair of apertures 142 and 144 and the hanger member 140 has apertures 146 that are adapted to mate with the apertures 142 and 144.

The exterior member 134 of the adjustable horizontal support member 124 is sized and shaped to receive the interior member 136 fit within the member 134. In this manner, the exterior member 134 is able to slide or telescope away or toward the support member 122. By moving or sliding the exterior member 134 relative to the interior member 136, the adjustable horizontal support member 124 is adjustable to present a larger or a smaller surface upon which one or more planks may be placed. The interior member 136 has an end 138 that fits within the channel member 130 of the support member 122. The end 138 is secured or connected to the member 122 by use of fasteners 140.

The exterior member 134 has a stop plate 142 connected or welded to an end 144 of the exterior member 134. The plate 142 serves a few purposes with one being to act as a stop for a plank (not shown) that is placed on the adjustable horizontal member 124. The stop plate 142 prevents a plank from sliding off of the support member 124. Another purpose of the plate 142 is to stop or prevent the interior member 136 from going through the exterior member 134.

The horizontal support member 124 is capable of having the interior member 136 fitted within the exterior member 134. In this manner the exterior member 134 is able to slide along the interior member 136 to adjust the size of the horizontal support ember 124. The exterior member 134 has a plurality of apertures 146 positioned along a side 148 for positioning the exterior member 134 relative to the interior member 136. Although not shown in this particular view, there are opposite apertures along an opposite side 150 of the exterior member 134. The apertures 146 and the apertures (not shown) along the side 150 are in alignment with each other. The exterior member 134 also has a top 152 having a plurality of apertures 154 positioned along the top 152. The apertures 154 are provided for receiving a pin 156 that is used to retain or space planks placed on the horizontal member 124.

The exterior member 134 and the interior member 136 are shown having a rectangular configuration or cross section, but it is contemplated that the members 134 and 136 may have different shapes or configurations such as cylindrical or triangular. The cross section of the exterior member 134 is larger than the cross section of the interior member 136 to allow the exterior member 134 to freely slide over the interior member 136. The stop 142 is shown to extend above the exterior member 134. This insures that a plank will not slide off the end 144 of the exterior member 134 and it also stops the interior member 136.

The end 138 of the interior member 136 has a pair of apertures 158, one of which is visible in this particular view. The apertures 159 are adapted to mate or be aligned with the apertures 132 and also receive the fastener 140. The interior member 136 also has a number of apertures 160 located along a side 162 of the interior member 136. The apertures 160 may be aligned with the apertures 146 of the exterior member 134. The interior member also has a series of apertures 164 along a top 166. The apertures 164 may be aligned with the apertures 154 of the exterior member 134 to receive one or more of the pins 156. This will be shown in further detail herein. Although not depicted in this particular view, it is to be understood that there are apertures along a side 168 that is opposite to the side 162. The interior member 136 is shown to be hollow and also small enough to fit within the exterior member 134. In this manner the exterior member 134 is able to slide along the interior member 136 to adjust the length or depth of the horizontal support member 124.

The cross member 126 has an end 170 that is adapted to be connected to the main support 122 by use of a fastener 172. The end 170 has a pair of apertures 174 through which the fastener 172 is inserted. The cross member 126 also has an opposite end 176 that has a pair of apertures 178. The end 176 may be connected to the exterior member 134 by use of a fastener 180. The fastener 180 is also used to fasten or hold the interior member 136 within the exterior member 134. In particular, the fastener 180 may be placed through apertures 146 and 160. The end 176 has a generally circular shape that does not extend above the exterior member 134. This insures that any plank placed on the exterior member 134 will be level and the end 180 will not interfere with any plank.

With reference now to FIG. 7, an enlarged cross sectional view of one of the pins 156 inserted into the exterior member 134 and the interior member 136 is shown. The pin 156 is inserted into the aperture 154 of the exterior member 134 and the aperture 164 of the interior member 136. The pin 156 has a bottom surface 190 that abuts or rests against a surface 192 of the interior member 136. A plank 194 is shown resting against the pin 156. In this manner, the pin 156 acts as a stop that prevents the plank 194 from moving when the plank 194 is positioned on the device 120.

FIG. 8 shows a bracket 200 that may be attached to the stop 46 that is hidden in this view. The bracket 200 is adapted to fit over the stop 46 and a piece of lumber 202, such as a 2×4, is fitted into the bracket 200. The piece of lumber 202 may be secured within the bracket 200 by use of a nail 204 being driven through an aperture 206 in the bracket 200. Other scaffold devices 10 may be fitted with the bracket 200 and the lumber 202. A cross piece of lumber (not shown) may be nailed to the pieces of lumber 202 to form a railing for safety purposes.

It should be further recognized that the scaffold devices 10 and 120 of the present invention can be constructed of various materials and can be assembled from separable components. Preferably, the scaffold devices 10 and 120 will be constructed from a high strength material so that if can support one or more workers during use. It is also contemplated that the scaffold device 10 be constructed of a material so that if can be easily positioned, secured in place, removed, and transported elsewhere for storage or use.

Further, there may be times when the structure the scaffold device 10 is suspended from is not level. It is possible for the scaffold device 10, and even the device 120, of the present invention to be adjusted in numerous positions to accommodate for different angles and to level a work surface. In particular, the cross member 16 may be positioned closer to the horizontal support member 14 by use of the apertures 22 in the main support 12.

From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thus been shown and described herein a scaffold device which fulfills the various objects and advantages sought therefor. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the subject scaffold device are possible and contemplated. All changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention, which is limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A scaffold device comprising:

a vertical member having a hanger portion;

an adjustable horizontal support having an interior member being connected to the vertical member and an exterior member being adjustable relative to the interior member; and

a cross member being connected to the vertical member and the exterior member.

2. The scaffold device of claim 1 wherein the interior member is adapted to fit within the exterior member.

3. The scaffold device of claim 1 wherein the interior member has an aperture and the exterior member has a plurality of apertures with the aperture of the interior member being capable of mating with one of the apertures of the exterior member.

4. The scaffold device of claim 1 wherein the exterior member has a top portion having a plurality of apertures for each receiving a retaining pin.

5. The scaffold device of claim 4 wherein the interior member has a top portion having a plurality of apertures for alignment with the apertures in the top portion of the exterior member for receiving the retaining pin.

6. The scaffold device of claim 1 wherein the exterior member has a stop at an end of the exterior member.

7. The scaffold device of claim 1 wherein the vertical member has a plurality of apertures for connecting the adjustable horizontal support and the cross members along several of the apertures.

8. The scaffold device of claim 1 wherein an end of the cross member abuts against the exterior member.

9. The scaffold device of claim 1 wherein the vertical member is sized and shaped to house the adjustable horizontal support and the cross member when the scaffold device is in a folded state.

10. A scaffold device for suspending from a wall comprising:

a vertical member having an adjustable hanger portion;

an adjustable horizontal support having an interior member being connected to the vertical member and an exterior member telescoping from the interior member and adjustable relative to the interior member; and

a cross member being connected to the vertical member and the exterior member.

11. The scaffold device of claim 10 wherein the interior member has an aperture and the exterior member has a plurality of apertures with the aperture of the interior member being capable of mating with one of the apertures of the exterior member.

12. The scaffold device of claim 10 wherein the exterior member has a stop at an end of the exterior member.

13. The scaffold device of claim 12 wherein the stop prevents the interior member from going through the exterior member.

14. The scaffold device of claim 10 wherein the exterior member has a plurality of apertures and the interior member has a plurality of apertures with one of the apertures of the interior member being capable of mating with one of the apertures of the exterior member.

15. The scaffold device of claim 10 wherein an end of the cross member abuts against the exterior member.

16. The scaffold device of claim 10 wherein the vertical member is sized and shaped to house the adjustable horizontal support and the cross member when the scaffold device is in a folded state.

17. A scaffold device for suspending from a wall comprising:

a vertical member having an adjustable hanger portion;

an adjustable horizontal support having an interior member being connected to the vertical member and an exterior member telescoping from the interior member and adjustable relative to the interior member;

a cross member being connected to the vertical member and the exterior member; and

a fastener for connecting the cross member to the exterior member and for securing the interior member to the exterior member.

18. The scaffold device of claim 17 wherein the exterior member has a stop at an end of the exterior member.

19. The scaffold device of claim 18 wherein the stop prevents the interior member from going through the exterior member.

20. The scaffold device of claim 17 wherein the vertical member is sized and shaped to house the adjustable horizontal support and the cross member when the scaffold device is in a folded state.