U.S. patent application number 10/226054 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-09 for shoring system apparatus and method for shoring.
Invention is credited to Lanka, Richard.
Application Number | 20030190197 10/226054 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28678011 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030190197 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lanka, Richard |
October 9, 2003 |
Shoring system apparatus and method for shoring
Abstract
A shoring system to selectively support from below an elevated,
relatively horizontal surface is provided. The shoring system
includes a first vertical support member, a first vertical length
adjuster disposed in the first support member, a second vertical
support member spaced apart from and parallel to the first support
member, a second vertical length adjuster disposed in the second
support member and two horizontal structural members spaced apart
from and parallel to each other. The first vertical support member,
first vertical length adjuster, second vertical support member and
second vertical length adjuster each connect to the two horizontal
structural members so as to form a rectangular configuration. A
method for shoring an elevated horizontal surface is also
provided.
Inventors: |
Lanka, Richard; (Twinsburg,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FAY, SHARPE, FAGAN,
MINNICH & McKEE, LLP
Seventh Floor
1100 Superior Avenue
Cleveland
OH
44114-2518
US
|
Family ID: |
28678011 |
Appl. No.: |
10/226054 |
Filed: |
August 22, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60373307 |
Apr 8, 2002 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
405/272 ;
405/282 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 25/061 20130101;
E04G 25/00 20130101; E04G 25/06 20130101; E04G 25/065 20130101;
E04G 23/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/272 ;
405/282 |
International
Class: |
E02D 029/00; E21D
005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A shoring system to selectively support from below an elevated
surface, comprising: a first vertical support member; a first
vertical length adjuster disposed in the first support member; a
second vertical support member spaced apart from and parallel to
the first support member; a second vertical length adjuster
disposed in the second support member; and two horizontal
structural members spaced apart from and parallel to each other,
wherein the first vertical support member, first vertical length
adjuster, second vertical support member and second vertical length
adjuster each connect to the two horizontal structural members so
as to form a rectangular configuration.
2. The shoring system of claim 1, wherein at least one horizontal
structural member includes: a horizontal support member; a
horizontal length adjuster disposed in the first support member; a
base plate connected to one of the horizontal support member and
the horizontal length adjuster.
3. The shoring system of claim 1, wherein at least one horizontal
structural member includes a main frame.
4. A shoring system to selectively support from below an elevated
horizontal surface, comprising: a first support member; a first
length adjuster disposed in the first support member; a second
support member spaced apart from and parallel to the first support
member; a second length adjuster disposed in the second support
member; and two main frames spaced apart from and parallel to each
other, wherein the first support member, first length adjuster,
second support member and second length adjuster each connect to
the two main frames so as to form a rectangular configuration.
5. The shoring system of claim 4, wherein at least one of the first
and second support members comprises a support leg.
6. The shoring system of claim 4, wherein at least one of the first
and second support members comprises an extension.
7. The shoring system of claim 4, further comprising a cross member
disposed between the first support member and the second support
member, extending in a diagonal manner and connecting to each main
frame.
8. The shoring system of claim 4, wherein the two main frames
include a first main frame and a second main frame, and the first
and second support members connect to opposing ends of the first
main frame.
9. The shoring system of claim 4, wherein the connections are
removable.
10. The shoring system of claim 9, wherein the connections include
pins.
11. A shoring system to selectively support from below an elevated
surface, comprising: a first main frame including a first end and a
second end; a second main frame including a first end and a second
end, wherein the first end of the second main frame is spaced apart
from and aligned with the first end of the first main frame, and
the second end of the second main frame is spaced apart from and
aligned with the second end of the first main frame; a first
support leg connected to the first end of the first main frame; a
second support leg connected to the second end of the first main
frame; a first adjuster leg disposed in the first support leg and
connected to the first end of the second main frame; a second
adjuster leg disposed in the second support leg and connected to
the second end of the second main frame; and a cross member
connected to and extending from the first main frame to the second
main frame.
12. The shoring system of claim 11, wherein the cross member
extends from the first end of the first main frame to the second
end of the second main frame.
13. The shoring system of claim 11, wherein the cross member is an
extension.
14. The shoring system of claim 11, wherein at least one of the
first and second adjuster legs includes an adjustable screw.
15. A laced post shoring system to selectively support from below
an elevated surface, comprising: (a) a first shoring system,
including: a first support member; a first length adjuster disposed
in the first support member; a second support member spaced apart
from and parallel to the first support member; a second length
adjuster disposed in the second support member; and two main frames
spaced apart from and parallel to each other, wherein the first
support member, first length adjuster, second support member and
second length adjuster each connect to the two main frames so as to
form a rectangular configuration; (b) a second shoring system
spaced apart from and parallel to the first shoring system,
including: a first support member; a first length adjuster disposed
in the first support member; a second support member spaced apart
from and parallel to the first support member; a second length
adjuster disposed in the second support member; and two main frames
spaced apart from and parallel to each other, wherein the first
support member, first length adjuster, second support member and
second length adjuster each connect to the two main frames so as to
form a rectangular configuration; (c) cross braces extending
between the first shoring system and the second shoring system; and
(d) securing means to connect the cross braces to each of the first
shoring system and the second shoring system.
16. The laced post shoring system of claim 15, wherein at least one
of the first and second support members in at least one of the
first or second shoring system comprises a support leg.
17. The laced post shoring system of claim 15, wherein at least one
of the first and second support members in at least one of the
first or second shoring system comprises an extension.
18. The laced post shoring system of claim 15, further comprising a
cross member in each of the first and second shoring systems,
wherein the cross member is disposed between the first support
member and the second support member and extends in a diagonal
manner and connecting to each main frame of the respective first or
second shoring system.
19. The laced post shoring system of claim 15, wherein the securing
means includes a bracket.
20. The laced post shoring system of claim 15, wherein the securing
means includes a clamp.
21. A method for shoring an elevated horizontal surface from below,
comprising the steps of: placing a first main frame including a
first end and a second end on a stable horizontal surface;
connecting a first support leg to the first end of the first main
frame; connecting a second support leg to the second end of the
first main frame; inserting a first adjuster leg into the first
support leg; securing the first adjuster leg in the first support
leg; inserting a second adjuster leg into the second support leg;
securing the second adjuster leg in the second support leg;
providing a second main frame having a first end and a second end;
connecting the first adjuster leg to the first end of the second
main frame; connecting the second adjuster leg to the second end of
the second main frame; adjusting the length of the first adjuster
leg; and adjusting the length of the second adjuster leg.
22. The method for shoring an elevated horizontal surface of claim
21, further comprising the steps of: providing a diagonal support
member; inserting a third adjuster leg into the diagonal support
member; securing the third adjuster leg in the diagonal support
member; connecting the diagonal support member to the first main
frame; adjusting the length of the third adjuster; and connecting
the third adjuster to the second main frame.
23. The method for shoring an elevated horizontal surface of claim
22, wherein the diagonal support member is one of a support leg and
an extension.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
application Serial No. 60/373,307, filed on Apr. 8, 2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the art of shoring systems
that are used to stabilize structures. More particularly, the
present invention relates to a shoring system for use in
stabilizing a relatively horizontal surface of a structure from
below.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] When a catastrophic event, accident or force of nature, such
as an earthquake, tornado, hurricane, flood, fire, or snow load
occurs, building structures are often weakened. Such weakened
structures may suddenly shift or collapse, endangering rescue
workers, inspectors or other people in the vicinity. In addition, a
shift or collapse may affect other structures that are nearby,
either by hitting and directly damaging them or by weakening a
common or adjacent foundation.
[0004] As a result, it is often necessary to support a weakened
structure, commonly termed "shoring," quickly, yet securely. In
addition, shoring is a task that is often performed by rescue
personnel, who may be engaged in multiple tasks simultaneously,
such as extinguishing a fire, attending to victims and shoring a
structure. Thus, a shoring system must be capable of being
assembled quickly and easily.
[0005] It is also necessary for a shoring system to be transported
easily, so that the rescue workers can bring the system in an
emergency vehicle as close to the accident scene as possible and
then hand-carry it to the exact location where it will be
assembled. Although a shoring system that is light is easily
transported, the system must still be strong to support the heavy
load of a building structure for a fairly long period of time
(often up to a few weeks or longer).
[0006] Because the shoring system will be used to support a variety
of relatively horizontal structures such as floors, ceilings,
porches, roofs, decks and garage openings, the system must also be
adjustable. The adjustment must be easy and quick to perform, as a
relatively precise fit between a stable surface and the surface to
be supported is necessary to hold the shoring system in place,
thereby allowing it to function properly.
[0007] A shoring system must also be dependable, as it may be used
repeatedly throughout its lifetime. As a result, it is often
desirable to have the shoring system include components that rely
on mechanical force, rather than on electronic, pneumatic or
hydraulic components.
[0008] Shoring systems of the prior art often include wood, such as
two-by-four (2.times.4) or four-by-four (4.times.4) beams and
pieces of plywood, that are nailed or wedged together in between a
stable surface and the surface to be supported. These systems lack
adjustability and are not durable, often being discarded after one
shoring use.
[0009] It is therefore desirable to develop a shoring system that
is strong, durable, adjustable and reusable, yet easy to set up and
to transport.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a
shoring system to selectively support from below an elevated,
relatively horizontal surface is provided. The shoring system
includes a first vertical support member, a first vertical length
adjuster disposed in the first support member, a second vertical
support member spaced apart from and parallel to the first support
member, a second vertical length adjuster disposed in the second
support member and two horizontal structural members spaced apart
from and parallel to each other. The first vertical support member,
first vertical length adjuster, second vertical support member and
second vertical length adjuster each connect to the two horizontal
structural members so as to form a rectangular configuration.
[0011] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a
shoring system to selectively support from below an elevated
surface is provided. The shoring system includes a first main frame
with a first end and a second end and a second main frame with a
first end and a second end. The first end of the second main frame
is spaced apart from and aligned with the first end of the first
main frame. The second end of the second main frame is spaced apart
from and aligned with the second end of the first main frame. A
first support leg is connected to the first end of the first main
frame and a second support leg is connected to the second end of
the first main frame. A first adjuster leg is disposed in the first
support leg and connected to the first end of the second main frame
and a second adjuster leg is disposed in the second support leg and
connected to the second end of the second main frame. A cross
member is connected to and extends from the first main frame to the
second main frame.
[0012] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a laced post shoring system to selectively support from
below an elevated, relatively horizontal surface is provided. The
laced post system includes a first shoring system, that includes a
first support member, a first length adjuster disposed in the first
support member, a second support member spaced apart from and
parallel to the first support member, a second length adjuster
disposed in the second support member, and two main frames spaced
apart from and parallel to each other. The first support member,
first length adjuster, second support member and second length
adjuster each connect to the two main frames so as to form a
rectangular configuration. The laced post system also includes a
second shoring system spaced apart from and parallel to the first
shoring system, including a first support member, a first length
adjuster disposed in the first support member, a second support
member spaced apart from and parallel to the first support member,
a second length adjuster disposed in the second support member, and
two main frames spaced apart from and parallel to each other. The
first support member, first length adjuster, second support member
and second length adjuster each connect to the two main frames so
as to form a rectangular configuration. The laced post system also
includes cross braces that extend between the first shoring system
and the second shoring system and securing means to connect the
cross braces to each of the first shoring system and the second
shoring system.
[0013] In still another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a method for shoring an elevated, relatively horizontal
surface from below is provided. The method includes the steps of
placing a first main frame including a first end and a second end
on a stable horizontal surface, connecting a first support leg to
the first end of the first main frame, connecting a second support
leg to the second end of the first main frame, inserting a first
adjuster leg into the first support leg, securing the first
adjuster leg in the first support leg, inserting a second adjuster
leg into the second support leg, securing the second adjuster leg
in the second support leg, providing a second main frame having a
first end and a second end, connecting the first adjuster leg to
the first end of the second main frame, connecting the second
adjuster leg to the second end of the second main frame, adjusting
the length of the first adjuster leg, and adjusting the length of
the second adjuster leg.
[0014] There are other objects and features of the invention, which
will be apparent from the following description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0015] The following is a brief description of the drawings, which
are presented for the purpose of illustrating the invention and not
for the purpose of limiting the same, and wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a front view of an assembled embodiment of the
invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a component of the
embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another component of the
embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of yet another component of the
embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view, partially in section, of a portion of
the component shown in FIG. 4;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of still another component of
the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a front view of another assembled embodiment of
the invention;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a front view of yet another assembled embodiment
of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a front view of a possible component of the
embodiment of FIG. 8;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a front view of another possible component of the
embodiment of FIG. 8;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a side view along line F11-F11 of the possible
component of FIG. 10;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a front view of still another assembled
embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a component of the
embodiment of FIG. 12;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a front view of several components of the present
invention folded for storage and/or transport; and
[0030] FIG. 15 is a side view of the several components of FIG.
14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention and
not for the purpose of particularly limiting the same, FIG. 1
illustrates a shoring system 10 to support a relatively horizontal
structure from below. At least one main frame 12 is connected to at
least one support leg 14. Each support leg 14 receives an adjuster
leg 16 which may then connect to a separate main frame 12. The
connections may be removable and may be facilitated by pins 18 or
other similar means, such as bolts. It is to be noted that the
support leg 14 may be interchangeable with an extension 64 (see,
for example, FIGS. 6 and 7), to be described below.
[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, two opposing main frames 12
extend in a parallel manner and cooperate with two support legs 14
and two adjuster legs 16 to form a square or rectangular structure.
Because removable pins 18 (referring back to FIG. 1) may be used to
connect the members, shifting or collapse of the configuration is
prevented by another support leg 14 or other member (such as an
extension 64, which is shown and will be described in detail below)
that receives an adjuster leg 16 and connects to the opposing main
frames 12 in a diagonal manner.
[0033] Turning now to FIG. 2, the main frame 12 includes a planar
surface 20 that is typically placed against a stable support
surface, such as the ground, or against the structure to be
supported. Extending from the planar surface 20 are parallel first
22 and second 24 sides and a first end 26 and second end 28. At the
first end 26, flanges 30 may be present which allow multiple main
frames 12 to be fastened together. The planar surface 20, first
side 22, second side 24, first end 26 and second end 28 cooperate
to define a channel 32 where the support legs 14 and adjuster legs
16 may be received. The first 22 and second 24 sides define
orifices 34 that may receive pins, bolts or other fasteners 18
(FIG. 1) to secure the support legs 14 and/or the adjuster legs 16
to the main frame 12.
[0034] With reference to FIG. 3, the support leg 14 may include a
cylindrical configuration having a first end 36 and a second end
38. Shoulders 40 may be included near the first end 36 to allow the
support leg 14 to fit relatively close between the sides 22 and 24
of the main frame 12 (FIG. 2), thereby reducing any tendency of the
support leg 14 to shift along the length of a pin when fastened to
the main frame 12. The support leg 14 may define multiple sets of
orifices 42 and 44 to allow pins or fasteners 18 (FIG. 1) to be
inserted in order to secure the support tube 14 to the main frame
12, or to secure other items to the support tube 12, as will be
shown below. The support tube 14 also defines an inner diameter 46
to receive the adjuster leg 16 (FIG. 1).
[0035] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the adjuster leg 16
includes a body 48 having an outer diameter that is slightly less
than the inner diameter 46 of the support leg 14 (FIG. 3), thereby
allowing the adjuster leg 16 to slide inside of the support leg 14.
The adjuster leg 16 includes a first end 50 and a second end 52.
The first end 50 is typically inserted into the support leg 14,
while a tapped end cap 54 at the second end 52 prevents the
adjuster leg 16 from sliding completely within the support leg
14.
[0036] The body 48 of the adjuster leg 16 defines multiple sets of
orifices 56 that at least partially correspond to some of the
orifices 44 that are defined in the support leg 14 to provide
length adjustment. In this manner, a desired set of orifices 54 in
the adjuster leg 16 may be aligned with a set of orifices 44 in the
support leg 14 and a pin or other fastener 18 (FIG. 1) may be
inserted through the aligned sets of orifices 44 and 54 to secure
the adjuster leg 16 to the support leg 14 in a position that
creates a desired overall length.
[0037] For fine adjustment of the length of the adjuster leg 16, a
screw 58 engages the tapped end cap 54. The screw 58 terminates in
a socket 60 that receives a pin or other fastener 18 (FIG. 1),
thereby allowing the adjuster leg 16 to be removably secured to the
main frame 12. Handles 62 are pivotally connected to the tapped end
cap 54 and allow the tapped end cap 54 to be rotated, causing the
screw 58 to move in or out of the adjuster body 48. Thus, once the
adjuster leg 16 is connected to the support leg 14 at one end and
near the main frame 12 at the other, the handles 62 may be turned
to provide the fine adjustment necessary to allow the socket 60 to
align with a desired orifice 34 in the main frame 12.
[0038] Turning to FIGS. 6 and 7, an extension 64 may be used to
increase the height of the shoring system 74 beyond a distance that
the support legs 14 and the adjuster legs 16 alone may allow, as
well as to provide an additional structural member for support and
control of the system 10 (as shown in FIG. 1). The extension 64 is
generally of an outer dimension approximate to that of the support
leg 14, but also includes a shoulder 66 that is of a dimension that
allows the shoulder 66 to slide inside of the support leg 14. A
first set of orifices 68 may be defined in the shoulder 66 to allow
a pin or other fastener 18 (FIG. 1) to secure the extension 64 to
the main frame 12, if desired (as shown in FIG. 1).
[0039] A second set of orifices 70 may be defined in the shoulder
66 and align with a set of orifices 44 in the support leg 14,
allowing a pin or other fastener 18 to secure the extension 64 to
the support leg 14. A third set of orifices 72 may be defined in
the extension 64 that align with a desired set of orifices 54 in
the adjuster leg 16, allowing an adjustable connection between the
extension 64 and the adjuster 16 that is substantially similar to
that described above for the support leg 14 and the adjuster leg
16. The locations of the orifices 68, 70 and 72 may shift or change
according to specific design requirements. For example, only one
set of the first two sets of orifices 68 and 70 may be present for
some applications, thereby shifting along the shoulder 66 as design
considerations dictate.
[0040] In this manner, the extension 64 removably connects to the
support leg 14 at one end and to the adjuster leg 16 at the other,
providing an overall extension of height. The heightened shoring
system 74 may include one or more successively connected extensions
64 to allow the system 74 to adapt to the height needed to support
a weakened structure. It is to be noted that the extension 64 may
be interchangeable with the support leg 14.
[0041] The above-described shoring system 10 and 74 thus provides a
strong, adjustable structure of modular components for easy storage
and transport. Furthermore, the system 10 and 74 is easily
assembled and adjusted. Accordingly, a method of supporting a
weakened horizontal surface or structure with the shoring system 10
and 74 is disclosed by the above figures, whereby a first main
frame 12 is placed on a substantially stable and generally
horizontal surface.
[0042] The first end 36 of a first support leg 12 is placed into
the channel 32 of the first main frame 12 and the shoulders 40 of
the first support leg 12 are aligned with orifices 34 near the
first end 26 of the first main frame 12 and secured with a pin or
other fastener 18. The first end 36 of a second support leg 12 is
placed into the channel 32 of the first main frame 12 and the
shoulders 40 of the second support leg 12 are aligned with orifices
34 near the second end 28 of the first main frame 12 and secured
with a pin or other fastener 18.
[0043] The first end 50 of a first adjuster leg 16 is placed in the
second end 38 of the first support leg 14 and a set of orifices 54
in the first adjuster leg 16 is aligned with the orifices 44 in the
first support leg 14 to create a desired overall length, whereupon
a pin 18 is inserted through the orifices 44 and 54 to secure the
first adjuster leg 16 to the first support leg 14. The first end 50
of a second adjuster leg 16 is placed in the second end 38 of the
second support leg 14 and a set of orifices 54 in the second
adjuster leg 16 is aligned with the orifices 44 in the second
support leg 14 to create a desired overall length, whereupon a pin
18 is inserted through the orifices 44 and 54 to secure the second
adjuster leg 16 to the second support leg 14.
[0044] A second main frame 12 is placed on the sockets 60 of the
first adjuster leg 16 and the second adjuster leg 16. The socket 60
of the first adjuster leg 16 is aligned with a set of orifices 34
near the first end 26 of the main frame 12 and a pin 18 is inserted
through the aligned orifices 34 and socket 60, securing the first
adjuster leg 16 to the main frame 12. The socket 60 of the second
adjuster leg 16 is aligned with a set of orifices 34 near the
second end 26 of the main frame 12 and a pin 18 is inserted through
the aligned orifices 34 and socket 60, securing the second adjuster
leg 16 to the main frame 12.
[0045] The height of the system 10 and 74 may be adjusted to the
height needed to support the weakened horizontal structure by
turning the handles 62 on the first and second adjuster legs 16 or
realigning and re-pinning the orifices 54 in the adjuster legs 16
with the orifices 44 in the support legs 14, or both.
[0046] Once the height of the system 10 and 74 is set, a third
adjuster leg 16 may be inserted into an extension 66 and a desired
set of orifices 54 in the third adjuster leg 16 aligned with third
set of orifices 72 in the extension 66 and the third adjuster leg
16 pinned to the extension 64. The first set of orifices 68 in the
shoulder 66 of an extension 64 may be aligned with a set of
orifices 34 near the first end 26 of the first main frame 12 and
the extension 64 pinned to the first main frame 12. The position of
the socket 60 of the third adjuster leg 16 is adjusted by turning
the handles 62 or re-pinning the leg 16 until the socket 60 aligns
with a set of orifices 34 near the second end 28 of the second main
frame 12. The socket 60 is pinned in the channel 32 of the second
main frame 12, securing the system 10 and 74.
[0047] The method includes the use of extensions 64 to provide for
increased height of the system 10 and 74. The shoulder 66 of an
extension 64 is inserted into the second end 38 of a corresponding
support leg 14 and pinned, and a corresponding adjuster leg 16 is
inserted into the extension 64 and aligned and pinned at the third
set of orifices 72 in the extension 64.
[0048] The steps of the method of using the shoring system 10 and
74 may be performed in alternate ways. For example, the adjuster
leg 16 may be inserted into the support leg 14 and then the support
leg 14 may be pinned to the main frame 12. In addition, the
components may be inverted, such as the first and second adjuster
legs 16 may be connected to the first main frame 12, while the
first and second support legs 14 are connected to the second main
frame 12. It should also be noted that some components are
interchangeable for some functions. For example, the extension 64
may be used in the place of a support leg 14, as the cross brace in
FIG. 1 illustrates.
[0049] The components of the system 10 and 74 may also be
color-coded for easy recognition. For example, the main frame 12
may be red, the support leg 14 gray and the extension 64 blue.
[0050] When an extremely long horizontal surface must be supported
from below, multiple shoring systems 10 and 74 may be used. In some
situations, it may be advantageous to connect multiple shoring
systems 10 and 74 together or to connect a shoring system 10 and 74
to a wall or existing vertical surface. For such situations, the
main frame 12 includes flanges 30. The flanges 30 may define
orifices that allow the main frame to be bolted or otherwise
secured to a vertical surface or to the main frame 12 of another
shoring system 10 and 74.
[0051] Turning now to FIG. 8, a laced post shoring system 76 is
shown. The laced post shoring system 76 includes two of the
previously described shoring systems 10 placed parallel to one
another and joined by connecting means as will be described below.
The laced post shoring system 76 may be used when there is a need
for more substantial support of a horizontal surface than the
single above-described shoring system 10 might provide. The
connecting means allow a substantially rectangular shape to be
formed, increasing the strength and stability of the shoring
system.
[0052] The connecting means to secure the parallel shoring systems
10 may include a large cross brace 78 having a first end 80 and a
second end 82 and a small cross brace 84 having a first end 86 and
a second end 88. The second end 88 of the small cross brace 84
slides inside of the second end 82 of the large cross brace 78,
where orifices defined in the cross braces 78 and 84 allow the
cross braces 78 and 84 to be pinned and secured at a desired
overall length.
[0053] The first end 80 and 86 of each cross brace 78 and 84
connects to a securing means 90. With reference to FIG. 9, the
first end 80 and 86 of each cross brace 78 and 84 may terminate in
a bracket 92. The bracket 92 defines a channel 94 that may receive
a support leg 14, an adjuster leg 16 or an extension 64. The
bracket also defines orifices 96 that allow a pin or other fastener
to secure the cross brace 78 and 84 to the support leg 14, adjuster
leg 16 or extension 64 to which it connects.
[0054] With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the securing means may
also include a clamp 98 to which the bracket 92 of the cross brace
78 and 84 may connect, and which in turn releasably engages a
support leg 14, an adjuster leg 16 or an extension 64 without a
pin. Such securing means may provide more flexibility as to the
location and orientation of the connection of the cross braces 78
and 84.
[0055] The clamp 98 includes a body 100 that is pivotally connected
to a securing member 102 at a hinge point 104. The securing member
102 is pivoted away from the body 100 to allow the clamp 98 to
engage the desired support leg 14, adjuster leg 16 or extension 64.
When the desired leg or extension 14, 16 or 64 is engaged, the
securing member 102 is closed about the leg or extension 14, 16 or
64, thereby causing the clamp 98 to substantially surround the leg
or extension 14, 16 or 64. Fastening means, such as a threaded pin
106 and nut (not shown) secure the clamp 98 in a closed
position.
[0056] A first pivotable connector 108 and a second pivotable
connector 110 are connected to the body 100 and define respective
orifices 112 and 114 to receive pins. The pivotable connectors 108
and 110 engage the channel 94 defined by the bracket 92 of the
cross braces 78 and 84. The orifices 112 and 114 defined in the
pivotable connectors 108 and 110 align with orifices 96 defined in
the bracket 92, allowing a pin to secure the pivotable connectors
108 and 110 to a respective cross brace 78 and 84.
[0057] Referring back to FIG. 8, the securing means 90 allow the
diagonal cross braces 78 and 84 to connect to the support leg 14 of
one shoring system 10 and to the adjuster leg 16 of the opposing
shoring system 10. The horizontal cross braces 78 and 84 may
connect to the support legs 14 and the adjuster legs 16 in this
same manner, or the second end 82 and 88 of a cross brace 78 and 84
may be pinned to a support or adjuster leg 14 and 16, while the
first end 80 and 86 is connected by the securing means as described
above. In this manner, the strong structure of the laced post
shoring system 76 is constructed, allowing substantial support of
weakened horizontal surfaces.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 12, the shoring system 10 may involve an
alternative to the use of the main frame 12. In this embodiment,
the shoring system 116 includes two base plates 18, an extension 64
and an adjuster leg 16 that replace the main frame 12. The base
plates 18 provide the interface with the ground and facilitate the
interconnection of the support legs 14, adjuster leg 16 and the
extensions 64, while the additional extension 64 and adjuster leg
16 maintain a set, structural distance between the base plates
18.
[0059] FIG. 13 illustrates the components of the base plate 18. A
bottom plate 120 contacts the ground, while parallel flanges 122
and 124 extend in a direction normal to the bottom plate 120. The
flanges 122 and 124 are spaced apart and define orifices 126 that
align with the previously described orifices in the support legs
14, adjuster legs 16 and extensions 64, allowing the support legs
14, adjuster legs 16 and extensions 64 to be pinned to the base
plate 118. The bottom plate also defines orifices 128 that allow it
to be secured to the ground or other stable horizontal surface.
[0060] Turning to FIGS. 14 and 15, the ability of the components of
the system to be folded into compact units for transport and
storage when the main frame 12 is used is shown. The adjuster leg
16 slides into the support leg 14, which may be pivotally connected
to the main frame 12. The support leg 14 and adjuster leg 16 may be
folded or placed in the channel 32 defined by the main frame 12,
wherein the assembly is contained within the walls of the main
frame 12.
[0061] The invention has been described with reference to preferred
embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to
others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed
description. It is intended that the invention be construed as
including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they
come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents
thereof.
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