U.S. patent application number 11/435960 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-12 for method of supporting tools and supplies upon a sloped surface.
Invention is credited to Peter V. Hall, John K. Lampe.
Application Number | 20060226310 11/435960 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37082310 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060226310 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hall; Peter V. ; et
al. |
October 12, 2006 |
Method of supporting tools and supplies upon a sloped surface
Abstract
The invention is a method of supporting tools and supplies atop
a sloped roof. The method includes (a) obtaining a caddy with a
base and a shelf pivotally connected to one another, (b) placing
the base of the caddy into supportive contact with a sloped roof,
(c) pivoting the shelf of the caddy relative to the base about a
laterally extending axis until the shelf is substantially
horizontal, (d) supporting the shelf at the substantially
horizontal position with a support member, and (e) placing a
plurality of individual tools or supplies upon the substantially
horizontal shelf.
Inventors: |
Hall; Peter V.; (Edina,
MN) ; Lampe; John K.; (St. Paul, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHERRILL LAW OFFICES
4756 BANNING AVE
SUITE 212
WHITE BEAR LAKE
MN
55110-3205
US
|
Family ID: |
37082310 |
Appl. No.: |
11/435960 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11091211 |
Mar 28, 2005 |
|
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|
11435960 |
May 17, 2006 |
|
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60556951 |
Mar 29, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/148 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 15/02 20130101;
B44D 3/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/148 |
International
Class: |
A47G 23/02 20060101
A47G023/02 |
Claims
1. A method of supporting tools and supplies atop a sloped roof,
comprising: (i) obtaining a caddy, comprising: (a) a shelf having a
laterally extending proximal edge and a distal edge, (b) a base
having a laterally extending proximal edge and a distal edge, (c) a
hinge pivotable about a laterally extending axis connecting the
shelf and the base proximate the proximal edge of the shelf and
proximate the proximal edge of the base, and (d) a support member
for supporting the shelf at a selected and adjustable acute angle
relative to the base, (ii) placing the base into supportive contact
with a sloped roof, (iii) pivoting the shelf relative to the base
about the laterally extending axis until the shelf is substantially
horizontal, (iv) supporting the shelf at the substantially
horizontal position with the support member, and (v) placing a
plurality of individual tools or supplies upon the substantially
horizontal shelf.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the caddy further comprises a
releasable fastening mechanism for locking the angled position of
the shelf relative to the base as between at least two different
acute angles.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the shelf may be supported at a
plurality of different acute angles relative to the base and the
caddy further comprising indicia indicating the value of the acute
angle at each of the positions at which the shelf may be
supported.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the base has a bottom surface and
at least a portion of the bottom surface of the base is textured to
provide an increased coefficient of static friction relative to a
roof surface.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the base is constructed from a
material, the base has a bottom surface, and at least a portion of
the bottom surface of the base is coated with a material having an
increased coefficient of static friction relative to the material
from which the base is constructed.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the support member includes at
least two laterally spaced separate and distinct components.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the support member is hingedly
connected to the base for pivoting about a second laterally
extending axis.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the support member is hingedly
connected to the base for pivoting about a longitudinally extending
axis.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the shelf, base and support member
are pivotable relative to one another for pivoting as between a
flat storage position with the shelf superimposed upon the base,
and an erected use position with the shelf supported at an acute
angle relative to the base.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the hinge is a live-hinge.
11. The method of claim 7 wherein the support member is hingedly
connected to the base by a live-hinge.
12. The method of claim 8 wherein the support member is hingedly
connected to the base by a live-hinge.
13. The method of claim 10 wherein the shelf, base and support
member are constructed from a single unitary piece of material.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein the shelf, base and support
member are constructed from a single unitary piece of material.
15. The method of claim 12 wherein the shelf, base and support
member are constructed from a single unitary piece of material.
16. The method of claim 1 wherein the shelf includes at least one
well for storage of items.
17. The method of claim 1 wherein the shelf is a tray.
18. The method of claim 1 wherein the tools or supplies placed upon
the substantially horizontal shelf includes an open-top container
of a liquid.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the liquid is paint.
Description
[0001] This is a divisional application of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/091,211, filed Mar. 28, 2005, which claims the benefit
of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/556,951 filed Mar.
29, 2004.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to caddies
configured and arranged for use atop a pitched roof.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The prior art contains a number of examples of devices used
for storage or support on sloped surfaces such as a pitched
roof.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,227 to Rom teaches an apparatus for
holding a paint bucket on an inclined surface. The device includes
a sleeve which can be clamped around the bucket, a circular support
for contacting the sloped surface, and an adjustment mechanism for
adjusting the angle of the support.
[0005] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,913,782 and 5,249,397 to Monaco et al.
describe a knockdown platform. The platform has adjustable legs for
creating a level surface when the platform is positioned on an
inclined surface. The platform, as described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,913,782, also could have a tray with a variety of indentations
for containment of objects.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,306 to Binford et al. reveals an
inclined surface support. The support consists of vertical and
horizontal surfaces secured at right angles to one another. A
mechanism secured by bolts permits the adjustment of the height of
the horizontal surface in relation to the vertical surface. A paint
bucket could be inserted in an opening in the horizontal
surface.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,906 to Fatool et al. describes a paint
can holder for supporting a paint can on a sloped surface. The
device consists of two u-shaped members attached at a pivot point
to each other near the ends of the u-shaped members. The angle of
the u-shaped members could be adjusted. Spiked protrusions could
hold the device on a sloped surface such as a roof.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 1,423,726 to Mohr et al. teaches a cylindrical
paint bucket holder with legs two of which are adjustable.
Adjustment screws could hold the adjustable legs in the desired
position.
[0009] These devices, however, have certain shortcomings. The
purpose of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings in
the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The invention is a method of supporting tools and supplies
atop a sloped roof. The method includes an initial step of
obtaining a caddy with (i) a shelf having a laterally extending
proximal edge and a distal edge, (ii) a base having a laterally
extending proximal edge and a distal edge, (iii) a hinge pivotable
about a laterally extending axis connecting the shelf and the base
proximate the proximal edge of the shelf and proximate the proximal
edge of the base, and (iv) a support member for supporting the
shelf at a selected and adjustable acute angle relative to the
base. After obtaining the caddy the method includes the steps of
(a) placing the base into supportive contact with a sloped roof,
(b) pivoting the shelf relative to the base about the laterally
extending axis until the shelf is substantially horizontal, (c)
supporting the shelf at the substantially horizontal position with
the support member, and (d) placing a plurality of individual tools
or supplies upon the substantially horizontal shelf.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0011] This invention encompasses embodiments with one or more of
the following objects or advantages. Some of the advantages and
objects of this invention are set forth below.
[0012] An adjustable caddy to create a level surface for storage on
sloped surfaces such as a pitched roof.
[0013] An adjustable caddy that is safe and convenient for the user
to use, economical to manufacture, and convenient for shipping and
storage.
[0014] An adjustable caddy that could provide a level shelf for
storage of various items including paint buckets and tools on
sloped surfaces such as pitched roofs.
[0015] An adjustable caddy that could have a gripping surface for
contacting the surface of the roof or other sloped surface in order
to prevent slippage of the device off the sloped surface.
[0016] An adjustable caddy with a gripping surface that would not
damage the sloped surface such as shingles or other roofing
material on a pitched roof.
[0017] An adjustable caddy that could have an adjustment mechanism
that could allow the shelf to be made level on surfaces with
different slopes.
[0018] An adjustable caddy that could have an adjustment indicator
showing the slope for which the various adjustments could be
used.
[0019] An adjustable caddy that could be made to collapse to a
compact state when not in use.
[0020] An adjustable caddy that could be made from a unitary piece
of material to create any shelf surfaces, support elements, and
hinges or other features used in creation of the caddy.
[0021] An adjustable caddy comprising a base for resting on a
sloped surface and a shelf which on its proximate end is connected
to the base by a hinge, and which on its distal end can be fixed by
an adjustment mechanism at different angles in relation to the base
and the sloped surface.
[0022] Devices contemplated by this invention could be suitable for
many purposes. The devices contemplated by this invention eliminate
most of the disadvantages identified in the prior art.
[0023] The above summary of the present invention is not intended
to describe each illustrated embodiment, object, advantage, or use
of the present invention. The figures and the detailed description
that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention supporting a paint can upon a pitched roof.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a side view of the invention shown in FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the invention shown in FIG.
1.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
invention.
[0028] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a front corner of
the shelf portion of the invention shown in FIG. 4.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a top view of the invention shown in FIG. 4 prior
to erection.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a top view of the invention shown in FIG. 4 folded
into a storage position.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
invention.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a top view of the invention shown in FIG. 8 prior
to erection.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the
invention.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a top exploded view of the invention shown in
FIG. 10 prior to erection.
[0035] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the
invention.
[0036] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION INCLUDING A BEST MODE
Nomenclature
[0037] 101 Caddy (1.sup.st embodiment) [0038] 102 Shelf [0039] 103
Base [0040] 104 First Support Member [0041] 105 Second Support
Member [0042] 106 Paint Bucket [0043] 107 Bottom Surface of Base
[0044] 108 Hinge [0045] 109 Adjustment Mechanism [0046] 110 Holes
[0047] 111 Spring Activated Pin [0048] 112 Handle on Pin [0049] 113
Inward Direction [0050] 114 Roof [0051] 201 Caddy (2.sup.nd
embodiment) [0052] 202 Shelf [0053] 203 Base [0054] 204 First
Support Member [0055] 205 Second Support Member [0056] 207 Bottom
Surface of Base [0057] 208a First Hinge [0058] 208b Second Hinge
[0059] 208c Third Hinge [0060] 209 Adjustment Mechanism [0061] 210
Holes [0062] 213 Inward Direction [0063] 215a First Axis [0064]
215b Second Axis [0065] 215c Third Axis [0066] 216a First Tab
[0067] 216b Second Tab [0068] 301 Caddy (3.sup.rd embodiment)
[0069] 302 Shelf [0070] 303 Base [0071] 304 Support Member [0072]
308a First Hinge [0073] 308b Second Hinge [0074] 309 Adjustment
Mechanism [0075] 310 Slots [0076] 316 Tab [0077] 401 Caddy
(4.sup.th embodiment) [0078] 402 Shelf [0079] 403 Base [0080] 404
Support Member [0081] [0082] 408a First Hinge [0083] 408b Second
Hinge [0084] 409 Adjustment Mechanism [0085] 410 Slots [0086] 416
Tab [0087] 501 Caddy (5.sup.th embodiment) [0088] 502 Tray [0089]
502b Bottom of Tray [0090] 502w Sidewalls of Tray [0091] 503 Base
[0092] 503s Sides of Base [0093] 504 First Support Leg [0094] 505
Second Support Leg [0095] 508 Hinge [0096] 509 Adjustment Mechanism
[0097] 510 Holes [0098] 601 Caddy (6.sup.th embodiment) [0099] 602
Tray [0100] 602b Bottom of Tray [0101] 602w Sidewalls of Tray
[0102] 603 Base [0103] 603u Upper Surface of Base [0104] 604 First
Support Leg [0105] 605 Second Support Leg [0106] 608 Hinge [0107]
609 Adjustment Mechanism [0108] 610 Holes Construction and Use
First Embodiment
[0109] FIGS. 1-3 show one embodiment of an adjustable caddy 101.
The adjustable caddy 101 could consist generally of a shelf 102, a
base 103, and two support members 104 and 105.
[0110] The shelf 102 could provide a surface on which objects could
rest. FIG. 1 shows a paint bucket 106 on the shelf 102. The bottom
surface 107 of the base 103 could contact the sloped surface such
as that of a pitched roof 114. The shelf 102 and the base 103 could
be disposed in an angled relationship to one another. The support
members 104 and 105 could attach to the base 103. The shelf 102
could be held in the angled relationship by the support members 104
and 105, a hinge 108, and an adjustment mechanism 109 as shown in
FIG. 1.
[0111] The adjustment mechanism 109 could consist of a series of
holes 110 in the support members 104 and 105, and a
spring-activated pin 111 attached to the shelf 102. By squeezing
the U-shaped handle 112 on the pin 111, the ends (unnumbered) of
the pin 111 can be pulled inward 113 such that the ends of the pin
111 no longer reach the holes 110 in the support members 104 and
105 and the shelf 102 may be repositioned relative to the base 103.
By releasing the handle 112, the ends of the pin 111 will expand
outward and may be reintroduction into a pair of aligned holes 110
in each of the support members 104 and 105.
[0112] The base 103 could have a gripping material (unnumbered) on
its bottom surface 107 as shown in FIG. 3. This gripping material
on the bottom surface 107 could prevent the adjustable caddy 101
from sliding down sloped surfaces such as a roof 114.
[0113] The adjustable caddy 101 could be made of different
materials or combinations of materials, including metals, plastics,
foams, cellulose-based materials, ceramics, non-natural fiber-based
materials, etc. Generally, the structure of the adjustable caddy
101 should preferably be sufficiently stiff to prevent sagging or
unintentional collapse.
[0114] The gripping material on the bottom surface 107 of the base
103 could also be made of different materials. A foam or rubber
material may be suitable for most applications. However, other
materials that could create a non-slip surface such as sand or
sand-like materials could also be suitable. Alternatively, a
gripping surface could be created on the base 103 by, for example,
roughening the surface, molding treads, or otherwise creating a
surface that would not slide easily on a sloped surface.
Second Embodiment
[0115] FIGS. 4-7 show another embodiment of an adjustable caddy
201. The shelf 202, the base 203 and the support members 204 and
205 could be formed from a unitary piece of material. A first hinge
208a could connect the shelf 202 and the base 203. Second and third
hinges 208b and 208c could connect the support members 204 and 205,
and the base 203. The hinges 208a, 208b and 208c could be created
by creasing the material either in a molding process or in a
secondary folding operation. Thus, the shelf 202 and the base 203
could move in relation to one another along the first axis 215a
created by the first hinge 208a. The first and second support
members 204 and 205 could move in relation to the base 203 along
second and third axes 215b and 215c created by the second and third
hinges 208b and 208c.
[0116] The shelf 202, the base 203, and the support members 204 and
205 could be positioned for use as shown in FIG. 4. The bottom
surface 207 of the base 203 could contact the sloped surface such
as that of a pitched roof (not shown). Tabs 216a and 216b formed in
the shelf 202 could fit into holes 210 in the support members 204
and 205 to form an adjustment mechanism 209. As shown in FIG. 5,
the tabs 216a and 216b could be hooked to catch the first and
second support members 204 and 205 and thereby permit gravity to
hold the shelf 202 and the base 203 in the desired position.
[0117] The rigidity of the hinges 208a, 208b and 208c could be
selected based upon the intended application. For example, it may
be desirable to have the first hinge 208a between the shelf 202 and
the base 203 to move freely. However, it may be desirable to have
the second and third hinges 208b and 208c move less freely in such
a way as to cause the support members 204 and 205 to be biased in
an inward direction 213. This inwardly directed force may be
desirable to hold tabs 216a and 216b in the holes 210 and prevent
unintended collapse of the caddy 201.
[0118] The caddy 201 could be folded into the storage position
shown in FIG. 7. In this folded position the caddy 201 would be
more compact. This compactness could be advantageous for packaging
for retail, for shipping, and for storage by the user.
[0119] An advantage of a caddy 201 according to the second
embodiment could be economy of manufacture. The device could be
made by die-cutting or molding a piece of plastic. The hinges 208a,
208b and 208c could be formed by a secondary folding operation or
in a molding process.
Third Embodiment
[0120] FIGS. 8 and 9 show yet another embodiment of an adjustable
caddy 301 with a forward positioned adjustment mechanism 309.
[0121] A first hinge 308a could connect the shelf 302 and the base
303. The second hinge 308b could connect the support member 304 and
the base 303. The hinges 308a and 308b could be created by creasing
the material either in a molding process or in a secondary folding
operation. Thus, the shelf 302 and the base 303 could move in
relation to one another along a first axis (unnumbered) created by
the first hinge 308a. The support member 304 could move in relation
to the base 303 along a second axes (unnumbered) created by the
second hinge 308b.
[0122] Similar to the adjustable caddy 201 of the second
embodiment, the caddy 301 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 could be made of a
unitary piece of material. A possible advantage of the caddy 301
shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is that even less material might be
necessary to create the caddy 301 because the support member 304
folds up from the base 303.
[0123] The shelf 302 could have a tab 316. The adjustment mechanism
309 could consist of a tab 316 for insertion into one of several
slots 310 on the support member 304 to support the shelf 302 at the
desired angle. The tab 316 could be hooked to prevent the
unintended collapse of the shelf 302.
Fourth Embodiment
[0124] FIGS. 10 and 11 show still another embodiment of an
adjustable caddy 401 with a forward positioned adjustment mechanism
409. The caddy 401 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 has a first hinge 408a
between the shelf 402 and the base 403 and a second hinge 408b
between the shelf 402 and the support member 404. A tab 416
positioned on the support member 404 could be inserted into slots
410 in the base 403.
[0125] The shelf 402, the base 403 and the support member 404 could
be connected by a flexible tape to form the hinges 408a and 408b.
The tape could have adhesive to fasten securely. The tape could be
sufficiently flexible to allow the hinges 408a and 408b to flex to
the desired extent.
[0126] An advantage of the adjustable caddy 401 shown in FIGS. 10
and 11 could be ease and economy of manufacture. The caddy 401
could easily be manufactured from die-cut material.
Fifth Embodiment
[0127] FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of an adjustable caddy 501.
The caddy 501 includes a tray 502 with a bottom 502b and sidewalls
502w for forming a compartment (unnumbered). The back edge
(unnumbered) of the tray 502 is attached to a base 503 by a hinge
508. The tray 502 and base 503 could be formed from a unitary piece
of material with a live hinge 508 formed along the interface of
these components. First and second legs 504 and 505 are pivotally
attached to the sides (unnumbered) of the tray 502. A series of
longitudinally spaced holes 510 are provided along both sides 503s
of the base 503. The free ends (unnumbered) of the legs 504 and 505
are configured and arranged for insertion into laterally aligned
holes 510 in the base 503 to form an adjustment mechanism 509 for
supporting the tray 502 at a desired angle relative to the base
503.
Sixth Embodiment
[0128] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of an adjustable caddy 601
with a tray 602 having a bottom 602b and sidewalls 602w. The back
edge (unnumbered) of the tray 602 is attached to a base 603 by a
hinge 608. The caddy 601 of the sixth embodiment is similar to the
caddy 501 of the fifth embodiment except that the series of
longitudinally spaced holes 610 are provided in the upper surface
603u of the base 603 proximate each side (unnumbered) of the base
603. The free ends (unnumbered) of the legs 604 and 605 are
configured and arranged for insertion into laterally aligned holes
610 in the base 603 to form an adjustment mechanism 609 for
supporting the tray 602 at a desired angle relative to the base
603.
Modifications
[0129] The invention described in this specification encompasses
numerous modifications including caddies of different sizes,
shapes, and materials, and caddies configured and arranged in
different ways than discussed above.
[0130] Many factors may influence the size and shape of the caddy
and its features. For some applications it may be desirable to have
a caddy of different sizes and shapes than described above. Such
changes would be within the scope of the invention.
[0131] The caddies 101, 201, 301, 401, 501 and 601 discussed above
could be made of many different materials. For example, the caddy
could be made of various materials including plastic, metal,
cellulose based materials, glass or ceramic, non-natural fiber or
combinations of these materials. The caddy could be created using
many techniques such as molding, forming, or cutting. Such changes
would be within the scope of the invention.
[0132] Finally, the various aspects of the caddy described above
could be combined in different ways than described above. Such
changes would be within the scope of the invention.
[0133] The present invention should not be considered limited to
the particular examples described above, but rather should be
understood to cover all aspects of the invention as fairly set out
in the claims arising from this application. For example, while
suitable sizes, materials, packaging and the like have been
disclosed in the above discussion, it should be appreciated that
these are provided by way of example and not of limitation as a
number of other sizes, materials, fasteners, and so forth may be
used without departing from the invention. Various modifications as
well as numerous structures to which the present invention may be
applicable will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art to
which the present invention is directed upon review of the present
specifications. The claims which arise from this application are
intended to cover such modifications and structures.
* * * * *