Telescoping Shoring Post With Gross Adjustment Capacity

Abstract

A telescoping shoring post having an inner tube having a plurality of projections spaced longitudinally thereon, longitudinally adjacent projections forming a groove there between to create a plurality of grooves on the inner tube; a hollow outer tube, the outer tube dimensions to allow the inner tube to slide therein; a load plate, the load plate having a collar adapted to affix the load plate to the outer tube and tongues projecting from the load plate, the tongues adapted to project over a hollow portion of the outer tube when the load plate is affixed to the outer tube, wherein the inner tube can slide within the outer tube to a gross adjustment extension length and wherein the tongues on the load plate are adapted to engage the grooves on the inner tube.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/661,215 filed Aug. 24, 2005, which claims priority to Canadian patent application number 2,479,340 filed Aug. 27, 2004, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present application relates to a shoring post, in particular to a shoring post that provides rapid gross adjustment for use in construction systems.

BACKGROUND

[0003] In typical construction systems, a shoring post is used to help support objects, usually a ceiling or roof. With varying heights of ceilings, it is obviously beneficial to have a shoring post that is capable of being quickly adjusted from one height to another, while at the same time ensuring a safe work environment for all workers.

[0004] Truss systems, such as those outlined in U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,567 to Brasil exist, and involve screw jacks that rotate around the post to adjust the height of the post. While this is fine for small adjustments, if one wishes to extend or retract the post several feet, this could be very time consuming.

[0005] Another type of shoring post, described in Canadian Patent No. 2,249,921 to Jackson is adjustable and can be used in a system or on their own. These types of shoring posts use a screw, while others of a similar type use a pin-type assembly. While both of these allow for the post to be extended quicker than a screw-jack type, they require the use of small screws and pins, which may not only be difficult to use, but are easily lost.

[0006] A further prior art post is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,415 to Schworer. The Schworer post can be adjusted using pins for quick adjustment to the approximate height, and then a fine adjustment means. The problem with pins is that they can easily be lost and are an extra component that is required when erecting/disassembling the post.

[0007] There remains a need for a telescoping shoring post that can be quickly adjusted from one position to another, of simpler design with significantly fewer pieces involved.

[0008] One solution applied for by the applicant in Canadian Patent Application Number 2,517,178 filed Aug. 25, 2005 and claiming priority to Canadian Patent Application Number 2,479,340 filed Aug. 27, 2004, teaches a telescoping shoring post in which an inner tube includes tongues that protrude therefrom. The tongues are adapted to engage slots within the outer tube. The gross adjustment in that application requires a user to extend the inner tube relative to the outer tube and to rotate the inner tube relative to the outer tube to engage the tongues on the inner tube with the slots in the outer tube. However, in some situations it is undesirable to create holes in an outer tube. Reasons include structural integrity of the outer post if a significant load is placed on a prop, the materials that are utilized to create the outer tube could, in some cases, be unsuitable for the load that is placed on the slot portion, among others. A higher strength solution is required for some applications.

SUMMARY

[0009] The present disclosure provides a shoring post comprising, in one embodiment, a hollow outer post, a load plate in the form of a collar that mates with the outer post, at least two tongue members in the interior circumference of the load plate, an inner post dimensioned to fit within the outer post and load plate, a plurality of integrally formed grooves located longitudinally along the exterior of the inner post, wherein the inner post may be rotated within the outer post and load plate from a first position fully within the outer post, and a second position where the at least two tongue members of the post collar extend through the integrally formed grooves, locking the inner post in a position relative to the outer post.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the load plate provides for a rotatable portion and a fixed portion. The two pieces rotate relative to one another. When the inner post is at the correct height, one part of the swivel collar rotates to engage the tongue members with the integrally formed slots on the inner post. This allows gross adjustment without having to rotate the inner post.

[0011] In a further embodiment an adjustable load plate is provided that includes an adjusting screw assembly fixed to the outer post by bolts or welding. An upper load plate which supports the inner post is at one end of the screw. Fine adjustment to the length of post is accomplished by spinning an adjusting nut, which moves the load plate so the load plate moves the inner post, which is seated on the tongue of the load plate. The load plate is guided by the slots on the screw, it can move up and down, but will not follow turn with the nut. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the above is applicable if the inner post extends upwardly from the outer post. If the post is used in the opposite orientation, the upper load plate will be at the bottom of the assembly.

[0012] The above post can be used as a shoring post, part of a scaffold assembly, among other applications.

[0013] The present application therefore provides a telescoping shoring post comprising: an inner tube having a plurality of projections spaced longitudinally thereon, longitudinally adjacent projections forming a groove there between to create a plurality of grooves on said inner tube; a hollow outer tube, said outer tube dimensions to allow said inner tube to slide therein; a load plate, said load plate having a collar adapted to affix said load plate to said outer tube and tongues projecting from said load plate, said tongues adapted to project over a hollow portion of the outer tube when said load plate is affixed to said outer tube, wherein said inner tube can slide within said outer tube to a gross adjustment extension length and wherein said tongues on said load plate are adapted to engage said grooves on said inner tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The present apparatus will be better understood with reference to the drawings; in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a shoring post in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an inner post;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of an inner post;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an outer post;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an outer post;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a load plate;

[0021] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a rotating load plate in a disengaged position;

[0022] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a rotating load plate in an engaged position;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a fine adjustment mechanism incorporated into a gross adjustment mechanism;

[0024] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a prop in accordance with the present disclosure; and

[0025] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a scaffold system in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Reference is now made to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary shoring post in accordance with the present disclosure. The shoring post 10 of FIG. 1 includes an outer tube 15, an inner tube 20 and a load plate 25.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, inner tube 20 is adapted to slide within outer tube 15 and is further rotatable in order that a groove 22 is adapted to engage with a tongue 27 on load plate 25, thereby providing gross adjustment of the shoring post 10. Each of the above components is described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8. Similar reference numerals will be used for similar components between each drawing figure.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of an inner tube 20. FIG. 2 further shows outer tube 15 in dotted lines to provide context.

[0029] Inner tube 20 has a cross-section that is generally circular, which allows for it to be slid within the outer post 15 and load plate 25. Inner tube 20 includes a plurality of projections 24 that extend outwardly from inner tube 20. Projections 24 are preferably extruded onto inner tube 20.

[0030] Inner tube 20 can have a number of projections 24 about its circumference, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Specifically, in one embodiment inner tube 20 could have only two projections 24 about its circumference, where the two projections would preferably be diametrically opposed to each other about inner tube 20. In other embodiments, three, four or more projections 24 could surround inner tube 20.

[0031] The plurality of projections 24, in one embodiment, are equally spaced around inner tube 20. In other embodiments the spacing of projections 24 could vary radially about inner tube 20.

[0032] Inner tube 20 further includes grooves 22, as best seen in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of inner tube 20. As illustrated in FIG. 3, grooves 22 are cut into projections 24 in a ring around inner tube 20. In alternative embodiments, grooves 22 could be created through the forming of projections 24, rather than through a cutting operation.

[0033] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the groove 22 is cut or formed into projection 24 at a height that is the same as that of an adjacent projection 24, thereby allowing a tongue 27 of the load plate 25 to fit into each groove 22.

[0034] As further illustrated in FIG. 3, a plurality of grooves are cut into projection 24 at intervals along the length of inner tube 20. Preferably, the plurality of grooves 24 are distributed at equal intervals along the length of inner tube 20, thereby allowing for the gross adjustment of inner tube 20 with an outer tube 15. For example, the grooves could be spaced every five inches (12.5 cm) along the length of inner tube 20. The spacing can be chosen based on the specific application required. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the spacing of grooves 22 must be chosen to ensure that fine adjustment can be made to adjust a shoring post 10 to a correct height. Thus the longitudinal spacing between grooves 22 is limited by the fine adjustment mechanism height, or the choice of fine adjustment mechanism must be made to ensure that the fine adjustment is capable of displacing inner tube 20 within outer tube 15 by a height equal to the longitudinal spacing between grooves 22.

[0035] Referring again to FIG. 2, inner tube 20 further includes slots 21 adapted to receive bracing or other attachments to shoring post 10. The slots 21, in a preferred embodiment, are continuous and span the length of inner tube 20.

[0036] In one embodiment, inner tube 20 further includes fins 23 projecting inwardly in order to provide structural support to inner tube 20.

[0037] Reference is now made to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows outer tube 15 and further provides a dotted line for inner tube 20 in order to provide context.

[0038] Outer tube 15 comprises slots 17 that run continuously along the length of outer tube 15. Slots 17 are adapted to receive bracing or other components that may be affixed to outer tube 15, as is generally known in the art.

[0039] Outer tube 15 is hollow and is dimensioned to allow inner tube 20 to slide therein. Preferably, projections 24 of inner tube 20 fit between slots 17 of outer tube 15, thereby allowing the outer tube 15 to move over the inner tube 20 or to allow inner tube 20 to slide within outer tube 15. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the cross-section is approximately circular, with diametrically opposed slots 17. The cross-section of the outer post 15 is dimensioned so that the entire inner post 22 will fit entirely within the outer post 15 when the integrally formed projections 24 are located between adjacent slots 17.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a cross section of outer tube 15. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, outer tube 15 further includes fins 19 around the outer edge of outer tube 15 in order to provide enhanced structural strength for outer tube 15. Fins 19, in a preferred embodiment, have the same outer circumference as slot 17, thereby providing a tube that is easily handled and transported.

[0041] In one embodiment, outer tube 15 could be created with inwardly projecting tongues to allow outer tube 15 to engage grooves 22 in inner tube 20.

[0042] Alternatively, a load plate 25 could be connected to one end of outer tube 15. Load plate 25 is illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0043] Load plate 25 includes tongues 27 that project inwardly from load plate 25. Further, a collar 29 is adapted to extend about the outer surface of outer tube 15 and screw holes 31 are adapted to receive a screw (not shown) to affix load plate 25 to outer tube 15. Other affixing means, including a threaded outer tube 15 and a threaded collar, bolts, pins, among others, are possible.

[0044] In operation, an inner tube fits within outer tube 15 and slides with projections 24 fitting within a slot 33 of load plate 25.

[0045] In the case where outer tube 15 is on the bottom and inner tube 20 is on the top, a user could slide inner tube 20 to a position that is close to, but slightly shorter than the required height for the shoring post 10. The user would then rotate inner tube 20 to engage grooves 22 with tongues 27, thereby grossly fixing the length of inner tube 20 and outer tube 15.

[0046] In the case where inner tube 20 is on the bottom and outer tube 15 is on the top, a user could slide outer tube 15 to a position that is close to, but slightly shorter than, the required height for shoring post 10. The user would then rotate outer tube 15 to ensure that the tongues 27 on load plate 25 engage grooves 22 of inner tube 20.

[0047] With either of the above scenarios, a fine adjustment mechanism could be utilized to adjust the height of the shoring post 10 to the correct height. Such fine adjustment mechanisms are known in the art.

[0048] In some cases, rotating inner tube 20 within outer tube 15, or vice versa, could require a significant effort by a user. For example, if inner tube 20 or outer tube 15 were particularly long or heavy, rotating the inner tube 20 or outer tube 15 could be problematic.

[0049] Reference is now made to FIG. 7. In an alternative embodiment, a load plate 40 could be provided that allows rotation of the load plate itself. Specifically, referring to FIG. 7A, a load plate 40 includes an upper portion 42 and a lower portion 44. Lower portion 44 is affixed to outer tube 15. Upper portion 42 is rotatably engaged to lower portion 44. This allows a channel 46 on upper portion 42 to align with a channel 48 of lower portion 44 when the prop height is being adjusted. A projection 24 of inner tube 20 fits within channels 46 and 48.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 7B, when the inner tube 20 is extended to the correct gross position, upper portion 42 is rotated so that a tongue 50 projects into a groove 22 on inner tube 20. Therefore, no rotation of inner tube 20 is required.

[0051] Load plate 40 further includes projections 52 on upper portion 42 to allow for the rotating of upper portion 42 and to further provide for engagement and disengagement of tongues 49 from grooves 22.

[0052] Projections 52 can further be used to attach a locking mechanism, as shown below with reference to FIG. 8.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 8, a load plate 61 is provided as part of a fine adjustment mechanism. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, load plate 61 is comprised of 2 halves for ease of assembly.

[0054] The lower portion 62 of the fine adjustment mechanism engages outer tube 15 and is affixed thereto by bolts, welding or other similar means. An upper guide 64 is connected to a screw 66 and is fixed in place. Fine adjustment means include screw 66 and a nut 68, where the nut can rotate around screw 66 to adjust the height of inner tube 20 by extending load plate 61 up or down, depending on the direction of rotation. As will be appreciated, rotation of nut 68 about screw 66 causes the height of load plate 61 to vary.

[0055] A locking mechanism 70 is included as part of upper portion 64 to ensure that upper portion 64 does not rotate once tongues 65 are engaged with a groove 22 of inner portion 20.

[0056] In operation, inner tube 20 is slid within outer tube 15 to a height just less than the height required for shore post 10. A load plate 61 is assembled around the screw 66 so that a tongue 65 engages a groove in inner tube 20. Nut 68 can then be rotated about screw 66 to adjust the height.

[0057] Locking mechanism 70 can be used to prevent rotation once the gross adjustment has been completed.

[0058] Conversely, if inner tube 20 is on the bottom and outer tube 15 is on the top, the mechanism works in a similar fashion except that load plate 61 will now be at the bottom of fine adjustment screw 66 and the rotating of nut 68 causes the load plate 61 to extend or retract.

[0059] As will be appreciated, in the case where a load plate needs to turn, FIG. 8 can be modified to use a turning load head as in FIG. 7. Further, a load quick release load plate can be made using two half straight notched or helically notched plates. As the load plate is hit, the lower half can turn certain by a degree and the load on the post can quickly be released. Further, two bolts or other devices may be used in some embodiments to make sure that when the inner post 20 is lifted by a crane, it cannot be separated from the outer tube.

[0060] The use of a gross adjustment means and fine adjustment means as describe above with reference to FIG. 1 to 8, could be used in a variety of different situations. Referring to FIG. 9, one situation is to utilize a shoring prop 79. The shoring prop 79 includes a foot 80 along with a lower outer tube 82.

[0061] A fine adjustment mechanism 84 is provided below a lower outer tube 82 and an upper outer tube 86. In this embodiment the fine adjustment mechanism 84 is located at approximately the waist height of a worker to facilitate the fine adjustment of prop 79 and to ease removal of prop 79.

[0062] A load plate 88 is affixed to upper outer tube 86 and includes a locking mechanism 90.

[0063] An inner tube 92 slides within upper outer tube 86 for gross adjustment. At the end of inner tube 92 is a prop head 94 and a prop head connection 96. The length of the prop head 94 extends from the inner post 92 and may be adjusted by any of several types of configurations, such as using a screw, or a pin type configuration.

[0064] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the use of a rotatable load head instead of the fixed load head shown in FIG. 9 is possible.

[0065] Reference is now made to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 shows a scaffold system in which multiple shoring posts can be utilized. The embodiment of FIG. 10 includes four posts, each having a base 110, a fine adjustment means 112, a lower outer tube 114, an extension 116, an upper outer tube 118, a load plate 120, an inner tube 122, and a head 124.

[0066] In operation, extension 116 is adapted to allow various outer tubes, 118 and 114 to be connected together to allow the scaffold to be raised to a height close to the height of the required ceiling. An inner tube 122 then fits in within upper outer tube 118 and is slid into place and then rotated to engage load plate 120 as described above. Fine adjustment means 112 can be used to provide fine adjustment to the height of the post. Cross braces 130 are connected between adjacent posts utilizing slots in outer tubes 114 and/or 118 and/or inner tube 122 to provide stabilization and support of the scaffold structure.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, inner tube 20, 92, 122, and outer tube 15, 82, 84, 114, 118 are preferably comprised of aluminum. However, in alternative embodiments, other material is possible such as steel, plastic or other material. Further, load plate 25, 88, 120 is preferably comprised of steel. However, other materials are possible.

[0068] These and other advantages of the present system are evident from the above and with reference to the drawings. They are not however meant to limit the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims below.

Claims

1. A telescoping shoring post comprising: an inner tube having a plurality of projections spaced longitudinally thereon, longitudinally adjacent projections forming a groove there between to create a plurality of grooves on said inner tube; a hollow outer tube, said outer tube dimensions to allow said inner tube to slide therein; a load plate, said load plate having a collar adapted to affix said load plate to said outer tube and tongues projecting from said load plate, said tongues adapted to project over a hollow portion of the outer tube when said load plate is affixed to said outer tube, wherein said inner tube can slide within said outer tube to a gross adjustment extension length and wherein said tongues on said load plate are adapted to engage said grooves on said inner tube.

2. The telescoping shoring post of claim 1, wherein the inner post is extruded.

3. The telescoping shoring post of claim 2, wherein the grooves are cut into the projections of the inner post.

4. The telescoping shoring post of claim 1, wherein the inner tube and the outer tube are comprised of aluminum, steel, or plastic.

5. The telescoping shoring post of claim 1, wherein the load plate is comprised of steel, aluminum, or plastic.

6. The telescoping shoring post of claim 1, wherein the load plate is fixed in position relative to the outer post.

7. The telescoping shoring post of claim 1, wherein the load plate comprises a lower portion adapted to be fixed to the outer post and an upper portion adapted to rotate about the lower portion.

8. The telescoping shoring post of claim 1, wherein the inner tube and the outer tube include longitudinally extending slots therein.

9. The telescoping shoring post of claim 8, wherein the slots are adapted to receive bracing.

10. The telescoping shoring post of claim 1, wherein the outer tube includes fins extending radially outward from an outer surface of the outer tube, said fins adapted to provide structural strength to said outer tube.

11. The telescoping shoring post of claim 1, wherein the inner tube includes fins extending radially inwards from an outer surface of the inner tube, said fins adapted to provide structural strength to said inner tube.

12. The telescoping shoring post of claim 1 further comprising a fine adjustment mechanism.

13. The telescoping shoring post of claim 12, wherein the fine adjustment mechanism comprises a screw and nut.

14. The telescoping shoring post of claim 13, wherein the load plate is formed onto said fine adjustment mechanism, rotation of said nut causing said load plate to extend or retract from an end of said outer post.

15. The telescoping shoring post of claim 1, further comprising a lock.

16. The telescoping shoring post of claim 15, wherein said lock is attached to said load plate and adapted to engage said inner tube when said tongues are engaged to said grooves.

17. The telescoping shoring post of claim 16, wherein said lock comprises an end adapted to fit between projections on said inner tube, thereby preventing rotation of said inner tube when said lock is engaged.

18. The telescoping shoring post of claim 1, wherein the telescoping shoring post is a portion of a prop.

19. The telescoping shoring post of claim 1, wherein the telescoping shoring post is a portion of a scaffold system.