U.S. patent application number 13/872995 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-30 for adjustable length scaffolding and method therefor.
The applicant listed for this patent is John Birk. Invention is credited to John Birk.
Application Number | 20140318895 13/872995 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51788313 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140318895 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Birk; John |
October 30, 2014 |
ADJUSTABLE LENGTH SCAFFOLDING AND METHOD THEREFOR
Abstract
A scaffolding system for an attic area has a plurality of board
members. An attachment device is sued for securing a first board
member to an adjoining board member, wherein the attachment device
comprises a pair of removable attachment devices formed on a pair
of opposing sides of each board member.
Inventors: |
Birk; John; (Scottsdale,
AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Birk; John |
Scottsdale |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51788313 |
Appl. No.: |
13/872995 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
182/222 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 3/22 20130101; E04G
5/08 20130101; E04G 1/153 20130101; E04G 7/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
182/222 |
International
Class: |
E04G 3/22 20060101
E04G003/22 |
Claims
1. A scaffolding system for an attic area comprising: a plurality
of board members, wherein each board member comprises: an elongated
member having a hollow interior; and a plurality of wall members
extending from a bottom section to a top section of the hollow
interior to form a plurality passage ways; and an attachment device
for securing a first board member to an adjoining board member.
2. The scaffolding system of claim 1, wherein the attachment device
comprises a pair of removable attachment devices formed on a pair
of opposing sides of each board member.
3. The scaffolding system of claim 2, wherein the attachment device
further comprises a pair of permanent attachment devices formed on
another pair of opposing sides of each board member.
4. The scaffolding system of claim 1, wherein removable attachment
device comprises: a body member having a cavity formed on a rear
section thereof; a plurality of attachment members extend up from
the cavity to be inserted into a corresponding passage way; one of
a "C" shaped channel formed on a front region of the body member or
an "L" shape tab member formed on the front region of the body
member.
5. The scaffolding system of claim 4, wherein one end of an opening
in the C'' shaped channel extends out past a second end of the
opening in the C'' shaped channel.
6. The scaffolding system of claim 5, further comprising at least
one pair of lip members formed in the C'' shaped channel.
7. The scaffolding system of claim 4, wherein the "L" shape tab
member has a bottom leg that has a rounded edge.
8. The scaffolding system of claim 7, further comprising at least
one pair of tab member lips formed on the bottom leg of the "L"
shape tab member.
9. The scaffolding system of claim 3, wherein permanent the
attachment device comprises: a channel formed on at least one side
surface of each board member; and a tab member formed on an
opposing side surface of each board member.
10. A scaffolding system for an attic area comprising: a plurality
of board members, wherein each board member comprises: an elongated
member having a hollow interior; and a plurality of wall members
extending from a bottom section to a top section of the hollow
interior to form a plurality passage ways; and an attachment device
for securing a first board member to an adjoining board member,
wherein the attachment device comprises a pair of removable
attachment devices formed on a pair of opposing side surfaces of
each board member and a pair of permanent attachment devices formed
on another pair of opposing side surfaces of each board member.
11. The scaffolding system of claim 10, wherein removable
attachment device comprises; a body member having a cavity formed
on a rear section thereof; a plurality of attachment members extend
up from the cavity to be inserted into a corresponding passage way;
one of a "C" shaped channel formed on a front region of the body
member or an "L" shape tab member formed on the front region of the
body member.
12. The scaffolding system of claim 11, wherein one end of an
opening in the C'' shaped channel extends out past a second end of
the opening in the C'' shaped channel.
13. The scaffolding system of claim 12, further comprising at least
one pair of lip members formed in the C'' shaped channel.
14. The scaffolding system of claim 11, wherein the "L" shape tab
member has a bottom leg that has a rounded edge.
15. The scaffolding system of claim 14, further comprising at least
one pair of tab member lips formed on the bottom leg of the "L"
shape tab member.
16. The scaffolding system of claim 10, wherein permanent the
attachment device comprises: a channel formed on at least one side
surface of each board member; and a tab member formed on an
opposing side surface of each board member.
17. A scaffolding system for an attic area comprising: a plurality
of board members; and an attachment device for securing a first
board member to an adjoining board member, wherein the attachment
device comprises a pair of removable attachment devices formed on a
pair of opposing sides of each board member.
18. The scaffolding system of claim 17, wherein removable
attachment device comprises: a body member having a cavity formed
on a rear section thereof; a plurality of attachment members extend
up from the cavity to be inserted into a corresponding passage way
formed in each board member; one of a "C" shaped channel formed on
a front region of the body member, wherein one end of an opening in
the C'' shaped channel extends out past a second end of the opening
in the C'' shaped channel or an "L" shape tab member formed on the
front region of the body member, wherein the "L" shape tab member
has a bottom leg that has a rounded edge.
19. The scaffolding system of claim 18, further comprising at least
one pair of lip members formed in the C'' shaped channel.
20. The scaffolding system of claim 18, further comprising at least
one pair of tab member lips formed on the bottom leg of the "L"
shape tab member.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present patent application is a Continuation-In-Part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/480,396, filed May 24, 2012, in
the name of the same inventor listed above, and entitled,
"ADJUSTABLE LENGTH SCAFFOLDING AND METHOD THEREFOR".
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a scaffolding
and, more specifically, to an adjustable length scaffolding for use
in an attic.
[0003] Worker safety is of great importance to both construction
industry employers and employees. Worker safety is of such
importance that a federal agency, the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA), was created to draft, inspect, and
enforcing work place safety and health regulations.
[0004] As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,391, various scaffolding
and safety systems have been designed. Some are engineered from the
ground up while others are designed to hang off the roof or wall
structure. All of these scaffold systems, however, suffer from a
common defect--the enormous amount of time to assemble, erect,
reposition, and take down such systems.
[0005] There are hanging scaffolds, scaffold systems that are
affixed to the roof and hang over the cave to support a working
platform, that have been designed to reduce the amount of labor and
time necessary for scaffold assembly/disassembly. However, while
saving some time, these hanging scaffolds are not without their own
shortcomings.
[0006] Furthermore, many hanging scaffold systems are theoretically
designed for easy pre-assembly prior to deployment, again with the
objective of reducing labor costs and cutting productivity losses.
Most of these hanging scaffold systems, however, are not as stable
as ground based scaffold systems
[0007] Further, hanging scaffold systems require a roof anchoring
point that is able to withstand thousands of pounds of force in
several directions while the construction work is in progress.
Typically, the roof anchor is nailed, bolted or fixedly attached to
the roof to provide the necessary safety margin. However, this
results in a roof anchoring system that requires additional time
and effort to remove and reposition, thereby reducing the time
savings associated with the hanging scaffold system.
[0008] An additional issue is that the hanging scaffold systems are
only designed to hang from the exterior surface of the roof. The
hanging scaffolding system was not designed for use in an attic
crawl space.
[0009] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a circuit and
method that overcomes the above problems.
SUMMARY
[0010] A scaffolding system for an attic area has a plurality of
board members, wherein each board member comprises: an elongated
member having a hollow interiors and a plurality of wall members
extending from a bottom section to a top section of the hollow
interior to form a plurality passage ways. An attachment device is
used for securing a first board member to an adjoining board
member
[0011] A scaffolding system for an attic area has a plurality of
board members, wherein each board member comprises: an elongated
member having a hollow interior; and a plurality of wall members
extending from a bottom section to a top section of the hollow
interior to form a plurality passage ways. An attachment device is
used for securing a first board member to an adjoining board
member, wherein the attachment device comprises a pair of removable
attachment devices formed on a pair of opposing side surfaces of
each board member and a pair of permanent attachment devices formed
on another pair of opposing side surfaces of each board member.
[0012] A scaffolding system for an attic area has a plurality of
board members. An attachment device is used for securing a first
board member to an adjoining board member, wherein the attachment
device comprises a pair of removable attachment devices formed on a
pair of opposing sides of each board member.
[0013] The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved
independently in various embodiments of the disclosure or may be
combined in yet other embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Embodiments of the disclosure will become more fully
understood from the detailed description and the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the attic scaffolding system
for use in an attic of a building;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a top view of an individual board of the attic
scaffolding system;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a top view of multiple boards of the attic
scaffolding system;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a side view of an individual board of the attic
scaffolding system;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a magnified view of one embodiment of the locking
system used in the attic scaffolding system;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a magnified view of another embodiment of the
locking system used in the attic scaffolding system;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
attic scaffolding system for use in an attic of a building;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a plank member of the attic
scaffolding system of FIG. 7 with end caps removed;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a another perspective view of a plank member of
the attic scaffolding system of FIG. 7 with end caps removed;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a plank member of the attic
scaffolding system of FIG. 7 with the end caps;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a plank member of the attic
scaffolding system of FIG. 7 with the end caps;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a front view of one embodiment of the end caps
used in the attic scaffolding system of FIG. 7;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective rear view of the embodiment of the
end caps shown in FIG. 12;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of
the end caps used in the attic scaffolding system of FIG. 7;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the
end caps shown in FIG. 14;
[0030] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of the
end caps shown in FIG. 14;
[0031] FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of the embodiment of the
end caps shown in FIG. 14;
[0032] FIG. 18 is a side view of the attic scaffolding system of
FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] Referring now to the Figures, an attic scaffolding system 10
is shown. The system 10 is designed to be used in an attic area 12
of a house and or building. The attic area 12 may be defined as the
area between the ceiling 14 and a roof section formed by trusses
16. The system 10 is designed to be positioned on existing rafters
18 in the attic area 12. The system 10 may be used to allow a
person to work within the attic area 12. Presently, when working in
the attic area 12, workers stand on the individual rafters 18.
Alternatively, individual boards may be used to allow a person to
stand in between consecutive rafters 18. However, the individual
board needs to be lifted and moved every time the worker moves.
[0034] The system 10 is designed to quickly and easily attach and
lock multiple planks 20 together. This allows for a removable floor
to be formed on the rafters 18. As stated above, the system 10 is
formed of a plurality of plank members 20. Each plank member 20,
and thus the system 10, is of a size to allow the plank members 20
to be carried through an attic opening 11. The plank members 20 may
be formed of an electrically non-conductive material.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, a top surface 20A of the plank member 20
may have markings 22. The markings 22 may be formed around one or
more edges on the top surface of the plank member 20. The markings
22 may be used as a warning indictor to let a person know that they
are near the edge of the plank member 20. The marking 22 may be a
red strip, a fluorescent yellow/green strip, a grip strip, or the
like. The above listing is given an example and should not be seen
in a limiting manner.
[0036] Located on a bottom surface 20C of the plank member 20 may
be a latching device 40. The latching device 40 may be used to
secure the plank member to a rafter 18. The latching device 40 may
be used to prevent the plank member 20 from moving/sliding when
positioned on a rafter 18. The latching device 40 may be a hook or
the like.
[0037] Located on one or more side surfaces 20B of each plank
member 20 may be an attachment mechanism 24. The attachment
mechanism 24 may be used to attach one or more additional plank
members 20 to an existing plank member 20. The attachment mechanism
24 may be form as part of the plank member 20. Alternatively, the
attachment mechanism 24 may be a separate device.
[0038] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, one embodiment of the attachment
mechanism 24 may be seen. In this embodiment, the plank member 20
may have one or more sides where a channel 26 may be formed. The
channel 26 may be formed along one or more side surfaces 20B of the
plank member 20. The channel 26 may be formed along a central area
of the side surface 20B. The channel 26 may run a length of the
side surface 20B.
[0039] Located in the channel 26 is a groove 28. The groove 28 is
formed along a surface 26B on the channel 26. The groove 28 may run
the length of the channel 26.
[0040] The plank member 20 may have one or more sides where a tab
30 may be formed. The tab 30 may be formed along one or more side
surfaces 20B of the plank member 20. The tab 30 may be formed along
a central area of the side surface 20B. The tab 30 may run a
majority of the length of the side surface 20B.
[0041] The tab 30 may have a locking member 32 which extends from
the tab 30. The locking member 32 may be a locking tab 32A which
extends down from tab 30. In operation, the tab 30 of one plank
member 20 may be inserted into the channel 26 of a corresponding
plank member 20. The locking tab 32B may be slide into the channel
28 thereby forming a snap lock connection. By lifting the plank
member 30, the locking tab 32B may be slide out of the channel 28
thereby unlocking the plank member 30 from the corresponding plank
member 20.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 6, another attachment mechanism 24' may be
seen. In this embodiment, the attachment mechanism 24' may be an
"I" beam 34. The "I" beam 34 has a pair of "I" beam channels 36.
Located in at least one "I" beam channel 36 is a locking tab 32A'.
In this embodiment, the plank member 20 may be a standard board
20'. The board 20' having a notch 38 formed on at least one side
surface. The notch 38 may run a length of the at least one side
surface.
[0043] In operation, the board 20' may be inserted into the "I"
beam channel 36. The locking tab 32A' may be slide into the notch
38 of the board 20' thereby forming a snap lock connection. By
lifting the board 20', the locking tab 32A' may be slide out of the
notch 38 thereby unlocking the board 20' from the attachment
mechanism 24'.
[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 7-18, another embodiment of the
system 10' is shown. The system 10' is designed to be used in the
attic area 12 of a house and or building. The system 10' is
designed to be positioned on existing rafters 18 in the attic area
12. The system 10 may be used to allow a person to work within the
attic area 12.
[0045] Each plank member 20' may be formed of an elongated member
50. One or more wall members 52 may be formed in the interior of
the elongated member 50. The wall members 52 may extend from a
bottom section to a top section of the interior of the elongated
member 50. Thus, the wall members 52 may form a plurality of
passages 54 that may rim the length of the plank 20. The wall
members 52 may provide support to prevent the plank 20' from
compressing due to the weight of the user.
[0046] Located on one or more side surfaces 50A of each elongated
member 50 may be an attachment mechanism 52. The attachment
mechanism 52 may be used to attach one or more additional elongated
members 50 to an existing elongated member 50. The attachment
mechanism 52 may be form as part of the elongated member 50.
Alternatively, the attachment mechanism 52 may be a separate
device.
[0047] In accordance with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-16, a
first attachment mechanism 52A is formed on opposing side surfaces
50A1 and 50A2. The first attachment mechanism 52A may be formed of
a channel and tab structure similar to that described above. Thus,
a channel 26 may be formed on one of the side surfaces 50A1 or
50A2. The channel 26 may be formed along a central area of the side
surface 50A1 or 50A2. The channel 26 may run a length of the side
surface 50A1 or 50A2.
[0048] Located in the channel 26 is a groove 28. The groove 28 is
formed along a surface 26B on the channel 26. The groove 28 may run
the length of the channel 26.
[0049] A tab 30 may be formed on one of the side surfaces 50A1 or
50A2. The tab 30 may be formed along a central area of the side
surfaces 50A1 or 50A2. The tab 30 may run a majority of the length
of the side surfaces 50A1 or 50A2.
[0050] The tab 30 may have a locking member 32 which extends from
the tab 30. The locking member 32 may be a locking tab 32B which
extends down from tab 30. The locking tab 32B may be slide into the
channel 28 thereby forming a snap lock connection.
[0051] A second attachment mechanism 52B may be formed on opposing
side surfaces 50A3 and 50A4. The second attachment mechanism 52B
may be a separate device which attaches to the side surfaces 50A3
and 50A4. The second attachment mechanism 52B may be formed of a
body member 54. On a back region 56 of the body member 54 is a
cavity 58. One or more attachment members 60 extend up from the
cavity 58. In general, the number of attachment members 60
corresponds to the number of passages 54. The attachment members 60
may be sized and shaped to conform to the passages 54.
[0052] The attachment members 60 may be inserted into a
corresponding passage 54 thereby securing the second attachment
mechanism 52B to one or both of the side surfaces 50A3 and 50A4.
One the attachment members 60 are inserted into a corresponding
passage 54, the side surfaces 50A3 and 50A4 may be positioned
within the cavity 58 further securing the attachment mechanism 52B
to one or both of the side surfaces 50A3 and 50A4.
[0053] Located on a front region 62 of the body member 54 may be
one of a channel or tab structure. Thus, a "C" shaped channel 64
may be formed on a front region 62 of the body member 54. The "C"
shaped channel 64 may be formed along a central area of the front
region 62. The "C" shaped channel 64 may run a length of the side
surface 50A1 or 50A2. In accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention, one end of the opening in the C'' shaped channel
64 may extend out past the other end of the opening in the C''
shaped channel 64.
[0054] One or more pairs of lip members 66 may be formed in the C''
shaped channel 64. One lip member of the pair of lip members 66
extend down from each end of the opening in the "C" shaped channel
64. In accordance with one embodiment, several pairs of lip member
66 may be positioned along a length of the "C" shaped channel
64.
[0055] Alternatively, an "L" shape tab member 68 may be formed on a
front region 62 of the body member 54. The "L" shape tab member 68
may be formed such that a bottom leg 68A of the "L" shape tab
member 68 extends from a middle section of the front region 62 of
the body member 54. In accordance with one embodiment, the bottom
leg 68A of the "L" shape tab member 68 has a rounded edge 68B. The
rounded edge 68B conforms to the shape of the "C" shaped channel 64
having one end that may extend out past the other end in the
opening in the C'' shaped channel 64.
[0056] One or more pairs of tab member lips 70 may be formed on the
bottom leg 68A of the "L" shape tab member 68. One tab member lip
of the pair of tab member lips 70 extend down from each side of the
bottom leg 68A of the "L" shape tab member 68.
[0057] In operation, a second attachment mechanism 52B having a "C"
shaped channel 64 is attached to one side of the elongated member
50 while a second attachment mechanism 52B having an "L" shape tab
member 68 is attached an opposing side of the elongated member 50.
Adjacent plank member 20' may be attached by sliding an "L" shape
tab member 68 into the "C" shaped channel 64 of the adjacent plank
member 20'. The pairs of tab member lips 70 on the bottom leg 68A
of the "L" shape tab member 68 meet with the pairs of lip members
66 formed in the C'' shaped channel 64 to secure and adjacent plank
members 20' together.
[0058] While embodiments of the disclosure have been described in
terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art
will recognize that the embodiments of the disclosure can be
practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the
claims.
* * * * *