Scaffold tool rest

Disclosed is tool rest for holding tools, materials, and supplies on scaffolding. The tool rest can attach to either the short end or the long side of scaffolding. The tool rest includes a tool tray that is defined by a relatively large, flat horizontal floor surrounded by raised perimeter curb sections. A shelf assembly extends horizontally from one (1) curb section. The shelf assembly includes a flat surface having multiple openings for receiving cup holders or tools. The tool rest clamps to scaffolding posts and includes a mounting assembly having an attachment bracket and at least one (1) angled brace that increases the tool tray loading capacity. The tool rest is detachable and is designed to not interfere with the functionality or safety of the scaffolding.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

There are currently no co-pending applications.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed tool rests for use on scaffolding. More particularly, the present invention relates to detachable tool rests for holding tools, materials, and supplies on scaffolding.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Whenever large structures such as buildings are under construction or being repaired it is necessary to provide workers with ready access to all areas of those structures. From ancient Egypt to today such access has been provided by scaffolding. A scaffold is a temporary structure placed around a large structure to support people, tools, and materials and to provide access to work areas.

Scaffolding takes at least two (2) forms. A scaffold can be constructed in situ. After use such scaffolds are torn down. Such scaffolding provides great flexibility in that the scaffold can be made very large, very tall, and/or customized to particular applications. However, some jobs such as painting do not require such extreme flexibility. In those applications the use of Baker-style scaffolding is common. A Baker-style scaffold is a rather small, pre-made scaffold that is assembled when required and moved about. When work is being performed a Baker-style scaffold is rolled about on integral wheels or simply picked up and moved to other locations as need. When not needed a Baker-style scaffold is disassembled and moved to another site or stored. Because of their ease of assembly and mobility, Baker-style scaffolds are widely used in painting, sheet rocking, electrical installation and maintenance.

More often than not, workers on scaffolding are required to use tools and materials to complete their tasks. However, since Baker-style scaffolding is relatively small, there is often no suitable location to place tools, materials, and supplies other than on the scaffolding floor. This creates several problems. First, when a tool or material is needed it is on the floor of the scaffolding and out of reach, which necessitates stopping work to retrieve. Second, locating items on the floor creates a tripping hazard which can be particularly dangerous at elevated work locations. Additionally, such tools, supplies, and materials can easily be kicked over the side of the scaffolding where they can fall on workers who may be working below. This can, and has resulted in horrific injuries.

While they have proven to be very useful, Baker-style scaffolding is often assembled from pipes, rods, or beams that fit together to form a relatively small skeleton structure. That structure tends to limit what can be used with the scaffold.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which tools, supplies, materials and other items can be retained on Baker-style scaffolding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The principles of the present invention provide for a scaffold tool rest that is suitable for use with Baker-style scaffolds.

A scaffold tool rest that is in accord with the present invention includes a substantially flat rectangular floor having a first long edge, a second long edge, a first short edge, and a second short edge. Raised curb section along those edges to provide a tool space. A shelf extension extends outward from and runs along a long curb section. The shelf extension includes a flat surface having multiple shelf apertures. The scaffold tool rest further includes means for attaching the scaffold tool rest to a scaffold.

The scaffold tool rest further includes a cup holder that is dimensioned to fit into a first of the multiple shelf apertures. Other shelf apertures can be dimensioned to hold tools and other equipment.

Attachment of the scaffold tool rest to a scaffold is beneficially performed using a first bracket assembly and a second bracket assembly that are configured to attach to scaffolding posts. The first bracket assembly includes at least one (1) elongated first bracket member that is attached to and extends down vertically from a long curb section. The first bracket member has a first mating surface that is dimensioned to mate with a scaffold post. Usually the first mating surface is a partial cylinder. The first bracket assembly also includes an upper pair of mounting ears and a lower pair of mounting ears. Each mounting ear extends outward from the first bracket member, and each mounting ear includes a pin aperture. The pin apertures of pairs of mounting ears align along centerlines. The scaffold tool rest is dimensioned to be retained on scaffold posts by placing the first mating surface against a scaffold post and inserting a first locking pin through the apertures of the upper pair of mounting ears and a second locking pin through the apertures of the lower pair of mounting ears. The scaffold tool rest further includes a first brace member attached to the floor that diagonally extends downward.

According to another embodiment, the present invention takes the form of a scaffold short tool rest. The scaffold short tool rest has a substantially flat rectangular floor having first, second, third, and fourth edges. Raised curb sections extend along those edges to define a tool space. A shelf extension extends outward from and runs along a curb section. The scaffold short tool rest further includes a means for attaching the scaffold tool rest to horizontal cross-members of a scaffold.

The means for attaching beneficially comprises a first cross-member bracket that is attached to a first curb section and a brace member having a second cross-member bracket on one (1) end and which is attached to the floor at the other end. The first cross-member bracket is designed to retain the scaffold short tool rest to a first horizontal cross-member by being placed over the first horizontal cross-member. The brace member diagonally extends from the floor to end in the second cross-member bracket, which is designed to mate with a second horizontal cross-member by being placed over the second horizontal cross-member. The first mating surface and the second mating surface will often define partial cylindrical surfaces.

The shelf extension of the scaffold short tool rest will beneficially include multiple shelf apertures. At least one (1) of the shelf apertures will beneficially be dimensioned to receive a cup holder while another will be dimensioned to receive a tool.

DESCRIPTIVE KEY

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment,FIGS. 1 and 2, while an alternative embodiment is shown inFIGS. 3aand3b. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

Referring now toFIG. 1, an environmental view of a scaffold tool rest10that is in accord with the present invention, the scaffold tool rest10provides a stable horizontal surface on scaffolding200. That surface can hold a plurality of tools as well as materials and supplies. The scaffold tool rest10forms a removable tray structure attached along the long side of the scaffolding200. The scaffold tool rest10is attached to scaffold posts210using locking pins58(shown inFIG. 2).

The scaffold tool rest10includes a relatively large, substantially flat floor20that is surrounded by upwardly protruding curb sections25which extend along the edges of the floor. There are four (4) curb sections: two (2) long and two (2) short. The curb sections25help retain tools and materials within a readily accessible tool space30defined by the floor20and the curb sections25. An additional shelf extension35extends outward from the distal long curb section of the scaffold tool rest10. As best shown inFIG. 2, the shelf extension35includes multiple shelf apertures37of various dimensions. The shelf apertures37are beneficially dimensioned to receive cup holders40, a variety of tools, and other items.

Referring again toFIG. 1, the scaffold tool rest10is designed so that it does not interfere with the functionality or safety of the scaffolding200and such that it can easily be removed from the scaffolding200. The scaffold tool rest10beneficially also serves as a safety guard rail to reduce the possibility of a fall. The scaffold tool rest10is illustrated being used on a Baker-style scaffold system; however, it should be understood that the scaffold tool rest10might be modified to allow use with different scaffold systems manufactured by various other suppliers. Thus the present invention is limited by the particular scaffold it is used with.

FIG. 2shows a close-up view of the scaffold tool rest10. Shown is the floor20, a plurality of the curb sections25located around the scaffold tool rest10, the shelf extension35, two (2) mounting bracket assemblies50, and a plurality of locking pins58. As previously noted the floor20and the curb sections25define a tool space30. The tool space30beneficially is a relatively large closed-in rectangular area. The tool space30enables controlled placement and/or storage of tools, equipment, and materials necessary to complete a project using the scaffolding200.

Still referring toFIG. 2, the shelf extension35is a horizontally protruding surface formed by or affixed to an outer edge of curb sections25. The shelf extension35includes the shelf apertures37, which are beneficially formed or machined through the shelf extension35. It should be understood that the shelf apertures37may comprise a variety of different diameters and shapes so as to act as receptacles for cup holders40, screwdrivers, hammers, electric tools, and the like. The cup holders40are preferably used to retain various beverages; however, the cup holders40may also be utilized to hold miscellaneous items such as hardware, scaffolding fasteners, and the like.

As described with reference toFIG. 1, the scaffold tool rest10is designed to attach to vertical scaffold posts210of the scaffolding200. Referring now to bothFIGS. 1 and 2, attachment is accomplished using at least two (2) integrally affixed mounting bracket assemblies50. It should be understood that the actual number and locations of the mounting bracket assemblies50depends on the particular size and configuration of the scaffolding200and the arrangement of its scaffold posts210.

The mounting bracket assemblies50are beneficially positioned at and are attached to outer corners of a proximal curb section25. Each mounting bracket assembly50includes a half-cylinder-shaped bracket member52that extends downward from the proximal curb section25approximately two (2) feet. The bracket members52form a partial inner cylindrical shape that matches the outer cylindrical shape of the scaffold posts210. Of course if the scaffold posts210have different shapes the bracket members52will be modified to match that shape.

Each mounting bracket assembly50further includes a brace member60and four (4) integral mounting ears54having pin apertures56that are formed or machined there through. Each brace member60is affixed at one end to a lower rear section of a bracket member52and, extending diagonally upward and outward, is affixed at the other end to the bottom of the floor20. The brace members60strengthen the scaffold tool rest10and buttress the floor20.

Each bracket member52includes outwardly extending upper pair and a lower pairs of mounting ears54. The pin apertures56of each pair of mounting ears54align along horizontal centerlines. In use, the bracket members52are positioned against scaffold posts210and are secured in place by inserting respective locking pins58through pairs of pin apertures56. In practice the scaffold posts210have or would be modified to have apertures that align with the pin apertures56when the scaffold tool rest10is mounted to the scaffolding200. The locking pins58are envisioned as being commercially available quick disconnect pins that are commonly used in industry.

The floor20, curb sections25, shelf extension35, and mounting bracket assemblies50are preferably comprised of a lightweight metal such as aluminum; however, other rugged weather-resistant materials such as plated or painted steel, stainless steel, composite plastics, and the like may also be used.

An alternative embodiment short-side scaffold tool rest100is shown inFIGS. 3aand3b. The short-side scaffold tool rest100is a “shortened” version that is attachable to scaffold cross-members220located along the ends of the scaffolding200. The short-side scaffold tool rest100provides similar features and functionality as the previously described preferred embodiment scaffold tool rest10.

The short-side scaffold tool rest100has a length that corresponds to the ends of the scaffolding200. To that end the short-side scaffold tool rest100has an alternative floor120, alternative curb sections125, and an alternative shelf135, all of which are shorter than corresponding members in the scaffold tool rest10. As best shown inFIG. 3b, the short-side scaffold tool rest100has an integral first cross-member bracket150on an alternative curb section125and a pair of second cross-member brackets170at the ends of alternative brace members160.

The first cross-member bracket150has a first slot152while the second cross-member brackets170have second slots172. Those slots are shaped to mate with and entrap scaffold cross-member220. The first cross-member bracket150is a generally rectangular protrusion that extends from the middle of an alternative curb section125. The first slot152is formed with, or machined into, the bottom of the alternative curb section125to provide a profile that mates and entraps an upper scaffold cross-member220. The alternative brace members160, which provide a similar supporting function as the brace members60, are affixed to the bottom of the alternative floor120and extend diagonally downwardly to respective second cross-member brackets170. The alternative brace members160are affixed to the second cross-member brackets170in such a manner that the second slots172of the second cross-member brackets170align along a common centerline to receive a scaffold cross-member220. The slots152,172comprise half-cylinder-shaped indentations that mate with horizontal scaffold cross-members220so as to be securely held.

The features and positioning of the short-side scaffold tool rest100enable it to be used on a particular scaffolding200. Preferably the short-side scaffold tool rest100could be used on scaffolding200coincidentally with the preferred embodiment scaffold tool rest10. Furthermore, a second on a particular scaffolding200might be mounted to an opposite end of the scaffolding200.

It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, only one particular configuration is shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial acquisition of the scaffold tool rest10, it would be installed and utilized as indicated inFIG. 1.

The method of utilizing the scaffold tool rest10may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring a model of the scaffold tool rest10having a desired length and number of mounting bracket assemblies50and which corresponds with the scaffolding200onto which the scaffold tool rest10is to be installed; inserting the mounting bracket assemblies50coincidentally upon corresponding scaffold posts210; aligning the pin apertures56of the mounting ears54with pre-drilled apertures within the scaffold posts210; inserting the locking pins58through the pin apertures56and the scaffold posts210; using the tool space30to place tools and other equipment necessary to perform a project; using the shelf apertures37to securely position various tools such as screwdrivers, hammers, and the like; positioning cup holders40within other shelf apertures37to hold beverages while working on the scaffolding200; removing the scaffold tool rest10upon completion of a project by removing the locking pins58from the pin apertures56and removing the scaffold tool rest10from the scaffold200; and saving time and money due to quick access to needed tools, equipment, and refreshments while working on a project.

The method of installing and using the alternative short-side scaffold tool rest100may be achieved by performing the following additional steps: attaching the short-side scaffold tool rest100to scaffold cross-members220by coincidentally engaging the first slots152of the first cross-member bracket150, and the two (2) second slots172of respective second cross-member brackets170onto the scaffold cross-members220along an end of the scaffolding200; using the short-side scaffold tool rest100in a similar manner as the previously described preferred embodiment scaffold tool rest10; removing the short-side scaffold tool rest100upon completion of a project by lifting the first cross-member bracket150and the second cross-member brackets170in an upward direction; and, removing the short-side scaffold tool rest100from the scaffolding200.