Scaffolding structure

Scaffolding structure includes first and second frame members with adjacent connected ends and remote free ends. The connected ends are hingedly connected for relative rotation of the frame members about a hinge axis between a closed position in which the frame members overlap each other and an open position in which the frame members are continuations of each other. A first leg member is mounted on the first frame member adjacent its connected end, a second leg member is mounted on the first frame member adjacent its free end, and a third leg member is mounted on the second frame member adjacent its free end. The leg members are positioned to extend in the same direction from the frame members when the frame members are in the open position and are movable between retracted positions in which they are generally parallel to the frame members and extended positions in which they are generally perpendicular to the frame members. The hinge axis is provided by a hinge pin that is removable, so that the first frame member can be used separately from the second frame member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates to scaffolding structure and more especially to 
improved lightweight, foldable and easily storable scaffolding structure 
that is particularly useful in repairing high and wide bodied vehicles. 
The inventive scaffolding structure also enhances safety and enables repair 
personnel to perform their work without having to get on and off the 
scaffolding structure. 
The inventive scaffolding structure also lends itself to sheet rock work 
and many other uses in the home, and is very versatile in use, and is of 
simple, durable and inexpensive construction. 
A patentability search has revealed the following U.S. Pat. Nos.: 
______________________________________ 
U.S. Pat. No. 
Date Inventor(s) 
______________________________________ 
1,912,947 June 6, 1933 Martin 
2,593,386 April 15, 1952 Dirks 
4,046,221 September 6, 1977 
Edenfield 
4,249,636 February 10, 1981 
Jackson et al. 
4,298,094 November 3, 1981 
Strong 
4,576,251 March 18, 1986 Matsuura et al. 
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These prior art patents disclose a number of scaffolding structures. They 
also disclose other structures, such as a saddle support (Edenfield) and a 
collapsible sawhorse (Strong). The prior patents do not disclose, suggest 
or make obvious the inventive scaffolding structure. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The inventive scaffolding structure includes first and second frame members 
with adjacent connected ends and remote free ends. The connected ends are 
hingedly connected for relative rotation of the frame members about a 
hinge axis between a closed position in which the frame members overlap 
each other and an open position in which the frame members are 
continuations of each other. A first leg member is mounted on the first 
frame member adjacent its connected end, a second frame member is mounted 
on the first frame member adjacent its free end, and a third leg member is 
mounted on the second frame member adjacent its free end. The leg members 
are positioned to extend in the same direction from the frame members when 
the frame members are in the open position and are movable between 
retracted positions in which they are generally parallel to the frame 
members and extended positions in which they are generally perpendicular 
to the frame members. 
Each frame member is substantially rectangular. The length of each frame 
member from its connected end to its free end is about 54 inches (137 cm) 
and the width of each frame member is about 12 inches (30.5 cm). 
Each leg member preferably has nonskid rubber cap means for engaging a 
floor, and each frame member has a resilient member therearound for 
scratch resistance. The resilient member may be a rubber bumper or may be 
of suitable foamed material. 
The frame members are provided with platforms of nonskid mesh material for 
standing on and through which paint can pass. 
The leg members may be of adjustable length. The minimum length of each leg 
member may be about 12 inches (30.5 cm) and its maximum length may be 
about 28 inches (71.1 cm) and the length may be continuously adjustable 
between those limits. Each leg member is disclosed as having two feet that 
are spaced apart a distance greater than the width of the frame members. 
Preferably each foot is self-leveling. 
The hinge axis between the first and second frame members is provided by a 
removable hinge pin whereby the frame members are separable so that the 
first frame member can be used by itself. 
As will be appreciated more clearly from what follows, the inventive 
scaffolding structure well attains the foregoing objects and advantages 
among others.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a preferred scaffolding structure 10 embodying the 
invention. Scaffolding structure 10 comprises first and second frame 
members 12 and 14, respectively. Members 12 and 14 have adjacent 
releasably connected ends 16 and 18, respectively, and remote free ends 20 
and 22, respectively. Connected ends 16 and 18 are hingedly connected (as 
is described more fully hereinafter) for relative rotation of frame 
members 12 and 14 about a hinge axis between a closed position shown in 
FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5 in which frame members 12 and 14 overlap each other 
and an open position shown in FIG. 4 in which frame members 12 and 14 are 
continuations of each other. 
Structure 10 also comprises a first leg member 24 mounted on first frame 
member 12 adjacent its connected end 16, a second leg member 26 mounted on 
first frame member 12 adjacent its free end 20, and a third leg member 28 
mounted on second frame member 14 adjacent its free end 22. 
First, second and third leg members 24, 26 and 28 are positioned to extend 
in the same direction from frame members 12 and 14 when frame members 12 
and 14 are in their open position (FIG. 4). Leg members 24, 26 and 28 are 
movable between retracted positions in which they are generally parallel 
to their respective frame members 12 and 14 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 5) and 
extended positions in which they are generally perpendicular to frame 
members 12 and 14 (FIGS. 3 and 4). In addition, leg member 28 is shown in 
phantom in its extended position in FIG. 5. Leg members 24, 26 and 28 are 
alike and are provided with toggle braces 30 for releasably holding leg 
members 24, 26 and 28 in their extended positions, in known fashion. 
Frame members 12 and 14 are substantially rectangular. The length of each 
is about 54 inches (137 cm) and its width is about 12 inches (30.5 cm). 
Preferably, as indicated in FIG. 4, each frame member 12 and 14 has a 
resilient member 34 therearound for scratch resistance. Member 34 may be a 
rubber bumper or foamed material. 
Also, frame members 12 and 14 have platforms 36 of nonskid mesh material 
for standing on and through which spilled paint can pass. Platforms 36 are 
best seen in FIG. 4. 
Leg members 24, 26 and 28 are preferably of continuously adjustable length 
in known fashion by means not shown between a minimum length of about 12 
inches (30.5 cm) and a maximum length of about 28 inches (71.1 cm). 
Furthermore, each leg member 24, 26 and 28 has two feet 40 (two of which 
are shown in FIG. 2) that are covered by nonskid rubber caps 32. Feet 40 
of each leg member are spaced apart a distance greater than the width of 
frame members 12 and 14. 
The hinge axis common to frame members 12 and 14 is provided by a hinge pin 
44 that is removable as indicated in FIG. 4, whereby frame members 12 and 
14 are separable, so that first frame member 12 with its first leg member 
24 and its second leg member 26 can be used separate and apart from second 
frame member 14 and its third leg member 28, if desired for shorter work. 
FIGS. 1 and 2 show scaffolding structure 10 with frame members 12 and 14 in 
their closed positions and with leg members 24, 26 and 28 in their 
retracted positions, suitable for storage. 
FIGS. 3 and 5 show scaffolding structure 10 with frame members 12 and 14 in 
their closed position, but with leg members 24 and 26 having been moved to 
their extended positions with their feet 40 (with caps 32 thereon) 
supporting structure 10. FIG. 5 shows structure 10 with leg member 28 
still in its retracted position, but in phantom in its extended position. 
FIG. 3 shows scaffolding structure 10 with frame members 12 and 14 in their 
closed position, with leg members 24, 26 and 28, i.e., all leg members, in 
their extended positions. 
FIG. 4 shows scaffolding structure 10 with second frame member 14 having 
been pivoted about the hinge axis to move second frame member 14 to its 
open position relative to first frame member 12, in which frame members 12 
and 14 are continuations of each other and feet 40 of third leg member 28 
support free end 22 of frame member 14. Scaffolding structure 10 is ready 
for use. 
It is apparent that the invention well attains the stated objects and 
advantages and others. 
The disclosed details are exemplary only and are not to be taken as 
limitations on the invention except as those details may be included in 
the appended claims.