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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     (1) Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     This invention pertains to the field of ladder assemblies. More particularly, this invention pertains to a ladder assembly that is adapted and configured to be removably secured to an I-beam.  
         [0003]     (2) Background  
         [0004]     I-beams are commonly used as structural supports. In some cases, I-beams are elevated above a floor or ground level and scaffolding or the like is suspended therefrom to provide access to an elevated work area. This is common in military aircraft service areas, where portions of aircraft being serviced are elevated from the floor or ground level, thus requiring workers to elevate themselves via such scaffolding or with ladders. While step ladders and scaffolding certainly serve the purpose of elevating the worker, they are sometimes unstable and do not provide an adequate work surface.  
         [0005]     In view of the foregoing, the inventor has appreciated the desirability of providing a support structure that is adapted and configured to be removably attached to and supported by a single I-beam. Additionally, the inventor has appreciated the desirability of providing a platform and a ladder attached to such a support structure in a manner to provide a surface upon which a worker can stand and a means for such worker to access the platform from ground level.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     In general, a support structure in accordance with the invention comprises a first clamping member, a second clamping member, a ladder and a support platform. The support structure is adapted for use with an elevated I-beam having a generally vertical web, a generally horizontal upper flange at an upper end of the web, and a generally horizontal lower flange at a lower end of the web. The upper flange, web, and lower flange define a first channel of the I-beam on a first side of the web and a second channel of the I-beam on an opposite second side of the web. The first clamping member has a beam-engaging portion that is configured and adapted to be positioned within the first channel of the I-beam. The second clamping member has a beam-engaging portion that is adapted to be positioned within the second channel of the I-beam. The second clamping member is movably connected to the first clamping member in a manner such that the first and second clamping members are moveable relative to each other between a clamped configuration and an unclamped configuration. In the clamped configuration, at least a portion of the web of the I-beam are clamped between the beam-engaging portions of the first and second clamping members. In the unclamped position, the beam-engaging portions of the first and second clamping members are sufficiently spaced from one another to permit disengagement of the support structure from the I-beam. The ladder is attached to one of the first and second clamping members, and the support platform is attached to the other of the first and second clamping members.  
         [0007]     In another aspect of the invention, a support structure comprises a first clamping member and a second clamping member. The support structure is adapted for use with an I-beam having a generally vertical web, a generally horizontal upper flange at an upper end of the web, and a generally horizontal lower flange at a lower end of the web. The upper flange, the web, and the lower flange define a first channel with a generally C-shaped first channel surface on one side of the web and a second channel with a generally C-shaped second channel surface on an opposite side of the web. The first clamping member has a beam-engaging portion that is dimensioned to mate with the first channel surface. The second clamping member has a beam-engaging portion that is dimensioned to mate with the second channel surface. The second clamping member is pivotally connected to the first clamping member in a manner so that the first and second clamping members are moveable relative to one another between a clamped configuration and an unclamped configuration. In the clamped configuration, the first and second clamping members are mated with the first and second channel surfaces, respectively. In the unclamped configuration, the beam-engaging portions of the first and second clamping members are sufficiently spaced from one another to permit disengagement of the support structure from the I-beam. The pivotal connection of the first and second clamping members is located generally adjacent the upper flange of the I-beam when the support structure is secured to the I-beam and is in the clamped configuration. Therefore, the weight of the first clamping member results in a generally horizontal force being exerted inwardly against the first channel surface by the beam-engaging portion of the first clamping member, and the weight of the second clamping member results in a generally horizontal force being exerted inwardly against the second channel surface by the beam-engaging portion of the second clamping member, when the support structure is secured to the I-beam and is in the clamped configuration.  
         [0008]     In still another aspect of the invention, a support structure for use with an elevated I-beam comprises a ladder and a support platform. The ladder has a pair of generally parallel side rails with a plurality of generally horizontal steps extending therebetween. The ladder has a first clamping member connected to an upper end of at least one of the side rails. The first clamping member has a beam-engaging portion that is dimensioned to mate with a generally C-shaped first channel surface of the I-beam. The support platform has a generally horizontal support surface that is of sufficient area to support a worker situated thereon. The support platform has a second clamping member with a beam-engaging portion that is dimensioned to mate with the C-shaped second channel surface of the I-beam. The second clamping member is pivotally connected to the first clamping member in a manner so that the first and second clamping members are relative to each other between a clamped configuration and an unclamped configuration. In the clamped configuration, the first and second clamping members can be mated with the first and second channel surfaces, respectively. In the unclamped configuration, the beam-engaging portions of the first and second clamping members are sufficiently spaced from one another to permit disengagement of the support structure from the I-beam.  
         [0009]     In yet another aspect of the invention, a method comprises a step of providing an I-beam having a generally vertical web, a generally horizontal upper flange at an upper end of the web, and a generally horizontal lower flange at a lower end of the web. The upper flange, the web, and the lower flange of the I-beam define a first channel with a generally C-shaped first channel surface on one side of the web and a second channel with a generally C-shaped second channel surface on an opposite side of the web. The method further includes a step of providing a support structure that comprises first and second clamping members, a ladder, and a platform. The first clamping member is movably connected to the second clamping member. Furthermore, the method comprises a step of removably securing the support structure to the I-beam by moving the first clamping member relative to the second clamping member in a manner such that a portion of the first clamping member is positioned within the first channel of the I-beam and a portion of the second clamping member is positioned within the second channel of the I-beam such that the support structure is in interlocked geometry with the I-beam. Additionally, the method comprises a step of removing the support structure from the I-beam by moving the first clamping member relative to the second clamping member in a manner positioning the first and second clamping members outside of the first and second channels of the I-beam.  
         [0010]     Other features of the invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter. While the principal advantages and features of the present invention have been described above, a more complete and thorough understanding and appreciation for the invention may be attained by referring to the drawings and detailed description of the preferred embodiment, which follow. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a support structure in accordance with the invention, shown mounted to an I-beam.  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the support structure of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a support structure shown in  FIG. 1 , shown with its support platform pivoted relative to its ladder portion in a manner allowing the support structure to be removed from the an I-beam.  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the support structure of  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
       [0015]     Reference characters shown in these Figures correspond to reference characters used throughout the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0016]     The preferred embodiment of a support structure in accordance with the invention is shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . In general, the support structure  10  comprises first  12  and second  14  clamping members that are movably connected to each other. The various components of the support structure  10  are preferably formed of aluminum or other suitably strong and rigid materials.  
         [0017]     The first clamping member  12  preferably comprises a beam-engaging portion  16  and a ladder  18 . The beam-engaging portion  16  of the first clamping member  12  preferably comprises an elongate C-shaped member  20 , a top plate member  22 , and a pair of brackets  24 . The top plate member  22  preferably comprises a hinge member  26  along one of its longitudinal edge margins and is preferably attached to the top of the C-shaped member  20  along its opposite edge margin. The C-shaped member  20  comprises a top portion  28 , an intermediate portion  30 , and a bottom portion  32  that together form a channel  34 . Each of the brackets  24  preferably extends outwardly in a cantilevered manner from within the channel  34  of the C-shaped member. Preferably, each bracket  24  is welded, or otherwise rigidly connected to each of the top  28 , intermediate  30 , and bottom  32  portions of the C-shaped member  20  so as to provide substantial stiffness between the brackets and the C-shaped member.  
         [0018]     The ladder  18  of the first clamping member  12  preferably comprises a pair of spaced-apart rails  36  and a plurality of rungs or steps  38  spanning horizontally therebetween. The top end of each rail  36  is preferably rigidly attached to a respective one of the brackets  24 . Preferably, the rails  36  are to the brackets  24  in a manner such that the rails extend downward and outward in an incline manner with respect to the top plate member  22  of the beam-engaging portion  16 .  
         [0019]     The second clamping member  14  of the support structure  10  preferably comprises a beam-engaging portion  40  and a support platform  42 . Similar to beam-engaging portion  16  of the first clamping member  12 , the beam-engaging portion  40  of the second clamping member  14  preferably comprises an elongate C-shaped member  44  and a pair of brackets  46 . Likewise, the C-shaped member  44  preferably comprises a top portion  48 , an intermediate portion  50 , and a bottom portion  52  that together form a channel  54 . Furthermore, each of the brackets  46  is preferably rigidly connected to each of the top  48 , intermediate  50 , and bottom  52  portions of the C-shaped member  44  and extends outwardly in a cantilevered manner from within the channel  54 . The support platform  42  is preferably rigidly connected to each of the brackets  46  and comprises a hinge member  56  along its longitudinal edge nearest the C-shaped member  44 . The hinge member  56  of the second clamping member  14  is connected to the hinge member  26  of the first clamping member  12  and cooperates therewith in a manner such that the first and clamping members are pivotally connected to each other.  
         [0020]     Configured as described above, the support structure is configured and adapted to be removably secured to and supported by an I-beam  58 , as shown in the Figures. Such an I-beam  58  generally comprises a generally vertical web  60 , a generally horizontal upper flange  62  teeing from the upper end of the web, and a generally horizontal lower flange teeing from the lower end of the web. As such, the upper flange  62 , web  60 , and lower flange  64  define a first channel  66  of the I-beam  58  on one side of the web and a second channel  68  of the I-beam on an opposite side of the web.  
         [0021]     To secure the support structure  10  to the I-beam  58 , the second clamping member  14  is pivoted upward relative to the first clamping member  12  in a manner as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . In this configuration, the beam-engaging portion  16  of the first clamping member is then brought into engagement with the I-beam  58 . In particular, the top plate member  22  of the first clamping member  12  is engaged against the top surface of the upper flange  62  of the I-beam  58 , and the C-shaped member  20  of the first clamping member  12  is inserted into the first channel  66  of the I-beam. The second clamping member  14  is then pivoted downward relative to the first clamping member  12  in a manner such that the C-shape member  44  of the beam-engaging portion  16  of the second clamping member moves into the second channel  68  of the I-beam  58 . The gravitational forces acting on the first  12  and second  14  clamping members acts to force the C-shaped members  20 , 44  of the first and second clamping members toward each other. The C-shaped members  20 , 44  of the first  12  and second  14  clamping members are preferably dimensioned such that they conform closely with first  66  and second  68  channels of the I-beam  58  so that each engages against the I-beam&#39;s upper flange  62 , web  60 , and lower flange  64 . As such, the intermediate portion  30  of the C-shaped member  20  of the first clamping member  12  and the intermediate portion  50  of the C-shaped member  44  of the second clamping member  14  press against the web  60  of the I-beam  58 , and thereby secure the support structure  10  to the I-beam.  
         [0022]     Once secured to an I-beam as discussed above, the support platform  42  of the second clamping member  14  provides a surface upon which workers can stand to access objects at heights above which they could reach when standing at lower elevations. Additionally, the ladder  18  of the first clamping member  12  is preferably configured to extend downward to an extent such that the lowermost step  38  is positioned a comfortable stepping distance above some other surface. As a person climbs the ladder  18  from such other surface, the weight of the person creates an additional force on the first clamping member  12  that creates a pulling force on the second clamping member  14  in a direction toward the first clamping member. However, the weight of the second clamping member  14  creates a clamping force against the I-beam  58  that is sufficiently high to resist movement of the support structure  10  relative to the I-beam when this occurs. Likewise, when a person stands on the support platform  42 , the pulling force created on the first clamping member  12  is reacted by the reaction force created by the weight of the first clamping member.  
         [0023]     When desired, the support structure  10  can be removed from the I-beam  58  by simply reversing the steps of attaching the support structure to the I-beam. Thus, it should be appreciated that the support structure  10  provides a simple and practical way for workers to utilize I-beams to elevate themselves.  
         [0024]     While the present invention has been described in reference to a specific embodiment, in light of the foregoing, it should be understood that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings is intended to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense and that various modifications and variations of the invention may be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the following claims. Most notably, it should be appreciated that all of the elements or method steps described in reference to the preferred embodiment need be present or performed. Thus, other possible variations and modifications should be appreciated.  
         [0025]     Furthermore, it should be understood that when introducing elements of the present invention in the claims or in the above description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be open-ended and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Similarly, the term “portion” should be construed as meaning some or all of the item or element that it qualifies.

Summary:
A support structure for supporting workers from an I-beam comprises a ladder and a platform that are pivotally attached to each other. The pivoting nature of the support structure allows the geometry of the support structure to be interlocked with the geometry of the I-beam in a manner rigidly attaching the support structure to the I-beam. When attached to the I-beam, the platform preferably extends horizontally in a cantilevered manner to provide a surface upon which a worker can stand. The ladder assists the worker in accessing the platform.