Abstract:
An apparatus and system for supporting tools at a given height on a door jamb. The apparatus for use as a tool platform for working on stilts. The apparatus comprising a vertical support member, a fastener device extending from the doorjamb, and a wall grip mechanism. The wall grip mechanism comprising a first projection and a second projection disposed apart from one another at a first given width, and each one of the first projection and the second projection extending in a first direction away from the vertical support member. The apparatus further comprising a tool platform having a front end and a back end in opposition to one another, the tool platform forming a horizontal surface.

Description:
REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATION 
   This patent application claims benefit of pending prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/504,517, filed Sep. 18, 2003 by Rodney B. Miller for STILT-MATE, which patent application is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention is related to construction apparatus and methods in general, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for attaching a tool platform to a door jamb. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The construction trades have lacked a suitable tool platform for working on stilts. Many persons who work on stilts in the drywall, painting, suspended ceiling and other construction trades rely upon stacked buckets, open windows, step ladders, or other various objects as a work platform on which to place tools while performing their job. Workers often have to travel through multiple rooms to access their tools. For example, buckets are stacked in one location of a job on which a worker places his tools and supplies. This type of a placement necessitates that the worker travel on stilts back and forth between work areas and the location of the stacked buckets to access tools and supplies. This travel is often over electrical cords, debris and around other workers to reach the tools and supplies. For drywall installation these tools may include, but are not limited to, a mud pan or tape. 
   Other common practices include placing tools upon open windows or on other unsecured locations. These practices are generally unwieldy and unsafe. The present invention eliminates these unsafe practices and reduces travel time on stilts which increases productivity by allowing a worker close and easy access to his tools. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   An object of the invention is provide an apparatus for supporting tools at a given height in a door jamb. 
   Another object is to provide a system for supporting tools at a given height on a door jamb. 
   A further object is to provide a method for supporting tools at a given height on a door jamb. 
   A still further object is to provide apparatus for supporting tools at a given height on a door jamb, the apparatus having a handle for one handed attachment and detachment to and from a fastener device extending from the door jamb so as to allow a worker on stilts to reposition a tool platform carrying tools and accessories thereon throughout a job site. 
   With the above and other objects in view, as will hereinafter appear, there is provided apparatus for supporting tools at a given height on a door jamb, the apparatus comprising a vertical support member having a top end and a bottom end, a front side and a back side, and forming a passageway through the back side thereof, the passageway configured to attach the vertical support member to a fastener device extending from the door jamb, a wall grip mechanism in connection with the vertical support member, the wall grip mechanism disposed below the passageway formed in the vertical support member, the wall grip mechanism comprising a first projection and a second projection disposed apart from one another at a first given width, and each one of the first projection and the second projection extending in a first direction away from the vertical support member, the first direction parallel to a first axis extending from the front side to the back side of the vertical support member, and a tool platform extending in a second direction away from the vertical support member, the second direction parallel to a second axis extending from the back side to the front side of the vertical support member, the second direction substantially opposite to the first direction, the tool platform having a front end and a back end in opposition to one another, and the tool platform forming a horizontal surface between the front end and the back end, wherein the passageway of the vertical support member is positioned around the fastener device extending from a vertical face of the door jamb, the first projection of the wall grip mechanism is positioned on a first side of the door jamb and the second projection of the wall grip mechanism is positioned on a second side of the door jamb so as to fixedly position the tool platform to the door jamb at the given height. 
   In accordance with a further feature of the invention there is provided an apparatus for supporting tools at a given height on a door jamb, the apparatus comprising a vertical support member having a top end and a bottom end, a front side and a back side, and a clamping device configured to attach the vertical support member to the door jamb, the clamping device having a first grip arm and a second grip arm selectively positionable between a first position and a second position, the first position configured to dispose the first grip arm and the second grip arm at a first given width from one another, the first given width configured wider than the door jamb, and the second position configured to dispose the first grip arm and the second grip arm at a second given width from one another, the second given width configured substantially equal to the door jamb, and a wall grip mechanism in connection with the vertical support member, the wall grip mechanism disposed below the clamping device of the vertical support member, the wall grip mechanism comprising a first projection and a second projection disposed apart from one another at a first given width, and each one of the first projection and the second projection extending away from the vertical support member in a first direction away from the vertical support member, the first direction parallel to a first axis extending from the front side to the back side of the vertical support member, and a tool platform configured to extend in a second direction away from the vertical support member, the second direction parallel to a second axis extending from the back side to the front side of the vertical support member, the second direction configured substantially opposite to the first direction, the tool platform having a front end and a back end in opposition to one another, and the tool platform forming a horizontal surface between the front end and the back end, wherein the first grip arm and the second grip arm of the clamping device of the vertical support member are positioned against a first side and the second side of the door jamb, respectively, the first projection of the wall grip mechanism is positioned on the first side of the door jamb and the second projection of the wall grip mechanism is positioned on the second side of the door jamb so as to fixedly position the tool platform to the door jamb at the given height. 
   In accordance with a still further feature of the invention there is provided a system for supporting tools at a given height on a door jamb, the system comprising a fastening device having a given length and a given width, the fastening device configured to attach to a face of the door jamb, a vertical support member having a top end and a bottom end, a front side and a back side, and forming a passageway through the back side thereof, the passageway configured to attach the vertical support member to fastening device attached to the face of the door jamb, and a wall grip mechanism in connection with the vertical support member, the wall grip mechanism disposed below the passageway formed in the vertical support member, the wall grip mechanism comprising a first projection and a second projection disposed apart from one another at a first given width, and each one of the first projection and the second projection extending in a first direction away from the vertical support member, the first direction parallel to a first axis extending from the front side to the back side of the vertical support member, and a tool platform extending in a second direction away from the vertical support member, the second direction parallel to a second axis extending from the back side to the front side of the vertical support member, the second direction substantially opposite to the first direction, the tool platform having a front end and a back end in opposition to one another, and the tool platform forming a horizontal surface between the front end and the back end, wherein the passageway of the vertical support member is positioned around the fastening device extending from a vertical face of the door jamb, the first projection of the wall grip mechanism is positioned on a first side of the door jamb and the second projection of the wall grip mechanism is positioned on a second side of the door jamb so as to fixedly position the tool platform to the door jamb at the given height. 
   In accordance with another further feature of the present invention there is provided a method for supporting tools at a given height on a door jamb, the method comprising providing apparatus for supporting tools at a given height on a door jamb, the apparatus comprising a vertical support member having a top end and a bottom end, a front side and a back side, and forming a passageway through the back side thereof, the passageway configured to attach the vertical support member to a fastener device extending from the door jamb, and a wall grip mechanism in connection with the vertical support member, the wall grip mechanism disposed below the passageway formed in the vertical support member, the wall grip mechanism comprising a first projection and a second projection disposed apart from one another at a first given width, and each one of the first projection and the second projection extending in a first direction away from the vertical support member, the first direction parallel to a first axis extending from the front side to the back side of the vertical support member, and a tool platform extending in a second direction away from the vertical support member, the second direction parallel to a second axis extending from the back side to the front side of the vertical support member, the second direction substantially opposite to the first direction, the tool platform having a front end and a back end in opposition to one another, and the tool platform forming a horizontal surface between the front end and the back end, positioning the passageway of the vertical support member around the fastener device extending from the door jamb, positioning the first projection of the wall grip mechanism against a first side of the door jamb and the second projection of the wall grip mechanism against a second side of the door jamb so as to fixedly position the tool platform to the door jamb at the given height. 
   The above and other features of the invention, including various novel details of construction and combinations of parts and method steps will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims. It will be understood that the particular devices and method steps embodying the invention are shown by way of illustration only and not as limitations of the invention. The principles and features of this invention may be employed in various and numerous embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other objects and features of the present invention will be more fully disclosed or rendered obvious by the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which are to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts, and further wherein: 
       FIGS. 1-14  are various views of one form of a tool support device configured for attachment to a door jamb, illustrative of an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 15  is an illustration of brackets and knob components of a wall grip mechanism of the tool support device shown in  FIGS. 1-14 ; 
       FIG. 16  is an illustration handle, hook and attachment components of the tool support device shown in  FIGS. 1-14 ; 
       FIGS. 17 and 18  are schematic diagrams of another form of a tool support device having rigid support legs and an attachment clamp; 
       FIGS. 19 and 20  are schematic diagrams of another form of a tool support device having holders for carpenter tools; 
       FIG. 21  is a schematic diagram of another form of a tool support device having holders for painter tools; 
       FIGS. 22 and 23  is a schematic diagram of another form of a tool support device specifically configured for attachment to a steel stud; 
       FIGS. 24A-24C  are schematic views of an alternative fastener device configured for use with the tool support device shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
       FIGS. 25 and 25A  are schematic views of an alternative fastener device having a pistol grip clamp; and 
       FIGS. 26 and 27  are schematic views of an alternative fastener device having a spring loaded rod configured for placement in a doorway. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1-8  and  10 - 14 , and in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is shown a mobile, lightweight tool support device  5  configured for attachment to a door jamb  10 . As related to the present invention, door jamb  10  comprises a face  11  and two side portions  12 . Face  11  is generally formed by a wall stud  13  having a given width. Side portions  12  of door jamb  10  may include walls  14  extending away from face  11 . Door jamb  10  encompasses various structures which include unfinished interior doorways within a building, and other similar structures having face  11  and two side portions  12 . For example, these structures include, but are not limited to, the terminal end of a wall which extends into a room but does not form a doorway, or an opening through a wall which does not form a door frame. 
   Still referring to  FIGS. 1-8  and  10 - 14 , tool support device  5  is configured to allow a worker to move tools and supplies from room to room. Tool support device  5  of present invention preferably attaches to door jamb  10  with one of the two configurations disclosed hereinbelow. Either of the preferred embodiments are configured for single handed attachment so as to allow the worker to retain all tools and supplies while moving from one location to another location on a work site. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  5 , there is shown a vertical support member  15  configured with an opening  20  therethrough. Support member  15  is supported on door jamb  10  by a fastener device  25  driven into stud  13  to a depth of ¼″. Opening  20  is preferably sized for placement over fastener device  25  so as to allow attachment to and removal from door jamb  10  without removing fastener device  25  from stud  13 . Fastener device  25  includes, but is not limited to, a nail or a screw. Multiple fastener devices  25  may be positioned at various work areas throughout a job site to permit one-handed movement of tool support device  5  from area to area. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 ,  6 - 18 ,  10 ,  11 ,  17 ,  19 ,  21 ,  22 ,  25 , and  27 , there is shown a wall grip mechanism  30  in attachment with vertical support member  15 . Wall grip mechanism  30  preferably includes a pair of projections  35  extending away from and substantially orthogonal to vertical support member  15 . Projections  35  are configured for placement on each of side portions  12  of door jamb  10 . Wall grip mechanism  30  restricts movement of tool support device with vertical support member  15  hangs from fastener device  25 . Preferably, projections  30  are adjustable with respect to one another various widths, and preferably to accommodate 2″×4″ and 2″×6″ walls. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 15 , wall grip mechanism  30  preferably includes two brackets  36 . Projection  35  is formed on one leg of bracket  36 . A slot  37  is formed in the other leg of bracket  36 . A knob  38  is configured for threadable engagement with a threaded protrusion  39  ( FIG. 14 ) extending from vertical support member  15 . 
   In an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention (not shown), there is provided a wall grip mechanism with projections disposed apart a fixed width from one another. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1-8  and  10 - 14 , tool support device  5  is preferably used by lowering vertical support member  15  into place with opening  20  disposed around fastener  25 . Vertical support member  15  is positioned against face  11  of door jamb  10  and projections  35  of wall grip mechanism  30  are placed against side portions  12  of door jamb  10 . If required, projections  35  are adjusted to fit door jamb  10 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 ,  6 ,  8 , and  12 , there is shown a hand grip  40  located underneath a horizontal platform  45 . Hand grip  40  threadably engages a threaded protrusion  48  ( FIG. 14 ) extending from the bottom of horizontal platform  45 . Hand grip  40  allows single-handed attachment of tool support device  5  to door jamb  10 . This allows a worker on stilts to retain all tools and supplies while changing locations on a job site. 
   Tool support device  5  is preferably constructed from materials which include, but are not limited to, aluminum alloys and lightweight composite materials. Tool support device  5  is preferably constructed of tool grade aluminum alloy. Preferably, door jamb tool support device  5  supports at least 35 pounds on horizontal platform  45 . 
   Referring again to  FIGS. 2 ,  4 ,  6 ,  8 ,  10 , and  14 , and in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is shown a first set of hinges  55  attaching support arms  50  to vertical support member  15 . A platform hinge  60  ( FIG. 4 ) attaches horizontal platform  45  to vertical support member  15 . An auxiliary hinge  62  is provided on each support arm  50  so as to allow each arm  50  to fold upon itself for compact storage. 
   Clips  65  are disposed on the lower surface of horizontal platform  45 . Support arms  50  each contain an opening  70  which corresponds to one of clips  65  on support arms  50 . Horizontal platform  45  is configured for use by securing each one of clips  65  through opening  70  of each one of support arms  50 . 
   Horizontal platform  45  is configured for storage by first removing each one of clips  65  from opening  70  of each one of support arms  50 , and then folding closing platform hinge  60  to bring horizontal platform  45  and vertical support member toward one another. 
   Referring to  FIG. 9 , there is shown a close-up view of clip  65  disposed on the surface of horizontal platform  45 . 
   Looking now at  FIGS. 12 and 13 , there is shown horizontal platform  45  and vertical support member  15  in a folding configuration toward one another. This folding configuration allows easier storage of tool support device  5  in a tool box or vehicle. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 17 , and in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is shown a fixed, non-folding tool support device  105  having rigid support arms  150 . Rig support arms  150  are preferably configured to provide additional strength and/or decreased mass than folding support arms  50 . 
   Several preferred embodiments of the present invention are provided as examples of features for various specific types of trade work. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1-14 , tool support device  5  is shown configured for drywall installation with a flat platform  45  for mud pan placement. Platform  45  extends past both sides of door jamb  10  to allow access to horizontal platform  45  from adjoining work areas. Platform  45  contains holes  77  therethrough for easy access retention of taping knives  79 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, door jamb platform  45  has ambidextrous holes therethrough for taping knife and screw driver retention, and includes ambidextrous drywall tape holders. This configuration of ambidextrous holders also allows workers to store and access tools on either side of the doorway. Preferably, holes are provided to allow screwdrivers, hammers and other tools to be secured. 
   A hook  80  is disposed beneath the underside of platform  45  and is preferably configured for securing rolls of joint tape  89  such that joint tape  89  is accessible from work areas on both sides  12  of door jamb  10 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 16 , hook  80  is preferably attached to platform  45  by a threaded projection  85  extending from handle  40  through hole  88  and secured by a washer  90  and wing nut  95 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , and in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is shown a tool support device  105  having an attachment clamp  107 . Attachment clamp  107  is configured for attaching tool support device  105  to door jamb  10 , especially when door jamb  10  includes steel stud wall construction. A pair of grip pads  110  are adjustably positioned by attachment clamp  107  to secure tool support device  105  to door jamb  10 . A swivel  115  connects each grip arm  120  to grip pads  110  and a pivot  125  connects each grip arm  120  to a vertical support member  127 . A swivel joint  130  rotatably anchors grip arms  120  to one another. A pair of springs  135  provides a bias force between grip arms  120  and vertical support member  127  which urges grip pads  110  toward one another. A push handle  140  is connected to grip arms  120  to selectively overcome the bias force of the spring so as to urge grip pads  110  apart from one another. A collar  142  disposed around push handle  140  limits the distance that the spring bias force may urge the handle away from vertical support member  127  so as to prevent grip handles  110  from approaching one another. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , there is shown a carpenter tool support device  205 , which is configured for use by suspended ceiling hanging workers, carpenters and drywall hanging workers using stilts for high ceilings. Carpenter tool support device  305  has a tray top  107  configured to retain various tools and fastening devices. The retaining mechanisms include, but are not limited to, a tape measure clip  210 , snaps  215 , detachable nail pouches  220 , detachable fastener pouches  225 , a hammer ring  230 , a wire spool holder  235 , screw driver holders  238 , and a screw gun holder  240 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 21 , and in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is shown a painter tool support device  305  having a tray  307  having with edges bent upward to to prevent paint can spillage. Painter tool support device  305  is preferably configured with a holder  310  for masking tape. Hooks  315  are placed on the underside of tray  307  for hanging paint brushes, edging knives, and rags. Painter tool support device  305  is preferably configured to aid a painter on stilts doing corner edging. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , there is shown a tool support device  405  configured for attachment to a door jamb  410 , such as a steel stud wall. A quick grip bar clamp  415  is attached to steel stud wall  410 . A hook  420  extends from a vertical support member  422  of tool support device  405 . Hook  420  is configured for attachment to clamp  415 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 24A-24C , there is shown a clip fastener device  425  having a pair of screw holes  430  configured for attachment to steel stud  410  of a metal frame using a pair of screws  435 . Clip fastener device  425  is used in place of clamp  415  ( FIG. 22 ) and contains a recess  440  configured to receive hook  420  therein. 
   Looking now at  FIGS. 25 and 25A , there is shown a tool support device  505  with a pistol grip clamp  510 . A handle  515  and a trigger mechanism  520  of clamp  510  is configured to position a bar  525  so as to selectively open and close grip pads  530  for attachment to door jamb  10 . 
   Looking now at  FIGS. 26 and 27 , there is shown a tool support device  605  configured for placement in a door opening  610 . A spring loaded rod  615  is provided having a length to extend from a floor portion  620  to a top portion  625  of door opening  610 . Rod  615  contains a series of holes  630  extending a distance between floor portion  620  and top portion  625  of door opening  610 . Holes  630  allow adjustment of the height of a horizontal platform  635 . A collar  640  is in attachment to a vertical support member  645  and horizontal platform  635 . An attachment member  650  selectively attaches collar  640  to spring rod  615  so as to allow vertical adjustment of platform  635 . Attachment member  650  includes, but is not limited to, wing nut bolts, spring loaded push balls, and clevis pins. 
   Horizontal support member  635  of tool support device  605  preferably includes one or more tool holders. Referring to  FIG. 27 , these tool holders include a tape holder  655 , a screw driver holder  660 , a screw gun holder  665 , a taping knife holder  670 , and a hammer holder  675 .