Abstract:
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.

Description:
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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a scaffold tool rest  10  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a close-up view of the scaffold tool rest  10  shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3   a  is an environmental view of a short-side scaffold tool rest  100  according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 3   b  is a close-up view of the short-side scaffold tool rest  100  shown in  FIG. 3   a.    
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  scaffold tool rest 
               20  floor 
               25  curb section 
               30  tool space 
               35  shelf extension 
               37  shelf aperture 
               40  cup holder 
               50  mounting bracket assembly 
               52  bracket member 
               54  mounting ear 
               56  pin aperture 
               58  locking pin 
               60  brace member 
               100  short-side scaffold tool rest 
               120  alternative floor 
               125  alternative curb section 
               135  alternative shelf 
               150  first cross-member bracket 
               152  first slot 
               160  alternative brace member 
               170  second cross-member bracket 
               172  second slot 
               200  scaffolding 
               210  scaffold post 
               220  scaffold cross-member 
           
         
       
    
     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 in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b . 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. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of a scaffold tool rest  10  that is in accord with the present invention, the scaffold tool rest  10  provides a stable horizontal surface on scaffolding  200 . That surface can hold a plurality of tools as well as materials and supplies. The scaffold tool rest  10  forms a removable tray structure attached along the long side of the scaffolding  200 . The scaffold tool rest  10  is attached to scaffold posts  210  using locking pins  58  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
     The scaffold tool rest  10  includes a relatively large, substantially flat floor  20  that is surrounded by upwardly protruding curb sections  25  which extend along the edges of the floor. There are four (4) curb sections: two (2) long and two (2) short. The curb sections  25  help retain tools and materials within a readily accessible tool space  30  defined by the floor  20  and the curb sections  25 . An additional shelf extension  35  extends outward from the distal long curb section of the scaffold tool rest  10 . As best shown in  FIG. 2 , the shelf extension  35  includes multiple shelf apertures  37  of various dimensions. The shelf apertures  37  are beneficially dimensioned to receive cup holders  40 , a variety of tools, and other items. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the scaffold tool rest  10  is designed so that it does not interfere with the functionality or safety of the scaffolding  200  and such that it can easily be removed from the scaffolding  200 . The scaffold tool rest  10  beneficially also serves as a safety guard rail to reduce the possibility of a fall. The scaffold tool rest  10  is illustrated being used on a Baker-style scaffold system; however, it should be understood that the scaffold tool rest  10  might 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. 2  shows a close-up view of the scaffold tool rest  10 . Shown is the floor  20 , a plurality of the curb sections  25  located around the scaffold tool rest  10 , the shelf extension  35 , two (2) mounting bracket assemblies  50 , and a plurality of locking pins  58 . As previously noted the floor  20  and the curb sections  25  define a tool space  30 . The tool space  30  beneficially is a relatively large closed-in rectangular area. The tool space  30  enables controlled placement and/or storage of tools, equipment, and materials necessary to complete a project using the scaffolding  200 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , the shelf extension  35  is a horizontally protruding surface formed by or affixed to an outer edge of curb sections  25 . The shelf extension  35  includes the shelf apertures  37 , which are beneficially formed or machined through the shelf extension  35 . It should be understood that the shelf apertures  37  may comprise a variety of different diameters and shapes so as to act as receptacles for cup holders  40 , screwdrivers, hammers, electric tools, and the like. The cup holders  40  are preferably used to retain various beverages; however, the cup holders  40  may also be utilized to hold miscellaneous items such as hardware, scaffolding fasteners, and the like. 
     As described with reference to  FIG. 1 , the scaffold tool rest  10  is designed to attach to vertical scaffold posts  210  of the scaffolding  200 . Referring now to both  FIGS. 1 and 2 , attachment is accomplished using at least two (2) integrally affixed mounting bracket assemblies  50 . It should be understood that the actual number and locations of the mounting bracket assemblies  50  depends on the particular size and configuration of the scaffolding  200  and the arrangement of its scaffold posts  210 . 
     The mounting bracket assemblies  50  are beneficially positioned at and are attached to outer corners of a proximal curb section  25 . Each mounting bracket assembly  50  includes a half-cylinder-shaped bracket member  52  that extends downward from the proximal curb section  25  approximately two (2) feet. The bracket members  52  form a partial inner cylindrical shape that matches the outer cylindrical shape of the scaffold posts  210 . Of course if the scaffold posts  210  have different shapes the bracket members  52  will be modified to match that shape. 
     Each mounting bracket assembly  50  further includes a brace member  60  and four (4) integral mounting ears  54  having pin apertures  56  that are formed or machined there through. Each brace member  60  is affixed at one end to a lower rear section of a bracket member  52  and, extending diagonally upward and outward, is affixed at the other end to the bottom of the floor  20 . The brace members  60  strengthen the scaffold tool rest  10  and buttress the floor  20 . 
     Each bracket member  52  includes outwardly extending upper pair and a lower pairs of mounting ears  54 . The pin apertures  56  of each pair of mounting ears  54  align along horizontal centerlines. In use, the bracket members  52  are positioned against scaffold posts  210  and are secured in place by inserting respective locking pins  58  through pairs of pin apertures  56 . In practice the scaffold posts  210  have or would be modified to have apertures that align with the pin apertures  56  when the scaffold tool rest  10  is mounted to the scaffolding  200 . The locking pins  58  are envisioned as being commercially available quick disconnect pins that are commonly used in industry. 
     The floor  20 , curb sections  25 , shelf extension  35 , and mounting bracket assemblies  50  are 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 rest  100  is shown in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b . The short-side scaffold tool rest  100  is a “shortened” version that is attachable to scaffold cross-members  220  located along the ends of the scaffolding  200 . The short-side scaffold tool rest  100  provides similar features and functionality as the previously described preferred embodiment scaffold tool rest  10 . 
     The short-side scaffold tool rest  100  has a length that corresponds to the ends of the scaffolding  200 . To that end the short-side scaffold tool rest  100  has an alternative floor  120 , alternative curb sections  125 , and an alternative shelf  135 , all of which are shorter than corresponding members in the scaffold tool rest  10 . As best shown in  FIG. 3   b , the short-side scaffold tool rest  100  has an integral first cross-member bracket  150  on an alternative curb section  125  and a pair of second cross-member brackets  170  at the ends of alternative brace members  160 . 
     The first cross-member bracket  150  has a first slot  152  while the second cross-member brackets  170  have second slots  172 . Those slots are shaped to mate with and entrap scaffold cross-member  220 . The first cross-member bracket  150  is a generally rectangular protrusion that extends from the middle of an alternative curb section  125 . The first slot  152  is formed with, or machined into, the bottom of the alternative curb section  125  to provide a profile that mates and entraps an upper scaffold cross-member  220 . The alternative brace members  160 , which provide a similar supporting function as the brace members  60 , are affixed to the bottom of the alternative floor  120  and extend diagonally downwardly to respective second cross-member brackets  170 . The alternative brace members  160  are affixed to the second cross-member brackets  170  in such a manner that the second slots  172  of the second cross-member brackets  170  align along a common centerline to receive a scaffold cross-member  220 . The slots  152 ,  172  comprise half-cylinder-shaped indentations that mate with horizontal scaffold cross-members  220  so as to be securely held. 
     The features and positioning of the short-side scaffold tool rest  100  enable it to be used on a particular scaffolding  200 . Preferably the short-side scaffold tool rest  100  could be used on scaffolding  200  coincidentally with the preferred embodiment scaffold tool rest  10 . Furthermore, a second on a particular scaffolding  200  might be mounted to an opposite end of the scaffolding  200 . 
     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 rest  10 , it would be installed and utilized as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of utilizing the scaffold tool rest  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring a model of the scaffold tool rest  10  having a desired length and number of mounting bracket assemblies  50  and which corresponds with the scaffolding  200  onto which the scaffold tool rest  10  is to be installed; inserting the mounting bracket assemblies  50  coincidentally upon corresponding scaffold posts  210 ; aligning the pin apertures  56  of the mounting ears  54  with pre-drilled apertures within the scaffold posts  210 ; inserting the locking pins  58  through the pin apertures  56  and the scaffold posts  210 ; using the tool space  30  to place tools and other equipment necessary to perform a project; using the shelf apertures  37  to securely position various tools such as screwdrivers, hammers, and the like; positioning cup holders  40  within other shelf apertures  37  to hold beverages while working on the scaffolding  200 ; removing the scaffold tool rest  10  upon completion of a project by removing the locking pins  58  from the pin apertures  56  and removing the scaffold tool rest  10  from the scaffold  200 ; 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 rest  100  may be achieved by performing the following additional steps: attaching the short-side scaffold tool rest  100  to scaffold cross-members  220  by coincidentally engaging the first slots  152  of the first cross-member bracket  150 , and the two (2) second slots  172  of respective second cross-member brackets  170  onto the scaffold cross-members  220  along an end of the scaffolding  200 ; using the short-side scaffold tool rest  100  in a similar manner as the previously described preferred embodiment scaffold tool rest  10 ; removing the short-side scaffold tool rest  100  upon completion of a project by lifting the first cross-member bracket  150  and the second cross-member brackets  170  in an upward direction; and, removing the short-side scaffold tool rest  100  from the scaffolding  200 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.