SCAFFOLD AND BRACES CAGE

Abstract

An apparatus comprising a base, a first orthogonal portion and a second orthogonal portion. The first orthogonal portion may (i) be connected to a first side of the base near a first edge of the base and (ii) have a rectangular shape. The second orthogonal portion may (i) be connected to an interior of the base and (ii) have a rectangular shape. The first orthogonal portion and the second orthogonal portion may be positioned to secure a plurality of braces. The second orthogonal portion is positioned to secure a plurality of scaffolds.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to scaffolds generally and, more particularly, to a method and/or apparatus for implementing a scaffold and braces cage.

BACKGROUND

When working on houses or buildings, or other construction jobs that are higher than the ground, scaffolding is often used to conveniently allow a worker to access high places. Scaffolding takes time to assemble, disassemble, and transport. This time is normally factored into the cost of doing a job. With competitive practices, it is desirable to minimize as many costs as possible.

It would be desirable to implement scaffold and braces cage that allows easy transportation on a pallet.

SUMMARY

The invention concerns an apparatus comprising a base, a first orthogonal portion and a second orthogonal portion. The first orthogonal portion may (i) be connected to a first side of the base near a first edge of the base and (ii) have a rectangular shape. The second orthogonal portion may (i) be connected to an interior of the base and (ii) have a rectangular shape. The first orthogonal portion and the second orthogonal portion may be positioned to secure a plurality of braces. The second orthogonal portion is positioned to secure a plurality of scaffolds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims and drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment illustrating a framing.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an embodiment illustrating mesh wire flooring and sides.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an alternate view of the embodiment of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a more detailed diagram of a portion of one corner.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the optional gate in an open position.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a view showing an embodiment securing a number of scaffolds and a number of braces.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an alternate view showing an embodiment securing a number of scaffolds and a number of braces.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of an embodiment illustrating solid flooring and sides.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention include a cage that may (i) allow easy transportation of a number of scaffolds and braces, (ii) include a set of receptacles to use with a forklift, and/or (iii) be implemented using a variety of materials such as steel and wood.

Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an apparatus 100 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. On one example, the apparatus 100 may form a scaffold and braces cage. The apparatus 100 may hold a number of scaffolds and a number of braces in a way that is convenient to be picked up and moved with a fork lift. With such a configuration, a contractor may easily prepare for a job by loading more scaffolds and braces on the apparatus 100 than can be lifted by hand. Such loading may be done separately from loading other equipment. The apparatus 100 may allow a contractor to transport more scaffolds and braces than would otherwise be transported. For example, a contractor may load a sufficient number of scaffolds and braces needed for a complete job. By having more scaffolds and braces available on a job site, a contractor may have more flexibility in an initial setup. Such flexibility may lead to less of a need to rearrange the scaffolds and braces throughout the project. Such flexibility may be particularly useful to highly skilled crafts, such as masonry. However, painters and other contractors may also benefit from the apparatus 100.

The apparatus 100 generally comprises a frame 110, a portion 112, a portion 114, and a portion 116. The portion 112 may be formed orthogonally (e.g., to extend outward) from the frame 110. The portion 112 may provide support to the apparatus 100. The portion 114 may be formed orthogonally (e.g., to extend outward) from the frame 110. The portion 114 may provide support to the apparatus 100. The portion 112 may add additional support to the portion 114. The portion 116 may be formed orthogonally (e.g., to extend outward) from the frame 110. The portion 112 may secure the mesh. The portion 114 and the portion 116 may help to keep the scaffolds in place and from sliding out of the apparatus 100.

The apparatus 100 may also comprise a door (or gate) 118. The frame 110 generally comprises a plurality of beams 120a, 120b, 120c and 120d. The beams 120a, 120b, 120c and 120d may be implemented as steel beams. The beams 120a-120d may be connected in a generally rectangular shape. The beam 120a may form a first edge of the frame 110. The orthogonal portion 112 may be connected to the first edge of the beam 120a. The orthogonal portion 114 may be connected to the beam 120d at a second edge of the frame 110. The orthogonal portion 116 may be connected to a corner formed by the beam 120b and the beam 120d.

The apparatus 100 may also include a receptacle 130a and a receptacle 130b. The receptacles 130a and 130b may be configured to accept the lifting forks of typical forklift. For example, the forks of a forklift may slide into the receptacles 130a and 130b. The receptacles 130a and 130b may be secured to the frame 110 and may provide additional support to the frame 110. The space between the receptacles 130a and 130b may be varied to meet the design criteria of a particular implementation. For example, a typical forklift (also called lift truck, jitney, fork truck, fork hoist, or forklift truck) has two forks that are used to pick up a pallet (or load). A support beam 132 may be connected between the receptacle 130a and the receptacle 130b. The support beam 132 may extend to the beam 120a. The support beam 132 may provide additional support (or strength) to the apparatus 100.

A support beam 134 may be connected between the orthogonal portion 114 and the orthogonal portion 116. The support beam 134 may help to keep the portion 116 from being un-secure (or wobbly). The support beam 134 may provide overall support. In one example, more than one of the support beam 134 may be implemented (e.g., near the top between the orthogonal portion 114 and the orthogonal portion 116. An orthogonally positioned support 140 may be connected to the receptacle 130b. An orthogonally positioned support 142 may be connected to the beam 120c. The support 140 and the support 142 may provide additional support and/or strength to hold a number of braces (shown in more detail in connection with FIG. 6 and FIG. 7). The support 142 my help to keep the braces in place on the apparatus 100.

The orthogonal portion 112 may be implemented as a beam 112a, a beam 112b and a beam 112c. The beams 112a-112c may form a generally rectangular shape when connected to the beam 120c. A support 144 is shown connected between the orthogonal portion 112 and the orthogonal portion 114. The support 144 may provide additional support and/or strength to the orthogonal portion 112 and the orthogonal portion 114. A hook 146a is shown connected to the beam 120b. A hook 146b (not shown), may be connected to the beam 120c is a generally symmetrical configuration around the frame 110.

The beams 120a-120d, the beams 112a-112d, and the various supports (e.g., 132, 134, 144, etc.) may be implemented, in one example, as angle posts. The diameter of the beams 112a-112d, and/or the various supports 132, 134, and/or 144 may be varied. For example, a size of 3.5 inches by 5 inches may be implemented. However, other sizes may be implemented to meet the design criteria of a particular implementation.

Referring to FIG. 2, a diagram of the apparatus 100 showing mesh wire flooring and sides is shown. A mesh flooring 150 is shown covering the frame (or base) 110. The mesh flooring 150 may provide a cap for the frame 110. For example, the mesh flooring 150 may be implemented as a serrated piece of steel. A mesh side 152 is shown on the portion 112. A mesh side 154 is shown connected between the portion 112 and the orthogonal portion 114. The portion 112 may secure the mesh. The mesh side 152 may keep the braces from sliding out of the apparatus 100. A mesh side 156 is shown on the door 118.

In general, a forklift (not shown) may insert forks into the receptacle 130a and the receptacle 130b on the side shown. With such an implementation, the gate 118, the orthogonal portion 114, the mesh side 154, the portion 140 and/or the portion 142 may hold the scaffolds 180a-180n and/or the braces 182a-182n in place. The scaffolds 180a-180n and/or the braces 182a-182n may have additional support for the forklift itself. The configuration of the apparatus 100 may provide balance to securely hold the scaffolds 180a-180n and/or the braces 182a-182n. The portion 140 may help to keep the scaffolds from moving from side to side and/or may help to keep the braces in place.

Referring to FIG. 3, a diagram of an alternate view of the embodiment is shown. The side shown with the hook 146b is generally the side positioned away from the forklift. The portion 144 may help secure the scaffolds 180a-180n and/or the braces 182a-182n.

Referring to FIG. 4, a more detailed diagram of a portion of one corner of the apparatus 100 is shown. The door 118 is shown in more detail. A hinge 170a and a hinge 170b are shown connecting the door 118 to the frame 110. A pin 172a and a pin 172b are shown. The pins 172a and 172b may be used to lock the door 118 in place. The door 118 may be used to provide an additional (or optional) way to secure the scaffolds and braces to the apparatus 100. The braces may include corresponding hardware such as side brackets, screws, jacks, etc.

Referring to FIG. 5, a diagram illustrating the optional door (or gate) 118 in an open position is shown. The pins 172a and 172b are shown disengaged from the frame 110. The pins 172a and 172b remain connected to the gate 118 for safekeeping. In one example, the gate 118 may be 1′ 4″ high and 4′ 0″ long. However, the particular dimensions of the gate 118 may be varied to meet the design criterial of a particular implementation.

Referring to FIG. 6, a diagram illustrating a view showing an embodiment of the apparatus 100 securing a number of scaffolds 180a-180n and a number of braces 182a-182n is shown. The gate 118 is shown in an open position. After loading the scaffolds 180a-180n and/or the braces 182a-182n on the apparatus 100, the gate 118 may be closed. In one example, the scaffolds 180a-180n may be implemented as a standard size. However, the particular size of the scaffolds 180a-180n may be varied. For example, the scaffolds 180a-180n may be implemented as a full scaffold size.

Referring to FIG. 7, a diagram illustrating an alternate view of the apparatus 100 showing an embodiment securing the scaffolds 180a-180n and the braces 182a-182n is shown. A strap 190 is shown connected between the hook 146a and the hook 146b.

Referring to FIG. 8, a diagram of an embodiment illustrating an alternate implementation of the flooring 150′ and the sides 152′, 154′ and/or 156′ is shown. The flooring 150′ may provide a cap to the frame 110. In one example, the flooring 150′ may be implemented as a solid piece of metal (e.g., steel). In another example the flooring 150′ may be implemented as a piece of wood. The flooring 150′ may provide a cap for the frame 110. In one example, the sides 152′, 154′ and/or 156′ may be implemented as a solid piece of metal (e.g., steel). In another example the sides 152′, 154′ and/or 156′ may be implemented as a piece of wood.

The overall size of the apparatus 100 (or 100′) may be varied as needed. In an example implementation, a size of 6 feet 8 inches by 6 feet 8 inches wide may be implemented. The height may be 4 feet or more to hold a particular number of scaffolds 180a-180n and/or braces 182a-182n. However, the overall size may be higher or wider as desired by buyer.

The frame 110 may be implemented as angled steel pieces. The particular size of the angle around the bottom on the frame 110 may be any standard size angle, or may be a custom sized angle. Various optional materials may be used. For example C-channels may be implemented as a standard c-channel, an angle, a round tubing material, a square tubing material, etc. In one example, the frame 110 may be 1′ 4″ high and 4′ 0″. However, the particular size of the frame 110 may be varied.

The overall dimensions of the apparatus 100 may be varied. In one example, the distance between the beam 112c and the orthogonal portion 116 may be 6 feet, 8 inches. The distance between orthogonal portion 114 and the beam 112c may be 16 inches. The height of the orthogonal portion 114, the orthogonal portion 116 and the support 140 may be 4 feet. The height of the beam 112c may be 24 inches. The distance between the orthogonal portion 114 and the orthogonal portion 116 may be 4 feet 6 inches. The dimensions mentioned may be useful to fit the apparatus into a standard space on a yard floor. However, one or more of the dimensions may be varied as needed. The apparatus 100 may provide a secure platform to hold the weight of the scaffolds 180a-180n and/or the braces 182a-182n. The weigh of the apparatus 100 may vary. In on example, a weight capacity of 5,000-6,000 lbs may be supported. However, the apparatus 100 may be modified to hold other weights by providing additional supports.

The terms “may” and “generally” when used herein in conjunction with “is (are)” and verbs are meant to communicate the intention that the description is exemplary and believed to be broad enough to encompass both the specific examples presented in the disclosure as well as alternative examples that could be derived based on the disclosure. The terms “may” and “generally” as used herein should not be construed to necessarily imply the desirability or possibility of omitting a corresponding element.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a base;a first orthogonal portion (i) connected to a first side of said base near a first edge of said base and (ii) having a rectangular shape; anda second orthogonal portion (i) connected to an interior of said base and (ii) having a rectangular shape,wherein(i) said first orthogonal portion and said second orthogonal portion are positioned to secure a plurality of braces and(ii) said second orthogonal portion is positioned to secure a plurality of scaffolds.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a third orthogonal portion connected to a second side of said base near a second edge of said base, wherein said second orthogonal portion and said third orthogonal portion are positioned to secure said plurality of scaffolds.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said base comprises a frame formed from a plurality of steel beams connected in a rectangular shape near said first edge of said base and said second edge of said base.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said frame is capped with a flooring comprising solid piece of steel.

5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said frame is capped with a flooring comprising a serrated piece of steel.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said frame is capped with a flooring comprising a piece of conveniently.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus balances said plurality of scaffolds and said plurality of braces when said apparatus is moved by a forklift.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises a scaffold and braces cage.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus allows said plurality of scaffolds and said plurality of braces to be conveniently moved by a forklift.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus allows a contractor to load a sufficient number of said plurality of scaffolds and said plurality of braces to be used for a complete job.