BACKGROUND
A. Field
This disclosure relates generally to storage structures and scaffolding, and more particularly to a secure storage attachment structure for a scaffold.
B. Description of Related Art
Scaffolds, such as rolling scaffolds, are frequently used throughout construction and restoration projects, and generally comprise a modular metal structure having a base having wheels to move the scaffold along the ground, stabilizers to immobilize the scaffold while in a working position, and vertical posts and multiple decks positioned along the height of the posts.
Any tools, equipment, construction-related plans, or personal items that may be used on a scaffold at a worksite are exposed to the environment, and it is generally unadvisable to leave such items on an unattended deck for an extended period of time, where they may be subjected to rain, wind, and snow, or may be stolen.
Thus, items used on a scaffold deck are removed on a daily basis to protect and guard the items. The regular removal and bringing back of the items to a scaffold can become a cumbersome process.
SUMMARY
The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope.
In one aspect, a storage structure for a scaffold is disclosed. The storage structure comprises at least one back panel, at least two side panels, and at least one door. The at least one back panel and the at least two side panels are configured to be affixed to a frame of a scaffold, and the at least one door is rotatably affixed to one side panel of the at least two side panels. When the at least one back panel, the at least two side panels, and the at least one door are secured to the frame of the scaffold, an interior is defined having sides formed by the at least one back panel, the at least two side panels, and the at least one door and a top and a bottom each formed by horizontal decks of the scaffold.
In an additional aspect, a method of securing a storage structure on a scaffold is disclosed. The method includes securing at least one back panel, at least two side panels, and at least one door to a frame of the scaffold by affixing the at least one back panel and the at least two side panels to the frame of the scaffold. The at least one door is rotatably affixed to one side panel of the at least two side panels. When the at least one back panel, the at least two side panels, and the at least one door are secured to the frame of the scaffold, an interior is defined having sides formed by the at least one back panel, the at least two side panels, and the at least one door, and a top and a bottom each formed by horizontal decks of the scaffold.
In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example scaffold, in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 1B is an exploded view of an example storage structure to be assembled on the scaffold of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the assembled storage structure and scaffold of FIG. 1B, with the storage structure doors in an open position, in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the assembled storage structure of FIG. 2A with the storage structure doors in a closed and locked position, in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rear of the scaffold of FIG. 1A, showing attachment brackets to affix panels to the scaffold, in accordance with an embodiment;
FIGS. 4A-C are top, side, and front views of the assembled storage structure of FIG. 2B, in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view taken from A-A in FIG. 4C, in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 4E is a detailed view taken from detail B in FIG. 3D, in accordance with an example embodiment;
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a side panel of the assembled storage structure and scaffold of FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 5B is a detailed view taken from detail D in FIG. 5A, in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 5C is a view of the interior of the side panel and assembled storage structure of FIG. 5A, in accordance with an embodiment; and
FIG. 5D is a detailed view taken from detail C in FIG. 5C, in accordance with an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A storage structure for a scaffold is disclosed. In one embodiment, the storage structure comprises a plurality of panels and doors that are affixed to the scaffold structure so as to form sidewalls extending between at least two horizontal decks of the scaffold. The panels and doors, when assembled, along with a top horizontal deck and a bottom horizontal deck, form a secure enclosure on the scaffold. The panels and doors hook and clamp into place on existing scaffold structures, and do not require that the scaffold be modified.
The secure storage structure allows for items to be left on an unattended deck for an extended period of time, protected from the elements.
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a scaffold 100, in accordance with an embodiment. In some embodiments, the scaffold 100 may be a rolling scaffold. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, scaffold 100 includes four vertical posts 102 and two horizontal decks 104. Additional vertical posts and horizontal decks may be contemplated. Wheels 106 are connected to the four vertical posts 102. The scaffold 100 provides for mobility and is suited for work at low or medium heights, inside or outside buildings. In one embodiment, the scaffold 100 may be a baker style scaffold.
FIG. 1B is an exploded view of an example storage structure 110 to be assembled on the scaffold 100 of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment. The storage structure 110 comprises a plurality of panels, namely back panels 112, side panels 113, hinge panels 114, floor panels 115, and two doors 116, all of which are attachable to the scaffold 100. Each of the two doors 116 is connected to a hinge panels 114 via a hinge 117. In some embodiments, the hinge 117 may be a piano hinge.
In the embodiment of FIG. 1B, three back panels 112 are shown; however, there may be fewer or more back panels 112 depending on the size of the back panels 112 or the length of the scaffold 100. FIG. 1B also shows two side panels 113, each of which extend along the sides of the scaffold 100. The heights of each of the back panels 112 and the side panels 113 are shown to be the same in FIG. 1B, and to extend from the upper horizontal deck to the lower horizontal deck of the scaffold 100.
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the assembled storage structure 110 and scaffold 100 of FIG. 1B, with the two doors 116 in an open position, in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2A, when the back panels 112, side panels 113, hinge panels 114, and floor panels 115 are assembled onto the scaffold 100, a securable structure defining an interior 120 is formed wherein the panels and doors serve as the walls of the structure, and each of the two horizontal decks 104 serves as the floor and the ceiling (or top and bottom) of the structure. The two doors 116 can open to allow access into the interior 120.
FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the assembled storage structure of FIG. 2A with the storage structure doors 116 in a closed and locked position, in accordance with an embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, when the two doors 116 are closed, the interior 120 between the two horizontal decks 104 is completely and securely enclosed. In some embodiments, storage structure doors 116 are configured to couple with each other by a locking mechanism 118 such that the locking mechanism secures the interior 120. As such, the interior 120 enables a secure storage structure that allows for items to be left on an unattended deck for an extended period of time. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 118 can be a padlock, a deadbolt, a knob lock, a cam lock, a keypad lock, a smart lock, or the like.
It should be understood that the storage structure 110 may be configured to store tools and other equipment, as well as to accommodate a number of electronic components such as, for example, a flat screen television or monitor, a computer, a printer, a keyboard, and a mouse. The location of each component in the storage structure 110 may vary depending upon the needs of the contractor or tradesperson.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rear of the scaffold 100 of FIG. 1A, showing attachment brackets 130 to affix panels to the scaffold 100, in accordance with an embodiment. In some embodiments, the attachment brackets 130 are secured to a frame of the scaffold 100 by one or more fasteners, including nuts and bolts.
FIGS. 4A-C are top, side, and front views of the assembled storage structure of FIG. 2B, in accordance with an embodiment.
FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view taken from A-A in FIG. 4C, in accordance with an embodiment. The interior 120 of the storage structure 110 is shown, as are some attachment brackets 130 which have affixed one of the side panels 113 to the scaffold 100.
FIG. 4E is a detailed view taken from detail B in FIG. 4D, in accordance with an example embodiment. As shown in detail B, a nut 132 and bolt 134 affix one of the back panels 112 to the attachment bracket 130 on the scaffold 100.
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a side panel 113 of the assembled storage structure 110 and scaffold 100 of FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment.
FIG. 5B is a detailed view taken from detail D in FIG. 5A, in accordance with an embodiment. In the detailed view of FIG. 5B, a carriage bolt head is shown, which helps affix the side panel 113 to the frame of the scaffold 100.
FIG. 5C is a view of the interior surface of the side panel 113 and assembled storage structure 110 of FIG. 5A, in accordance with an embodiment. Attachment brackets 130 are shown, which when aligned with a nut and a bolt, such as the carriage bolt shown in FIG. 5B, affix the side panel 113 to the frame of the scaffold 100.
FIG. 5D is a detailed view taken from detail C in FIG. 5C, in accordance with an embodiment. In FIG. 5D a nut is shown aligned with a hole in the attachment bracket. Once a hole of the nut is positioned to be concentric with the hole of the attachment bracket, a bolt is driven through the hole of the attachment bracket 130 and secured via the nut.
The present application provides a number of advantages, including providing for a securable storage structure on an existing scaffold, without needing to modify the scaffold itself.
While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize that still further modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof of the features of the disclosed embodiments are still possible. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.
Patent Application
20230203826
