SCAFFOLDING FRAME TRANSPORT AND STORAGE CART

Abstract

A scaffolding cart. The scaffolding cart includes a first end frame and a second end frame. The first end frame and the second end frame are removably connected by a first scaffolding member and a second scaffolding member in a rectangular cuboid framework. The first and second end frames can have casters attached, such that the framework is a rolling scaffolding cart.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to construction scaffolding.

BACKGROUND

Construction scaffolding is known to be assembled from modular pieces connected to provide a safe, raised work platform. Scaffolding often requires many different parts, all of which need to be transported to a work site. Many scaffolding components can be heavy, bulky, and generally cumbersome to move from a storage site to a work site. Due to the numbers of parts necessary for scaffolding and the weight and size of some, there is a need for a way to better store, transport, and handle construction scaffolding components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure can be best understood when read in conjunction with the drawings enclosed herewith:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example scaffolding cart;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged detail of an example connection of scaffolding cart components;

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of an example scaffolding frame;

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of an example scaffolding frame;

FIG. 5 is perspective view of a portion of an example scaffolding cart being assembled;

FIG. 6 is perspective view of a portion of an example scaffolding cart being assembled;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example scaffolding cart;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example scaffolding cart;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of inset 9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an example scaffolding cart; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example scaffolding cart hitched to a transport vehicle.

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature and not intended to be limiting. Moreover, individual features of the drawings and the disclosure will be more fully apparent and understood in view of the detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, and use of the apparatuses, systems, methods, and processes disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that systems and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments. The features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with the features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with any embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment, or “in an embodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

The examples discussed herein are examples only and are provided to assist in the explanation of the apparatuses, devices, systems, and methods described herein. None of the features or components shown in the drawings or discussed below should be taken as mandatory for any specific implementation of any of these the apparatuses, devices, systems, or methods unless specifically designated as mandatory. For ease of reading and clarity, certain components, modules, or methods may be described solely in connection with a specific FIG. Any failure to specifically describe a combination or sub-combination of components should not be understood as an indication that any combination or sub-combination is not possible. Also, for any methods described, regardless of whether the method is described in conjunction with a flow diagram, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified or required by context, any explicit or implicit ordering of steps performed in the execution of a method does not imply that those steps must be performed in the order presented but instead may be performed in a different order or in parallel.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an embodiment of a scaffolding cart 10. The scaffolding cart 10 is a modular scaffolding storage and transport unit. The scaffolding cart 10 can be sized for portability at a worksite, including being maneuverable through hallways and doors. The modular parts that together make up the scaffolding cart 10 can be disassembled for compact storage during non-use.

The modular parts of the scaffolding cart 10 can include scaffolding frames and scaffolding components that can be utilized as construction scaffolding once the scaffolding cart 10 is transported to a worksite. Including scaffolding components as part of the structure of the scaffolding cart 10 reduces the weight and bulk of transport equipment because the scaffolding cart 10 itself includes scaffolding components as part of its modular framework.

The scaffolding cart 10 includes a first end frame 20 and a second end frame 22. The first and second end frames 20, 22 can be identical in size, shape and materials, and are generally rectangular-shaped metal frames, each having four end frame corners 24, one of which is indicated for each end frame in FIG. 1. The first and second end frames 20, 22, can be made of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, tubular steel, plastic, polymer, composite, or any other material suitable for structural support of the scaffolding cart, as disclosed herein.

Disposed at or near each corner 24 of the first and second end frames 20, 22 is a connection member 26 (as depicted in FIG. 5). In an embodiment the connection member 26 is a scaffold coupling pin 90 selected for suitable size and configuration to couple the end frames 20, 22 to the scaffolding frames 30. As shown in the close up detail of FIG. 2, a typical scaffolding pin 90, which can be obtained from scaffolding manufacturers in sizes, shapes, and configurations suitable for the scaffolding frames 30, can be inserted internally to both the scaffolding frame 30 and the corner portion 24 of the first and second end frames 20, 22. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, the corner portion 24 of end frame 22 includes a hollow portion 28 sized and shaped to receive one end of the scaffolding pin 90 inside. Likewise, the hollow end of the scaffolding frame 30 can receive the other end of the scaffolding pin 90, and the assembly can be pinned, bolted, or otherwise secured by connectors 34.

Connection members 26 couple the first and second end frames 20, 22 to the two scaffolding frames 30 to form a generally box-like rectangular cuboid-shaped structure. The coupling includes removably attaching for use as a scaffolding cart and detaching to use the scaffolding frames 30 for construction scaffolding. In an embodiment, the connection members 26 can be posts, pegs, or pin-like protrusions that extend generally orthogonally from an imaginary plane of the end frames 20, 22. The connection members 26 can be steel posts joined at or near the end frame corners 24 of the first and second end frames 20, 22. The connection members 26 can be sized and shaped to fit into open ends of the “standard” portions of the scaffolding frames 30, that is the portions of the scaffolding frames that extend vertically during use and have hollow ends 32. For example, in a scaffolding frame made of hollow tubular steel, the connection members 26 can be cylindrical posts having an outside diameter suitable for extending inside the hollow ends 32 of the steel frame of the scaffolding members 30. As discussed above with reference to FIG. 2, the connection members 26 can be scaffolding pins 90, such as scaffold coupling pin PSV-107 available from Scaffold Warehouse.com, and can be joined to the first and second end frames 20, 22 by spring lock connections, hitch pins, and the like. In an embodiment, the connection members 26 are solid steel posts from about 1 inch to about 12 inches long, or about 3 inches to about 10 inches, and can be about 6 inches to about 9 inches long. A scaffold coupling pin, if used for the connection member 26, can be selected for matching size and shape for the scaffolding frames 30, and can be fitted, connected, or welded at or near each corner 24 of the first and second end frames 20, 22.

The scaffolding cart 10 includes two scaffolding frames 30 that can be any of known scaffolding frames suitable for use as a scaffolding cart component. For example, the scaffolding frame 30 can be a “walk-thru” scaffold frame, as shown in FIG. 1 and in more detail in FIG. 3. A suitable walk-thru scaffold frame, shown in FIG. 3, is available as the WT56.4 S-Style Masonry Walk from USA Scaffolding, Dora, FL, and can have dimensions of 5′×6′4″. Variations on the walk-thru scaffold frame include the similarly dimensioned WTLF56.4 S-style Walk-Thru/Ladder scaffold frame, also available from USA Scaffolding. The scaffolding frame 30 can also be of the H-style, shown in FIG. 4, such as the USA-491B8-S-style Triple Ladder scaffold frame, also available from USA Scaffolding.

The scaffolding cart 10 can have casters 40 for ease of rolling portability. In an embodiment, four casters 40 can be joined to the scaffolding cart 10. In an example embodiment, two casters can be permanently or removably joined at or near two of the end frame corners 24 of each of the first and second end frames 20, 22. As shown in FIG. 1, one or more of the casters 40 can be fixed, and one or more can be swivel casters. Caster 40 can be removably fixed to the first and second end frames 20, 22, or permanently fixed, such as by welding.

The scaffolding cart 10 can have a handle member 50 removably or permanently fixed to one or both of the first and second end frames 20, 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle member 50 is a horizontal bar affixed by welding to an end frame and sized and positioned for manual moving of the scaffolding cart 10. Other embodiments of a handle member 50 can include fixed or removable grips, bars, knobs, hooks, and the like, positioned for gripping by a person desiring to manually move the scaffolding cart 10.

The scaffolding cart 10 can have a hitch member 60 removably or permanently fixed to one or both of the first and second end frames 20, 22. The hitch member 60 allows motorized moving of the scaffolding cart 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the hitch member 60 is hingedly affixed to the first end frame 20 and can be raised and lowered as desired. Other hitch member components can be utilized as is known in the field of trailers and tow vehicles.

Referring now to FIG. 5-7, various details of operation for assembling the scaffolding cart are described. Referring to FIG. 5, one of the first or second end frames, 20, 22 can be laid down horizontally on a ground surface. As illustrated, first end frame 20, having attached thereto a handle member 50 and a hitch member 60, is oriented such that the connection members 26 are oriented vertically. The connection members 26 can be scaffolding pins joined to the first end frame 20 at or near the end frame corners 24. A scaffolding frame 30 is positioned for joining by moving the scaffolding frame 30 in the direction indicated by arrow 100. Two of the hollow ends 32 of the scaffolding frame engage two connection members 26. Connection to the scaffolding frame 30 can be secured in place by spring pins, pins, bolts, and the like.

As indicated in FIG. 5, the scaffolding cart 10 can have dimensions suitable for the purpose of utilizing scaffolding components in a cart that is portable and maneuverable through hallways and doors of construction sites. As indicated, the first and second end frames can have identical length and width dimensions of L1×w1. Likewise, the scaffolding frames 30 can have identical length and width dimensions of L2×w2. Dimension L1 can be a distance substantially the same as dimension w2 of scaffolding frame 30 such that the connection members 26 are spaced suitably to engage the ends 32 of the scaffolding frame 30. The dimension w1 of the first and second end frames can be selected for utility and/or convenience. In one embodiment, dimension w2 can be sufficient to permit two scaffolding boards 70 to be positioned side-by-side in the bottom of the cart, as indicated in FIG. 7.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a second scaffolding frame 30 is positioned for joining by aligning the ends 32 with the connection members 26 and moving the scaffolding frame 30 in the direction indicated by arrow 100. The hollow ends 32 of the second scaffolding frame 30 engage the connection members 26. Connection to the scaffolding frame 30 can be secured in place by spring pins, pins, bolts, and the like. Once the second scaffolding frame is secured to the connection members 26 the entire assembly is rotated about the casters 40 in the direction indicated by arrow 110.

Once rotated in the direction of arrow 110 as indicated in FIG. 6, the second of the first or second end frame 20, 22 can be joined to the opposing ends 32 of the scaffolding frames 30 to complete the box-like rectangular cuboid-shaped structure of the scaffolding cart 10, as depicted in FIG. 7. If the scaffolding cart 10 is to be pulled by motorized transport, the hitch member 60 can be rotated into position about hinged joints 66 to be in position for connection to the motorized transport. The hinge joints can be pinned, rotatably connection to one of the first or second end frames 20, 22, and in FIG. 7 is connected to first end frame 20 to be rotated about the hinged joints 66 in the direction indicated by arrow 120.

In an embodiment, the hitch member can be connected to a pintle hitch on a motorized transport vehicle by a lunette eye 62 fixed to the hitch member 60, or removably connected to the hitch member 60 by a hitch pin 64. In an embodiment other hitch connections can be utilized, including a coupler for connection to a ball hitch. The coupler or lunette eye 62 can be removable or fixed, such as by welding. In the illustrated embodiment, a removable lunette eye 62 facilitates a beneficial feature of the scaffolding cart. As indicated in FIG. 8 and the inset detail of FIG. 9, the hitch member 60 can be rotated into an up position and secured in an up position by the handle member 50 of the first end frame 20. To facilitate securement, lunette eye 62 is removed from the hitch receiver by pulling out the hitch pin 64. The hitch member 60 is rotated up and under the handle member 50 and the lunette eye 62 is inserted into the receiving portion of the hitch member 60 and pinned in place with the hitch pin 64. The handle member 50 prevents the hitch member 60 from rotating down and secures it in an up position.

Also shown in FIG. 8 is an embodiment of how the scaffolding cart 10 can be loaded with scaffolding components for transport to a work site. As indicated, scaffolding frames can be stacked for transport to a construction site. Similarly, as indicated in FIG. 10, other scaffolding components, such as scaffolding boards can be stacked for transport on a scaffolding cart 10. Additional scaffolding components, such as ledgers and connecting members 72 can also be transported on a scaffolding cart 10.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is shown an example embodiment of the scaffolding cart 10 having stored thereon scaffolding components attached for transport to a motorized transport vehicle 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the hitch member includes a lunette eye attached to a pintle hitch of the motorized transport vehicle 80.

It is noted that terms like “specifically,” generally, “preferably,” “commonly,” and “typically” are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimed disclosure or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed disclosure. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. It is also noted that terms like “substantially” and “about” are utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation.

Having described the disclosure in detail and by reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the present disclosure are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these preferred aspects of the disclosure.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Disclosure are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present disclosure. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A scaffolding cart, comprising a first end frame, the first end frame being substantially rectangular with four first corner portions, the first end frame comprising two first casters joined to the first end frame at two of the first corner portions, and four first connection members, each of the four first connection members located near one of the four first corner portions;a second end frame, the second end frame being substantially rectangular with four second corner portions, the second end frame comprising two second casters joined to the second end frame at two of the second corner portions, and four second connection members, each of the four second connection members located near one of the four second corner portions; andthe first end frame and the second end frame being removably connected by a first scaffolding member and a second scaffolding member, wherein the first scaffolding member connectively engages two of the first connection members and two of the second connection members and the second scaffolding member connectively engages two of the first connection members and two of the second connection members.

2. The scaffolding cart of claim 1, wherein one of the first casters and one of the second casters are fixed.

3. The scaffolding cart of claim 1, wherein one of either the first end frame and the second end frame further comprises a handle for manually moving the scaffolding cart.

4. The scaffolding cart of claim 1, wherein one of either the first end frame and the second end frame further comprises a hitch member hingedly attached.

5. The scaffolding cart of claim 1, wherein the first scaffolding member is of the type known as H-frame scaffolding.

6. The scaffolding cart of claim 1, wherein the first scaffolding member is of the type known as walk-through scaffolding.

7. The scaffolding cart of claim 1, wherein the scaffolding members comprise tubular steel having a hollow interior portions, and wherein the first and second connection members engage the hollow interior portions.

8. The scaffolding cart of claim 1, further comprising a scaffolding board, the scaffolding board having a first end resting the first end frame and a second end resting on the second end frame.

9. The scaffolding cart of claim 1, wherein the scaffolding cart is a rectangular cuboid-shaped structure.

10. A scaffolding cart, comprising, a first end frame, the first end frame having four first corner portions, the first end frame comprising two first casters joined to the first end frame at two of the first corner portions, and four first scaffolding pins, each of the four first scaffolding pins joined to one of the four first corner portions;a second end frame, the second end frame having four second corner portions, the second end frame comprising two second casters joined to the second end frame at two of the second corner portions, and four second scaffolding pins, each of the four second scaffolding pins joined to one of the four second corner portions;the first end frame and the second end frame being removably connected by a first scaffolding member and a second scaffolding member, wherein the first scaffolding member connectively engages two of the first scaffolding pins and two of the second scaffolding pins and the second scaffolding member connectively engages two of the first scaffolding pins and two of the second scaffolding pins; anda hitch member hingedly attached to the first end frame.

11. The scaffolding cart of claim 10, wherein one of the first casters and one of the second casters are fixed.

12. The scaffolding cart of claim 10, wherein one of either the first end frame and the second end frame further comprises a handle for manually moving the scaffolding cart.

13. The scaffolding cart of claim 10, wherein the first scaffolding member is of the type known as H-frame scaffolding.

14. The scaffolding cart of claim 10, wherein the first scaffolding member is of the type known as walk-through scaffolding.

15. The scaffolding cart of claim 1, wherein the scaffolding members comprise tubular steel having a hollow interior portions, and wherein the first and second scaffolding pins engage the hollow interior portions.

16. The scaffolding cart of claim 1, further comprising a scaffolding board, the scaffolding board having a first end resting the first end frame and a second end resting on the second end frame.

17. The scaffolding cart of claim 1, wherein the scaffolding cart is a rectangular cuboid-shaped structure.